Speaking to Stacy: Practical Advice for Action Driven Living

Welcome to another episode of Speaking to Stacy. In this week's episode, my guest and I share our experiences competing as amateur bodybuilders. By doing so I hope it can help you understand how to prep for your first bodybuilding show.

My Guest:

Jade Simon is an Online Coach and Instructor at JEFF Fitness. Jade is also my older sister and she has experience as an amateur women’s bikini athlete. Her actions were an inspiration for me to step on stage for the first time as a physique competitor. In this episode, we get into our experiences on stage as amateur bodybuilders. 

In this conversation, Jade and I discuss genetics, diet, training, and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). If you stay tuned in until the end of the episode you will learn what to do if your family and friends start changing how they behave towards you as you progress towards your show.

Key Takeaways For Listeners:

I believe that Jade and I are the perfect people to learn from if you are preparing for your first show because of our first-hand experiences with prepping. Below are 3 benefits you should expect to learn:

1) Why you should seriously consider hiring a coach to help you through your prep, especially for peak week.

2) The sacrifices you will have to make to get through contest prep.

3) How to decide whether or not to use steroids/PEDs.

Going through a bodybuilding prep can feel very daunting. The first time around you will no doubt feel incredibly nervous and I hope this conversation can help to put you at ease. Embrace everything you are feeling because you are having a very normal human reaction to an intense process.

Resources for the listeners:

Insights into Peak Week:

You can jump forward to 25min 50 sec.

Menno Henselmans - Pertinent scientific discoveries & Peak week specifics.

Study showing muscle growth without training when using PEDs:

Taking steroids without working out.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER 

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Anton Taylor is a man who wears many hats. He is a writer, public speaker, actor, content creator, boxer, and sports commentator, just to name a few. Throughout his life, Anton has accomplished a great deal, leaving a lasting impression on those around him. It's safe to say that when one hears his name, a range of adjectives come to mind.

For this podcast, I had the privilege of catching up with Anton and learning about his experiences and insights. As old schoolmates, our conversation was relaxed and reminiscent of days gone by, but what I discovered about Anton was nothing short of extraordinary. 

3 Key Highlights:

1) Why you need to let go of anger to grow as a person.

2) How embracing life's challenges expands your skill sets. 

3) Sport can teach us humility and respect.

One of Anton's core beliefs is that letting go of anger is essential for personal growth and success. He believes that holding on to anger only causes stress and negatively impacts our lives. Instead, he suggests focusing on what you can control and taking responsibility for your actions.

Another key point Anton shared with me is the importance of embracing life's challenges. He believes that doing hard things, whether it's starting a new project or trying a new sport, is so beneficial because it helps us grow and expand our skill sets. He also emphasizes that hard work pays off and that success is achieved through persistence and determination.

Sport, in particular, has played a significant role in Anton's life. He speaks highly of the lessons he has learned from boxing, such as humility and respect. He has come to understand that life is not always easy, but it's how we handle ourselves in tough situations that defines us.

Finally, Anton shared his thoughts on why starting a podcast can be scary, especially with the prevalence of negative voices on the internet. However, he encouraged me to not let the fear of what others may think hold me back, and reminded me of the importance of being grateful for the love and support we receive from our friends, family and online communities.

In conclusion, Anton Taylor is a multifaceted individual who has embraced life's challenges, learned from them, and emerged stronger as a result. Whether he is writing, speaking, acting, or boxing, he is a true inspiration and an embodiment of the saying "hard work pays off."

Books referenced in the podcast:

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (specifically chapter 4)

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

Recommended YouTube Videos:

Fear:

'What Fear Haunted You The Most' - Georges St-Pierre 

'How to manage fear before the fight' - Georges St-Pierre

Make your bed:

“Make your bed” - Admiral William McRaven

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of Speaking to Stacy. This was a very insightful episode for me. It’s the first time someone has explained how technical rowing (crew) is. I love learning new things and this conversation broadened my perspective. I’m extremely grateful to my guest for that. 

Lee-Ann Persse (@leepersse on Instagram) is a retired rower who has represented South Africa at the Olympics on two separate occasions. Once in London and again at the Rio Games. Lee also is the host of a podcast, called the Girls Only Project. Their goal is to create an equal footing for women's sports on the African continent. 

In this conversation, Lee discusses her journey in sport and the challenges she experienced thought her rowing career. If you are a sportsperson or hoping to become a professional athlete I strongly recommend you listen to the end to learn about the difficulties of transitioning into the working world once your sports career is over. 

Lee’s story highlights the struggle that South African women often face when pursuing a career in sports. Financial constraints are often a massive barrier to entry for many female athletes who want to become national representatives in South Africa. It was fascinating to hear Lee explain her relationship with rowing. After retiring she did try to make a comeback but she had an epiphany and realized she was finished with rowing. She also experienced failure along the way and spoke openly about the obstacles she faced at the Olympics.

Key Takeaways for the listeners:

This combination of experiences allows her to teach you:

1) Why you need to have open communication within your teams (something that applies not only in sport but to business and family too), 

2) How to learn and improve from failure by reflecting on your shortcomings, 

3) The mental health issues that affect sportspeople.

I find that listening to people who have had very different experiences from my own always broadens my worldview. I challenge you to think about what you can take away from Lee’s story and apply it to your own situation.

Modern Wisdom Podcast that I referenced:

Stu Morton - Rowing the Atlantic Solo

I recommend people go and check out more of Chris’ content on Modern Wisdom. His podcast is truly amazing.

