Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

In this special episode, Chris reconnects with longtime friend and fitness coach Alex McBrairty. Over the past four to five years, Chris and Alex have shared numerous conversations, making Alex a vital part of the show's community. Today, they dive deep into the challenges and barriers to change, motivation, and the importance of context in progress. Alex shares insights on combating perfectionism, dealing with weight fluctuations, and the significance of maintaining a minimum activity plan (MAP). They also discuss the psychological aspects of self-efficacy, community support, and the power of emotional state in achieving fitness goals. Chris and Alex provide personal anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate how transformative the journey of self-improvement can be. Tune in to discover the hidden skills needed to maintain progress, even when the going gets tough. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness, mindset, or overall quality of life, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement01:20 Discussing the Concept of Change03:46 The Role of Motivation in Change06:55 Perfectionism and Its Pitfalls09:31 Real-Life Examples of Imperfect Workouts18:14 The Importance of Personalized Coaching29:25 The Challenges of Being a Teacher29:39 The Importance of Health and Mobility30:16 Fears of Losing Progress30:42 Dealing with Scale Fixation32:40 Reflecting on Personal Achievements34:16 The Role of Travel and Fitness35:06 Understanding Weight Fluctuations44:52 The Power of Community and Support53:43 The Impact of Identity on Progress58:33 Final Thoughts and Motivation Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking to Jayme Shiarla, a coach dedicated to helping high achievers escape burnout and realign their success with genuine happiness. I connected with her at the Real Coaches Summit I attended a few weeks ago and she had a great down-to-earth energy that really resonated with me. Jayme shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of building a life driven by strength rather than mere survival.Discover the power of quotes that have transformed her life by supporting her and buying her book here:https://coachjayme.com/beyondthewordsJamie also tackles the loneliness high achievers often face, and offers actionable advice on building meaningful connections. Tune in to learn how to slow down, be present, and truly enjoy life. Don't miss out on this fast-paced, introspective and deep-thinking conversation!Follow Jayme here: https://www.instagram.com/jaymethecoach/00:00 Introduction to Jayme and Her Mission01:33 Jamie's Book: A Journey of Quotes and Resilience04:27 Understanding Burnout and Identity Loss06:58 Balancing Work and Personal Life09:06 Finding Purpose Beyond Work13:15 Navigating Success and Happiness18:54 The Illusion of Material Success29:09 The True Meaning of Self-Care35:10 Defending the Bubble Bath35:24 Reflections on Float Tanks36:35 The Importance of Context in Self-Care37:41 Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep38:50 The Value of Evening Walks39:15 Balancing Work and Personal Life40:55 The Struggles of High Achievers44:44 Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation47:57 The Importance of Intentional Connections53:03 Finding Purpose in Everyday Actions54:18 Slowing Down to Speed Up01:03:04 Final Thoughts and Wisdom Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the critical question of whether it's possible to understand someone you disagree with. Through a personal story from 2010 about my 'Free Hugs' initiative in Edmonton, I share my experiences regarding the importance of human connection, community, and empathy. This episode reflects on the experiences of bridging differences, learning about others' perspectives, and the value of lifelong learning. I believe that true understanding doesn't require agreement, and that in life we will find ourselves needing to be collaborative more than divisive if we want to progress and evolve in the right direction.00:00 Introduction: Understanding Through Disagreement 01:37 A Story of Free Hugs 03:56 Lessons from Jiu-jitsu and Community 05:19 The Importance of Empathy and Connection 12:10 Navigating Polarization and Finding Common Ground 17:33 The Role of AI in Bridging Divides 19:31 Giving Back and Building Community 25:36 Conclusion: Building Common Ground Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Mike Howard, a fitness professional, author, and retreat organizer, to explore the power of human connection, travel, and personal growth.Mike has been leading fitness retreats for years, creating life-changing experiences for participants by combining movement, mindfulness, and adventure in stunning destinations. We talk about how these retreats foster deep, meaningful relationships, how travel can push people out of their comfort zones, and what lessons he’s learned from running these events.We also dive into the creative process, the reality of writing and publishing books, and the journey of content creation. Mike shares his experience with launching a YouTube channel and the challenges that come with putting yourself out there. If you’re someone who loves learning, growing, and embracing new challenges, you’ll get a ton out of this episode!💡 Episode Highlights & Timestamps00:55 – Mike’s Travel Adventures 🌎 ✈️02:04 – Retreats and the Power of Human Connection03:28 – How Group Dynamics Shape the Experience11:38 – The Character Traits of People Who Thrive on Retreats14:18 – Books That Have Made an Impact on Mike’s Life 📚18:21 – The Creative Process and Future Projects24:00 – The Reality of Writing and Publishing a Book ✍️25:38 – The Joy and Impact of Writing (Beyond Just Making Money)26:10 – The Value of Authentic Connections in Life and Business29:08 – Learning from Different Perspectives (Why Curiosity Matters)31:34 – Exploring Influential Authors and Books36:06 – The Journey of Content Creation and Expanding into YouTube 🎥38:54 – Embracing New Challenges and the Importance of Continuous Learning46:30 – Final Reflections and Mike’s Best Advice📖 Books Mentioned in This Episode* Lean Minded by Mike Howard – Amazon Link* Master of Change by Brad Stulberg – Amazon Link* Same As Ever by Morgan Housel – Amazon Link* The Obvious Choice by Jonathan Goodman – Amazon Link* The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – Amazon Link* Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield – Amazon Link* Plays Well with Others by Eric Barker – Amazon Link* The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink – Amazon Link🎥 Watch & Subscribe to Mike Howard’s YouTube Channel🔗 Lean Minded YouTube📲 Connect with Mike Howard🌍 Website: www.leanminded.com📸 Instagram: @leanminded🐦 Twitter: @leanminded📲 Connect with Me (Chris Liddle)🎙 Podcast: Chasing Common Ground (formerly The Lifestyle Chase)📸 Instagram: @christianliddle🎥 YouTube: Christian Liddle✨ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who would love the conversation! 🚀 Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this special solo episode of Chasing Common Ground, I’m celebrating my 33rd birthday by taking a deep dive into my life experiences and answering some thought-provoking questions. I reflect on how my mindset has evolved from my 20s to now, including the shifts in my beliefs about career paths and the limitations I once placed on myself.I share personal stories about overcoming my initial reluctance to travel, the daily habits that help me maintain a positive outlook, and the moments of career self-doubt that have challenged me along the way. I also explore the impact of unexpected decisions, the role of diversity in shaping my life, and how past influences continue to fuel my passions.Using questions generated by ChatGPT, I offer an honest look at my journey so far, what I’ve learned, and where I hope to go next.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Birthday Special00:19 Reflecting on My 20s: Career Paths and Limiting Beliefs01:08 Advice to My Younger Self02:24 Surprising Daily Routines03:26 Personal Challenges and Career Struggles05:24 Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity07:51 Life-Changing Decisions09:54 Childhood Memories and Life Purpose13:05 Lessons and Future Advice14:36 Excitement for the Future16:22 Advice from My Future Self17:37 Conclusion and Gratitude Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Dean Somerset, an internationally recognized fitness professional and author based in Northern Alberta, shares insights on resilience and injury management. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on his training approach and the integration of AI in fitness. Dean highlights the importance of networking at industry conferences and offers practical advice for aspiring fitness pros. He also emphasizes celebrating small wins for a positive mindset. His upcoming book, co-authored with Dan Pope, aims to empower individuals in managing injuries and enhancing their training.

