Best Ec Synkowski Podcasts (2025)

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Fuel for the Long Haul — EC Synkowski on Simple, Science-Backed Nutrition (Rebroadcast) 54:05

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16d ago54:05

54:05

Nutrition advice is everywhere — and most of it overcomplicates what should be simple. In this replay, EC Synkowski, founder of Optimize Me Nutrition and creator of the 800-Gram Challenge, shares a refreshingly practical approach to fueling performance, recovery, and longevity. She’s coached CrossFit athletes, corporate teams, and everyday movers —…

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Stronger for Life: The 5 Key Lifts, Load Programming, and Fitness Markers for Strength That Lasts a Lifetime 1:53:38

1d ago1:53:38

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After 60 years in the weight room, Dan John has distilled fitness down to its essence: Move well. Lift often. Walk every day. Recover deeply. In this conversation, Dan joins host Kush Khandelwal to share the universal rules for staying strong and mobile through every decade — especially for climbers, runners, and outdoor athletes looking to balance…

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77% of People Miss This About Exercise (And It's Not What You Think) 32:34

1d ago32:34

32:34

😊 GYMS: Sign up for the Next Challenge on the Three Pillars Method App We're discussing effective training strategies that prioritize effort over perfection, with a focus on how you can enhance your fitness. Gain insights into the importance of consistency, variety, and challenging yourself across different types of workouts, regardless of specific…

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The Nutrition Book That Doesn't Oversell, Overcomplicate, or Overlook the Real Problem 32:25

9d ago32:25

32:25

😊 GYMS: Sign up for the Next Challenge on the Three Pillars Method App We're discussing the key takeaways from Kevin Hall's book, "Food Intelligence," which explores the complex relationship between food, health, and our behaviors. You'll gain insights into why our eating habits are influenced more by our environment than personal control, and how …

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Seven Years in a Subaru — From the Deep South to Himalayan Summits: Discipline, Focus, and the Fire That Never Fades 1:50:11

9d ago1:50:11

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Imagine growing up in the conservative Deep South, where young women were expected to play it safe Now imagine trading that world for Himalayan storms, frozen walls, and a seven-year stretch of living out of a Subaru to chase something bigger. Kitty Calhoun did exactly that. She became the first North American woman to summit Dhaulagiri and the fir…

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Holiday Fitness Survival Guide | Episode 27 25:20

14d ago25:20

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Send me a text The holidays are right around the corner, and with them come travel, parties, family gatherings, and plenty of seasonal treats. It’s a fun time of year, but it can also bring a lot of stress when it comes to sticking to your fitness routine and healthy habits. If you’ve ever felt like your progress disappears every November and Decem…

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Beat Anabolic Resistance: Train Hard, Eat 0.7 g/lb Protein, Win 22:51

15d ago22:51

22:51

😊 GYMS: Sign up for the Next Challenge on the Three Pillars Method App We're discussing anabolic resistance and its impact on muscle mass as we age. Gain insights into how factors like protein intake and exercise play critical roles in combating muscle loss, and understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. 🔗 Get full show notes THE…

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Ice Miles, Shark Teeth, and the Longest Battle of Her Life: At 59, Charlotte Brynn Shares Her Path to Flow and Mastery 1:30:56

22d ago1:30:56

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At 59, Charlotte Brynn has swum across some of the world’s most punishing channels — in pitch black, in near-freezing water, and even after being bitten by a shark. But her story is more than toughness. It’s about what happens when you don’t reach your goal — not once, but five times. It’s about staying in the fight for 12 years to complete the Eng…

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Animal vs. Plant Protein: Why Total Protein Beats the Hype 22:22

22d ago22:22

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😊 GYMS: Sign up for the Next Challenge on the Three Pillars Method App We're exploring the debate over animal versus plant protein in building muscle and overall nutrition. We emphasize the importance of total protein intake rather than its source, highlighting that both animal and plant proteins can effectively support muscle growth. 🔗 Get full sh…

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The Space Between Breaths: Everest, Whitewater, and Aging Boldly — at 56, Erik Still Trusts the Outdoors as His Greatest Teacher 1:36:03

29d ago1:36:03

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What does it take to climb into the unknown — when you can’t see the way forward? Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most accomplished adventure athletes of our time. The first blind person to summit Mount Everest, he has since climbed the Seven Summits, led expeditions around the world, and kayaked the full 277 miles of the Grand Canyon. Now 56, Erik …

