Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

There is a version of entrepreneurship that tells you the goal is always bigger.More followers. More reach. More impressions. More people knowing your name.Ann Chisholm offers a useful counterpoint.She’d rather be five-mile famous.Ann runs Fettle + Food and co-owns Tropos Fitness Club in Victoria, British Columbia. More than anything, though, she’s a community builder.Her businesses have grown largely through the people directly around her — clients, coaches, local businesses, running communities, friends, collaborators and the people willing to show up for one another.That’s what interested me about having her on Chasing Common Ground.We talked about practicing rejection and becoming comfortable asking for opportunities.We talked about hiring people based not only on credentials, but on how they behave when nobody is telling them what to do.We talked about the uncomfortable transition from doing everything yourself to realizing that holding onto every task is eventually the thing preventing your business from growing.We talked about failure.Ann shared the story of a protein-ball company that eventually had her spending Sundays producing hundreds of products and driving around Victoria delivering them while already working every other day of the week.She shut it down.Later, she learned another expensive lesson after making a hiring decision from a place of urgency rather than confidence.Both experiences changed how she operates.Today, much of her leadership philosophy comes back to relationships, systems, patience and creating enough space to make good decisions.But perhaps my favourite part of the conversation was how Ann connects fitness with experience.Instead of training simply to shrink a waistline or add weight to a deadlift, members of her community train for backpacking trips, trail races and international adventures.One client who had lost around 80 pounds found himself hiking with equipment he’d once put into storage because he thought he’d never be able to use it again.That’s a very different way of measuring progress.Fitness gave him access to his life again.Toward the end of our conversation, we moved away from business altogether and talked about the people who change our trajectory.Mentors.Coaches.Friends.People willing to tell us something uncomfortable because they care enough to sit beside us while we process it.Ann calls some of those people her personal board of directors.And when I asked her the question I’ve been asking guests since the early days of this podcast — how someone can live their life as fully and authentically as possible — her answer came back to knowing yourself.Figure out what fills your cup.Understand how you operate.Find people who are living parts of the life you want and spend time around them.Ask questions.Listen.Shoot your shot.Maybe the goal isn’t for everybody to know who you are.Maybe it’s to build something meaningful enough that the people who do know you are genuinely glad they do.Chasing Common GroundChasing Common Ground is a podcast about curiosity, long-term thinking and conversations that leave room for people to learn, grow and change their minds.This isn’t about being right.It’s about seeing clearly and being willing to change your mind when it matters.Support the ShowInvigorate Training StoreThe Invigorate Training store is another way to support the work behind Chasing Common Ground and stay connected to the community.store.invigoratetraining.comPodcast CourseIf you’re thinking about starting a podcast — or already have one and want it to feel simpler, more intentional and more sustainable — check out:christianliddle.com/podcastcourseChasing Common Ground listeners can save $50 using code:COMMONGROUNDPricing is in Canadian dollars. Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Randy King returns to Chasing Common Ground for a conversation about conflict, communication, fear, social media, and what modern self-defense actually looks like.In a world that feels increasingly polarized, Randy breaks down why de-escalation is one of the most underdeveloped skills people have — and why learning to de-escalate yourself might be the most important place to start.We discuss:* How algorithms reward negativity and outrage* Why social media hygiene matters for mental health* The role of media bias, soundbites, and attention economics* De-escalation strategies for real life conflict* Situational awareness without living in fear* Why many viral safety myths don’t hold up to scrutiny* Humility, travel, mentorship, and learning through discomfort* Seasons of life, ambition, and preparing for the next level* How Randy processes ideas, builds seminars, and writes books* What authentic living actually looks likeThis episode blends self-defense, psychology, communication, travel, growth, and critical thinking into a conversation that feels incredibly relevant to modern life.Connect With Randy KingWebsite: https://randykinglive.