Side Quest Podcast

Jeannine Trimboli is a writer and coach over at Real [FIT] Life.  She spoke recently at the 2015 Fitness Summit in Kansas City of which I had the pleasure of attending for the first time.  Her presentation hit hard but captured a spirit of "we can do better." She had a lot of things she did not get to in the presentation, so I wanted to have her on the show to share some of what she spoke about as well as to cover some of the things she did not get the chance to cover. There are a lot of links here that I highly suggest you click on and check out as well.  The information and thoughts presented in them are things I think would benefit all men and women to ponder on.  

In this episode I interview Matt Cordery of We The Powerful.  Matt is a trainer and fitness blogger from Australia.  He is also a giant nerd with a unique view on fitness and life. In this episode we discuss: Time differences How he got into fitness Goals and personal pursuits What weakness he avoided training for the longest time The importance of mobility movements and stretching Limber 11 Who inspires him Dan John, Eric Cressey, Louie Simmons, Tony Gentilcore, Greg Nuckols Age of Ultron Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth His tattoo and what it means Prometheus  Deloading and its importance How he motivates himself to take a deload week Bodyweight training is a great deload strategy when you want to get some exercise in What impulse buy is the most tempting for him at the store The marketing lies of the "health food industry" Snacking and how it can harm weight loss Marketing buzzwords Teaching proper nutrition in schools and how we suck at it Guilty pleasure music on his playlist (The Beards) What super po

In this episode I interview the creator and CEO of a brand new nutrition App called Fudist.  Fudist finds meals at restaurants near you that fit your nutrition needs. No need to sign up for delivery or subscriptions; using GPS and their gigantic database, the App will find thousands of healthy meal combinations near you, whether you're a bodybuilder, a fat-burner, or a diabetic. Fudist's goal is to make eating healthy as easy as eating unhealthy In this episode we discuss: What the Fudist App does and how it can help you keep diet on point What is tracked is managed Equals and Alternatives Emotional reaction words that marketers use Why he created Fudist and what inspired him to do so Flexible Dieting How he obtained all the nutritional data from restaurants nationwide  When and why he decided to step off the cliff and build his business and App Fudist allows you to split rest day and workout day macros How Fudist recommends food at restaurants  How Fudist will help to guide you to eat at mom and pop places

In this episode I interview Jason Maxwell of JMax Fitness.  Jason went to school where he majored in aero space engineering and became a real rocket scientist.  While in college he became a personal trainer and found that he wanted to help others achieve the physique/strength goals he had achieved.  He started his blog as a side project but found that he connected with readers through it and decided to devote his time to the science of health and nutrition as opposed to rockets and Mars.   In this episode we discuss: What super hero he would be Who influenced his philosophy as he got into fitness What his training looks like now How he diets down when he is cutting How he measures food without a scale Rabbit meat Daily Undulated Periodization (DUP) and how it helps you get stronger How DUP helps you to get stronger in every rep range Texas Method Rules He Lives By "When you walk by the mirror flex" New rules he has added to his daily routine   Links Jmax Fitness DUP Robert dos Remedios .82 Protein Cut  

In this episode Tanner Baze and I geek out over Star Wars and give away our free 6 week Star Wars strength and hypertrophy program. You can download it for free by heading here or here

In this episode I interview Mike Samuels of Healthy Living, Heavy Lifting.  He is a personal trainer and online coach from England.  Mike is a reformed "clean" eater and has had success in competing in physique competitions.  He started as a cardio junkie but found his passion for strength training and bodybuilding.  Mike has written for STACK, EliteFTS, and LIVESTRONG to name a few. In this episode we discuss: how he got into training his struggles with clean eating and how Lane Norton opened his eyes to flexible dieting moderation and how you can help clients learn it hardest part of training for a bodybuilding show cravings and their impacts on restrictive diets the buffet struggle how to create rules and schedule cheat days/feast days what superhero he would be what guility pleasure he listens to on his workout mix what famous person in history he would have dinner with Daily Undulating Periodization Training Links Mike's Site DUP Training Layne Norton Tim Ferriss

In this episode I interview Steven Ledbetter aka Coach Stevo.  Steven M. Ledbetter, aka “Coach Stevo” is a bonafide fitness nerd. He has a BA in Philosophy from the University of Chicago, an MA in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and has been Russian Kettlebell Certified. He has been an intern for Dan John, arguably the best strength coach in the world, who certified Coach Stevo the only “Master Dan John, Level II” trainer in the world while they were drinking pickle backs. In this episode we discuss: How he got into fitness What habit is/was the hardest for him to implement Creating habit change for things you ahte "If you bang your head against the wall constantly, you are probably trying to open the wrong door" Who inspired his fitness philosophy Mike Boyle Dan John The cognitive side of fitness Problems people think they have but actually just lack focus How to re-steer clients who get off track Many are stubborn in pursuit of the pat

