Run with the Cheetahs - Your Climb To An Extraordinary Life

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In this episode of Run With The Cheetahs, Russell welcomes back author Jerry Freishtat to explore one of the core pillars behind every high-performing life: mindset. They define mindset as the invisible operating system running in the background of your life, influencing how you think, act, lead, and recover from adversity.​

Together they discuss:

• Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset, and why people with a growth mindset believe they have real input into their destiny while fixed-mindset thinkers feel controlled by outside forces.​
• How we all carry multiple mindsets (about work, relationships, money, other people) and why this is actually good news—because mindsets are malleable.​
• What Jerry learned from Carol Dweck’s research on children and the environments that either nurture creativity and initiative or stifle them.​

Russell shares how Shad Helmstetter’s book What to Say When You Talk to Yourself reshaped his understanding of self-talk and the subconscious mind—and reads a deeply personal morning declaration he uses to reinforce the man he chooses to be every day. They contrast traditional affirmations with the idea that consistent, aligned actions may be the most powerful form of self-talk you can have.​

A standout segment is their breakdown of Price Pritchett’s “5 C’s of Negative Thinking”:

• Complaining
• Criticizing
• Concern (worry)
• Commis­erating
• Catastrophizing

They explain why, from a performance standpoint, your biggest gains often come not from adding more positive thinking, but from ruthlessly eliminating these five patterns from your daily life.​

Other topics in this episode:

• The “cheetah mindset” and how elite performers think about bad days and failed attempts.​
• Why talent is overrated without work ethic, resilience, and a growth-oriented frame of mind.​
• How high achievers handle challenges, health issues, financial pressure, and family struggles—why the problems don’t disappear, but the response changes.​
• Practical ways to start your day with intention (your “golden hour”) instead of defaulting to old mental habits.​
• The importance of questioning your own thinking: “Why do I believe this? Why am I afraid of this risk? Where did this mindset come from?”​

Jerry leaves listeners with this challenge: you can’t go back and create a new life, but you can start today to create a new ending. Your current mindset is not a life sentence.​

Resources mentioned:

• Book: Run With The Cheetahs – the foundation for this podcast.​
• Book: Mindset by Carol Dweck.​
• Book: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter.​

New episodes release every two weeks. Explore additional articles and tools at runwiththecheetas.com.​

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

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Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Are Already Dead (And How to Actually Change in 2026) 🔥 | Run With The Cheetahs

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t survive the first week — and it’s not because you lack motivation.
In this no-BS episode, Russell Anderson and author Jerry Freishtat dismantle the lies that keep people stuck and hand you the exact playbook high achievers use to build extraordinary lives.

In just 60 minutes, we destroy the old thinking — and rebuild what actually works:

💥 What you’ll learn:

💥The 4 levels of commitment (and why “I’m trying” really means “I’m not doing it”)

💥Why keeping your options open guarantees mediocrity

💥The brutal “Man in the Mirror” conversation almost nobody is willing to have
(yes — we read the AI prompts that hit like a truck)

💥Jerry’s real 5:00 AM morning routine at age 65 — no fluff, no alarm clock, gym every single day

💥Win the Day vs. Win the Moment — the only system that actually works

💥Damage control: what to do the day after you completely blow it
(Cliff Brooks’ 5,000-calorie Thanksgiving example)

💥Why obsession beats balance, comfort is a curse, and average is a sin

If you’re tired of false starts, half-commitments, and waking up a year from now in the exact same place, this episode is your reset button.

👉 Do ONE thing the second this video ends.
Jerry guarantees you’ll feel the dopamine shift in under 10 minutes.

📘 Grab the book — Run With The Cheetahs (companion to the podcast):
https://amzn.to/xxx

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode (new drops every 2 weeks)

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – This episode was supposed to be about commitment… we went way deeper
02:11 – The quotes that set the tone
06:40 – Who’s really writing the chapters of your life?
13:20 – Can you recover from a terrible decision? (Scar tissue = self-esteem)
18:45 – The 4 levels of commitment (most people live in the dangerous #3)
26:10 – Why “eat healthier this year” is absurd
32:30 – Man in the Mirror: the AI roast no one asked for
41:15 – Win the Day vs. Win the Moment — start RIGHT now
48:20 – Jerry’s exact 5 AM routine (65 going on 45)
55:10 – Damage control after you fall off the wagon
59:30 – Embrace the Battle

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

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What does it really take to transform your body and your life in your 50s… and come out with ZERO regrets at 65?

