Beyond Fit

First edition of a new segment where I do a book review each month. This month its Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Find out the difference between how manipulation, aspiration, and inspiration are utilized. Learn what Why truly means and how it aligns with our deepest desires and values. Find out why Apple is Simon's biggest example of a company that embodies Why.

Find Start With Why on Amazon: https://amzn.to/33a7DsS

Get "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan Peterson, October's book of the month: https://amzn.to/2MenJdW

When I became curious about the effects of different hormones on the body, I started to do some research. I still had some questions, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for a conversation with my friend Mike Gibbs from Elite Fitness Now. Mike is a nurse practitioner, strength and conditioning coach, and yoga instructor, he has lots of experience surrounding exercise and nutrition as well as other relevant areas that are tied into these two such as mental health. He also has a great deal of knowledge on hormones. Our discussion was, to my delight more wide ranging than I anticipated. I hope you enjoy!

Topics covered in addition to those mentioned in title: psychological attraction to food, the ketogenic diet, the glycemic index, why Mike is not a fan of grains (but is a fan of getting enough carbs in the diet), body-fat percentages, insulin resistance and diabetes.

Mike's website: https://www.elitefitnessnow.com/

Elite Fitness Now Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitefitness.now/

Mentioned/Relevant:

Hormones- affect bodily processes and take place in organs.

Catabolic Hormones: convert muscle into energy, reduce inflammation, and stop immune response.  (A common catabolic hormone is Cortisol which is the "stress hormone" known for breaking down muscle. Mike discusses on the podcast why we still need SOME cortisol despite its negative connotation.)

Anabolic Hormones: essentially do the opposite of catabolic hormones, especially stimulating muscle growth and bone density. (Among these are Testosterone (male sex hormone), Estrogen (female sex hormone), and Insulin which takes sugar out of blood and send it into cells (Mike and I talk a lot about insulin.)

Neurotransmitters- neural connections that take place in the brain. (Examples are the "feel good chemical" Serotonin, the fight or flight chemical Adrenaline (Epinephrine and Norepinephrine), and Dopamine (compulsion, rewards, pleasure, habit/addiction)

The Sympathetic Nervous System- Parasympathetic (relaxation) and Sympathetic (release of Adrenaline, increased heart rate, etc.)

Takeaways- a good exercise, diet, and sleep routine will take you where you need to be in the aspect of having healthy hormones for the most part. Many men above 40 would benefit from hormone replacement therapy, I know I will look into this at a later age!

The second edition of Big Idea Saturday. Here I talk about why not to always trust societal norms and why to look at your life in the context of what will matter years down the line and not in immediacy.

This one I was really excited about as I've been wanting to talk to A.N. ever since reading his book back in February. It was a huge help in the quest to ween myself off of my phone and the internet more and more. In this podcast we discussed many of the overarching themes of the book including what makes breaking habits surrounding the internet and social media so difficult, the manipulative powers of advertising that largely run the internet, how social media affects our generation and society as a whole, and other modes of internet stimulation like pornography. Lastly- we ended with some actionable tips to curb your addictive habits!

Contact: [email protected]

Buy "Trapped in The Web": https://amzn.to/2l401HF

We've all felt that our worries and anxieties are invalid at times. Especially when compared to those of generations and eras before us. Today I describe why our struggles are valid and what the three main components we struggle with everyday are. In addition- I share how I attempt to overcome my personal struggles daily.

Tommy O'Keeffe joins the show to talk about what it's like to be an up and coming country artist in Nashville. We talked about the importance of networking, consistency, and branding when it comes to finding success in a creative outlet and much more!

Tommy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommy_okeeffe/

Tommy's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5s83hRM1GEi2b1DiSmK8My

Environment goes beyond the physical and is everything that impacts and surrounds you on a day to day basis. How is social media impacting your environment and how can you curb its effects? Listen in to find out!

Today on the show I was joined by Lawrence Neal. Lawrence helps High Intensity Training Businesses thrive by providing them with guidance and invaluable information. Our discussion centered around our shared interests in personal development and the personalities that we admire from that realm as well as our shared virtues like honesty, open-mindedness, and persistence. Don't worry- Lawrence and I got down to business too and discussed how he came upon his niche, how he has gone about making pivots in his entrepreneurial life, and what High Intensity Training encompasses. Thanks so much for joining me Lawrence!

High Intensity Business Website: https://highintensitybusiness.com/

High Intensity Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highintensitybusiness/