In this episode I interview Omar Atlas of Alpha Aesthetics.  Omar was once a PhD candidate in Psychology who found a love for working out while in college.  He works with clients to help develop the best in themselves as well as a community of like minded individuals.   He firmly believes that every major successful intervention for behavior change in the history of mankind involved dedicated communities who actively fostered conditions that help satisfy people’s need for autonomy, competence, and belonging. In this episode we discuss: - Why Alpha? - how he got into the world of fitness  - the story of a girl that broke his heart - who shaped his philosophy as a trainer - what he is working on now - his love of training upper body over lower body right now in life - Accountability  - Nietzche and finding meaning in life - The struggle of humanity looking for meaning now and how we fight for things that have no real weight to them - What super power he wishes he could have - guilty pleasure tracks - What perso

In this episode I interview Travis Pollen of Fitness Pollenator.  Travis was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency a rare birth defect that fuses the leg bone to your hip bone resulting in only having one leg.  Growing up Travis found that it became harder and harder to compete in athletic competitions with friends until he found swimming.  To get prepared for the 2012 Paralympic he hired a strength coach for the weight room. That next season in college he set an American record for the 100 meter freestyle for swimmers missing one arm or leg.  After he ended his swimming career he found he had a passion for lifting weights.  He is currently pursuing a degree in Bio-mechanics and Movement Science at the University of Delaware. In this episode we discuss:    - How bio-mechanics and using robots are bettering peoples lives  - His PhD will be him building an Iron Man suit -  Proximal femeral deficiency  - Lifting on one leg - Why he left the world of physics and went to bio-mechanics - Is there some

In this episode I chat with Ben Hessel of Gym Free Fitness.  Ben lives and works in Arizona and created his business aimed at helping people get in shape who were not fans of the gym atmosphere.  Ben is a no non-sense kind of coach who believes in helping his clients find long term sustainable approaches to diet and exercise.  He also hates detoxes with a passion.   In this episode we discuss: - how he got into fitness - why gym free - how he built a niche with clients who were not fans of the gym - TRX ropes - how he stays fit or advises people on staying fit on the road - living out west vs living out east - how dancers typically become great lifters - what he has learned at the NASM - there is much more to being a trainer than just "working out" - if you have a passion, just go for it - how we view our lives at different points - craziest thing he experimented with in fitness/nutrition - Eat, Stop, Eat - what we both love about intermittent fasting - why men should focus a little more on gl

In this episode I chat with Tanner Baze.  Tanner has written for BroBible and is a new contributor to Elite Daily.  Tanner works with a wide range of clients at his gym he near Atlanta as well as coaching online at Fitocracy and through his site.  He is a huge nerd and avid reader.  His love of reading is what drove him to devour all the knowledge he could on Fitness. In this Episode we discuss: -the awesomeness of Atlanta - that time Julius Peppers sold me pizza  - how he got started in the world of fitness - how he moved from GNC to becoming a trainer - the sleaziness of some supplement companies - the joys of retail - the story of how toilet paper caused me to meet my wife - what it was like growing up in Texas - the Walking Dead - how his philosophy has changed over time - how he balances work and life - the struggles of writing - the struggle of finding who you are - how growing up I was Screech - his geek side - our mutual love of emo music - why he wants people to be a Jedi of Fitness

In this episode I chat with Jordan Syatt of Syatt Fitness in Boston.  Jordan is a 5x World Record Powerlifter and has lifted 4x his bodyweight on the deadlift.  He has been featured on CNN, The Huffington Post, Men’s Fitness Magazine, Schwarzenegger.com, T-Nation.com and more.  He was also included in the Fitocracy 30 under 30: The Young Professionals Changing the Face of Fitness in 2014.  He has released a new e-book entitled Raw Strength for Powerlifting: Your 12 Week Peaking Program to help people add huge gains to their strenght PRs.  He has now moved from training just for strength and is aspiring to succeed at a the new challenge of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu.   In this episode we discuss:    - lifting 4x his bodyweight (132 pounds) on a deadlift - how to frame your mind for the long haul of getting stronger - strength is not linear - why the sumo over the conventional - what you do to keep the barbell from rolling away on a deadlift - his new book Raw Strength  - how he developed his training principles -

In this episode I chat with Ed Hones the 2014 r/Fitness Best Weight Loss Transformation winner.  Ed was clinically obese in 2011 and has been a very long weight loss journey.  He started out as a "cardio bunny", went super hard core Paleo even while living in Africa, and after finding Mark Rippetoe started to lift heavy where he saw his best results.  In this episode we discuss: - the moment he realized he needed to lose the weight - his introduction to Paleo and low carb diets - his time in Africa and how that affected his ability to eat low carb - why he calls himself "stupid happy" - what lifts he looks forward to - bodybuilding competitions - where he wants to go now - guilty pleasure track - super heroes   Links Ed's Story Mark Rippetoe  