In this raw, no-BS episode, Jerry Freishtat (author of Run With The Cheetahs) and his legendary “Alpha Lion” bodybuilding coach David Johnston (6’2”, 250 lbs onstage, 22 years coaching champions) drop life-changing truth bombs:

✓ Why 90% of people quit the hard things… and the 10% who make it actually ENJOY the suffering
✓ How Jerry went from “normal 50-something gym guy” to state bodybuilding champion under David’s brutal training
✓ The real reason most New Year’s resolutions die in January (and David’s genius “pre-prep” strategy that almost guarantees success)
✓ Why chosen discomfort > forced discomfort — and how walking into the fire on purpose callouses your mind forever
✓ David Goggins-level wisdom: “A lot of us don’t know another world exists… because it’s on the other side of suffering”
✓ The mindset that lets you look back at 65 and honestly say: “I have no regrets — I went to war and I won”

If you’ve ever wanted to know what separates the cheetahs from the herd… this is it.

Whether you want to build your dream physique, your business, or simply a life without regret — this episode will light a fire under you.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Living a life with ZERO regrets
04:20 – Meet David Johnston – The Alpha Lion of bodybuilding
12:30 – From overweight kid to 250-lb stage beast
22:40 – Why obsession is a gift, not a disease
32:15 – Jerry’s insane body transformation in his 50s
41:00 – The brutal truth about contest prep suffering
55:10 – David’s “moderate discomfort” philosophy that changed everything
1:08:00 – How to actually keep your 2026 New Year’s resolutions (start THIS week)
1:20:00 – Embrace the Battle – the mantra for an extraordinary life

👉 Get Jerry’s book “Run With The Cheetahs” (the companion to this podcast): https://www.runwiththecheetahs.com

👉 Follow or train with David Johnston: all links in comments & description below

If this episode hit you hard, drop a “EMBRACE THE BATTLE” in the comments and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

No excuses. Do the work. Run with the cheetahs.

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

Send us Fan Mail

At 57 years old, after 30+ years of lifting, Jerry Freishtat stepped on stage for his FIRST bodybuilding competition… and walked away the Maryland State Champion 🏆💪

In this raw and inspiring Episode 05 of Run With The Cheetahs, Jerry shares the full story most people never hear — the truth behind discipline, mindset, and becoming someone entirely new.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll discover:

 🔥Why less than 10% of wannabe competitors ever make it to the stage

 🔥The brutal 80/20 truth about getting shredded (hint: it’s NOT the workouts)

 🔥How Jerry survived months of extreme dieting, 90-minute daily cardio, and a coach who screamed, “Just f**ing quit now!”*

 🔥The mirror moment that proved he was no longer the same person

 🔥The childhood lie he carried for 30 years — and how he finally crushed it

💥 Plus:
The mindset shift that turns “I have to do this” into “Bring it on!”
Rocky Balboa wisdom 🥊
Tough love, daily micro-wins, and why Jerry believes:
👉 “Discipline is the strongest form of self-love.”

If you’re tired of quitting on yourself…
If you’re done waiting for New Year’s…
If you need proof that ordinary people can still do extraordinary things —
this episode will light a fire under you 🔥

Once you learn to love the battle, you learn to love the results.

📘 Grab Jerry’s book: Run With the Cheetahs: Your Climb to an Extraordinary Life
👉 https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG

🔔 New episodes every 2 weeks — subscribe & hit the bell so you don’t miss out!

Episode 5

💬 We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback!

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Startup Advisor | Speaker | Author

Russell Anderson
Founder & President, ACS Creative | Marketing & Design (30+ years)
Serial Entrepreneur | Forever Student of Business — and Life

🎵 Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big thanks to Michael Fath for The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

Send us Fan Mail

“I had been lying to myself for 50 years… What else have I been lying to myself about?” 