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I introduce you to my friend Kyle Folk, a man with many many skills and talents. He's a project manager in the air compressor industry with an additional and seemingly unlimited diverse range of interests and experiences. From managing large-scale industrial equipment to coaching swimming and scuba diving, Kyle's journey is a testament to the power of saying yes to new opportunities. The discussion delves into his early days as a competitive swimmer, the valuable lessons learned from various jobs, and his future aspirations in transportation and renewable energy. This conversation highlights the importance of staying curious, embracing new challenges, and maintaining discipline to achieve one's goals.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:39 Kyle's Current Roles and Responsibilities02:09 Reflecting on High School and Competitive Swimming06:03 Lessons from Early Jobs and Experiences13:55 The Power of Saying Yes27:34 Future Goals and Aspirations36:18 Final Thoughts and Advice Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the Chasing Common Ground podcast! In this special episode, we celebrate our loyal fan, Joan, on her birthday by addressing her questions. We delve deep into topics like choosing the right gym, the effectiveness of landmine set up and using something like a Smith machine for squatting and pressing and deadlifting, the value of static lunges, and creative workouts in small spaces. Go here to get the workouts I talked about in this episode.You'll hear personal stories of resilience, how embracing authenticity helps connect with others, and the importance of community involvement. We also discuss the life lessons learned from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, career transitions, favorite winter activities, and get creative with home fitness setups. 00:00 Introduction and Special Shoutout00:50 Choosing the Right Gym06:10 Effective Use of Gym Equipment10:57 The Value of Static Lunges13:27 Creative Workouts in Small Spaces16:25 Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense21:12 Embracing Your Authentic Self25:19 Personal Story of Resilience35:46 Winter Activities for Well-being38:00 Daily Nutrition Tips42:44 Community Involvement45:17 Aerial and Travel Content55:59 Technology and Tools01:02:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Dustin Lebel, a dedicated fitness professional and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, shares his journey of building a coaching business amidst life's challenges. He discusses the emotional resilience required for training in Jiu-Jitsu, especially during comebacks, and emphasizes personalized coaching approaches. Dustin offers valuable insights on adaptability, client-centered strategies, and the power of goal-setting in achieving personal fulfillment. He also highlights the importance of storytelling in connecting with clients and achieving long-term success in coaching.

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I share some spontaneous reflections on 2024 while walking on a treadmill. The discussion includes personal achievements, the benefits of living alcohol-free for two years, and an overview of the milestones accomplished. I emphasize the importance of setting clear goals and introduce the concept of writing future letters to oneself for accountability. Additionally, I share upcoming plans to feature diverse guests on the show - everything from jiu jitsu to off-roading to talking to people “above my pay grade”. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup00:37 Reflecting on 2024 and Personal Milestones00:57 Alcohol-Free Journey and Social Dynamics03:17 Exciting News: Upcoming Guests05:36 Future Me: Setting and Achieving Goals08:46 Accountability and Teamwork11:00 Conclusion and Call to Action Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe