The Excellence Cartel

Episode 154: Perimenopause with Mere Paci This is the most comprehensive chat we've ever had on perimenopause, and we were joined by ScoobyPrep coach Mere Paci to discuss her observations and findings amongst clients of this demographic.  Together we break down symptoms, root causes, lab work, and ways to go about easing this natural transition via nutrition, training, and coaching support.  This is an episode full of science, explanations, and application that you won't want to miss.

Episode 153: Contest Prep With Andrew Berry   Today we were joined by Andrew Berry, from Jeff Su's neck of the woods up north to chat about the extremes of contest prep.  We discuss training, cardio, nutrition, and of course drugs, both PEDs and ancillary items, and how and when we would apply them or have seen them applied.

Episode 152: Optimizing Your Lipid Panel and Heart Managing lipids and lowering cardiac risk is a common theme in coaching. Competitors and general population clients alike can encounter cardiac risk, which can be increased via the use of PEDs and birth control.  Today we dive into blood pressure, heart rate, and the main elements on the lipid panel and discuss the ins and outs of risk and risk management for health and longevity. Enter Write to

Episode 151: What We Really Think About Mentorships   Today we come right out and say what we think about mentorships in our industry and the good and bad that has come from this offering from a variety of brands, including our own.  What should a mentorship offer?  Who should mentor?  What should you expect?  Who needs mentoring?  Will this offering continue to serve our industry or is it a bubble?  This is perhaps the most direct, no bullshit topics we've covered and it's packed full of jabs, insight, foresight, and personality.  We hope you enjoy it.

Episode 150: Peeling Back The Layers of PCOS   Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects 6-12% of women of childbearing age. According to the revised criteria, PCOS is identified via amenorrhea, polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound, or a combination of hirsutism and hyperandrogenism.  Women with PCOS often see elevated LH to FSH, high free Testosterone, low SHBG, high fasted insulin or cortisol dysregulation on serum lab work.  Because PCOS is a mix of so many different systemic dysfunctions, it can be hard to treat. Medical solutions include Metformin, birth control, spironolactone, and finasteride.  Together we discuss the pathophysiology of PCOS and how we approach it from natural coaching angles. www.theexcellencecartel.com

Episode 149: Competitive Eating with Bartley Weaver   Today we were joined by IFBB pro Bartley Weaver who is ranked 16th in the world of competitive eating, appeared in NBC's Titan Games, and is currently working on set with The Rock.  Bartley talks about the dark side of competitive eating and doing what it takes to be the best at that level.  You can find Bartley on Instagram @dreamweaveriv. www.theexcellencecartel.com

Episode 148: Social Media Do's and Don'ts with Rosa Ma   Today Jeffrey Su's client Rosa Ma joins us to discuss her role building data pipelines and creating usability dashboards for Big Social Media.  We discussed posting frequency, should you reel or carousel, and should you avoid taking about current political administrations and ongoing health pandemics.  Does the algorithm really listen?  Where will social media lead us into the future?  What drives engagement and retention?  Rosa graduated from Columbia University and studied  Finance and Mathematics and currently resides in Boston, MA.

Episode 147: Coaching Algorithms with Sam Miller Sam Miller, the author of "Metabolism Made Simple", joined us again today to discuss the thought process we go through as coaches when we approach tough client cases.  Known as a "coaching algorithm," we discuss how we'd initiate our approach in cases where lab work is not available, cases where lab work is available, and cases where lab work is great but the client doesn't feel the same way.  We walk through how we peel back the layers and where we believe the main drivers are of a faulty metabolic foundation. To be immersed in all of Sam's work, here are some great places to start!  @sammillerscience on Instagram @metabolismschool on Instagram  Program Website: www.metabolismschool.com Upcoming Book Available Fall 2022: www.metabolismmadesimple.com 

Episode 146: Advanced Vitality HRT Episode 146: Advanced Vitality HRT  Megan del Corral from Advanced Vitality HRT joins us today to talk about the perceptions and practices of HRT in our industry today.  We discuss the needs and risks of Testosterone, Estrogen, and Progesterone in male and female patients and we speak briefly on the benefits of Semaglutide, a peptide which has promising benefits in weight loss.

In today's episode, we had Chanel Collette from Audacious Athletes join us to discuss all things fat loss. How do you even train for fat loss? What goes into it? When does a reverse diet or maintenance approach apply? Over the course of the episode, we discussed what expectations people should have when trying to lose body fat. We touched on calories in and calories out, along with metabolic adaption and subsequent hormonal changes.  You will want to listen if you are in a fat loss phase or considering entering one.