On this episode of "Better Than Fine," host Darlene Marshall welcomes featured guest Stefan Underwood, Vice President of Methodology at EXOS, for a deep dive into what it really means to be “ready” for the moments that matter—whether you’re an athlete, executive, parent, or anyone facing life’s daily challenges. Drawing from his extensive background in human performance, including work with elite athletes and military professionals, Stefan shares a holistic framework for readiness that moves far beyond sleep and traditional recovery.

You’ll hear why sleep and meditation, while important, are just part of a bigger equation. Stefan unpacks the four critical pillars he and the EXOS team use to help people show up at their best: understanding foundational characteristics, tapping into personal psychological drivers, building true capacity (from nutrition to mindset), and mastering functional state management. Whether you want to keep your cool at home with your kids or crush a big presentation at work, these strategies will help you recognize your current state and intentionally adjust for optimal performance.

Darlene and Stefan also discuss the concept of resilience, the skill of sleep, micro-breaks for recovery, and why readiness isn’t just for high achievers—it’s for anyone who wants to be more present and adaptable. Packed with practical tips, personal stories, and a little inspiration from The Greatest Showman, this special encore episode is essential listening for anyone seeking sustainable, holistic well-being in a demanding world.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm