Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

🧱 What can a pixelated video game about punching trees teach us about fitness, mindset, and life momentum?

In this solo episode, I break down surprising parallels between Minecraft and the real-life pursuit of meaningful goals—especially in fitness, health, and career. Whether you’ve never played the game or you’re an everyday adventurer, this episode will help you rethink how momentum, creativity, and connection show up in your day-to-day life.

From surviving your “spawn point” in fitness to building with what you’ve got—even when zombies (or real-life setbacks) come—this is your reminder that the path to progress isn’t perfect, but it is possible.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Hear:

* Why “just punching trees” is a metaphor for starting before you feel ready

* How to shift from survival mode to creative problem-solving

* The surprising power of multiplayer mode in real life

* What fitness momentum looks like (and how to build it without motivation)

* How to celebrate wins without derailing your goals

* A heartfelt story about friendship, consistency, and meaningful connection

* Why setbacks don’t mean failure—and how resilience compounds

📱 Let’s Connect:

* Instagram – @christianliddle

* Podcast Page – Chasing Common Ground

🎧 Timestamps:00:00 – Minecraft and the “spawn point” of life02:00 – What starting really looks like (and why most overthink it)05:00 – Creative mode vs survival mindset07:00 – Real-life coaching and the shift from surviving to thriving13:00 – Building castles: how small wins compound23:00 – Why momentum > motivation28:00 – Real-world meal prep advice35:00 – Why multiplayer (aka connection) leads to deeper progress38:00 – A story about Jimmy and lifelong friendships45:00 – What zombies teach us about setbacks48:00 – Rebuilding isn’t optional—so start anyway

💬 Quote of the Episode:"The next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, just punch the first tree. Take one step, lay one block, and you'll be surprised how fast it builds."

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr. Ashley Dwyer to dive into hormone health and its common misconceptions. Dr. Dwyer breaks down the importance of lifestyle choices over quick fixes and provides actionable advice for managing hormones like cortisol and insulin. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the wellness industry, ways to combine scientific evidence with practical advice, and strategies for maintaining consistency in health routines while traveling. Additionally, Dr. Dwyer shares her personal evolution in health practices and future career aspirations, emphasizing the significant impact of critical thinking and removing misinformation. Listen in for an insightful discussion on improving your health with practical, science-backed solutions.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Diving into Hormone Health

01:30 Actionable Tips for Hormone Health

03:23 The Importance of Integrity in the Industry

07:22 Critical Thinking in Health and Wellness

11:50 Evolving Views on Health and Fitness

21:57 Maintaining Health While Traveling

27:21 The Importance of Adherence and Consistency

27:52 Balancing Fitness Goals with Life

29:23 Celebrating Small Wins

31:41 Personal Reflections on Success

41:37 Future Goals and Aspirations

50:32 The Power of Social Media Influence

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Allan Bacon, fitness coach, industry educator, and founder of Maui Athletics. Known for his calm, no-BS approach to health, Dr. Bacon unpacks the often overwhelming world of fitness advice—and how to navigate it without burning out.

From breaking down creatine myths to managing stress and building realistic habits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s tired of fad diets, influencer overload, and guilt-based coaching.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for clarity or a seasoned lifter struggling to balance real life with real health, you’ll walk away with perspective, practical tools, and a bit more peace of mind.

🔑 Topics We Cover

How to spot bad diet advice before it ruins your progress

The truth about creatine—and why most people misunderstand it

The emotional side of coaching and behaviour change

How marketing fuels confusion in fitness

Why stress and social dynamics matter more than macros

What makes a coach actually valuable in the long run

Saying no to alcohol and peer pressure without guilt

Sustainable routines vs. chasing perfection

⏱️ Full Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Meet Dr. Allan Bacon: from dentistry to fitness coaching

01:30 – Why “dumb” diet advice feels so believable

05:31 – Marketing vs. science: what’s really shaping your decisions

14:12 – Using AI to create more human coaching relationships

18:44 – Creatine: who it helps, who it doesn’t, and what the research says

26:11 – Habit-building when life feels chaotic

34:56 – Letting go of the all-or-nothing trap

35:35 – Designing routines that actually support your goals

37:17 – How to support someone trying to live healthier

38:16 – What to do when people criticize your lifestyle

42:05 – Internal vs. external pressure: learning to say no

45:44 – The power of intentional living in your health journey

51:07 – Facing the hard stuff: why you’re more ready than you think

53:06 – What a great coach does (and what they don’t)

56:43 – Social pressure and alcohol: how to opt out gracefully

01:01:11 – Final insights and encouragement from Dr. Bacon

🔍 Why This Episode Matters

In a world full of loud voices, quick fixes, and unrealistic expectations, Dr. Allan Bacon offers a grounded, science-based, and deeply human approach to health. He’s not selling you hype. He’s helping you reclaim clarity, confidence, and compassion in your journey.

