The Michael Caz Podcast

This week on the Brute Strength Podcast we have guest speaker, Chris Mazdzer. Chris is an American Luger who has been active since 2001 and in 2015, he won the Luge World Cup Men's singles even in Lake Placid. Whether you're training for Regionals, The Games, or the Olympics, there is a lot to learn from Chris and his experiences as an Olympic athlete. We'll be getting into his early Luge career, qualifying for the Olympics, and his mental preparation as an elite athlete. Enjoy the show. Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: 2:30 - Describing a Luge run 9:00 - Early Luge career 15:50 - Growing up at age 13 20:30 - Making it to the Pros 26:50 - Facing your fears as an athlete 36:30 - Qualifying for the Olympics 43:30 - Working under pressure 48:50 - Beating Felix Loch 51:35 - Facing mental challenges Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

This week's guest is Crossfit competitor Margaux Alvarez. Margaux is one of the most composed Crossfit athletes I've ever watched, and it was a pleasure talking about some of the experiences that she's had that have shaped who she is. We're talking today about her mindset, how she developed it, the vineyard she has opened with her husband Alex, and some of the productivity and time management skills that she has had to develop as both an elite athlete and an entrepreneur. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [:48] Who are the funniest and most admirable Crossfit Games athletes? [5:58] Margaux's decision to continue competing after opening a vineyard. [9:28] Shift your 'but' to 'and' and you're going to find success. [11:43] How sales at The Vine Yard Crossfit are affected by fitness followers. [14:57] Time management skills allow Margaux to rock the vineyard and the gym. [19:28] The evolution from high school golf team to powerhouse athlete. [22:14] How the passing of Margaux's sister has affected her life for the better. [31:40] Where does calmness during competition come from? [34:18] If she could start training all over again… [37:01] Trainer turned husband and business partner — how Margaux and Alex make their multiple relationships work. [42:43] Best books, core beliefs, and taking action. [51:45] Connecting with Margaux. Links: @321gaux on Instagram Margaux Alvarez on Facebook The Vine Yard Crossfit Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, by Sebastian Junger Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

This week's guest is Matt Fitzgerald, the author of many, many books including How Bad Do You Want It and The Endurance Diet. He is also a runner and a coach. In our conversation today, we dive into some of the topics presented in How Bad Do You Want It and discuss how mindset and mental fitness can push us to new peaks. Matt offers practical advice on how to use framing to put you in the right mindset no matter what kind of pressure you're under as well as what daily practices you can do to get started today. Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [1:25] Introducing Matt Fitzgerald — author of How Bad Do You Want It. [2:15] How does Matt approach his goals and achieve them? [5:45] Matt offers suggestions on how to find and cultivate passion. [11:20] In the book, How Bad Do You Want It, Matt talks about the differences between mental toughness vs. mental fitness. How does the attitude you have in life affect this? [15:30] You need to have intent. That's step one to anything you do in life. [18:35] What is 'perceived exertion'? [23:50] How to train for the ability to overcome our inhibitions. [27:15] Matt explains how body language can affect perceived exertion. [30:25] Best practices on ways to develop a positive relationship with failure. [34:10] Matt offers tips to help people calm down and re-focus when they're feeling a lot of pressure. [37:35] When we're in our own head, that's when our mind messes with our mechanics. [41:35] What are some of the best daily practices people can adopt to improve their mindset? [53:10] Connecting with Matt. Links: Matt Fitzgerald Matt Fitzgerald on Facebook @mattfitwriter on Twitter Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

This show is a special episode that I do each month with my wife Adee Cazayoux, owner of Working Against Gravity. Adee and her company have worked with over 15,000 people — helping them transform their lives by dialing in on their nutrition. These special episodes are always favorites and some of the most popular I've done. Today we're talking about being consistent with your diet, accuracy, goal setting, nutrient timing and more. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [:40] Goal setting and why you're probably getting it wrong. [7:08] Capitalize on your new year momentum — the right way to do goal setting starts with micro goals. [11:19] Want a six pack in six months? Start with your 'why,' then break it down. [16:37] Identify and overcome your obstacles before you hit them. [20:10] What to do when the motivation just isn't there. [23:56] 2017 lessons learned — making friends, control, taking accountability, and focusing on what you can do for other people. [36:01] Q&A — best food options post workout. [40:10] The science behind eating higher carbs and losing weight. [44:13] Finding time to eat a healthy, fulfilling breakfast — and my favorite fast recipe. [47:30] The importance of vegetables in your diet. [49:07] What Adee wants you to know, and how to connect with her. Links: @adeecazayoux on Instagram Working Against Gravity Working Against Gravity on Facebook @WorkingAgainstGravity on Instagram Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