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The Mirror Method: Why Your Body Fat Percentage Doesn't Matter (But This Question Does) 55:27

30d ago55:27

55:27

We're discussing the importance of asking better questions related to health and fitness as a means to achieve more meaningful results. Gain insights into how shifting your focus from metrics like body fat percentage to actionable questions can lead to improved outcomes in your wellness journey. THE THREE PILLARS METHOD APP 📲 Ready to develop a per…

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Exercising with Hypermobility and EDS: What to Avoid and What to Do Instead | Episode 26 33:23

30d ago33:23

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Send me a text In this episode of Talk Your Abs Off, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, a physical therapist who specializes in working with patients living with hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Together, we break down what hypermobility and EDS really mean, how they show up in patients and clients, and why it’s so important to und…

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In the Media: Performance Snacks, Blood Sugar Walks, & Team Potato 34:39

1M ago34:39

34:39

Reviewing some recent headlines that came across our desk, we're talking about the benefits of Rice Krispies for endurance athletes, the impact of short walks on blood glucose levels, and the health implications of consuming fried potatoes. 🔗 Get full show notes THE THREE PILLARS METHOD APP 📲 Ready to develop a personalized nutrition plan that last…

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Out of the Box at 75: Joan & Doug Are Ultra-Athletes Rewriting Aging — with Smarter Training, Adaptive Nutrition, and Bold Reinvention — Together 1:43:07

1M ago1:43:07

1:43:07

What does it look like to age curiously, train smarter, and build a life of meaning—together? Meet Joan Weisberg-Beyerlein and Doug Beyerlein: partners in life, love, and adventure. At 75, Joan is training for a 10-mile open water swim in Vermont. Doug is still running ultramarathons and logging 3-hour trail runs for fun. Between them, they’ve over…

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Sonnie Trotter Goes All In: Risk Demands Conviction, Balancing Family Doesn’t Mean Dimming the Fire, And, Reverse-Engineering Goals Turns Dreams Into Reality 1:28:40

1M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

What does it take to bet everything on a dream? To live out of a van before it was fashionable, to commit to hard lines with no guarantee of success, and to walk away from risk when the stakes are too high? For Canadian climber Sonnie Trotter, it has always come down to conviction. From iconic ascents like Cobra Crack and The Path to bold multi-pit…

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The One Answer That Solves Most Nutrition Questions (And Why I Repeat It So Much) 1:35:52

1M ago1:35:52

1:35:52

In this replay from EC’s recent appearance on the CrossFit Podcast, we're discussing the complexities of nutrition and how our pursuit of perfection can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. EC and Denise Thomas discuss the importance of striking a balance between quality and quantity in our diets, enabling you to make more informed nutritional…

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16 Knee Surgeries to Warren Miller Stardom: The Real Secrets to Healing, Purpose, and "Never Giving Up" 1:51:10

2M ago1:51:10

1:51:10

What does it take to come back after a body-breaker of an injury—not once, but sixteen times? Chris Anthony is a legendary ski athlete, filmmaker, and adventurer who has stared down more than his fair share of wipeouts, surgeries, and life-altering setbacks. But instead of fading quietly from the spotlight, Chris rebuilt. Physically. Mentally. Spir…

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"I Don't Care What Your Goals Are": The Counterintuitive Coaching Method That Works 43:15

2M ago43:15

43:15

Alongside Spencer Nix from the Behavior & Performance Research Institute, we're discussing a counterintuitive coaching method that focuses on behavior change and the importance of motivational interviewing in fostering client relationships. You'll gain insights into how to effectively engage with clients, leading to deeper transformations and lasti…

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#90 Survival Is Not Assured (Part II): Partnerships, Loss, and the Human Cost of Bold Alpinism 1:15:30

2M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Last week in Part I, we began our journey with legendary alpinist Jim Donini — exploring his surprise cancer diagnosis, his early days in Yosemite, and the philosophy that has defined his career: “Getting to the top is optional. Getting back down is mandatory.” In this second part of our conversation, we turn from the mountains themselves to the hu…

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Eliminate This One Food Category, And Double Your Weight Loss (New Study) 25:18

2M ago25:18

25:18

We're discussing the impact of ultra-processed foods on weight loss and unpacking recent headlines suggesting that eliminating these foods can double your weight loss. You’ll gain insights into how dietary guidelines can promote healthier eating habits and why understanding calorie intake is crucial. After you listen, you'll see that the core simpl…

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Eat More, Diet Less: The 800g Challenge for Healthy Eating with EC Synkowski | Episode 25 32:33

2M ago32:33

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Send me a text Are you tired of complicated diets, food rules, and nutrition overwhelm? My guest today, EC Synkowski, Licensed Dietician Nutritionist and founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition, is here to simplify things with her famous 800g Challenge. The 800g Challenge is a straightforward yet powerful way to improve your nutrition—by focusing on adding…

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#89 Survival Is Not Assured: An 82-Year-Old Alpinist on Choosing the Hardest Lines, Why Summits Are Optional, and Why You Must Look Ahead Despite All Odds 50:13

2M ago50:13

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For more than five decades, Jim Donini has defined what it means to be an alpinist. Not by chasing the tallest mountains or summit glory, but by seeking out the hardest lines in the world’s most remote ranges — places where storms, hunger, and survival itself are never guaranteed. Now at 82, Jim is still climbing, still dreaming, and still teaching…

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The $400 Shot That Might Be Doing Nothing: Inside the Peptide Craze Sweeping Wellness 23:01

2M ago23:01

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We're exploring the peptide craze sweeping the wellness industry and unpacking their potential benefits and risks. You’ll gain insights into popular peptides like BPC 157 and TB 500, along with an understanding of the current lack of robust clinical evidence supporting their use. 🔗 Get full show notes THE THREE PILLARS METHOD APP 📲 Ready to develop…

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#88 Whales, Bears, and the Will to Return: What Two Solo Voyages Through Alaska Taught Her About Risk, Resilience, and a Fragile Wild 1:47:44

2M ago1:47:44

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At age 49, Susan Marie Conrad paddled 1,200 miles—alone—through the remote, storm-swept waters of the Alaskan Inside Passage. Twelve years later, at 61, she went back and did it again. In this powerful conversation, Susan shares what it means to return—not just to the same wild coastline, but as a different person. We unpack what changes when you c…

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5 Lessons from Netflix's Biggest Loser Doc (& Why Weight Loss Maintenance is Harder Than We Think) 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

We're exploring lessons from the Netflix documentary on "The Biggest Loser" and its implications for weight loss and health. You’ll gain practical lessons on sustainable weight management, the importance of understanding your eating habits, and the role of physical activity in maintaining weight loss. 🔗 Get full show notes THE THREE PILLARS METHOD …

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Healthy Eating Made Simple: MyPlate vs. the Food Pyramid | Episode 24 10:17

3M ago10:17

10:17

Send me a text Remember the old food pyramid from school? Big stacks of bread and pasta at the bottom, and fats at the tiny top? Nutrition advice has come a long way since then—and MyPlate is here to make healthy eating simpler, more balanced, and a whole lot easier to follow. In this episode, I break down: Why the old food pyramid was confusing (a…

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Keto vs. High-Carb: Which is Better for CrossFit? 30:46

3M ago30:46

30:46

We're discussing the latest research on nutrition for CrossFitters and how it impacts performance. You'll gain insights into the dietary habits and supplement usage of CrossFit athletes, including the effectiveness of high-carb versus keto diets. 🔗 Get full show notes THE THREE PILLARS METHOD APP 📲 Ready to develop a personalized nutrition plan tha…

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#87 Be Badass Every Day: From 1970s Skate Rebel to World Champion at 65 — How Judi Oyama Outlasts Everybody 1:09:30

3M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

At 65, Judi Oyama is still lining up at the start gate — not in a “Masters” category, but shoulder-to-shoulder with athletes half, or even a quarter her age. She’s a World Champion slalom skateboarder, a Guiness record holder, a Hall of Fame inductee, and a pioneer who’s been breaking barriers since she first picked up a board in Santa Cruz in the …

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The High-Protein Kidney Myth (And What the Science Actually Says) 22:18

3M ago22:18

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We're discussing the relationship between high-protein diets and kidney health, unpacking common myths and the science behind protein consumption. You'll gain insights into safe protein intake levels and learn which populations should be cautious with their protein consumption. After you listen, you'll understand the core simplification that high p…

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#86 The Movement Optimist Returns: Strong Hips, Stable Ankles, Happy Feet—Extending Performance and Moving Without Fear 1:28:59

