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
Mar 21, 2024 • 38min
023 — When Does Exercise Become Unhealthy? (And Other Voicemails)
Discover when exercise turns unhealthy, the downsides of gamifying workouts, and tips for fitness as you age. Listen to voicemails on exercise habits and get insights on intrinsic motivation vs extrinsic rewards.
11 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 10min
022 - The Coach Up: Instead of Toxic Positivity, Try Tragic Optimism
Explore the concept of tragic optimism as a balanced mindset, finding the middle ground between toxic positivity and hopelessness. Embrace life's challenges while maintaining hope and positivity. Learn how to navigate personal growth, relationship dynamics, and societal challenges with a mindset of tragic optimism.
6 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 49min
021 - Are Our Cravings and Comforts Holding Us Back? (with Michael Easter)
Exploring the impact of comfort and scarcity mindset on personal growth and resilience, the podcast delves into the challenges of overconsumption and addiction in a convenience-driven world. It discusses the importance of embracing discomfort, breaking free from negative behaviors, and finding satisfaction through enoughness. The podcast also explores unconventional happiness practices, benefits of silence, and human decision-making tendencies towards comfort and ease.
20 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 10min
020 - The Coach Up: 6 Tips for Building (& Breaking) Habits
Discover the power of habits in shaping who we become over time. Learn 6 tips for building and breaking habits, including the importance of habits over goals, leveraging the two-minute rule, and prioritizing greatness in task management.
Mar 7, 2024 • 38min
019 - VO2 Max and Other Things You Don't Need To Know
Exploring the risks of a high-stakes race for a million dollars against an average American, value of life and financial gains, critiquing the New York Times' exercise IQ quiz, debunking fitness myths like shoe replacements and VO2 Max, reimagining adult fitness tests, interactive listener participation for a chance to win $20
5 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 9min
018 - The Coach Up: (How to) Fly Into the Danger Zone
Learn how Olympic medalist Molly Seidel trained her brain to embrace discomfort and push into the danger zone in running and life. Explore the mental challenges of endurance training and the importance of perseverance and mental strength in overcoming physical limitations.
Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
017 - Rethinking Toughness with Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro
Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro discusses her struggles with OCD, anxiety, and motherhood while training. She shares about setting goals, mantras, and opening up about mental health challenges. The podcast explores vulnerabilities, empowerment of female athletes, and advocacy for maternal rights.
10 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 9min
016 - The Coach Up: Getting Started When You Don't Want to Get Started
Learn how to break through lack of motivation with 'behavioral activation' and the importance of taking action over waiting for inspiration. Discover how to differentiate between rest and action when dealing with fatigue, and the benefits of initiating action even when motivation is low for increased productivity.
9 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 31min
015 - How to Be Productive in a World of Infinite Noise
Exploring the challenges of being productive in a noisy world, the podcast discusses prioritizing tasks, doing good enough work, and understanding urgency. Strategies for managing distractions, setting personal boundaries, and focusing on main tasks are highlighted. Effective time management and task completion techniques are also explored.
14 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 9min
014 - The Coach Up: Why Bad Days Matter More Than Good Days
Focus on improving bad and average days for sustainable growth. Small steps forward are more valuable than overexertion. Embrace average days and maintain a positive mindset. Consistency in work ethic is key for progress. Olympic gold medalist example and two-step metric for evaluating progress.