Before we get started, I wanted to make sure you know about the Secret Strength Weapon. This document has short exercises and workouts that you can add to help you get stronger, injury-proof yourself and create structural balance. You'll find info about tempo work, unilateral exercises and other accessory movements that you're probably not seeing happen at your gym. If you're looking for ways to add fun and complexity to your workouts, or ways to break through strength plateaus, you need to check it out. Today's guest is Marcus Filly, three-time individual Crossfit Games competitor and three-time teams Crossfit Games competitor. Our conversation today is all about functional fitness and bodybuilding. We talk about whether or not it's possible to look like a Greek god while actually performing and feeling exceptionally well, ways you can improve your fitness, and how to live a happier and fuller life in general. I learned a ton from Marcus and I know you will too. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [1:58] Introducing Marcus Filly — creator of Functional Bodybuilding. [6:32] The importance of coaching for Marcus and what he teaches his athletes. [11:00] How you can actually look and feel good while training. [18:52] If you're not racing against the clock, how can you measure your success? [26:30] Benefits that come from committing to Functional Bodybuilding. [33:50] How Functional Bodybuilding will expand your workout repertoire. [40:21] All about isolation movements and correcting your body deficiencies. [47:22] Investigating your digestive health and resources for your gut. [54:24] Breakthroughs in 2017 and how Ashram has changed Marcus's life. [1:04:53] Connecting with Marcus. Links: Secret Strength Weapon Functional Bodybuilding Revival Strength @marcusfilly on Instagram @functional.bodybuilding on Instagram Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

My guest today is Dave Durante, former elite level gymnast and multiple time World Team member, U.S. Olympic alternate, and assistant coach in 2009 for the Stanford team that won the NCAA Championship. Dave is currently the owner of Power Monkey Fitness, which specializes in teaching gymnastics around the world. We're talking about the principles and experiences that have brought him success as an athlete and a coach and fundamentals of gymnastics. Dave is a wealth of knowledge — I learned a ton from our conversation and I know you will too. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [1:07] Introducing Dave Durante — persistent world champion with a desire to be the best. [6:53] Finding balance may not be possible, but giving your all is. [15:44] Your results are a byproduct of the processes you determine for yourself. [22:00] Transitioning from elite athlete to successful coach. [30:52] Benefits of shifting away from the outcome-focused mindset. [39:44] Differences between what Dave did as an athlete and what he teaches as a coach. [43:46] Details of the four-phase process on the gymnastics pyramid. [48:25] How to gain significant mobility gains during intense training. [50:21] Raising kids in gymnastics — good idea or terrible mistake? [58:09] All about the Power Monkey apps and upcoming camps and clinics. [1:04:45] Connecting with Dave. Links: Power Monkey Fitness Monkey Method App Power Monkey Camp @powermonkeyfitness on Instagram @davedurante on Instagram Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

I'm joined this week by Brute athlete George Sanchez. He's one of the most inspiring people I know because he didn't find immediate or easy success as an athlete. He had a vision of making it to the games and he made it happen. He went from 81st place his first year in the open to 21st place just two years later. We're talking mindset, experiences he's had along the way, and his idea that the way you do anything is the way you do everything. George is a very thoughtful athlete and I know you'll gain a lot from our conversation. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [:14] Introducing George Sanchez, average Joe turned Brute Strength powerhouse. [4:34] Know your strengths to predict your success in competition. [10:12] Details of the weekend leading up to the final workout. [16:24] Overcoming negative self-talk and refusing to underperform. [24:58] How and why George joined the Brute Strength team. [29:30] The level of attention and intention that makes George a stand-out athlete. [35:45] The moment George started to believe he could make it to the games. [38:58] The standards and rituals of a high-performing professional athlete. [45:13] Trusting yourself — the mindset shift that makes all the difference. [51:34] All about the Assault Banger Workout. [58:26] Lessons learned from the games. [1:03:21] Creating opportunities for success for yourself. [1:05:07] Connecting with George. Links: @georgeasan on Instagram George Sanchez on Facebook geoasan2@gmail.com Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