3M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Physiotherapist, coach, and lifelong climber Andy McVittie is back for the final chapter of our three-part deep dive into aging well, moving well, and living without fear of injury. If you haven’t listened to Part I (The Movement Optimist: Knees, Shoulders, Elbows, Hips, Bulletproof Yourself! Never Late to Get Strong!) or Part II (Aging Joints & Gr…

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How Movement Saved Her Life: A Widow’s Story of Cancer, Caregiving, and Finding Herself Again | Episode 23 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

Send me a text What happens when your entire world falls apart—twice? In this powerful episode, I sit down with author, cancer survivor, and widow Stacy Ryan, who shares her personal journey through caregiving, loss, and ultimately, healing. Stacy opens up about what it was like to face her own cancer diagnosis, then care for her husband through hi…

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#85 No Finish Line in Sight: On Pain, Joy, and the Lifelong Pursuit of What Matters Most - Best of Q2, 2025 1:36:54

3M ago1:36:54

1:36:54

Every few months, I pause to reflect on the conversations that left a mark—ones I keep thinking about long after the recording stops. This episode is a curated collection of those moments from Spring 2025. You’ll hear stories that go beyond performance. These are reflections on resilience, identity, aging, and the human drive to keep exploring what…

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Five Minute Answers: Food Sequencing & Women's Cardio Myths, Plus Biohacker BS 29:54

3M ago29:54

29:54

We're unpacking common myths around food sequencing, exercise, and nutrition for women, while addressing listener questions about dietary advice and fitness practices. You'll gain insights into the complexities of weight loss, the importance of cardiovascular exercise, and the real impact of food order on your health. 🔗 Get full show notes THE THRE…

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#84 The Deep End: What Cold Oceans, Swollen Throats, and the Edge of the Map Reveal About Endurance, Identity, and the Mind’s Breaking Point 1:07:49

3M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

In Part II of our deep conversation, Andy Donaldson takes us into the heart of open water swimming—where the body aches, the mind wanders, and sometimes… things go wrong. We pick up the story after his return to the sport. But this time, it's different. Andy isn’t chasing medals—he’s chasing meaning. And the path leads him through shark-infested wa…

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5 Lessons from “The Comfort Crisis”: Why Everything Feels Difficult Now (& How to Fix It) 30:29

3M ago30:29

30:29

We're unpacking the key lessons from Michael Easter's book, The Comfort Crisis, and exploring how modern comforts have impacted our lives. You’ll gain insights into why embracing discomfort can lead to greater resilience, better health, and improved mental well-being. After you listen, you'll understand that taking on challenges is essential for pe…

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#83 The Comeback: A Former Accountant’s Journey Back to The Water- And to The Pinnacle of the World of Open Water Swimming 1:11:00

3M ago1:11:00

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What does it take to walk away from something you’ve trained for your entire life… and then find your way back — stronger, wiser, and with a whole new purpose? In this two-part conversation, we sit down with world-record-holding swimmer Andy Donaldson. But Part One isn’t about records. It’s about the reset — the season of burnout, career shifts, me…

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You're Drowning in Sodium (And Here's The Likely Source) 27:52

4M ago27:52

27:52

We're discussing the excessive sodium intake common in the average American diet and its impact on health. You'll gain insights into the sources of sodium, how it affects your blood pressure, and practical tips for managing your intake. After you listen, you'll understand the essential distinction between sodium and salt, simplifying your approach …

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Cold Plunges & Cryotherapy: Are the Benefits Worth the Chill? | Episode 22 17:59

4M ago17:59

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Send me a text Are cold plunges and cryotherapy truly helping your recovery—or just giving you the chills? In this episode of Talk Your Abs Off, we're diving deep into the icy waters of cold therapy. Once promoted by Dr. Gabe Mirkin—creator of the famous R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)—ice was later removed from his own recomm…

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#82 Climbing the World’s Hardest Big Wall by Sailboat — How Living Your Values Elevates the Goal, and Why the Right Partner Makes It Possible 1:43:54

4M ago1:43:54

1:43:54

Seb Berthe isn't your average elite climber. He doesn’t just send 5.14s—he sails to them. Literally. When he set his sights on the Dawn Wall—the hardest big wall climb in the world—he refused to fly, instead making three ocean crossings by sailboat, living simply and training creatively along the way. In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we …

