Side Quest Podcast

In this episode I interview Dell Farrell.  She competed in her first bikini contest this year in Las Vegas and when not on stage is working as a trainer in Australia.  She has a new program that she has launched in tandem with Greg O'Gallagher, who came on the show before.   In this episode we discuss:   how she struggled with extreme dieting, fad diets, and excessive exercise and how she arrived at moderation The importance of tracking what you eat her first experience with bikini competition slow and steady wins the race do the thing you are most afraid to do muay thai self acceptance vs guilting yourself getting white girl wasted Eckhart Tolle- The Presence of Now Daily affirmations she tells herself each day the power of meditation Her program she has launched with Greg O'Gallagher how can I make everything 2% better than yesterday toughest habit to build favorite ice cream flavor riding horses as a stress relief Hugh Jackman vs Chris Hemsworth  the one thing she misses about America that Au

In this episode I chat with Adam Duggan of The Aesthetic Build.  Adam is a trainer who coaches with Fitocracy as well as owns his own gym in Chattanooga, TN.  He beat cancer as a child then fought back from an eating disorder in his teens.  Adam has had a lot of obstacles and one person changed all that one day by befriending him and introducing him to weight lifting. In this episode we discuss: how he got into fitness his struggle with an eating disorder how an amateur bodybuilder helped him to get over his disorder and get healthier body images issues with men intimidation of weights or weight loss treadmill skills ala Ok Go Jedi mentality vs Sith Mentality how fear is one of the greatest motivators/paralyzers  our admiration for Stuart Scott who inspired his Super-heroine physique program bulking reverse dieting three most important habits he helps clients build having a support system who inspires him guilty pleasure track Links Fitocracy The Aesthetic Build What Got Us Here, Won't Get Us There

In this episode I interview Suzanne Digre of Workout Nirvana. Suzanne is an online fitness coach based out of Denver, Colorado and is starting her new Lean and Strong program on Fitocracy starting on Jan 12.  She has been training herself for years and launched her coaching business a couple years ago.  She has gotten amazing results from her clients and is an amazing motivator. In this epiosde we discuss: goals she conquered in 2014 how she got into training and writing online how she started working out at home and got confident before she moved into a gym   the miscoception of women bulking when lifting weights how she teaches clients to "on-it" when in the gym how chit chatting can kill your focus in the gym setting micro goals to achieve larger goals how she is working on eating more veggies   her favorite thing about colorado how making new habits non-negotiable can help you make positive changes   her Lean and Strong program starting on Jan 12th how to conquer self-limiting thoughts how

In the first episode of 2015 I interview Thom Lamb.  Thom is a former Canadian Military Engineer who is now a full time strength and conditioning coach in Canada.  He has set numerous national and world records in power lifting but his real passion is his clients and helping them discover their hidden potential. In this episode we discuss:   why his name is Thom and not Tom how he transitioned from the army to fitness  the time he was in a Poison cover band his time in the royal canadian military college his time in strongman competitions  what training is like in the military how the fitness industry and military training are finding their middle ground nutrition is half the battle  the paradoxes we tell ourselves with nutrition you do not have to give up the things you love to eat 90% of your meals are for sustenance, the other 10% are for enjoyment building habits is very difficult how coaches have to work harder to connect with clients what he learned through his injuries his favorite indu

I round out interviewing the 5 fitness coaches taking the world by storm this episode with Sons of Strength.  Sons of Strength is the brainchild of Ryan and Eric Johnson, yes they are brothers and yes they still compete to be the best in the family.  Their "be the best" attitude is what led them to establish a business and an attitude that spills over to all of their clients. In this episode we discuss: - how they got into fitness through sports and started a business as brothers - sibling rivalry and how they still push each other as adults - paying it forward - who was the ladies man of the two - famous people sightings in NYC - what garbage from the industry would you like to see go away - sustainability vs extremes - Muay Thai fighting - boxing vs cardio - "everyone would benefit from getting punched in the face at least once in their life" - East Coast vs West Coast   - a new program they are working with John Romeniello and releasing in March - Total Recomp - favorite Arnold movie - acti

In this episode I interview Mike Vacanti of On the Regimen.  Mike is the fourth of the 5 fitness coaches taking the world by storm in 2014 from Fitocracy that I have interviewed.  He is also the coach who ran the program I was apart of earlier in the year before my wedding.  He is one of the most open and honest and caring coaches anyone could ever work with and I know from personal experience.   In this episode we discuss: How Mike got into fitness and made a huge move from MN to NYC in one night with no plan of return   Arnold's 6 Rules and which one is the most important for him   Gary Vaynerchuck and what he learned from coaching someone as intense as Gary Vee: Hustle   Kamal Ravikant- Live your Truth   Your best year yet   How would Mike play a hand of poker if he had two jacks and three people were at the table   How alcohol can fit into your macros and how it affects your goals   Two Day Hangovers as you get older and how much they suck   Quality sleep versus quantity sleep   Getting