This week is round two with my friend Bruce Pitcher. Bruce was a participant in ABC's Extreme Weight Loss about five years ago and he lost over 200 pounds in one year. Bruce shared his weight loss story with me in episode 6. Today he's highlighting the differences that separate him from the participants that haven't been able to keep the weight off. We talk goal setting, hitting rock bottom, and why your excuses are completely worthless. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [:45] Why 90% of extreme weight loss participants gain the weight back. [6:03] The importance of keeping promises to yourself. [8:29] The key difference between motivation and drive. [10:47] Overcoming challenging moments after Extreme Weight Loss. [17:17] The effect of trauma on obesity and how it changed Bruce. [23:25] Goal setting, integrity and all about The Champ Within. [33:25] Building integrity with yourself and handling breakdowns. [38:46] What Bruce has learned as a coach — after hitting rock bottom. [43:13] Larger Than Life — The Bruce Pitcher Story. [44:31] Bruce's tips for taking the first step forward. [46:47] Connecting with Bruce Pitcher. Links: Brute Strength Podcast Episode 6 - Bruce Pitcher on Shedding Pounds and Demons @brucepitcher on Instagram BrucePitcherEWL on Facebook bpbestself@gmail.com Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

I'm back this week with Christmas Abbott. She's been a guest here on the Brute Strength Podcast before, and today we're talking about getting off your butt and getting things done. From creating your passion and finding your purpose to tips on taking action even when you're feeling extremely uncomfortable, we're talking about keys to success and finding happiness in life. Christmas has some inspiring ideas and awesome mantras that you won't want to miss. Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [:28] The importance of service and recognizing that you're not the center of the universe. [6:55] Taking action moves you forward — no confidence required. [11:50] Find purpose in your life through exploration. [14:33] Crafting and delivering a powerful message. [22:00] Begin with the end in mind. [23:42] How to overcome nerves before speaking or performing. [25:28] Pressure is a privilege? [28:39] Christmas's biggest mental breakthrough this year. [31:18] Life isn't just about work — or training. [37:17] Dealing with negativity on social media. [41:41] Encouragement for her younger self and Christmas's current role models. [44:58] All about Christmas's Badass new book. Links: Christmas Abbott Brute Strength Podcast "#48 — Business, Fitness and Relationships Ft. Christmas Abbott" The Badass Life: 30 Amazing Days to a Lifetime of Great Habits — Body, Mind, and Spirit, by Christmas Abbott @christmasabbott on Twitter @christmasabbott on Instagram Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.

This week's guest is Emily Schromm — former MTV Real World participant, ABC's Next Fitness Star, nutritional therapist and online coach. On today's show, we're talking about her process for goal setting, gut health, being consistent with your diet, how to get over a breakdown in your process when you're working toward a goal, as well as everything she contributes to her success, from shifts in her mindset to changes to her behavior. Emily shares insights into getting creative juices flowing, letting go of the things you can't control, and the truth behind her "lucky break." Enjoy the show! Brute Hotline: (801) 449-0503 Want a chance to get featured in a future episode? Call in and leave us a voicemail with some questions regarding training, nutrition, mindset, etc. Topics of discussion: [:37] Introducing Emily Schromm — athlete, nutritionist, and backpack designer. [3:26] Setting goals for herself and for her clients. [8:10] Building integrity and keeping agreements with yourself. [9:45] Overcoming breakdowns in your schedule means letting go of things that are out of your control. [12:55] Breaking bad habits starts with learning the whys behind them. [17:14] Understanding nutritional therapy and a crash course in your gut health. [27:48] Why do people have such trouble sticking with their diet? [33:25] All about Next Fitness Star and Emily's personal recipe for success. [38:30] How adrenaline can jumpstart creativity. [41:40] Reclaiming a healthy balance when life gets crazy. [46:30] 'And' and 'but'— taking responsibility for turning your goals into reality. [51:25] Fill-in-the-blanks about embarrassing moments and advice for living an extraordinary life. [56:45] Connecting with Emily. Links: Emily Schromm The EM Pack @EmilySchromm on Instagram @EmFitMTV on Twitter Reviews: If you LOVE this podcast please click HERE to leave me a review. It energizes me to keep doing these as well as pushes us higher in the rankings. Thank you all for the support. Follow us on Instagram @brute.strength.