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/randykinglive/Book information, events, workshops, and resources available through Randy’s website.Work With Me + Explore MorePodcast: https://podcast.invigoratetraining.comTraining: https://invigoratetraining.comMedia Consulting: https://christianliddle.comPodcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144Store: https://store.invigoratetraining.com⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why most people don’t change00:52 Podcast welcome back02:01 Polarization and common ground03:06 De-escalation basics03:59 Algorithms and negativity07:14 Social media hygiene08:52 De-escalate yourself first12:28 Merch store break14:18 Media bias and soundbites18:18 Food, travel, and human connection18:54 Mentor meals and memorable conversations22:31 Travel humility lessons25:24 Why you must humble yourself to learn28:18 Being humbled by new modalities31:57 Seasons of life and changing priorities33:37 Ambition and chasing the next level37:33 Preparation rituals, mentors, and processing change40:15 Randy’s whiteboard thinking method42:06 Debunking viral safety myths46:23 Situational awareness without fear49:38 How to buy the book51:48 Advice for authentic living Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Most people will never visit every country in the world.Thor Pedersen did it.Without flying.In this episode, I sit down with Thor to talk about what it actually took to complete one of the most ambitious journeys ever attempted.We get into:* What 10 years of global travel really feels like* The mental toll of chasing a massive goal* Why the world is better than the media makes it seem* The countries that are most misunderstood* What ambition gives you… and what it takes away* How to find meaning after completing something enormousThor brings a perspective very few people on earth have — and it challenges a lot of what we think we know.Connect with Thor Pedersenhttps://thorpedersen.dk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga/Work With Me and Explore MorePodcast: https://podcast.invigoratetraining.comTraining: https://invigoratetraining.com/Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/Podcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144Store: https://store.invigoratetraining.com⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why most people don’t change01:00 Thor returns to the podcast02:00 Life after completing the journey03:00 Film festival experience04:00 Building the documentary05:00 The story behind the book06:00 The hero’s journey explained07:00 Honest vs typical travel stories08:00 Why the journey was harder than expected09:00 Feedback from readers10:00 Why struggle mattered11:00 The emotional toll of long-term goals12:00 The documentary process13:00 Meeting world-class filmmakers14:00 What happened at the film festival15:00 When things go wrong in real time16:00 Lessons from imperfect outcomes17:00 Most misunderstood countries18:00 Pakistan and global perception19:00 Iran and media narratives20:00 Seeing the world beyond headlines21:00 People vs governments22:00 Travel perspectives vs online narratives23:00 The impact of social media24:00 Why negativity spreads faster25:00 What people actually respond to26:00 Progress, love, and struggle27:00 Building real community28:00 Life back in Denmark29:00 Cultural changes over time30:00 Technology and lifestyle shifts31:00 Reintegrating into normal life32:00 The challenge of slowing down33:00 Global heaviness and division34:00 Why the world feels more divided35:00 Social media and polarization36:00 Bots and online narratives37:00 What the world is really like38:00 How to build real connection39:00 Life without constant phone use40:00 Being present in real life41:00 Mental health while traveling42:00 Recognizing stress patterns43:00 The “three problems” rule44:00 Why challenge is necessary45:00 Ambition and its downside46:00 When is enough actually enough47:00 Family, purpose, and grounding48:00 What really creates happiness49:00 Speaking around the world50:00 Emotional moments on stage51:00 Cultural differences in audiences52:00 Advice for living fully53:00 Taking chances in life54:00 The power of connection55:00 Why helping others matters56:00 Final thoughts on humanity Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Most people don’t leave the fitness industry because they don’t care.They leave because they can’t make it work.In this episode, I sit down with Blake Parado — a coach and gym owner out of Hawaii — to talk about what it actually takes to stay in this industry long term.We get into:Why so many trainers quitThe difference between passion and sustainabilityHow to build a gym without burning outThe reality of coaching vs entrepreneurshipWhy ego quietly holds people backHow to create a career that actually lastsBlake brings a perspective that’s rare — high level experience, but grounded in humility and long-term thinking.If you want to stay in this industry and build something meaningful, this one matters.Connect with Blake ParadoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeparado/Work With Me and Explore MorePodcast: https://podcast.invigoratetraining.comTraining: https://invigoratetraining.com/Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/Podcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144Store: https://store.invigoratetraining.com⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why most people don’t change01:00 Introducing Blake Parado02:00 Why the fitness industry is hard to stay in03:00 Massive turnover in personal training04:00 Conferences and community05:00 Real Coaches Summit experience06:00 What makes a great event07:00 Learning from others in the industry08:00 Choosing what to learn09:00 Books, podcasts, and mentors10:00 Continuous learning mindset11:00 Helping other coaches grow12:00 Scarcity vs abundance mindset13:00 Why there are enough clients for everyone14:00 Business before the pandemic15:00 80 hour weeks and chaos16:00 No systems, no structure17:00 Pandemic forced change18:00 Building systems and structure19:00 Hiring first employees20:00 Transitioning from solo to team21:00 Why most trainers aren’t entrepreneurs22:00 Coaching vs running a business23:00 Creating a better environment for coaches24:00 Internship programs and mentorship25:00 Why ego holds trainers back26:00 Listening to client feedback27:00 Small changes that save careers28:00 The importance of connection29:00 Dogs, life, and meaningful relationships30:00 Building a life outside of work31:00 Goals without rigid timelines32:00 Why doing more isn’t always better33:00 Choosing what actually brings you joy34:00 Supporting your team’s future35:00 Growth through others36:00 Why most goals don’t go as planned37:00 Finding fulfillment in the process38:00 Advice for living authentically39:00 Becoming great at what you do40:00 Confidence vs ego41:00 There is no ceiling in coaching42:00 Final advice for building a career Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Most people are chasing attention.But the ones who last?They’re usually the quiet ones.In this episode, I sit down with Trevor Aime—owner of AIM Fitness—to talk about what actually builds a long-term career in fitness.Not the flashy stuff. Not the viral content.The real things.We get into:* Why consistency beats charisma in the long run* How to build a gym without going broke* The biggest mistakes new trainers make* Why most people chase the wrong signals* How to balance business, family, and lifeThis is a grounded, honest look at what it takes to build something that actually lasts—without losing yourself in the process.👤 Connect with Trevor Aime* 📸 https://www.instagram.com/taimetraining/* 🏋️ AIM Fitness🔗 Work With Me / Explore More* 🎙 Podcast: https://podcast.invigoratetraining.com* 💪 Training: https://invigoratetraining.com/* 🎥 Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/* 🧠 Podcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144* 🛍 Store: https://store.invigoratetraining.com⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why most people don’t actually change01:00 – Recording inside AIM Fitness02:00 – Trevor’s non-traditional path into fitness03:00 – Starting early + getting lucky opportunities04:00 – 15 years in the industry (what it really takes)05:00 – “Don’t bet against the quiet ones”06:00 – Learning by observation vs mentorship07:00 – The real traits of successful trainers08:00 – Consistency vs attention09:00 – The danger of flashy fitness careers10:00 – Debt, branding, and bad early decisions11:00 – Why most gyms fail12:00 – Client experience > equipment13:00 – The power of relationships in business14:00 – Why you can’t do it alone15:00 – Building a gym without overextending16:00 – Family, business, and priorities17:00 – Scheduling your life intentionally18:00 – Using Google Calendar to stay sane19:00 – Why most people never make time for life20:00 – Escaping the gym (on purpose)21:00 – Running, hockey, and “me time”22:00 – Rigid flexibility explained23:00 – Books, learning, and self-reflection24:00 – Applying ideas immediately25:00 – Identity vs chasing success26:00 – Why not chasing changed everything27:00 – The truth about “success signals”28:00 – Social media vs real life results29:00 – What actually makes a business sustainable30:00 – Why AIM Fitness works31:00 – Choosing the right environment32:00 – Why trainers fail early33:00 – Building long-term stability34:00 – No 10-year plan? (Here’s why)35:00 – Identity-based goals vs outcome goals36:00 – Being “boring” is an advantage37:00 – Consistency creates trust38:00 – Living aligned with your values39:00 – Helping clients rediscover identity40:00 – Advice: know who you are41:00 – Stop letting outside voices dictate your life42:00 – Parenting, leadership, and autonomy43:00 – Confidence through clarity44:00 – Final thoughts on stability and success Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

George Pagan III, personal trainer and founder known for hybrid coaching and community education. He talks about balancing ambitious work with family and hobbies. He explains journaling to check capacity, pacing main hustles versus side projects, why in-person conferences and peer learning matter, and how simple connection beats flashy programming.