In this episode I interview Ben Tormey.  Ben was included on Fitocracy's list of 5 Fitness Coaches Taking the World by Storm.  Ben is a trainer and coach in England and at one time was working to get his PhD in Math but left that path and found his real happiness in helping get himself and others into shape. In this episode we discuss:   -How Ben moved from a PhD in Math to Fitness   - how he battled depression    - cognitive thinking and how you can use it    - how taking action made him feel better about his life   - how the internet is affecting us, mentally/pyschologically    -  how chess players see the game and how that analogy applies to what he has learned in fitness   - who he is inspired by    - Dorian Yates   - T-Nation   - Lyle MacDonald   - The Power of Habit   - his training philosophy and how he works with clients as a coach   - who is the best James Bond   - his favorite lift   - his love of Southern cuisine ie Cornbread and BBQ   - the one amusing thing he finds

In this episode I interview Greg O'Gallagher of Kinobody.  Greg was included in the 30 Under 30 the Young Professionals Changing the Face of Fitness list by Fitocracy earlier in 2014.  Greg is also the host of his own podcast Road to Ripped where he talks about his training protocals, interviews trainers, and talks with some of his clients who have made great transformations.  Greg currently lives in Toronto, Canada.   In this Episode we discuss:   how he started building an audience doing videos in the early days of Youtube the Hollywood physique athleticism vs massive muscle how to stay lean all year and stay sane his love of potatoes vs other carbs intermittent fasting health/nutrition in the US vs Canada   reverse pyramid training and how it will help you build muscle and gain strength rest pause training on isolation exercises what book he would gift for 2014 (Practicing the Power of Now) embracing the process and not the goal body fat distribution  what he is digging

In this episode I interview Greg Nuckols.  Greg was voted as one of the 5 fitness coaches taking the world by storm by Fitocracy earlier in 2014.  Greg has held world records in powerlifting and has become known for his through use of science and data to back up his articles.  As he says on his site: "His passion is synthesizing scientific research and in-the-trenches experience to stay at the forefront of the strength game, and to become the best coach and athlete possible".  Greg has the mind of Bruce Banner, the strenght of the Hulk but has the temperment of a teddy bear.  Not to mention one of the most glorious beards on Earth. In this episode we discuss: how Greg got into lifting weights world records his goal of lifting a combined 2000 pounds on bench/deadlift/squat where his love of science/data/facts stems from Dunning-Kruger Effect Humanity and our pack sensibilities his diet his goal of getting a PhD "embrace the process and not the outcome" his weakest lift and his weak biceps Social Intelligence

In this episode I interview Nick Sorrell of Nick Sorrell Training.  Nick is from the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky and studied at Louisville University where he worked as a strength coach with the Cardinals football team. In this episode we discuss: how a D-1 athelete trains how college football players won the genetic lottery and are freaks his goals as a coach and in the gym finding his sweet spot as a coach how he lost 100 pounds from high school to college his biggest challenge post college obsess with your goal not the scale thoughts on online coaching vs in person his love of Final Fantasy 7 the learning curve of online coaching who he looks up to for inspiration how he is finishing 2014 Links Nicks Website Fitocracy  

In this episode I interview Adam Fisher of The Philosopher Warrior. Adam was named one of the top 5 Fitness Coaches Taking the World by Storm by Fitocracy earlier in 2014. Adam is more than a trainer and barbell guru.  He is a philosophy lover, video gamer, geek, and deadlift maniac.  In this episode we discuss: his aspirations to become a novelist his weakness of having "too many irons in the fire" Ayn Rand #Accelerate Extentialism and Stoics Obstacle is the Way Book of Tao Te Ching How Eastern Philosophy influences his lifting mindset Mindfulness Tetris and how you apply it to life/fitness How I Met Your Mother Elder Scrolls Whether we should stretch or not stretch Pain and new science behind it Lamar Gant How he conquered his own fear(s) Most inspiring thing anyone said to him His current goals Games that moved him emotionally The Uplift Method   Links: Adam's Website The Uplift Method Pain Science Fitocracy Jonathan Strange Mr. Norrell ART Super Training

In this episode I chat with Joseph Brigleague of Brigleague Fitness.  Joe, is currently in grad school for exercise science but we chat about how he has found time to stay sane with all the work and juggle clients, nutrition, sleep, and life.  We discuss his training philosophy and how he works to teach habits and how to build them to achieve your goals.  Also chat a little about his hate for running and his weakness of hitting the snooze button.   Links: Brigleague Fitness How to Make Fitness Fun  