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Natalie du Toit is a name that inspires awe and respect in the world of sports. With a remarkable career as both an Olympic and Paralympic swimmer, Natalie has proven time and time again that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a little bit of courage.

In this podcast, we'll take a closer look at Natalie's incredible journey, from her early days as a young swimmer to her triumphant victories at the 2004 Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006. Along the way, we'll explore the challenges she faced, the support system that kept her going, and the lessons she learned about perseverance, gratitude, and the power of the human spirit.

It all started in Cape Town, South Africa, where Natalie was involved in a tragic scooter accident. Despite her disability, she was able to continue swimming and achieve incredible things. However, her road to success was not without obstacles.  The recovery process after her accident was long and difficult, but with the support of her family, friends, and trainers, she was able to bounce back stronger than ever.

In 2008, Natalie made history by qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she competed against able-bodied athletes. This was a remarkable accomplishment, considering the odds were stacked against her. But Natalie's hard work, dedication, and determination paid off, and she joined a very short list of people who have competed at the Paralympic and Olympic Games.

3 Key Highlights:

1) The importance of the people who make up your support system

2) Understanding that we all deal with trauma in our own way

3) How to achieve what you want through hard work and dedication

Through all of her experiences, Natalie has learned some valuable lessons about life and what it takes to overcome adversity. One of the most important things she has learned is the power of a strong support system. Whether it's family, friends, coaches, or mentors, having people around you who believe in you and want you to succeed can make all the difference in the world.

Another important lesson she has learned is that we all cope with trauma differently. Some people may find comfort in religion, while others may turn to therapy, exercise, or art. Whatever works for you, the key is to find a way to heal and move forward.

Finally, Natalie is a firm believer in the power of hard work and dedication. No matter what obstacles you may face, if you're willing to put in the time and effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

In conclusion, Natalie du Toit is a true inspiration to us all. With her story of overcoming adversity, her unwavering determination, and her contagious spirit of gratitude, she has proven that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and never give up.

*A few times Natalie mentioned I have children, she was mistaken. I am not yet a 

father.

YouTube video showing Kevin Vaughn using the swimming prosthetic I talked about with Natalie

Books mentioned:

Think and Grow Rich

The

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Join us on a journey to self-discovery and optimal wellness as we explore the principles behind creating successful fitness programs with Jade Simon, an Online Coach and Instructor at JEFF Fitness. With her expertise and experience as an amateur women's Bikini Athlete, Jade shares her insights on how to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

In this episode, we delve into  our  personal lives, and discuss how loss and trauma can impact your mindset, training, and physical appearance. You'll discover how to navigate the challenges of moving abroad, including weight gain and the psychological toll it can take. We also touch on the 2D:4D ratio and its implications, with research papers included for further reading.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Establishing healthy routines and habits is crucial for a healthy lifestyle.

2. Your social support network plays a significant role in your overall wellbeing.

3. Exercise is a powerful tool for improving mental health during tough times.

Tune in to this episode of Speaking to Stacy and gain valuable insights into the world of fitness and wellness. Get to know Jade and I as we share our personal experiences and expertise on a wide range of topics.

Citations:

Expats and mental health:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://archive.hshsl.umaryland.edu/bitstream/handle/10713/7693/IJHP_Jan_2018_The-Mental-Health-Status-of-Expatriate-versus-US-Domestic-Workers-A-Comparative-Study.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

2D:4D Ratio:

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4419-1788-1_113

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajhb.21054?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=true

Winter Weight gain:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-16689-4

Vitamin D requirements:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5541280/

Books:

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

Podcast:

Naval Ravikant - How to Get Rich

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-TZqOsVCNM&t=27s

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Nono Pongolo is a talented South African cricketer. Born and raised in the Langa township, Nono's journey to the top of his sport is a testament to the transformative power of sport. In this post, we will explore Nono's journey, his experiences as a cricketer, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Nono's cricket career began to take off when he was offered the opportunity to attend Bishops Preparatory, a private school in Cape Town, on a sports scholarship. It was here that he first caught the attention of scouts and coaches, and where he first began to develop the skills that would one day take him to the top of his sport.

3 Key Highlights:

1) How persistence and hard work can create opportunities for you.

2) The transformative power of sport

3) The importance of good coaches and mentors.

At Bishops Preparatory, Nono was fortunate to have the support of some truly dedicated coaches and mentors. They saw something in him, something special, and worked tirelessly to help him develop his skills and reach his full potential. Without their guidance and his hard work, Nono might not be where he is today.

Sport has a unique ability to bring people from different backgrounds together and create a sense of belonging. Nono is a prime example of this. Despite his humble beginnings in the Langa township, he has managed to find success and a sense of purpose on the cricket field. By playing alongside people from all walks of life, Nono has learned to appreciate the diversity of South Africa, and has become a better person as a result.

One of the key factors in Nono's success has been the environment in which he has been able to play. He has been a part of some incredible provincial cricket teams. Key ingredients are: a tight-knit group of players who work together, support each other, and strive for excellence. By creating a positive and supportive environment, these teams have been able to achieve great things.

Nono Pongolo's journey from the Langa township to professional cricket is a story of hard work, determination, and the transformative power of sport. By sharing his experiences, we hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, and to demonstrate the importance of mentorship, coaching, integration, and a positive environment in helping young people reach their full potential.

Book mentioned in the podcast:

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

In this short episode, Stacy introduces himself and the vision he has for the podcast. Be sure to listen to the end for some exciting news about what to expect in the first few weeks of the podcast.

For more information please visit: www.stacyliddell.com

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg
Email: [email protected]