In this episode I interview Matthew Ibrahim of Mobility 101.  Matthew Ibrahim is a Strength and Conditioning Coach with an evidence-based approach to human movement, biomechanics and injury-prevention, and is knowledgeable on how each area impacts performance in sports and in life.  Matt believes everyone is an athlete. Everyone has the ability to be an athlete and reach their full potential in performance and in life. In this episode we discuss: -the joy of talking and actually connecting with people -how he got into fitness and especially how he fell in love with mobility -you only get one body, take care of your body -his philosophy that everyone has a internal athlete  -Core Function and Mobility -Can we as professionals in the industry do better at educating clients -One piece of mobility every seasoned lifters should include in their programs -Hip flexor and opening your hips -Lacrosse ball vs foam roller -Best tricks for helping recovery -Optimizing mobility within our exercises not just pre

In this episode I chat with Mason Woodruff.  Mason is a trainer in Arkansas and a coach on Fitocracy.  He has completed a 600 pound plus deadlift as well as squatted over 500 pounds.  He also appeared on the Super Bowl Sunday Fun TIme show but is back for his own 1 on 1 episode now.   - how a bachelor diet affected his basketball performance/career - Arkansas - what he does outside for physical fitness - which behaviors were his hardest to change - what foods are his cornerstones - some cardio/conditioning is beneficial  - his favorite power/explosive exercise - It's all in the hips - how/why he uses kettlebells as a coach - The Mountain and a 1000 year old record - what he does to take care of himself  - his February diet experiment - the twinkie diet guy - getting those huge arms/forearms -  importance of grip strength - who inspires him - Hardcore History - education as a young men and things we wish were taught - 2 Cellos   Dr Kirk Parsley Elliot Hulse Barbell Shrugged Tim Ferri

In this episode I interview the co-Founder of Fitocracy, Dick Talens.  Dick grew up a "fat kid" and discovered his own tricks to fat loss that he now applies with his clients. He even competed in a bodybuilding show in the mid 2000s.  Dick is a prolific writer and has written for LifeHacker, Bodybuilding.com, Schwarzenegger, and much much more.  He was also named one of the top 100 Most Influental People in Health and Fitness by Greatist this year. Dick is one of a kind in the fitness industry and one of the most fun people to chat with. In this episode we discuss: - how he keeps himself from getting distracted - his story and how he moved from fat kid to bodybuilder - would he recommend anyone try a bodybuilding show just once - dude we should own a bar! and call it puzzles! - where the birth of the idea for Fitocracy came from - his favorite game ever, Nexus the Kingdom of Winds - his history of trolling and why he does it - his failed cupcake business - how he might make a great reality tv star

In this episode I interview author, entrepreneur, weightlifter, and travel photographer James Clear.  James has written an amazing eBook on how to transfer your habits.  He is a firm believer that if you can master your habits, you can master your life.   A Duke University study showed that 45% of what we do each day is habitual.  James came on the show to chat about how he coaches people to transform their habits as well as how he maintains a high level of fitness even with a busy schedule.   He is also an accomplished athlete who in 2008 was named an Academic All American for baseball by ESPN and in 2012 he was a finalist for the Travel Photographer of the Year award. In this episode we discuss: - how sports helped him establish routines - his hardest habit to master - his process for building habits - habits are not a finish line, they are a lifestyle/pattern to commit to - implementation intention - his history with power lifting and current regiment - favorite lift - how he structures workouts when he i

In the 25th episode I interview Allison of Barefoot and Fit.  She comes from the cold north of Saskatchewan. Her exercise of choice is running and she has completed two half-marathons.  She also was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease and has been fighting back to normalcy over the last few months.  She specializes in fitness for beginners and weight loss for women. In this episode we discuss:   - how she got started in fitness - how she trains for marathons - she explains to me how to train for marathons because I hate running - her recent diagnoses of Graves disease - how she has battled back from barely being able to walk - my love of terriers - how she dealt with the emotional distress of not being able to run - how she is learning to begin again and how that helps her as a coach - the nutrition of running - what she has done to stay positive while battle Graves Disease - songs that keep her pumped during a run - what she does when its not crazy cold in Saskatchewan

In this episode I am joined by two former guests Brian Compton and Nick Sorrell and a soon to be heard from guest Mason Woodruff as we have a round table discussion about the Super Bowl and the NFL season.  We even throw in some impressions and do some talking about fantasy super stars and college QBs turning pro.    

In this episode I chat with Jorden Pagel of Jorden Pagel Fitness.  Jordan lives and trains and works with clients in Wisconsin and wants to one day work with athletes himself.   In this episode we discuss:   - how he got into the fitness and lost 80 pounds over time - health and fitness are a lifetime commitment and  not just a 12 week process - Intermittent Fasting - Fasted training - Flexible dieting - Favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry's - Equals and Alternatives - Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers - Sumo Wrestling and NFL Linemen - Favorite/Most Hated Lift - Who has influenced him - how open and willing trainers are to help - Country Music       Links   Pavel Tsatouline Interview Jorden's Site Equals and Alternatives