In this powerful finale of the Dream Stealers series, Jerry Freishtat reveals the toughest truth: YOU are your biggest obstacle to an extraordinary life. Discover how Jerry overcame decades of self-limiting beliefs when a bodybuilding coach proved him wrong about cardio at 50+, sparking a life-changing mindset and personal growth transformation. 

Join Russell Anderson & Jerry Freishtat as they explore:
🔥 The lies we tell ourselves that hold us back from success
🔥 Why “I’m trying” is actually “I quit before I started”
🔥 Overcoming fear, procrastination & self-sabotage
🔥 Lessons from Jerry’s calculus struggles & Russell’s music habit confession

If you’re into personal growth, mindset transformation, entrepreneurship, and overcoming obstacles, this episode will challenge you to break free from the patterns that destroy dreams before they begin. 🚀

Episode 4 – Dream Stealers Series

💬 Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments!

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Startup Advisor | Speaker | Author | Innovator 

Russell Anderson
Founder & President, ACS Creative | Marketing & Design Expert (30+ yrs) | Serial Entrepreneur | Lifelong Learner 🎯

📚 📘 Buy the Book — Run With the Cheetahs
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG

🎵 Music Credit: Big thanks to Michael Fath for The Emerald Isle 🎶



self-limiting beliefs, personal growth, mindset transformation, overcoming obstacles, entrepreneurship lessons, self-sabotage, mindset shift, dream killers, success mindset, breaking bad habits, life-changing story, motivation, personal development, overcoming fear, cardio transformation

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

Send us Fan Mail

EP03: How Your Daily Habits Shape Your Success 💪 | Jerry Freishtat & Russell Anderson.

Do your daily habits truly reflect where your dreams and goals want to take you?  In this episode of our personal development podcast, Jerry Freishtat and Russell Anderson explore how everyday routines—and the people you surround yourself with—can either fuel your success  or hold you back ⚠️.

Jerry shares his journey overcoming a McDonald’s addiction , failing over 100 times before finding lasting success . Russell reveals how his grandchildren helped him break bad habits instantly . Together, they uncover:

⚡ How toxic relationships can limit your potential
🚫 Why comfort zones prevent growth
🐟 What it means to be the smallest fish in the room

This episode goes beyond simple habit formation, offering raw entrepreneurship tips  and business success strategies for real transformation. Learn Jerry’s three non-negotiable character traits for success and why self-improvement starts with ownership, awareness, and courage.

This isn’t just about habits—it’s about creating an extraordinary life.

🎯 Episode Highlights:
🕒 Daily routines that fuel growth
🔑 Breaking bad habits effectively
🤝 Leveraging relationships for success
🧠 Mindset shifts for entrepreneurs

We welcome your questions, comments and feedback!

👥 About the Guests:
Jerry Freishtat – CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisor to Startups | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact.

Russell Anderson – Founder & President of ACS Creative | Marketing & Design Expert (30+ years) | Serial Entrepreneur | Lifelong Student of Business and Life.

📘 Buy the Book — Run With the Cheetahs
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG

🎵 Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

personal development, daily habits, entrepreneurship, habit formation, business success, self-improvement, mindset, productivity, Jerry Freishtat, Russell Anderson, breaking bad habits, growth mindset, leadership, motivation

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 2 of Run with the Cheetahs, Jerry Freishtat and Russell Anderson sit down with Clif Brooks—entrepreneur, speaker, personal trainer, and storyteller—for a raw and transformative conversation about personal growth, self-improvement, and the life-changing power of taking full ownership of your choices.

Clif opens up about his journey through alcohol addiction, accountability, and rebuilding his life from the ground up. From four DUIs and 15 years of alcoholism to 12 years of sobriety, Clif shares the mindset shifts, discipline, and systems that helped him break free from the victim mentality and create a life of purpose, success, and personal freedom.

This episode dives deep into how self-awareness, personal responsibility, and mental discipline drive success—not just in life, but in business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone striving to grow, Clif delivers powerful insights on overcoming limitations, building confidence, and creating business success strategies that start from within.

This isn’t therapy—it’s a wake-up call for anyone ready to stop making excuses, break old patterns, and step into their extraordinary life. If you’ve felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will remind you that every decision shapes your future.

