
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

Aug 15, 2024 • 34min
065 - The (Underrated) Mental & Physical Benefits of Walking
Discover the underrated benefits of walking for both body and mind. Learn why this simple activity may boost creativity and reduce depression. Delve into the critiques of the 10,000-step rule while exploring how walking can enhance overall health. Hear about the intersection of walking, exercise, and mindfulness, revealing its joy and significance in daily life. Finally, uncover the heart health advantages and the mental rewards that come with this leisurely yet powerful form of movement.

Aug 12, 2024 • 12min
064 - The Coach Up: How to Exercise in the Heat
Steve Magness, a training and performance expert based in Houston, shares insights on exercising in heat and humidity. He emphasizes the need to adapt workouts by listening to your body and adjusting your mindset. Magness discusses hydration, acclimatization strategies, and the psychological effects of heat on performance. He provides practical tips for runners on managing body temperature and pacing during sweltering conditions, ensuring safety and effectiveness while training in extreme weather.

Aug 8, 2024 • 59min
063 - A World-Class Violinist's Tips for Peak Performance (with Hilary Hahn)
Hilary Hahn, a world-class violinist with decades of experience, shares her wisdom on peak performance. She discusses effective training strategies to ensure optimal performance timing and how to handle brain glitches while performing. Hahn emphasizes the importance of self-trust and personal insight in both music and acting. She also draws parallels between parenting and performing, highlighting quick decision-making and presence. Her insights into overcoming performance anxiety and the significance of embracing chaos make for a masterclass in artistic expression.

Aug 5, 2024 • 11min
062 - How Elite Performers Turn Anxiety Into Fuel
Elite performers, like Olympic athletes, deal with anxiety just as we do. They skillfully transform that anxiety into fuel by reframing their feelings as excitement. Studies reveal how mindset impacts performance, suggesting a shift in perspective can alleviate pre-performance nerves. Techniques like normalizing anxious feelings and preparing patiently are key strategies. By embracing the thrill of competition, individuals can turn their nervous energy into positive outcomes, enhancing their overall performance.

Aug 1, 2024 • 46min
061 - The Difference Between Greatness and Fake Greatness
The discussion kicks off with a controversial Nike ad that suggests ruthlessness is key to winning. The speakers debate whether you can be a fierce competitor and still be a good person. They dive into the morality of greatness, contrasting athletes like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy in sports, critiquing toxic traits often glorified in competitive settings. They explore redefining success as balancing ambition with enjoyment, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate approach to greatness.

Jul 29, 2024 • 11min
060 - The Coach Up: A Tool to Help with Prioritization
Dive into the essentials of prioritization in productivity! Discover the Eisenhower Matrix, a powerful tool that helps you distinguish between what's urgent and what's truly important. Learn how to focus your attention on long-term goals rather than being swept away by life's pressing demands. Explore the concept of attentional fitness and its role in enhancing performance. Join a community dedicated to improving productivity and achieving what really matters.

Jul 25, 2024 • 46min
059 - Olympics Preview: Inside the Olympian's Mindset
The podcast delves into the upcoming Olympics, highlighting the excitement around track events and the mindset of top performers. It discusses the rivalry in the women's 400m hurdles, importance of staying relaxed in pressure situations, strategic matchups in the men's 1500m race, views on doping in sports, and debate on summer Olympic sports.

4 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 15min
058 - The Coach Up: Use the 4 P's to Respond Not React
Discover practical tips on how to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally in stressful situations. Learn about affective labeling, self-distancing, and physical exercise to help implement the 4 P's. Explore the Growth Equation Academy and their masterclass on Pillars of Performance with a special discount for listeners.

Jul 18, 2024 • 38min
057 - BIG NEWS: Introducing The Growth Equation Academy
In this episode, the hosts introduce The Growth Equation Academy, a platform for human performance offering courses and a community. They discuss navigating the wellness industry, emphasizing values and evidence-based advice over trends. The chapter also delves into the hosts' diverse backgrounds and rational approach to podcasting.

Jul 15, 2024 • 19min
056 - The Coach Up: RPE (What It Is & How to Use It)
Explore the concept of Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and its applications in physical exercise. Learn how to accurately gauge effort levels for desired training adaptations. Discover the benefits of using RPE in training and life, emphasizing self-awareness and internal sensations over external metrics.