
excellence, actually
"excellence, actually" is a podcast from The Growth Equation, hosted by Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, and Clay Skipper. Drawing on their years of working and corresponding with Olympians, coaches, executives, world-class physicians, and other elite-level achievers in their coaching practice and professional careers, they give you the mental and physical tools, practices, habits, and frameworks used by the best in the world in the pursuit of excellence. Each episode will give you concrete ideas and tips to use in your life immediately to help you become more meaningfully engaged in the pursuits that support your goals and your values. This is not the performative nonsense that is peddled online by grifters and influencers, but the evidence-based systems that work for the best in the world. This is excellence, actually. (This podcast used to appear under the name FAREWELL.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

40 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 33min
115 - Mailbag: Daily Health Checklist, Rut vs. Burnout, & Taking Good Breaks
Tune in as the hosts tackle listener questions about essential daily health habits, offering a minimalist checklist for wellbeing. They differentiate between feeling stuck and experiencing burnout, providing strategies for self-care. Discover the power of effective breaks, from playful activities to connecting with nature, while navigating the pressures of social media. The episode also highlights the benefits of integrating joy into your routine to rejuvenate your mind and keep burnout at bay.

44 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 48min
114 - Choke, Recover, Repeat: Mastering the Art of Resilience
Explore the art of bouncing back from failure rather than just avoiding it. Learn about Rory McIlroy's triumphant Masters win and the psychology behind resilience in sports. Discover practical strategies for overcoming rumination and stress through 'reset rituals.' The hosts discuss how to redefine success and focus on actionable goals. With personal anecdotes and humor, they highlight the importance of mental fortitude not just in sports, but in everyday life.

82 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 35min
113 - Playing the Long Game in a Quick-Fix World
In a world craving instant gratification, the discussion highlights the art of pursuing long-term success. Strategies for tackling ambitious goals while staying disciplined take center stage. Participants dig into the importance of small, manageable milestones and a supportive environment for motivation. They examine the tricky balance between sustaining drive and avoiding burnout, advocating for moderation. Insights on creative processes underscore the necessity of consistency and adaptation in mastering one’s craft.

106 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 40min
112 - Building True Confidence: The Practical Path from Bravado to Belief
Confidence isn't about bravado; it's earned through acknowledging your vulnerabilities and preparation. The discussion critiques ridiculous fitness trends while stressing the value of hard work over mere talent. Delusional confidence can mislead, but true self-assurance comes from experience and practice. For those facing setbacks, practical strategies and a supportive environment can reignite your confidence. They highlight the importance of maintaining a beginner's mindset and integrating skills over time.

53 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 34min
111 - How to Better Manage Stress
Explore the intriguing link between mental stress and athletic performance. Discover how cognitive pressure can affect physical endurance and immune function. The hosts share personal stories and practical strategies to navigate high-stress periods, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations. Learn how to adjust training regimens while managing stress effectively and prioritizing tasks. Additionally, find out how to recognize stress warning signs in high performers, ensuring emotional balance and support are maintained.

10 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 45min
110 - Bracketology: Who is the World's Top Performer?
March Madness meets performance analysis as hosts create a dynamic bracket featuring top talents from sports and entertainment. They debate fierce matchups like Taylor Swift versus Simone Biles, showcasing the complexities of greatness. Shohei Otani's athletic feats are compared to acrobat Red Panda's artistry, while Magnus Carlsen's chess mastery adds another layer of intrigue. The lively discussions delve into resilience, legacy, and artistic significance, leaving listeners eager to weigh in on who truly deserves the title of the world's top performer.

46 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 54min
109 - How (and Why) to Spend Some Time Alone in Your Head
Discover the universal struggle of sitting quietly with our thoughts, a challenge many would rather avoid. Psychological studies reveal that people often choose self-inflicted pain over introspection. Yet, embracing solitude can spark creativity and enhance personal growth. Explore how boredom can lead to self-discovery, particularly in children, and the importance of emotional regulation. The hosts share personal experiences and strategies for overcoming distractions, ultimately advocating for the power of alone time.

57 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 15min
108 - Musk, Chalamet, and Real vs. Fake Greatness (with Cal Newport)
Cal Newport, an author and podcaster renowned for his insights on productivity and meaningful living, joins the conversation. He dives into the nature of true greatness versus mere performative success, sparked by the antics of Elon Musk and Timothée Chalamet. The discussion critiques societal pressures around busyness and fame, advocating for authenticity in our contributions. Newport emphasizes the importance of defining personal success and finding balance between ambition and real fulfillment, all while navigating a noisy social media landscape.

130 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 33min
107 - Wise Words: 16 of Our Favorite Quotes to Live By
In this enlightening discussion, the hosts share their favorite quotes that inspire creativity and personal growth. They emphasize the importance of the journey over the destination, highlighting dedication and effort. The conversation delves into themes of wellness, kindness, and the profound impact of words on our lives. Reflecting on personal accountability and the complexities of human experiences, they invite listeners to embrace life’s challenges and connect through shared literary passions.

87 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 55min
106 - Mastering Mental Performance with Sports Psychologist Alex Auerbach
In this engaging discussion, Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist who has worked with NBA players, CEOs, and Olympians, shares his wealth of knowledge. He explores how to manage pressure and performance anxiety while emphasizing the importance of setting effective goals. Alex also provides insights on mental techniques used by paratroopers to maintain focus under stress. Listeners will learn to reshape intrusive thoughts into empowering affirmations and balance their passion with personal identity, crucial for any high-achiever.