Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I reconnect with longtime friend and returning guest Tim Gourlay, who last joined me back in 2018. A lot has changed since then—both for Tim and for the businesses he’s built.We talk about the transition from Fit Set Pass to Fit Set Ninja, the growth of ninja obstacle sports across Canada, and the surprising story of how a turf side hustle during the pandemic grew into a thriving business.Tim also shares how becoming a father reshaped his priorities, the leadership lessons he’s learned from building a team of over 100 people, and why showing up consistently—even when it’s uncomfortable—is one of the most powerful things you can do in business and in life.What You’ll Learn* The turning point when Fit Set Ninja found its permanent home* How a random Facebook Marketplace post launched a whole new business model* Lessons from building teams and delegating leadership* The importance of setting long-term goals and sharing vision with your team* Why trusting your gut and being patient are essential to success* The role fitness plays in managing stress and building resilienceTim’s story is proof that opportunities often show up in disguise—and that consistency and adaptability are the keys to lasting growth.👉 Listen, reflect, and share this episode with a friend who’s navigating their own business challenges.Links & Resources🎧 Podcast Hub: podcast.invigoratetraining.com💪 Coaching & Training: invigoratetraining.com🎬 Media Consulting: christianliddle.com🍴 Holiday Meal Guide: Meal Guide🏋️ Follow-Along Workouts: Workout Portal🎥 CapCut Academy: CapCut Course🎙 Podcast Course: How to Build a Podcast You Won’t Quit🛒 Store: store.invigoratetraining.com Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Chasing Common Ground with Shane Fennessey: A Deep Dive into Storytelling, Mental Resilience & Documentary Filmmaking in CanadaIn this episode, Chris Liddle chats with Canadian filmmaker and documentary producer Shane Fennessey about the power of storytelling, navigating mental health, and building a creative career through persistence, purpose, and passion. From his early days in business school to working on docs like Bisping and Making Coco, Shane shares raw insights into the Canadian film industry—and why Edmonton might just be a hidden creative hub.Whether you're a filmmaker, podcaster, or just love a good origin story, this episode is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes gems, and inspiration.🎯 SEO Keywords: Canadian filmmakers, documentary filmmaking, podcasting resilience, storytelling in film, Edmonton creatives⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Who is Shane Fennessey?03:10 – From business school to behind the camera06:45 – Why storytelling matters in every profession09:30 – Building a filmmaking career in Edmonton13:00 – Shane’s first documentary gig: Making Coco17:20 – Mental health and the creative hustle21:40 – How Bisping came together27:00 – What most people don’t see in the doc world31:15 – Producing vs. directing: What Shane prefers34:50 – Advice for aspiring Canadian filmmakers39:00 – What’s next for Shane and Score G Productions43:25 – Chris on podcasting longevity and finding your lane46:00 – Final thoughts and where to connect🔗 Connect with Shane Fennessey* Instagram: @shanefen* Twitter/X: @ShaneFen* YouTube: Shane Fennessey* IMDb: Shane Fennessey* Website: fennesseyfilms.com* Company: scoregproductions.co🔗 Connect with Chris Liddle / Chasing Common Ground* Podcast on Apple: * Podcast on Spotify: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianliddle* Website/Training: https://invigoratetraining.com/* Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/🎁 Courses by Chris* Holiday Meal Guide: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/64605825-4c8a-45bf-b9d6-664699d44a88* Follow-Along Workouts: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/0f5d4456-341d-458a-a512-ddabd050012d* CapCut Video Editing Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/90002b5a-3455-46b2-9016-d4e65c005c8f* How to Build A Podcast You Won’t Quit: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144💬 Like this episode? Drop a comment, share with a fellow creative, and subscribe to never miss an update. Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I’m joined by coach Nolan Vannata, who’s on a mission to simplify sustainable fat loss—and show the internet that you can enjoy ice cream and lose weight.We talk about his journey into coaching, what he learned from the Real Coaches Summit, and his takeaways from running an unconventional “Ben & Jerry’s + fat loss” experiment. We also dig into habit-building, tracking tools, and how to balance joy and discipline with your food choices.If you’ve ever struggled with confusing nutrition advice or felt overwhelmed by “rules,” this one’s for you.🔑 In This Episode:* [00:02:15] Nolan’s journey to the Real Coaches Summit—and why he was the only one to send a pre-event video* [00:04:50] The clarity that comes from being in the room with mission-driven coaches* [00:07:45] How Nolan found his coaching niche through corporate wellness* [00:10:55] Ice cream + fat loss? Nolan explains his experiment (and what he’s learning)* [00:17:30] Practical ways to hit your protein and fiber targets without hating your meals* [00:21:00] Why weighing food (just for a week!) can change your nutrition forever* [00:26:45] What tracking apps Nolan recommends and how he uses them non-obsessively* [00:34:10] The “future you” lens: how to make aligned food and lifestyle decisions* [00:38:00] Nolan’s long-term personal and professional goals (and how they blend)* [00:43:30] The power of surrounding yourself with grounded, growth-focused people* [00:47:00] Living your most authentic life—on your own terms🔗 Connect with Nolan:* Instagram: @nolan_vannata🔗 Links & Resources from Chris:🎧 Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube🏋️‍♂️ Training & Fitness Resources:Invigorate TrainingFollow-Along WorkoutsHoliday Meal Guide🎥 For Creators & Coaches:Media ConsultingCapCut Academy – Video Editing CourseHow to Build A Podcast You Won’t Quit🧠 Like what you hear? Share this episode with someone who’s tired of fitness gimmicks and ready to focus on sustainable fat loss—with a side of ice cream. Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, Chris Liddle sits down with longtime coach and family man Zach Pello to unpack two decades of insight in fitness, mental health, personal growth—and how redefining success in midlife reshapes the way you coach.We talk about:* Getting unstuck professionally and personally* Mental health challenges as a coach* Reigniting passion after burnout* Real Coaches Summit as a networking catalyst* Unconventional wins from clients that made it all worth it🔑 Trending topics: Fitness coaching, mental health for trainers, Real Coaches Summit, online coaching balance, sustainable goal setting.🕒 Timestamps:00:00 - Zach’s origin story in fitness01:45 - Catalyst moments that reshaped his coaching03:00 - Balancing personal health with business goals06:15 - Identity, injuries, and rebuilding purpose08:00 - Real Coaches Summit & investing in relationships12:00 - Changing your mind as a seasoned coach15:50 - Client environment & social support success18:00 - Navigating unsupportive environments with empathy20:30 - Training for long-term functionality23:30 - Making NEAT activity sustainable27:00 - Creative ways to make strength training stick30:00 - Long-term goals in your 40s and beyond35:00 - Breathwork, blood pressure & staying vital40:00 - Reconnecting with hobbies and friendships44:00 - Self-reflection, identity, and living fully📌 Zach Pello's Links:Instagram: @pellofitness📌 Chris Liddle’s Links:🎙️ Apple Podcasts: Listen Here🎧 Spotify: Listen Here📺 YouTube: @christianliddle🏋️‍♂️ Training: InvigorateTraining.com🎥 Video Editing (CapCut Academy): Enroll Here📝 Podcast Course: Build A Podcast You Won’t Quit Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Chasing Common Ground, I’m joined by strength coach and nutritionist Jeb Stuart Johnston to explore how our perception of time, our relationships, and the ability to embrace discomfort shape the lives we live.We discuss:* How viewing time differently changes your choices* Building relationships that last decades in fitness & business* Overcoming addiction by fostering connection and purpose* Asking better questions to spark real conversations* Why rituals matter more than rigid rules* Journaling to celebrate your wins and own your growthIf you’ve been reflecting on how to align your personal and professional life with your values, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on what really matters.🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:Apple: Spotify: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianliddleAbout Chris LiddleChris Liddle is a fitness professional, media consultant, and podcast host with a passion for meaningful conversations and building genuine connections. As the creator of Chasing Common Ground, Chris blends curiosity, empathy, and practical experience to explore topics that inspire personal growth and challenge conventional thinking.🏋️‍♂️ Training: https://invigoratetraining.com/🎥 Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/About Jeb Stuart JohnstonJeb Stuart Johnston is a strength coach, nutritionist, and storyteller with a career rooted in resilience, curiosity, and service. With a background in music, fashion, and fitness, he brings a rare blend of creativity and discipline to his coaching, helping clients transform both physically and mentally.📷 Instagram: @jebstuartjohnstonMy Links:🎓 Podcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144🥗 Holiday Meal Guide: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/64605825-4c8a-45bf-b9d6-664699d44a88💪 Follow Along Workouts: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/0f5d4456-341d-458a-a512-ddabd050012d✂ CapCut Academy Video Editing Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/90002b5a-3455-46b2-9016-d4e65c005c8f Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Dean Guedo returns for his fifth appearance—his first since the show’s rebrand. This time, the mic is flipped toward life lessons, shifting priorities, and the quiet power of showing up when it’s not glamorous. Dean talks candidly about returning to teaching, evolving as a dad, coaching high school football, and why he’s doubling down on movement that matters—weighted vests, pushups, air squats, and showing up tired but fulfilled.Subscribe to Dean’s newsletter here: https://getfluxed.squarespace.com/newsletterHighlights:* [00:00:00] Dean’s return & show rebrand reflections* [00:01:00] Transitioning back into teaching—and forgetting he used to be one* [00:03:00] How parenthood reshaped his career lens* [00:06:00] The evolution of coaching football after years away* [00:08:00] Why being an athlete again changed everything* [00:10:00] The long-awaited update on the Get Fluxed book with Jeb Stuart Johnston and Dr. Mike T. Nelson* [00:13:00] The weighted vest debate, TikTok confusion, and walking the walk* [00:17:00] Why we need to meet clients where they’re at—not shame them for not being optimal* [00:21:00] What VO2 max circuits taught us about what really works* [00:26:00] Fridge-mode, farmers, and finding strength through life’s tasks* [00:30:00] Training for longevity vs. ego, plus neck training epiphanies* [00:34:00] Being strong enough to move your friends’ furniture in your 70s* [00:36:00] Burnout, stress, and how capacity—not recovery—might be the answer* [00:45:00] Dean’s panic attack at World Nogi—and the moment he chose to keep going* [00:54:00] Final message: Chase something bigger than comfortKey Quote:“Give yourself a reason to recover. Most people are tired because they never get to feel truly spent.”Listen Now:* 🎧 Apple Podcasts* 🎧 Spotify* 📺 YouTubeMore from Chris:* 🔗 Training* 🔗 Media Consulting* 🎥 CapCut Academy* 🥗 Holiday Meal Guide* 💪 Follow-Along Workouts Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Jay Croft — a journalist-turned-fitness content strategist helping gyms serve adults over 50. We talk about his new book Selling Longevity, why older clients are the future of fitness, and how life pivots can lead to deeper purpose.We cover:✅ Why gyms struggle to serve adults 50+✅ The turning point after the fall of print journalism✅ Money trauma & reinvention in midlife✅ The real power of showing up in person✅ How slow, simple effort builds success✅ Why fitness marketing needs to evolve — now🎯 Get the Book – Selling Longevity→ Waitlist: https://app.automaticmembers.com/v2/preview/UuzHhBPi80OtaYwI3VmV→ Amazon: https://a.co/d/gnDxg7N🔗 More from Jay Croft→ Website: https://www.primefitcontent.com→ Podcast: https://pod.link/1532395738→ Instagram: @primefitcontent→ LinkedIn: Jay Croft🎧 Listen to Chasing Common Ground→ Apple: → Spotify: → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianliddle💼 Work with Chris Liddle→ Coaching: https://invigoratetraining.com→ Media & Podcast Consulting: https://christianliddle.com→ Instagram: @christianliddle🎁 Courses & Offers→ Holiday Meal Guide: Click here→ Follow-Along Workouts: Click here→ CapCut Academy: Click here Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this solo reflection, I explore one of the most repeated motivational phrases—burn the boats. But what does it actually mean when those boats are your comfort, identity, or backup plan?I walk through the moments where I truly committed, the times I hesitated, and how it shaped my growth—personally and professionally. From quitting my job to pursue fitness to coaching others through transformation, this is a brutally honest take on risk, purpose, and forward momentum.If you’re stuck in indecision or afraid of what happens when the net disappears, this one's for you.Timestamps:00:00 – What does “burn the boats” actually mean?00:42 – The first time I burned the boats01:30 – The illusion of safety and the myth of secure paths02:50 – How fitness helped me reframe risk03:45 – Did I regret taking the leap?04:45 – How it changed how I show up05:50 – What happens when we don’t commit fully06:50 – Fitness & life parallels: leaving the back door open07:40 – When staying put is the right move08:45 – You can't want someone else's dream more than they do10:00 – Boats I might still be holding onto11:20 – Final thoughts on risk, fire, and growth Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, Chris reconnects with long-time friend and fellow coach Mark Zarate. They reflect on the past two years of life, growth, aging, and all the messy middle parts that come with being in your 30s and 40s. From the therapeutic power of trees to navigating burnout, digital overstimulation, and learning how to actually live well in a hyper-distracted world—this is a deep, grounding, and timely conversation.Whether you’re trying to simplify, reconnect, or just find clarity in a noisy world—this episode delivers.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome Back: First episode since rebranding to Chasing Common Ground01:20 – Summer break, turning 40, and history nerd road trips03:30 – The story behind Chris’s logo: trees, mountains, and legacy05:15 – Why spruce trees matter & what nature teaches us about resilience07:45 – Ditching hustle culture and healing outdoors09:00 – Kettlebells vs dumbbells: Picking what feels good10:50 – Letting go of self-inflicted stress and reclaiming headspace13:40 – Manufactured problems and the power of simplicity16:00 – The importance of saying “I love you” daily18:30 – Why repetition (like reading a poem 1,000 times) builds depth20:00 – What missed birthdays can teach us about expectation23:15 – Creating solo birthday rituals & owning your joy25:50 – Noticing the people who quietly show up in your life27:10 – What’s inspiring Mark to live differently in his 40s30:45 – Small rituals (like coffee with Chelsea) as the best part of life34:00 – How Mark chooses where to travel (and why Ireland is home base)37:00 – Saying yes while you still have the window of opportunity39:30 – What Chris learned in Denmark and how it changed his priorities42:30 – What’s left after chasing big goals? Human connection.43:45 – Social media is mostly theater—here’s what to do instead49:20 – Fill your time with good things, not just "less bad" things50:30 – Real life > virtual connection (and how to live it)51:15 – How experience beats perfection in fitness and life55:00 – Two-ingredient meals: A lesson in simplicity & self-efficacy59:45 – Action is the antidote: Just do the thing1:01:00 – Final reflections: friendship, intention, and doing life well🔗 Links & Mentions:🎧 Mark Zarate on Instagram: @markpzarate🎧 Chris Liddle on Instagram: @christianliddle📘 Past episodes with Mark: Search “Chris Liddle Mark Zarate” on your favorite podcast app🌐 Connect with Chris:Media Website → christianliddle.comFitness Coaching → invigoratetraining.comYouTube → @ChrisLiddle🎯 Keywords for Discoverability:#midlifereflection #unplug #digitaldetox #burnoutrecovery #mentalhealth #fitnessafter40 #realconnection #lifebalance #outdoorsheals #chasingcommonground Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Steve Lutz, a fitness coach who transformed his life by shedding 170 lbs and overcoming alcohol dependency, shares his powerful journey. He discusses the silent struggles of addiction and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. Steve emphasizes the importance of community and how environments can shape our well-being. He also reflects on his leap into coaching, the connection between purpose and health, and the transformative power of friendship and support. His inspiring story highlights that it's never too late to reclaim your life.