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In the Media: 3 Yogurts a Day, the GLP-1 Diet, & “Functional” Foods 28:57

4M ago28:57

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We're discussing some latest research on gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and the rise of functional foods. You'll gain insights into how yogurt and probiotics might impact your health, as well as the nutritional challenges faced by users of GLP-1 medications. 🔗 Get full show notes THE THREE PILLARS METHOD APP 📲 Ready to develop a personalized nu…

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#81 How a World Champion Found New Strength—And the Habits That Help Jamie Whitmore Stay Fast, Focused, and Fired Up at 49 1:48:07

4M ago1:48:07

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What happens when your life as an elite athlete is stripped away—and you’re forced to rebuild, not just your body, but your identity? In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jamie Whitmore—a world-class endurance athlete whose story is less about podiums and more about persistence. Jamie was once one of the most dominant XTERRA race…

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Why Women Get Swindled: The Ugly Truth About Body Image in the Fitness Industry 41:20

4M ago41:20

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We're discussing the impact of body image and societal pressures on women within the fitness industry this week with Aram Grigorian. We examine how these factors contribute to unhealthy behaviors and promote misinformation, while emphasizing the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with food and physical activity. After you listen, you'…

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Bodybuilding After 40: Erika Sweeney’s Story | Episode 21 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

Send me a text In this episode of Talk Your Abs Off, host Abby Clapper sits down with the incredible Erika Sweeney - a bodybuilder who shares her inspiring journey into the world of bodybuilding at the age of 45.. Erika shares her empowering journey of discovering bodybuilding later in life, what drew her to the sport, and how it transformed her bo…

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#80 Lexicon, Boldness, and the Long Game: Training Smarter, Climbing Harder, Peaking Late—Because Age Doesn’t Matter 1:54:19

4M ago1:54:19

1:54:19

What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further? For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon, a bold and beautiful E11 route he developed and climbed later in life. In this conversation, Neil shares the full story—from discovering the line in the Lake District to the…

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The Microplastic Mystery: Are These Tiny Particles Actually Harming You? 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

We're discussing microplastics and their pervasive presence in our environment, food, and water. We explore their potential health risks and practical strategies to reduce exposure in your daily life. After you listen, you'll understand the complexities surrounding microplastics and gain actionable insights to make informed choices about minimizing…

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Yoga for Strength, Stress, and Self-Care | Episode 20 33:11

4M ago33:11

33:11

Send me a text In this episode of Talk Your Abs Off, I sit down with fellow yoga instructor Dani Carapellucci to dive deep into how yoga fits into a well-rounded fitness routine. Whether you're focused on weight loss, improving your strength, or just trying to find peace of mind in a busy world—this conversation is for you. We explore the fitness b…

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Five Minute Answers: Vegan Muscle Growth, Food Diversity, Blue Light Glasses, & More 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

We're answering your questions about the impact of various diets on muscle growth, the role of inflammation in exercise recovery, and the effectiveness of blue light glasses. You'll gain insights into how vegan and omnivore diets compare in terms of muscle protein synthesis, and you'll learn about the potential trade-offs of using NSAIDs for pain m…

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#79 From Olympian to Freeskiing Pioneer to DJ: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Identity—and What It Reveals About Inner Strength, Transformation, and Living with Wonder 1:44:22

4M ago1:44:22

1:44:22

Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity and disordered eating, and quietly unraveling inside a system that prized performance over well-being. This could’ve been the …

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#78 When the Gear Might Not Hold: Cutting-Edge Rock Climbing at 74, Mentorship Across Generations, and Why Boldness and Growth Don’t Have an Age Limit 1:52:21

5M ago1:52:21

1:52:21

What does it mean to stay bold — not in your 20s or 30s, but in your 70s? What does it take to trust your body, your judgment, and your preparation when the stakes are high — and there’s no one left to impress but yourself? In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we meet Rob Matheson, a climber who recently completed one of the UK’s most legendary and …

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Why The Viral “Sugar Diet” Isn't As Sweet As It Seems 26:37

5M ago26:37

26:37

We're explaining the viral “sugar diet” and its claims about rapid fat loss through high carbohydrate consumption. You'll gain insights into the potential risks of such diets and the importance of long-term sustainability in nutrition. After you listen, you'll understand why quick fixes often fall short and how focusing on balanced, enjoyable eatin…