Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

In this conversation, Aram Grigorian, a fitness coach and organizer of the Real Coaches Summit, discusses the transformative power of investing in oneself. He emphasizes the value of attending industry events for networking and growth. Aram dives into dispelling common fitness misconceptions and integrating AI into coaching for better client engagement. He also shares insights on how personal development can revolutionize career longevity and success in the fitness world, encouraging coaches to break away from superficial norms and cultivate genuine connections.

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I’m joined by Justin Jones, owner of Assemble Performance. We talk about the concept of hybrid athletes—individuals training for both strength and endurance—and make it relatable for people who may be tuning in learning about the term for the first time. Justin shares insights from his diverse coaching experience and provides actionable advice for busy parents and professionals balancing fitness with life’s demands. The conversation spans Justin's military background, how personal setbacks fueled his coaching passion, and the importance of real, meaningful connections in the age of social media. Justin and I also discuss the value of travel, nurturing familial bonds through fitness, and strategies for holistic well-being. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, coaching wisdom, and life strategies aimed at making fitness and mental resilience accessible to everyone.Learn more about Justin here:https://www.instagram.com/justinsjones/Follow me here:https://www.instagram.com/christianliddle/ Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I’m having a conversation with my good friend Tyler Argento who is a personal trainer and yoga instructor with a wealth of life and industry experience. We discuss the significance of setting goals and starting, regardless of the scale of those goals. Tyler shares her experience in powerlifting competitions and how they've transformed her life, as well as the impact of coaching and self-discipline. The episode dives into the value of taking breaks, evolving as a person, and seeking new challenges, offering listeners actionable advice on starting their own journeys and the importance of persistent effort.Learn more about Tyler and PowerFlow Here:https://www.instagram.com/tylerargento.fit/https://www.instagram.com/powerflow.fitness/Connect with me here:https://www.instagram.com/christianliddle/ Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I get to know Justin McClintock from Feel Strong Fitness. We discuss the impact of sharing personal experiences in encouraging others to seek help, Justin's journey from CrossFit enthusiast to personalized fitness coach, and the transformational stories of his clients. Our conversation delves into the importance of maintaining fitness routines at any age, the struggles with chronic pain, and the mindset shifts required for recovery. We also explore the significance of real-life connections, continuous learning, and staying open to new methods, illustrating how these elements contribute to personal and professional growth. My dynamic discussion with Justin offers valuable insights for fitness enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone keen on improving their quality of life through dedicated effort and resilient mindsets.Learn more about Justin here:https://www.instagram.com/feelstrongfit/Follow me here:https://www.instagram.com/christianliddle/ Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground Podcast, I welcome Coach Ryan Patrick, a seasoned professional in the fitness industry, to discuss his journey and expertise in training athletes. Ryan shares insights into his personal training business, his focus on speed training, and the importance of accessible and inclusive fitness education. The conversation delves into Ryan's methods, the impact of positive sports experiences on long-term physical activity, and practical advice for coaches and athletes looking to optimize performance. Whether you're a seasoned coach or an athlete seeking to boost your game, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for athletic development.Connect directly with Ryan to learn more here:https://www.instagram.com/coachryanpatrick/ Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I host Daniel Yores, a personal trainer and podcast host from Toronto. We discuss the importance of consistency in career and fitness, the deep connections forged at professional events like the Real Coaches Summit, and the need to balance ambition with meaningful experiences. Daniel shares his journey towards enjoying nature and snowboarding, emphasizing the importance of integrating fitness into daily routines. We also explore the value of small consistent actions and the profound impact they can have on personal growth and professional success. Learn more about Daniel here:https://www.instagram.com/danielyores/https://www.danielyores.com/Check out the Real Coaches Summit Here:https://www.realcoachessummit2023.com/Enroll in my Video Editing Course:https://christianliddle.com/enroll-in-capcut-academy Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I’m excited to be joined by Jackie Lindal, an incredible personal trainer who made the shift from working as a veterinary technician to running her own online fitness business—all while raising two young kids and balancing life on an acreage.Jackie shares the highs and lows of her journey, from the hustle of working multiple jobs to the freedom of designing a life that allows her to put family first. We dig into what it takes to stay consistent when life gets chaotic, how she overcame imposter syndrome