Reflecting Back with Zach Stiffler

In this episode of Reflecting Back, host Zach Stifler speaks with Tanji Johnson-Bridgeman, a military veteran turned fitness champion and health coach. Tanji shares her journey from a disciplined upbringing to a thriving career in bodybuilding, offering insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the value of failure in achieving success. They discuss defining identity beyond titles, transforming fear into excitement, focusing on what you can control, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Tanji’s advice on wellness and navigating life’s transitions provides practical inspiration for personal growth and fulfillment.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/officialtanjijohnson/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters:

00:00 The Concept of Reflection and Growth02:24 Growing Up in a Military Family07:24 Rebellion and Autonomy in a Controlled Environment12:23 Transitioning to Fitness and Bodybuilding19:29 Early Experiences in Bodybuilding and Learning from Failure23:40 Building Community in Competition26:35 Leadership and Vulnerability27:37 Redefining Success and Identity30:29 The Journey of Self-Discovery35:42 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success39:35 Power Signals and Mental Cues44:36 Applying Lessons in Real Life49:43 Future Ventures and Belief in Innovation

In this episode, we welcome Michelle "MACE" Curran, former F-16 fighter pilot and lead solo for the USAF Thunderbirds, who shares her journey from a small-town girl to making history in one of the world’s most elite demonstration teams. Michelle opens up about the intense pressure of flying high-stakes missions, the grit required to break barriers as a female fighter pilot, and the lessons learned in the cockpit that now fuel her motivational speaking and writing career. We dive into topics like overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and how to lead with authenticity—both in the air and on the ground. Whether you're looking to conquer personal challenges or gain insights on elite performance, this episode delivers actionable wisdom and an inspiring story of defying the odds and pursuing bold goals.

MACE’s Links:

https://macecurran.com

https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran

https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Business and Life

In this episode, Alex shares his journey from finance to photography, exploring his interests in crypto and NFTs, and discussing strategies for managing stress and anxiety. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on our ability to be present and productive, highlighting the addictive nature of scrolling and constant distractions. They also discuss the importance of balancing consumption with creation, the value of silence, and trusting the present moment for fostering authentic thoughts and ideas.

Links

Alex King Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alexkiing/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

04:00 Transitioning from Finance to Creative Pursuits

08:43 Exploring Crypto and NFTs

10:38 Being Present and Managing Stress

13:01 Morning Routines and Meditation

19:00 Navigating the Influence of Social Media

25:25 The Impact of Social Media on Presence and Productivity

36:09 The Power of Silence and Being Present

39:55 Balancing Consumption and Creation

49:09 Trusting the Present Moment

50:20 Building a Healthy Relationship: Starting from Within

50:21 Closing Remarks

Jacoby Kang shares his journey from a low point in life to discovering his purpose, emphasizing the importance of being present, taking one step at a time, and exploring different paths without comparison. He discusses leaving his corporate job to focus on health, building community, and the transformative power of cold plunging at Barton Springs. Jacoby highlights the significance of visualization, sustainability, and finding joy in the moment. The conversation covers themes of authenticity, team-building, and the challenges of being a founder, offering insights into his mindset and the growth of his business.

Links

Jacoby Kang Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jacobykang/

Jacoby Plunges Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jacobyplunges/

Jacoby Plunges Website: https://jacobyplunges.co/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

