This is a very powerful conversation I had a wonderful man recently. It goes a little deeper than normal and discusses some uncomfortable topics (so trigger warning has been advised). I'm very grateful for Gavin and his ability to hold the space for a conversation like this.

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In this episode of the Modern Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Brian Keane—fitness entrepreneur, best-selling author, ultra-endurance athlete, and one of the most focused minds I've ever come across. Brian shares powerful insights on discipline, self-awareness, and how to use pain as a teacher instead of a punishment.

We discuss the distinction between quitting and pivoting, strategies for staying consistent without burning out, and what it truly means to take ownership of your life. If you're struggling with motivation, clarity, or direction, this conversation is a masterclass in overcoming obstacles and moving forward with purpose.

Episode Summary

• Brian Keane came into the studio with a calm confidence and intense focus that you could feel immediately. His clarity, discipline, and straight-talking mindset set the tone for one of the most insightful conversations I've had on this podcast.
• We began by discussing his early years and how his identity transitioned from teacher to full-time entrepreneur, highlighting the profound internal changes required to adapt to this shift, including a reevaluation of risk, self-belief, and purpose.
• Brian spoke about the difference between quitting and pivoting—how he learned that walking away from something that no longer serves you isn't weakness, it's wisdom.
• A big theme of the conversation was ownership—the idea that no one's coming to save you. If you want something different, you have to take extreme responsibility for where you are and where you're going.
• He shared how pain can be a teacher. Whether it's emotional, physical, or situational, the key is to sit with it, learn from it, and let it shape—not break—you.
• We explored his ultra-endurance events and the mindset needed to get through them. For Brian, it's not about willpower—it's about removing the option to quit. When you take quitting off the table, the path becomes clear.
• Brian opened up about loneliness, burnout, and navigating his internal world—topics that are often glossed over in conversations about high performance.
• One of the most practical pieces of advice he gave was to match your expectations to your capacity. Most people feel stuck because their ambition doesn't line up with their daily habits.
• He spoke candidly about self-sabotage, the power of journaling, and how he uses triggers like judgment and comparison as cues for deeper self-reflection.
• We ended by talking about clarity and consistency. For Brian, it's simple: Get clear on what you want, show up for it daily, and don't outsource your happiness to anyone or anything outside of yourself.
• This wasn't just a motivational conversation—it was a mirror. One that challenged me to get even more honest about the places where I've been holding myself back.