This one hit home. After a year of slowed down podcast publishing pace for Chasing Common Ground, I sat down with my friend Dal Sekhon to talk about what it means to evolve in real time—when life doesn’t go how you planned, when progress isn’t linear, and when consistency doesn’t look like what it used to.We covered the real-life side of growth, not the polished version. The kind that requires humility, flexibility, and a serious reevaluation of your self-talk. Dal brings both the lived experience and the coaching insight, and I think her story will resonate with a lot of you.🔑 In This Episode:1. When Your Year Didn’t Go As Planned– We reflect on the heaviness of 2025, the guilt that comes with unmet goals, and how to course-correct without quitting.2. Pivoting With Purpose– Dal shares how a small change in workout structure led to her best consistency in years—and why your systems should work for your life, not against it.3. Soft Skills Make Strong Coaches– We dig into why adaptability and empathy are underrated superpowers in coaching, and how those qualities shape trust and retention.4. Bridging Cultural Gaps in Nutrition– A powerful breakdown of how to approach traditional cultural meals with balance, not restriction—plus how Dal’s approach helps clients feel seen.5. Building Real Career Longevity– We both share what’s changed in how we see coaching, content, and mentorship—and why in-person events like RCS are a non-negotiable for growth.🎧 SponsorThis episode is supported by two projects that mean a lot to me:🛍️ The community gear at store.invigoratetraining.com — legacy CL apparel, Fully Human gear, custom shoes, and a whole lot more.🎓 My Podcast Course — For anyone serious about building a show that actually lasts. Learn more at christianliddle.com/podcastcourse and save $50 with code COMMONGROUND at checkout.Train with me at https://invigoratetraining.com/Loved this one? Share it with a friend or tag me on IG @christianliddle. Thanks for being here. Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this deeply human conversation, coach Paul Buono opens up about identity, perfectionism, OCD, lupus, disordered eating, fear-based avoidance, and the path to becoming a more integrated person. The episode explores how tunnel vision—whether toward fitness, career, or health—can disconnect us from friendships, opportunities, and fully living.We also talk about coaching psychology, small wins, micro-habits, routines, messy life transitions, and why connection is the most important part of health.This one is rich with insight, self-awareness, compassion, and extremely relatable struggles. Paul’s honesty helps listeners feel seen, and his coaching philosophy shines through story after story.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro — Chris opens the episode and asks Paul for a short personal intro.01:00 – Who Paul Is Beyond Coaching — identities outside of career.02:00 – The struggle with accepting help — Chris’s couch story and independence.03:00 – Tunnel vision & the “rabbit wheel” — Paul’s CrossFit era and missing life.04:00 – Living like a racehorse — blinders, achievement, and imbalance.05:00 – Anchors in life: people who pull you out — Chris’s travel breakthrough.06:00 – OCD, fear, and exposure therapy (ERP) — Paul goes deep.07:00 – Fear of the future & “3-2-1 just do it.”08:00 – Closing the loop: exposure → proof of safety09:00 – When OCD shapes your whole life — childhood patterns, checklists.10:00 – Eating disorder origins & control11:00 – Lupus diagnosis shrinking his world — hypervigilance & restriction.12:00 – Bringing your own soap to work — how extreme it became.13:00 – Reintegrating with the real world — embracing discomfort.14:00 – Safe foods vs connection — Chris’s nutrition reflection.15:00 – Real Coaches Summit impact — connection > fear.16:00 – Diversity in fitness & hidden limitations17:00 – Hearing impairment + jiu jitsu — Chris’s perspective.18:00 – Nothing has to be perfect to still be worth it19:00 – People think coaches are perfect—but we’re not20:00 – Coaching breakthrough story — client who transformed through compassion.21:00 – “You have to be willing to look like an idiot.”22:00 – Shortening the gap after setbacks — from 6 weeks to 2 days.23:00 – Micro-habits & clothes on the toilet seat24:00 – Setting people up for wins instead of overwhelm25:00 – Turning weaknesses into strengths (homemade pizza story)26:00 – Tiny details that unlock big adherence27:00 – Breaking workouts into 5-minute chunks28:00 – Plan A vs Plan B programming29:00 – Weight trends vs real progress31:00 – Compassion > criticism32:00 – The brain’s bias toward threat34:00 – In-person