00:00 Finding Purpose and Success

03:40 Embracing the Present Moment

10:01 From Low Point to Personal Transformation

14:22 Creating a Personal Resume

36:14 From Solo Plunges to Community Events

41:45 The Power of Connection: Holding Hands in the Water

45:29 Preparing the Mind and Body: Visualization and Meditation

50:50 The Physical and Mental Benefits of Cold Plunging

58:02 Sustainability and Safety in Cold Plunging

01:02:49 Measuring Success Backwards: Reflecting on Accomplishments

01:12:33 Appreciating Wins and Avoiding Burnout

01:15:32 The Importance of Celebrating Accomplishments

01:19:55 Hiring and Building a Team

01:23:43 Avoiding Mediocre Hires

01:28:03 Not Everyone is Meant to be a Founder

01:37:05 Trial Periods and Influencer Marketing

01:41:25 Acting Fast on Identified Problems

01:46:12 Building a Community and Selling Cold Plunge Units

Sam Hendel founded Good Grief Run Club as a heartfelt way to honor her mother's memory after losing her to cancer. This club celebrates life, bringing together people to support one another, share their stories, and find joy in physical activity. With partnerships like Soho House and ASICS, the club has grown into a vibrant community. Sam’s journey of healing and the club’s mission have touched many, transforming it into a beacon of connection and hope for those navigating grief. Emphasizing self-care and personal pace, Good Grief Running provides a judgment-free, uplifting space. Sam, a community-focused individual, has turned her passion for running into a thriving community. She believes in the power of small steps leading to significant achievements, and the opportunity for even better things to come in the future.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Glover discusses authenticity, masculinity, and personal growth. He delves into the concept of No More Mr. Nice Guy, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves. Dr. Glover highlights the influence of nature and evolution on behavior, the importance of understanding our desires, and the challenges faced by those trying to please others. He emphasizes integrating all aspects of ourselves, including our darker qualities, and the significance of self-acceptance. The conversation also covers emotional tension in attraction, societal expectations, gender roles, and the balance between control and surrender, underscoring the value of men's groups and strong same-sex friendships.

In this episode, Kate Durocher, a Dating, Relationships, and Self-Worth Coach, explores how childhood experiences shape adult relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding attachment styles, self-reflection, and healing. She highlights the role of boundaries and effective communication in building healthy connections, advising a focus on compatibility over intense chemistry. Kate and Zach discuss slowing down in early dating, the dynamics of making the first move, and the need for clear communication and self-awareness. They also touch on transitioning from casual dating to serious relationships, stressing trust, communication, and mutual support.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Janelle MacAulay discusses the benefits of the "mindful minute" for enhancing focus and transitioning between activities. She emphasizes the importance of integrating mindfulness into daily routines, differentiates between mind wandering and daydreaming, and offers techniques for building confidence through self-talk and mantras. Dr. MacAulay advises parents on balancing freedom and protection for their children, highlights the value of open conversations about stress, and underscores that high performance is about continuous improvement and personal growth. She also discusses the power of visualization and mental rehearsal for goal-setting and mental preparation, advocating for a cultural shift to recognize the importance of mental skills training, especially in high-performance fields.

Links

TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EETDwk0_ErQ

Dr. Jannell MacAulay Website: https://jannellmacaulay.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannell-macaulay-phd-a187261

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Mindful Minute

06:33 Evolution of Mindfulness Practice

11:46 Implementing Mindfulness in Daily Life

23:25 Confidence and Taking Control

29:39 Fostering Children's Growth

33:13 Balancing Challenges and Protection for Children's Growth

35:07 The Importance of Open Conversations about Stressors and Challenges

36:56 Defining High Performance as Continuous Improvement

38:55 The Value of Struggle and Overcoming Difficult Moments

48:12 Planning for Negative Outcomes and Focusing on Action

52:27 The Power of Visualization and Imagery in Goal Setting and Building Hope

58:03 The Power of Visualization and Mental Reps

01:00:12 Engaging the Senses in Visualization

01:04:07 Mental Skills as Hard Skills for High Performance

01:07:41 Overcoming the Stigma Around Mental Skills

01:12:32 Integrating Mindfulness and Mental Pushups in the Workplace

01:16:34 Training the Mind for Work-Life Balance

Chris Rodriguez, an Ironman triathlete and health and wellness content creator, shares his journey from being a collegiate baseball player to becoming an endurance athlete and content creator. In this engaging conversation, Chris talks about his experience training for Ironman triathlons, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and thorough research. He discusses the benefits of using ketones as an energy source during workouts and how joining a community of athletes who use ketones has influenced his training. Chris recently hired a coach to further refine his training regimen.

Throughout the discussion, Chris, also known as CROD, and Zach Stiffler delve into the various aspects of Ironman training, addressing both the mental and physical challenges. CROD highlights the crucial role of mental strength and focus during races, sharing insights on entering a flow state and managing emotions. He also underscores the importance of nutrition and recovery, detailing the significance of proper sleep and sauna sessions. The conversation further explores the support CROD receives from his partner and their collaborative efforts in content creation. Overall, the dialogue sheds light on the dedication, mindset, and strategies necessary to excel in endurance sports.