📌 Don’t Miss This If You’ve Ever:

Felt stuck trying to “do everything right” and still not getting results

Wondered if supplements like creatine are worth it (or safe)

Wanted to build a better relationship with food and fitness—without burning out

Struggled with pressure to drink, eat, or live a certain way around others

🎙️ Subscribe to Chasing Common Ground wherever you get your podcasts, and follow along for more grounded conversations about health, purpose, and real life.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Allan Bacon:

Instagram: @drallanbacon

Website: www.mauiathletics.com

In this special episode, Chris reconnects with longtime friend and fitness coach Alex McBrairty. Over the past four to five years, Chris and Alex have shared numerous conversations, making Alex a vital part of the show's community. Today, they dive deep into the challenges and barriers to change, motivation, and the importance of context in progress. Alex shares insights on combating perfectionism, dealing with weight fluctuations, and the significance of maintaining a minimum activity plan (MAP). They also discuss the psychological aspects of self-efficacy, community support, and the power of emotional state in achieving fitness goals. Chris and Alex provide personal anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate how transformative the journey of self-improvement can be. Tune in to discover the hidden skills needed to maintain progress, even when the going gets tough. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness, mindset, or overall quality of life, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:20 Discussing the Concept of Change

03:46 The Role of Motivation in Change

06:55 Perfectionism and Its Pitfalls

09:31 Real-Life Examples of Imperfect Workouts

18:14 The Importance of Personalized Coaching

29:25 The Challenges of Being a Teacher

29:39 The Importance of Health and Mobility

30:16 Fears of Losing Progress

30:42 Dealing with Scale Fixation

32:40 Reflecting on Personal Achievements

34:16 The Role of Travel and Fitness

35:06 Understanding Weight Fluctuations

44:52 The Power of Community and Support

53:43 The Impact of Identity on Progress

58:33 Final Thoughts and Motivation

In this episode I'm talking to Jayme Shiarla, a coach dedicated to helping high achievers escape burnout and realign their success with genuine happiness. I connected with her at the Real Coaches Summit I attended a few weeks ago and she had a great down-to-earth energy that really resonated with me. Jayme shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of building a life driven by strength rather than mere survival.

Discover the power of quotes that have transformed her life by supporting her and buying her book here:

https://coachjayme.com/beyondthewords

Jamie also tackles the loneliness high achievers often face, and offers actionable advice on building meaningful connections. Tune in to learn how to slow down, be present, and truly enjoy life. Don't miss out on this fast-paced, introspective and deep-thinking conversation!

Follow Jayme here:

https://www.instagram.com/jaymethecoach/

00:00 Introduction to Jayme and Her Mission

01:33 Jamie's Book: A Journey of Quotes and Resilience

04:27 Understanding Burnout and Identity Loss

06:58 Balancing Work and Personal Life

09:06 Finding Purpose Beyond Work

13:15 Navigating Success and Happiness

18:54 The Illusion of Material Success

29:09 The True Meaning of Self-Care

35:10 Defending the Bubble Bath

35:24 Reflections on Float Tanks

36:35 The Importance of Context in Self-Care

37:41 Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep

38:50 The Value of Evening Walks

39:15 Balancing Work and Personal Life

40:55 The Struggles of High Achievers

44:44 Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation

47:57 The Importance of Intentional Connections

53:03 Finding Purpose in Everyday Actions

54:18 Slowing Down to Speed Up

01:03:04 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the critical question of whether it's possible to understand someone you disagree with. Through a personal story from 2010 about my 'Free Hugs' initiative in Edmonton, I share my experiences regarding the importance of human connection, community, and empathy.

This episode reflects on the experiences of bridging differences, learning about others' perspectives, and the value of lifelong learning.

I believe that true understanding doesn't require agreement, and that in life we will find ourselves needing to be collaborative more than divisive if we want to progress and evolve in the right direction.

00:00 Introduction: Understanding Through Disagreement 01:37 A Story of Free Hugs 03:56 Lessons from Jiu-jitsu and Community 05:19 The Importance of Empathy and Connection 12:10 Navigating Polarization and Finding Common Ground 17:33 The Role of AI in Bridging Divides 19:31 Giving Back and Building Community 25:36 Conclusion: Building Common Ground

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Mike Howard, a fitness professional, author, and retreat organizer, to explore the power of human connection, travel, and personal growth.

Mike has been leading fitness retreats for years, creating life-changing experiences for participants by combining movement, mindfulness, and adventure in stunning destinations. We talk about how these retreats foster deep, meaningful relationships, how travel can push people out of their comfort zones, and what lessons he’s learned from running these events.

We also dive into the creative process, the reality of writing and publishing books, and the journey of content creation. Mike shares his experience with launching a YouTube channel and the challenges that come with putting yourself out there. If you’re someone who loves learning, growing, and embracing new challenges, you’ll get a ton out of this episode!