training and human connection36:00 – Why funny stories often reveal wins38:00 – Chris’s philosophy in-person training39:00 – Are relationships scalable in online coaching?41:00 – Loneliness, AI, and the future of fitness42:00 – Chris’s Substack & predictions about the future44:00 – Online coaching delivery models46:00 – Automation for call scheduling (backend vs client-facing)48:00 – Exposure therapy in everyday life (dishwasher story)50:00 – Removing life “leaks” one decision at a time51:00 – Moving out post-divorce & ripping the bandaid53:00 – When chaos moves you forward faster54:00 – Leaning into discomfort & not waiting for perfect clarity55:00 – Paul’s January coaching waitlist56:00 – Paul’s life advice: know your values, prioritize authentically.Paul BuonoInstagram: https://instagram.com/paulbuonoWebsite: https://paulbuono.comHost Links:Podcast: https://podcast.invigoratetraining.comTraining: https://invigoratetraining.com/Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/Store: https://store.invigoratetraining.com Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

I got to visit Liv and her family last summer in Denmark, and it really left a mark on me. In this episode, we talk about growing up between cultures, raising grounded kids in a digital world, and how empathy can be a guiding principle when you’re unsure where to go next. Liv brings a quiet wisdom that’s been shaped by travel, parenthood, and a life dedicated to helping others feel seen.If you’ve ever wrestled with how to connect movement, purpose, and compassion — this one’s for you.⏱ Episode Breakdown:[02:00] Early sparks of empathyHow traveling to Nepal as a teen shifted Liv’s worldview and instilled a lifelong desire to help others.[06:00] Culture, curiosity, and what makes us humanLiving across the globe taught Liv to value connection over differences — and how to prep for every country with good shoes and an open mind.[10:30] What orienteering teaches about lifeA family sport with layered mentorship, inclusivity, and community-first values — why it’s become a pillar for Liv’s family.[20:00] Screens, social media, and raising teens todayLiv shares how walking, setting goals, and simple routines helped her son disconnect from gaming and reconnect with purpose.[30:00] Coaching different people, different pathsWhy helping someone starts with asking the right question — not everyone needs a meal plan, some just need permission to rest.[38:00] The power of walking and setting meaningful goalsHow a list of 100 goals and going on weekly walks can shift your whole outlook.[41:00] One last takeaway: just go for itLiv’s advice for anyone holding back on something they’ve been wanting to do.🎤 Host: Chris LiddleExploring the overlap between lifestyle and wellness, one real conversation at a time.🌐 Podcast Site: https://podcast.invigoratetraining.com💪 Training & Coaching: https://invigoratetraining.com📸 Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com📥 Courses & Tools:* How to Build a Podcast You Won’t Quit* Holiday Meal Guide* CapCut Video Editing Academy* Follow-Along Workouts🛍 Store: https://store.invigoratetraining.com📱 Connect with Liv: @dinkrop_duvaelgerselv—If this episode landed for you, share it with someone who’d appreciate the message or tag me on socials. Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Some days, consistency isn’t a choice—it’s a non-negotiable. In this solo episode, I open up about what’s been pulling at me lately, from health challenges to identity shifts, and why I’m still hitting record. I share the behind-the-scenes of staying committed when it feels easier to step back, and how I’m learning to honor both momentum and rest without letting go of who I’m becoming.Here’s what I unpack:* When consistency becomes a mindset, not a routine* How health setbacks can realign your priorities* What it really means to hold onto momentum vs. identity* The value of stepping back without stepping away* Lessons in loyalty, self-awareness, and sustainable growth⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 - Why I recorded this solo episode05:00 - Understanding what discipline really looks like10:00 - Where loyalty helps or holds you back17:00 - Jiujitsu, health changes, and redefining momentum28:00 - How my nutrition had to evolve38:00 - Letting go of perfectionism to move forward45:00 - Identity, growth, and using your reps55:00 - Tools, AI, and the real meaning of consistencyIf this episode lands with you, share it with a friend or drop me a line. Always grateful you’re here.—Chris🔗 The Podcast | Podcast course | Coaching & workouts Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe