Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

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.

🧱 What can a pixelated video game about punching trees teach us about fitness, mindset, and life momentum?In this solo episode, I break down surprising parallels between Minecraft and the real-life pursuit of meaningful goals—especially in fitness, health, and career. Whether you’ve never played the game or you’re an everyday adventurer, this episode will help you rethink how momentum, creativity, and connection show up in your day-to-day life.From surviving your “spawn point” in fitness to building with what you’ve got—even when zombies (or real-life setbacks) come—this is your reminder that the path to progress isn’t perfect, but it is possible.💡 In This Episode, You'll Hear:* Why “just punching trees” is a metaphor for starting before you feel ready* How to shift from survival mode to creative problem-solving* The surprising power of multiplayer mode in real life* What fitness momentum looks like (and how to build it without motivation)* How to celebrate wins without derailing your goals* A heartfelt story about friendship, consistency, and meaningful connection* Why setbacks don’t mean failure—and how resilience compounds📱 Let’s Connect:* Instagram – @christianliddle* Podcast Page – Chasing Common Ground🎧 Timestamps:00:00 – Minecraft and the “spawn point” of life02:00 – What starting really looks like (and why most overthink it)05:00 – Creative mode vs survival mindset07:00 – Real-life coaching and the shift from surviving to thriving13:00 – Building castles: how small wins compound23:00 – Why momentum > motivation28:00 – Real-world meal prep advice35:00 – Why multiplayer (aka connection) leads to deeper progress38:00 – A story about Jimmy and lifelong friendships45:00 – What zombies teach us about setbacks48:00 – Rebuilding isn’t optional—so start anyway💬 Quote of the Episode:"The next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, just punch the first tree. Take one step, lay one block, and you'll be surprised how fast it builds." Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr. Ashley Dwyer to dive into hormone health and its common misconceptions. Dr. Dwyer breaks down the importance of lifestyle choices over quick fixes and provides actionable advice for managing hormones like cortisol and insulin. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the wellness industry, ways to combine scientific evidence with practical advice, and strategies for maintaining consistency in health routines while traveling. Additionally, Dr. Dwyer shares her personal evolution in health practices and future career aspirations, emphasizing the significant impact of critical thinking and removing misinformation. Listen in for an insightful discussion on improving your health with practical, science-backed solutions.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Diving into Hormone Health01:30 Actionable Tips for Hormone Health03:23 The Importance of Integrity in the Industry07:22 Critical Thinking in Health and Wellness11:50 Evolving Views on Health and Fitness21:57 Maintaining Health While Traveling27:21 The Importance of Adherence and Consistency27:52 Balancing Fitness Goals with Life29:23 Celebrating Small Wins31:41 Personal Reflections on Success41:37 Future Goals and Aspirations50:32 The Power of Social Media Influence Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Allan Bacon, a fitness coach and founder of Maui Athletics, shares his science-based insights on health and fitness. He debunks common myths about creatine and stresses the importance of spotting bad diet advice to avoid setbacks. The discussion delves into the emotional side of coaching and how marketing can create confusion in fitness choices. Allan also emphasizes managing stress, building sustainable routines, and navigating social pressures around lifestyle changes, providing practical tools to enhance overall well-being.

In this enlightening chat, fitness coach Alex McBrairty shares his wisdom on overcoming life's and fitness plateaus. He discusses the dangers of perfectionism in routines and underscores the value of embracing imperfect workouts. Alex emphasizes the importance of a Minimum Activity Plan to maintain momentum and personal growth. The duo also dives into the psychological aspects of motivation, community support, and redefining success in fitness, urging listeners to focus on genuine experiences that foster self-efficacy and well-being.