
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

4 snips
Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 12min
199 - The Arrival Fallacy: Why Chasing (and Achieving) Success Doesn't Always Lead to Happiness
The podcast discusses the concept of the Arrival Fallacy and the pursuit of goals not leading to lasting happiness. It explores the challenges athletes face in transitioning or retiring. The importance of taking breaks, maintaining balance, and finding meaning in pursuits is emphasized. The significance of loving the process and seeking internal validation is discussed. The importance of striving for greatness and building relationships is highlighted.

Nov 22, 2023 • 57min
198 - How to Strike the Balance Between Self-Compassion and Self-Discipline
The podcast discusses the importance of balancing self-compassion and self-discipline. They share stories from a running club, talk about the dangers of a running and drinking event, and explore strategies for finding the right balance. They also discuss challenges, including drinking responsibly and setting goals.

Nov 15, 2023 • 58min
197 - Why we're on the Internet (but not of the Internet)
Where do you get your news? Today, the guys chat about World Alienation, The Algorithm, Active vs. Passive experiences, and retaining your Humanity within the Attention Economy.“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor E. Frankl / Rollo May-You can find this episode on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcher Get Master of Change, Do Hard Things, and The Practice of Groundedness on audible (Or in hard copy: Master of Change here Hard Things here and Groundedness here). Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show! Find Brad, Steve, and Clay on Twitter: @Bstulberg, @stevemagness, and @clayskipper Check out our exclusive community offers on Patreon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 2023 • 52min
196 - How to Stay Healthy (and in a Routine) on the Road
The hosts debate their favorite milks and compare them to tools in a toolkit. They discuss maintaining fitness and nutrition while traveling, finding gyms and places to exercise, and eating smart. The challenges of prioritizing physical health during holidays and family gatherings are addressed, along with the convenience of protein bars while traveling. They also engage in a lighthearted conversation about milk preferences and cultural influences.

6 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 48min
195 - Motivation (Philosophy is happening)
The hosts discuss Jakob Ingebrigtsen abuse allegations and the role of domineering coaches in elite sports. They explore the connection between talent, trauma, and motivation. The shift from intrinsic to extrinsic motivation is analyzed. The debate on free will and its impact on society is explored, with a lighthearted conversation about the podcast name at the end.

Oct 25, 2023 • 55min
194 - Editing and Publishing Books (with Anna Paustenbach)
Anna Paustenbach, Executive Editor at HarperCollins Publishers, talks about her journey into becoming an editor, the role and responsibilities of an editor in the book publishing industry, challenges of selling books in an attention economy, the mix of surprises and expectations in book publishing, and working with the guest.

5 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 35min
193 - Playing Games (even ones we don’t like)
The podcast explores playing games and pursuing work for intrinsic reasons, discussing the innate nature of mammals to engage in playful activities. It highlights the importance of reflection, surrounding oneself with the right people, and aligning activities with values and goals.

Oct 11, 2023 • 49min
192 - We're Expanding the Team (with Clay Skipper)
New host Clay Skipper joins The Growth Equation podcast. They discuss the origins of the podcast, future directions, and resolving issues. They also talk about sleep troubles, a heartwarming basketball game, and encourage listener engagement.

Oct 4, 2023 • 51min
191 - Deion Sanders and The Contribution Trophy
Former professional football and baseball player Deion Sanders discusses his coaching role at University of Colorado Boulder. They delve into the challenges of leadership in recruiting talent and explore the corrupting influence of power and income inequality. The speakers also propose redefining the Stanley Cup as a Contribution Trophy and discuss the concept of wealth disparity in the economy.

5 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 33min
190 - Why Exercise Should be a Part of your Job (even if you’re not an athlete)
Brad Stulberg explains why and how exercise should be part of your job (even if you’re not an athlete). Steve Magness gives a follow up lesson on exercise; VO2 max, muscle fibers, workout intensity, and his own “practical” recommendation. Check out episode 171 for Steve’s longer form exercise masterclass.You can find this episode on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherGet your copy of Master of Change in all formats here: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Change-Everything-Changing-Including/dp/006325316X Get Do Hard Things and The Practice of Groundedness on audible (Or in hard copy: Hard Things here and Groundedness here). Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show! Find Brad and Steve on Twitter: @Bstulberg and @stevemagness Check out our exclusive community offers on Patreon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.