💡 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

00:55 – Mike’s Travel Adventures 🌎 ✈️02:04 – Retreats and the Power of Human Connection03:28 – How Group Dynamics Shape the Experience11:38 – The Character Traits of People Who Thrive on Retreats14:18 – Books That Have Made an Impact on Mike’s Life 📚18:21 – The Creative Process and Future Projects24:00 – The Reality of Writing and Publishing a Book ✍️25:38 – The Joy and Impact of Writing (Beyond Just Making Money)26:10 – The Value of Authentic Connections in Life and Business29:08 – Learning from Different Perspectives (Why Curiosity Matters)31:34 – Exploring Influential Authors and Books36:06 – The Journey of Content Creation and Expanding into YouTube 🎥38:54 – Embracing New Challenges and the Importance of Continuous Learning46:30 – Final Reflections and Mike’s Best Advice

📖 Books Mentioned in This Episode

* Lean Minded by Mike Howard – Amazon Link

* Master of Change by Brad Stulberg – Amazon Link

* Same As Ever by Morgan Housel – Amazon Link

* The Obvious Choice by Jonathan Goodman – Amazon Link

* The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – Amazon Link

* Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield – Amazon Link

* Plays Well with Others by Eric Barker – Amazon Link

* The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink – Amazon Link

🎥 Watch & Subscribe to Mike Howard’s YouTube Channel🔗 Lean Minded YouTube

📲 Connect with Mike Howard🌍 Website: www.leanminded.com📸 Instagram: @leanminded🐦 Twitter: @leanminded

📲 Connect with Me (Chris Liddle)🎙 Podcast: Chasing Common Ground (formerly The Lifestyle Chase)📸 Instagram: @christianliddle🎥 YouTube: Christian Liddle

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who would love the conversation! 🚀

In this special solo episode of Chasing Common Ground, I’m celebrating my 33rd birthday by taking a deep dive into my life experiences and answering some thought-provoking questions. I reflect on how my mindset has evolved from my 20s to now, including the shifts in my beliefs about career paths and the limitations I once placed on myself.

I share personal stories about overcoming my initial reluctance to travel, the daily habits that help me maintain a positive outlook, and the moments of career self-doubt that have challenged me along the way. I also explore the impact of unexpected decisions, the role of diversity in shaping my life, and how past influences continue to fuel my passions.

Using questions generated by ChatGPT, I offer an honest look at my journey so far, what I’ve learned, and where I hope to go next.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Birthday Special00:19 Reflecting on My 20s: Career Paths and Limiting Beliefs01:08 Advice to My Younger Self02:24 Surprising Daily Routines03:26 Personal Challenges and Career Struggles05:24 Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity07:51 Life-Changing Decisions09:54 Childhood Memories and Life Purpose13:05 Lessons and Future Advice14:36 Excitement for the Future16:22 Advice from My Future Self17:37 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode I get to reconnect with someone local to me, known internationally, the one and only Dean Somerset. Dean reflects on his journey since his last appearance on the podcast, noting significant changes driven by the global pandemic—shifting his focus to in-person training and the development of an AI personal training resources. Dean also delves into the launch of his upcoming book, co-authored with Dan Pope, which aims to empower individuals to manage their own injuries and adjust training effectively. Get the book here:(CANADA) https://www.amazon.ca/Rock-Solid-Resilience-Evidence-Based-Performance/dp/171822415X(US) https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Solid-Resilience-Evidence-Based-Performance-ebook/dp/B0DG4G9MYC(Human Kinetics) https://www.human-kinetics.co.uk/9781718224155/rock-solid-resilience/The discussion covers various aspects like the benefits of attending industry conferences, combating imposter syndrome, and practical advice for aspiring fitness professionals. The episode concludes with Dean sharing insights on maintaining a positive mindset and recognizing small victories in daily life.

00:00 Introduction and Rebranding

01:11 Catching Up with Dean

02:04 Dean's Book and Its Impact

05:06 Understanding and Managing Injuries

07:25 Coaching Philosophy and Client Relationships

13:55 Navigating Career and Education Choices

22:23 The Importance of Conferences

28:13 Promoting Physical Activity and Health

34:59 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I introduce you to my friend Kyle Folk, a man with many many skills and talents. He's a project manager in the air compressor industry with an additional and seemingly unlimited diverse range of interests and experiences. From managing large-scale industrial equipment to coaching swimming and scuba diving, Kyle's journey is a testament to the power of saying yes to new opportunities. The discussion delves into his early days as a competitive swimmer, the valuable lessons learned from various jobs, and his future aspirations in transportation and renewable energy. This conversation highlights the importance of staying curious, embracing new challenges, and maintaining discipline to achieve one's goals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:39 Kyle's Current Roles and Responsibilities

02:09 Reflecting on High School and Competitive Swimming

06:03 Lessons from Early Jobs and Experiences

13:55 The Power of Saying Yes

27:34 Future Goals and Aspirations

36:18 Final Thoughts and Advice