excellence, actually
Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, & Clay Skipper
"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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 38min
033 - How to Change Your Behavior and Make Better Decisions (with Katy Milkman)
Wharton professor Katy Milkman discusses strategies for changing behavior, beating impulsivity, making difficult decisions, and the power of subtractive solutions. She explores the concept of satisficing, overcoming barriers to behavior change, and enhancing creativity through varied perspectives. The podcast delves into decision-making strategies, distinguishing between significant and insignificant choices.
4 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 9min
032 - The Coach Up: Use this Pyramid to Organize Your Life
Brad, a performance coach, discusses his three-tiered coaching pyramid for organizing life and achieving goals. Topics include breaking down big goals, balancing foundational practices, and enhancing self-awareness and personal development.
18 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 10min
031 - Let's Make Work — and Technology — Less Insane (with Cal Newport)
Productivity expert Cal Newport shares strategies for sustainable work in an era of technology. Topics include time management, digital hygiene, deep work focus, and balancing ambition with life choices. Explore intentional tech use, slow productivity, and optimizing efficiency through clear boundaries and strategic planning.
4 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 7min
030 - The Coach Up: 3 Mantras for Work, Anxiety, and Exercise
Discover three powerful mantras for managing anxiety, exercise, and uncertainty. Learn how top athletes use mantras to succeed in their pursuits. Embrace impermanence and resilience in difficult moments.
6 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 1h 6min
029 - How to Lose Well & Age Gracefully
The podcast discusses coping with loss in competitions and aging gracefully, focusing on adapting to changes in skills and bodies. They explore strategies for handling defeat positively, managing stress in athletes, embracing curiosity, navigating luck and loss, and finding humor and perspective after setbacks.
Apr 8, 2024 • 16min
028 - The Coach Up: The 4 Levels of Competence
Explore the stages of skill development from novice to mastery through the four levels of competence. Learn how to push boundaries, create ideal conditions for success, and maintain a beginner's mindset. Find out how coaching, self-assessment, and adaptability are key to achieving peak performance.
18 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 48min
027 - The Case for Less Technology & More Boredom (with Manoush Zomorodi)
Manoush Zomorodi discusses the importance of building boredom back into our lives, highlighting its role in creativity, emotional regulation, and long-term goals. She shares insights on the impact of technology on mental, physical, and cultural health, emphasizing the need for a healthy relationship with technology. The podcast explores how embracing boredom can enhance productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
5 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 14min
026 - The Coach Up: How to Tap Into the Power of Ritual
Author Katherine May discusses the power of rituals to align actions with goals and mark significant moments. She explores embracing personalized rituals for emotional processing and self-reflection, distinguishing between routine and intention, and using rituals for self-reflection and growth. The episode emphasizes integrating personal rituals with intentionality for transformative power.
13 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 47min
025 - Caitlin Clark & The Cost of Greatness
Caitlin Clark, Iowa's basketball star, explores the cost of greatness and the balance between relentless hustle and relaxation. The podcast discusses how to navigate hyper-competitiveness, teamwork, and development. It delves into the sacrifices and dedication required to achieve excellence in various fields, reflecting on Caitlin Clark's journey and the concept of greatness.
5 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 13min
024 - The Coach Up: Make Friends with Your Fatigue
Learn how to work with fatigue to push yourself effectively without risking injury or burnout. Explore the relationship between emotions and fatigue, differentiate between healthy fatigue and overexertion, and discover strategies to manage physical and mental fatigue for peak performance.