Perfect for listeners who enjoy personal development podcasts, entrepreneurship mindset content, and real stories of transformation.

Episode 2

We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback!

👤 Jerry Freishtat

CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Speaker | Author

👤 Russell Anderson

Founder & President, ACS Creative
30+ years in brand building, marketing, and strategic business growth.

⭐ Special Guest: Clif Brooks
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.ClifBrooks.com

Social Media:
▶️ YouTube: /coachclifbrooks
📷 Instagram: /clifbrooks
🎵 TikTok: @cliftonbrooks-peakperforma9816
💼 LinkedIn: /clifton-brooks-2311a45a
📘 Facebook: /clifjbrooks

📘 Buy the Book — Run With the Cheetahs
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG

🎶 Music Credit

Big thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
• Emerald Isle by Michael Fath

👏
👍
😊




personal growth, self-improvement, entrepreneurship mindset, overcome addiction, alcohol recovery, Clif Brooks story, taking ownership, self-awareness, mental discipline, personal responsibility, success habits, business success strategies, mindset shift, high performance habits, motivation for entrepreneurs, life transformation, breaking victim mentality, leadership development.

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1

Send us Fan Mail

What comes first—action or motivation? In the first episode of Run with the Cheetahs, host Russell Anderson sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and author Jerry Freishtat to break down the mindset shifts that separate high achievers from people who feel stuck.

Jerry introduces his powerful animal hierarchy of human behavior—from snakes and sloths to sheep, cheetahs, falcons, and alpha lions—and explains why 90% of people stay trapped in the “sheep mentality.” Discover why discipline leads to motivation, how “micro wins” create momentum, and why your childhood labels don’t define your future success.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or anyone looking to break through limiting beliefs, this episode offers practical tools to take action, think bigger, and start climbing your own path to an extraordinary life.

📘 Buy Jerry Freishtat’s Book — Run With the Cheetahs
📘 Buy the Book — Run With the Cheetahs
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG

Audiobook: https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh
Paperback/Hardcover: https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG
Target: https://www.target.com/p/run-with-the
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Run-with-t


👥 Connect with the Hosts

Jerry Freishtat — CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Author
Committed to innovation, growth, leadership, and helping entrepreneurs unlock their potential.

Russell Anderson — Founder & President, ACS Creative
30+ years in brand building, marketing strategy, and business growth. Serial entrepreneur and lifelong learner.

🎧 Episode 1 – Topics Covered

✅Action vs. motivation: which truly comes first
✅What keeps people stuck in “sheep mentality”
✅The animal hierarchy of human behavior
✅Why discipline creates motivation
✅The power of micro wins
✅Entrepreneurial lessons & personal stories
✅Why finding your “how” matters more than your “why”

🎶 Music Credit

Intro/Outro: “The Emerald Isle” by Michael Fath
🎵 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
_____
Marcus Buckingham – Defining Strengths
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
_____
💬 Join the Conversation
We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback!
Tell us what topic you want to see next on Run with the Cheetahs.

action vs motivation, discipline over motivation, how to get motivated, build discipline habits, mindset for success, achieve your goals, personal development tips, self-improvement strategies, entrepreneurial mindset, overcome procrastination, success hierarchy,how entrepreneurs think, daily habits for success, motivational podcast, success podcast, entrepreneur interview, self-help podcast, business podcast episode, personal growth podcast, motivation, productivity, self improvement, leadership, success habits, mindset coaching, achieving goals

Jerry Freishtat
CEO of Wealth Climber | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisory for Startup Entrepreneurs | Speaker | Author | Committed to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Russell Anderson
Founder, President ACS Creative; Marketing & Design (30+ years of growing brands; global and local)
Serial Entrepreneur, Forever Student of Business - and Life

Buy the Book and Audiobook!
Amazon Audiobook
https://a.co/d/jbuW7Bh

Amazon Book Purchase
https://a.co/d/7Kq3MrG


Intro/Outro Music Credit
Big Thanks to Michael Fath for the use of The Emerald Isle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hva33IEU3SY&list=RDHva33IEU3SY&start_radio=1