In this interview I talk with Brian Compton of Fact and Fitness.  Brian is a young trainer who is an online Fitocracy Team Fitness coach as well through his own site.  Brian is a graduate of the program offered from Metabolic Effect in Winston-Salem, NC.  The “eat less, exercise more” idea for fat loss isn’t just flawed, it’s broken.  Rapid weight loss efforts lead to 95% of dieters regaining the weight back within a year of dieting, and 66% weighing more than when they started the diet.  I prefer to take a more sustainable approach to fat loss with my online clients.  I don’t believe in providing meal plans for my clients, either.  Done-for-you diets never work.  Instead, I educate my clients and provide them with the tools they need to setup a long-term meal plan (lifestyle) they can follow effortlessly, long after our time concludes together. In this episode we discuss: Metabolic Effect Brian's first positive experience with a client Who inspired Brian  His goals Where he got his Fantasy Football name His

In this episode I read another blog post as an audio essay. This episode goes over the time I followed the Paleo diet and how I turned into a zealot for it.     If you like this episode please subscribe to us on iTunes and leave us a review!     Links: Blog Jordan Syatt Nia Shanks Book

In this episode I interview Bryan Krahn.  Bryan was the associate editor for T-Nation for four years and has also written for Bodybuilding.com, Daily Burn, Muscle and Fitness, Men's Health and many more.  Bryan hails from Canada but has spent a good portion of time in NYC training clients, writing, and chiseling a great body well into his early 40s. Bryan is a no non-sense guy and has the drive seen in many of the old bodybuilding types.  Get in, hit it hard, and get out.   In this episode we discuss: Bryan's greatest challenges in his life The greatest hockey movie ever made The rebirth of hockey in his hometown of Winnipeg The Alpha Male and what has caused men today to find that so appealing Old school body building tricks or tips that we should strive to bring back The people who inspire Bryan Best advice he has received that has impacted his career Tips turning a negative into a positive His advice to new trainers Personality types of clients and how to learn to work with everyone The two people who hav

In this episode I interview Stephanie Lee a bodybuilding.com editor, gamer, and all around geek.  Stephanie hails from California. Growing up as a sports-loving and weight-toting video games nerd, she earned her degree in clinical nutrition from the University of California, Davis. She left the world of video game writing for the world of fitness and started a Fitcoracy group dedicated to geeks/gamers who are trying to get fit called Fit Geek Nation. In this episode we discuss: Fit Geek Nation How she got started in writing for video games then why she moved back to fitness Her favorite video games Why she started a group to help fellow geeks Peanut butter vs coffee Her inspiriations Her YouTube channel Her goals in writing and her goals in fitness Video game manuals and why do they not exist anymore Links Fit Geek Nation Stephanie's Bodybuilding.com Articles FitNGeeky   Stephanie can be found on Instagram and Twitter at SuperLEE7.    

In this episode I interview Matt Dustin of The Athletic Physique.  Matt is earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, took an internship with the Under Armour Sports Performance Center and has been a personal trainer since 2011.  He has worked with clientele of all shapes and sizes, including several Division 1 NCAA athletes, figure and physique competitors, and even a lingerie model.  In this episode we discuss: How sports influences Matts training His upcoming Fitocracy online coaching class starting November 3 Reverse dieting Who inspirses him in the fitness and non-fitness world Mass Effect 3 Captain America His failures and what he learned from them His goals for the future as both a trainer and athlete Links Matt's Website Layne Norton Fitocracy Tim Ferriss Under Armor Performance Center  

In this episode I interview Jessi Kneeland of Remodel Fitness. Jessi was voted one of the top 30 individuals under 30 in the fitness industry by Fitocracy in 2014.  In this episode we discuss: Jessi's philosophy as a trainer and how she developed that  Growing up in a rural area Struggles we both experienced while living in NYC pursuing acting careers The meaning of her tattoo on her forearm Is there something men just do not get about women and weight loss What challenges her What inspires her How she got her start and moved from theater to fitness Her greatest failure and success in her young career Her take on the issues of body image and how the media seems to perpetuate that or drive it A little discussion on seasons or sometimes the lack thereof of an actual autumn in NYC We also talk a little about a great commencment speech from 2005 that has inspired her called This is Water.  Check this out as it gives some great advice on find peace and calm and joy in our constant overly stressed life. Links: T

In this episode I do a short audio essay of a blog post from the website on why I train and the purpose behind it.

In this episode I interview Jason from Anyman Fitness.  Jason is a middle school math teacher but when he is not teaching basic algebra he is helping clients lose weight and gain muscle and strength.  In this episode we discuss where Jason is from, how he got his start on his road to weight loss and what inspired him to start his blog and coaching on Fitocracy.  We also discuss his theories on weight loss, what motivates Jason, how he uses math to help clients and how his teaching of teenagers helps him as a coach.  We touch on lean gains and some of the pioneers in that style of weight loss and muscle gain as well as a little forray into Intermittent Fasting. Jason has a new fitness class starting on Fitocracy next week.  And is also posting a new blog post about Moms who kick ass. Links for references from the show: http://www.leangains.com/ http://anymanfitness.com/ http://fitocracy.com/