
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

Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 3min
How to be Clutch (and Avoid Choking)
This week marks the conclusion of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals and the start of the NBA Finals and MLB playoffs. We've seen (and are sure to see more) spectacular performances and unfortunate collapses. On this episode of The Growth Equation Podcast, Brad and Steve discuss what we can do to be clutch and avoid choking when the stakes are high. The pair discuss what it means to be clutch and how to prepare for high-pressure events — whether on the track, behind the microphone or in the boardroom. Brad and Steve also share strategies to rescue ourselves when we do choke and what sports psychology gets wrong on this topic.Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show!Resources Mentioned:Setting Goals that Work For You, Not AgainstBeing Clutch Isn't Magic; It's TrainableYou can find the podcast on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherFind Brad and Steve on Twitter: @Bstulberg and @stevemagnessThe post How to be Clutch (and Avoid Choking) appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 snips
Sep 23, 2020 • 1h 4min
Listener Mailbag with Brad & Steve: Routines, Reading, and Suffering
You asked, they answered! On this episode of The Growth Equation Podcast, Brad and Steve take questions from their listeners. The pair discuss strategies for staying positive when the news is seemingly all negative, how to balance multiple passions, and how to be patient with long-term goals. Steve tackles the importance of pausing training when injury lingers and Brad considers whether sacrifice and suffering is essential to achieve the highest levels of performance. Finally, Brad and Steve offer their book recommendations.Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show!Resources Mentioned:Range by David EpsteinAntifragile by Nassim TalebMeditations by Marcus AureliusWhy Buddhism is True by Robert WrightOnce A Runner by John L ParkerMastery and The Way of Aikido by George LeonardEscape from Freedom by Erich FrommTo have or To be by Erich FrommThe Art of Loving by Erich FrommGoing to Pieces Without Falling Apart by Mark EpsteinThoughts Without a Thinker by Mark EpsteinAdvice Not Given by Mark EpsteinThe Recovering by Leslie JamisonThe Empathy Exams by Leslie JamisonZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert PirsigRadical Compassion by Tara BrockThe Corrections by Jonathan FranzenDeacon King Kong by James McBrideMiddlesex by Jeffrey EugenidesYou can find the podcast on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherFind Brad and Steve on Twitter: @Bstulberg and @stevemagnessThe post Listener Mailbag with Brad & Steve: Routines, Reading, and Suffering appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 2020 • 1h 20min
Amelia Boone: Obstacle Racing and Mental Health Warrior
Amelia Boone is one of the most accomplished obstacle race athletes in history, having won the Spartan Race World Championship in 2013 and the World’s Toughest Mudder in 2012, 2014 and 2015. She’s also struggled with OCD and an eating disorder that resulted in hospital and treatment center stays. On this episode of The Growth Equation Podcast, Brad and Steve speak with Amelia Boone about her highs, lows and what she’s learned along the way. Amelia shares advice on recovery (including what to do if you find yourself relapsing) and how to speak to friends or family members suffering from mental illness. She speaks to the power that comes from giving voice to issues and how she reconciles her various identities, including obstacle race warrior and mental health warrior.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Amelia's heartfelt blog post on her experience with an eating disorderAmelia on TwitterBrad writes about his experience with OCDMade of millions information page for OCDInformation on suicidal OCDNational Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show!You can find the podcast on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherFind Brad and Steve on Twitter: @Bstulberg and @stevemagnessThe post Amelia Boone: Obstacle Racing and Mental Health Warrior appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 2min
She’s Back! Life with Shalane Flanagan, Marathon Champion, Olympian and Coach
She’s back! This week on The Growth Equation Podcast, Brad and Steve check in with NYC Marathon Champion, Olympian, coach, and friend Shalane Flanagan. The trio first discuss the challenges that come with transitions. Shalane candidly describes the hard and dark days she faced when transitioning away from being an athlete and how she struggled to see her purpose and meaning. Brad, Steve and Shalane then turn to how to cope with impostor syndrome. Shalane offers tricks such as finding your specific role and putting ego aside. Shalane also shares her thoughts on being one of the only female professional running coaches, what she’s learned about parenting in the past few months, and whether she would considering lacing up to compete at the master’s level.Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show!You can find the podcast on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherFind Brad and Steve on Twitter: @Bstulberg and @stevemagnessThe post She's Back! Life with Shalane Flanagan, Marathon Champion, Olympian and Coach appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 6, 2020 • 11min
Growth EQ Principles: Self-Compassion
On this week's episode of Growth Equation Principles, Brad and Jojo explore self-compassion, and explain why cultivating it is key to lasting performance and wellbeing even, and perhaps especially, for high-achievers.The post Growth EQ Principles: Self-Compassion appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2020 • 49min
Six Hot (and Thoughtful) Takes on Performance
Explore the intricate dance between expectations and reality and how mismatched expectations can wreak havoc on well-being. Discover the vital role of discipline over fleeting inspiration in achieving sustainable success. Delve into the transformative power of constraints that can sharpen creativity and focus. Uncover the science of courage, connecting human fear responses to practical techniques for overcoming obstacles. Plus, ponder the delicate balance of luck and skill in performance, challenging what you think you know!

Aug 30, 2020 • 14min
Growth EQ Principles: Patience
This discussion dives into how patience is essential for achieving meaningful outcomes and personal growth. Through a Zen parable, it reveals how the need for quick results can actually slow progress. Impatience can cloud our mindset, especially in challenging situations, making flexibility vital. The hosts emphasize realistic planning and communication in navigating change. Lastly, they address the risks of hasty decisions, urging listeners to reflect on their expectations while maintaining a balance between persistence and adaptability.

4 snips
Aug 26, 2020 • 54min
The Pandemic and the Burnout Epidemic
The conversation dives deep into the rising tide of burnout during the pandemic, exploring its emotional complexities. Lack of boundaries and control magnify stress, while the blend of ancient wisdom and modern science offers solutions. The hosts discuss actionable tools like routines, purpose-driven activities, and community support to combat these feelings. They also reflect on the blurred lines between work and home life, emphasizing the need for clear transitions to foster balance and resilience.

Aug 23, 2020 • 13min
Growth EQ Principles: Process over Outcome
On this week's episode of Growth Equation Principles, Brad and Jojo explore what it really means to focus on the process—and how this mindset can be powerful in everything from work, to sport, to parenting, to all of life.The post Growth EQ Principles: Process over Outcome appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.