after stepping into the fitness world full-time, and why she’s passionate about helping women ditch restrictive diets in favor of a balanced, sustainable approach to fitness.We also talk about the challenges of making big life decisions, like moving out of the city, and how she rediscovered her love for horseback riding after more than a decade away from it. It’s a real and relatable conversation for anyone trying to figure out how to juggle career, family, and personal health.Key Takeaways:* How Jackie transitioned from veterinary technician to full-time online coach* The struggles and benefits of working from home with two young kids* Why consistency and showing up (even imperfectly) matter more than perfection* The mental and physical challenges of getting back into horseback riding after 10 years* Jackie’s reflections on work ethic, building her business, and making the move to the countryside* Why hiring a team isn’t for everyone, and why she prefers to keep her coaching one-on-one* Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu and how to handle the imposter syndrome that comes with leveling upEpisode Highlights:* Jackie talks about growing up on a farm and how that shaped her approach to work and life* We reflect on how much changes over time, both personally and professionally, and why it’s important to take leaps, even when the timing isn’t perfect* I share some insights on using tools like ChatGPT to get more efficient with time management and content creation* Jackie shares why sending her kids to daycare was a game-changer for her business and personal life balanceThis episode is packed with insights on how to navigate the chaos of life while staying grounded in what matters most. Tune in, and I think you'll get something out of it whether you're a parent, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking to create more balance in your day-to-day life. Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Navigating Life's Challenges: Health, Relationships, and Personal GrowthIn this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I welcome Dr. Ashley Dwyer, a pharmacist and health advocate, to share her inspiring journey from pharmacy to health and fitness coaching. Ashley discusses her transition to a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing how lifestyle changes can profoundly impact health, especially for women professionals navigating hormone issues and high-stress environments.We dive into the lessons Ashley learned from her experiences in bodybuilding, the significance of rest, and how she shifted her focus from obsessive fitness goals to achieving a more balanced lifestyle. We also explore personal development through practices like journaling, setting goals, and making big life changes—like Ashley’s decision to relocate.Our conversation touches on the complexities of modern dating, the role of intuition, and learning from past relationships. We talk about the importance of attending conferences to build meaningful connections and the transformative power of giving affirming compliments in daily life.Ashley shares her advice on finding balance through mindfulness and creating space for oneself amidst the chaos of modern life. I hope you find as much value in this episode as I did.And follow me here:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianliddle/* Invigorate Training: https://www.invigoratetraining.com/* Website: https://www.christianliddle.com/Connect with Ashley Dwyer:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.dwyer/* Website: https://go.teambdncoaching.com/If you enjoy the episode, leave a review, share it with a friend, or tag me on social media—I'd love to hear your thoughts! Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Bryce MacArthur, a passionate professional fitness trainer, shares his inspiring journey from a high school hobby to a rewarding career. He reveals how a friend's struggle with weight loss ignited his drive in the fitness world. Bryce discusses overcoming self-doubt, the power of authenticity, and why building genuine connections is vital for personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and shares the transformative effects of practicing jujitsu on mindset and identity. This conversation is a call to embrace your true self!

In this latest episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sat down with Matteo Marra, a personal trainer who originally started his career in the kitchen! We talk about his switch from being a chef to running his own online fitness coaching business and all the twists and turns in between.Here’s what you’ll hear about in the episode:* Matteo’s Culinary Background: How working long hours in a restaurant led him to rethink his health and ultimately switch careers to fitness coaching.* Transition to Online Coaching: Matteo shares how he went from training people in his garage to building a successful online coaching business with his girlfriend.* Food & Fitness: We dive into the relationship between food, culture, and fitness, and why food is so much more than just fuel.* Travel Adventures: Matteo’s stories of bike-packing through New Zealand, and how travel has impacted both of our lives in unexpected ways.* Social Media Real Talk: How we both handle those weird (and sometimes harsh) comments from people online, and how to keep things fun and positive.Some Fun Quotes:* “Turns out, you can make a healthy turkey sandwich, even if you hate cooking!” – Matteo Marra* “You don’t need fancy stuff. It’s about real connections and meaningful experiences.” – Me (Chris Liddle)Where to Find Matteo:* YouTube: Matteo Mara's YouTube Channel* Instagram: @marra_strength* Website: Matteo Mara's Website Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe