Explore every episode of the podcast Chasing Excellence
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [ 🏃🏾 ] Get Ridiculously Fit: The Complete Blueprint | 06 Dec 2024 | 02:10:43 | |
❤️🔥 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === We’re compiling the multi-part conversation we’ve been having in 2024 about getting into the best shape of our lives into one mega-episode. You’ll learn about the basic framework your training should take every week, how to modulate intensity to prioritize consistency, and the 9 components of fitness you’re trying to optimize. Understanding and implementing these concepts will ensure you reach your fitness goals in 2025 and beyond. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 COZY EARTH | Experience luxurious bedding and loungewear designed to enhance your sleep environment, featuring temperature-regulating materials perfect for post-workout relaxation and travel-friendly options for revitalizing comfort wherever life takes you. Use code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 THE DEFENDER | The Defender is a versatile and iconic vehicle, engineered for adventure with legendary capability, modern design, and a range of models, including 90, 110, and 130, ready to meet challenges head-on and explore confidently. 🔗 MOMENTOUS | This supplement trio of Protein, Creatine, and Omega-3 supports muscle recovery, focus, and energy while ensuring quality and transparency, making it essential for anyone looking to enhance their health and performance in daily life. Use code EXCELLENCE. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| [ 💭 ] From Oblivion to Awareness, w/ Chris Irwin | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:49:22 | |
❤️🔥 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === We're exploring how to train our minds like we train our bodies with Chris Irwin, creator of Rare Sense. You’ll gain insights into the seven mind-killers that sabotage mental health, and we’ll dive into the first mind-killer: Oblivion. Understanding these concepts will cultivate awareness and resilience, empowering you to navigate life's challenges more effectively. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LMNT | This zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix provides essential hydration without artificial additives, featuring a delicious Chocolate Medley flavor perfect for cozy drinks or enhancing your morning coffee, making it ideal for athletes and health-conscious individuals alike. 🔗 MASTERCLASS | Experience unlimited learning from over 200 top instructors across various fields with a streaming platform that offers classes accessible anytime, anywhere, perfect for gifting and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| [ ❤️🔥 ] Mindset During Tough Times, Book Clubs for Kids, Training 6x a Week, & More | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:33:27 | |
🦾 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === We're tackling listener questions that explore the intricacies of health, mindset, and personal growth. You'll discover insights on choosing impactful books for middle schoolers, striking the right balance between rest and training for peak performance, and walking the tightrope of self-compassion and accountability when times get tough. Tune in to deepen your understanding of how to level up your pursuit of excellence. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Land Rover | The Defender is a modern, versatile vehicle engineered for adventure, featuring legendary off-road capability, a tough design, and options for 8-seat capacity, allowing explorers to confidently tackle challenges and embrace their ambitions with style and strength. 🔗 Our Place | Experience beautifully designed, non-toxic kitchen products that are PFAS-free, ensuring a healthy cooking environment while enhancing your culinary creativity, making cooking easier, and eliminating clutter from your cabinets with multifunctional, sustainable cookware and appliances. Use code EXCELLENCE to save. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Sharing the Vision, Recovery Drinks, Favorite Games Events (So Far), & More | 04 Aug 2023 | 01:09:12 | |
This week, we’re discussing whether pursuing excellence is selfish, the point of health, playing infinite games, and much more. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN =========== 📍 Whether we need to worry about recovery drinks 📍 The difference between (and value of) stretching, mobility work, and yoga 📍 Why how you read a book affects what you get out of the book 📍 Some recommended reading for parents 📍 Ben’s favorite CrossFit Games events (so far) =========== OUR SPONSORS =========== 🔗 Momentous (code: excellence) 🔗 Shopify =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Benchmark: The 5 P’s of Decision Making, Higher-Level Thinking, Choice Reduction, & More | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:42:20 | |
In this episode, first published in November of 2019, we take a 10'000 foot view of how to make better decisions, discussing how to factor in our principles, priorities, & purpose to make sure our lives are headed in the right direction. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Majoring in the Minors, Prioritizing Health, Favorite CF Games Memories, & More | 19 Jul 2023 | 01:04:47 | |
This week, we’re talking about how the 5 Factors of Health look across the spectrum of Sick, Well, and Fit, why we want to make sure we don’t let ourselves get distracted in our pursuit of health, and much more. Also: listener questions about wall walks, charting your own path in life, feeding kids, and athletes who no-rep themselves to the top of the leaderboard. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 BetterHelp.com (code EXCELLENCE) 🔗 OneSkin.co (code EXCELLENCE) =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Benchmark: The Ingredients of Happiness, Giving Time, Prioritizing Relationships, & More | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:33:06 | |
In this episode first published in April of 2017, we talk about why happiness doesn't live on the other side of achievement, gratitude, & why relationships matter more than money. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Changing Your Environment, Five Second Hugs, Male Friendships, and More | 04 Jul 2023 | 01:05:01 | |
What do we do when we find ourselves working a job with people who don’t align with the healthy, meaningful life we want to lead? That’s the listener question we’re answering this week, talking about how to measure the strength of our relationships, why it’s so hard to prioritize, the importance of balance, and more. =========== 📍 If focusing on fitness now (eventually) leads to health issues later in life =========== =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Benchmark: Putting Your Ladder Against the Right Wall, the Fulfillment Framework, & More | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:59:32 | |
In this episode, first published in September of 2021, we talk about putting our ladders up against the right walls and about the system Ben uses to chase fulfillment, accomplish big goals, and stay focused every day. =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Competing Too Much, Hijacking Conversations, Living on Autopilot, Walking 300k Steps, & More - with Cole Sager | 20 Jun 2023 | 01:01:58 | |
Cole Sager joins us as he’s preparing for his 10th straight CrossFit Games appearance to answer listener questions about how to know if you’re competing too much, how to stop hijacking conversations, what it looks like to live on autopilot, and much more. ========= EXPECT TO LEARN: ========= 📍 How and why Cole and Ben first started working together 📍 When competing too much might do more damage than good 📍 What parasympathetic lash-back is, and why you want to be careful of it 📍 What Cole’s training looked like after Semifinals 📍 Why it’s important to be the most curious person in a conversation ========= GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: ========= Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ========= ABOUT US: ========= 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter & podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Last Year Coaching CrossFit Games Athletes | 13 Jun 2023 | 01:00:37 | |
Ben recently announced that this will be his last year coaching elite athletes to pursue success at the CrossFit Games. We talk this week about why, the future of CompTrain, the three elements of resilience, and much more. ========= EXPECT TO LEARN: ========= 📍 How to build an equipment-free, CrossFit-inspired workout program 📍 What to do when you realize you’ve been triggered but can’t get past it 📍 Whether CrossFit’s original nutrition prescription is still relevant 📍 Why the most important thing in the gym is to ensure you never take steps back 📍 How to get buy-in and make smart decisions as a leader ========= GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: ========= Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ========= ABOUT US: ========= 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter & podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Achieving Hard to Measure Goals | 06 Jun 2023 | 01:08:00 | |
Chasing objective, easy-to-measure goals are one thing. But chasing subjective, hard-to-measure ones are another thing altogether. So, how do we get started making progress on things like improving our empathy or being a better spouse? That’s what we’re diving into this week. ========= 📍 How to training when your CrossFit gym cancels your favorite class ========= ========= Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ========= 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Building a Buffer of Mental Fitness | 30 May 2023 | 00:56:28 | |
We’re taking a listener question about helping our kids avoid some of the adversities of life and talking broadly about stimulus and response, being generation breakers, and why “what we do around here” is such a powerful force. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN: =========== 📍 How to improve our aerobic capacity 📍 Why your gym community can serve as a useful decisional filter 📍 How defaulting to simplicity is a powerful communication strategy 📍 The importance of awareness in rebuilding a relationship 📍 Why it’s essential to give our phones a job and a place =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| [ 💪🏼 ] Why You Shouldn’t Shield Your Kids from Adversity | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:22:37 | |
🤾🏽 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club ❤️🔥 Grab the ABCs of Being Happy & Healthy === We're discussing the importance of allowing kids to face adversity and how it shapes their resilience. You'll gain insights into finding the balance between protecting your kids and letting them navigate challenges on their own. By listening, you'll cultivate the skills necessary to raise adaptable and strong individuals prepared for life's inevitable hurdles. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 MOMENTOUS | This supplement line sets a new standard in health with NSF and Informed Sport Certified products, focusing on quality ingredients to enhance muscle recovery, mental focus, and overall performance, making it essential for serious athletes and health enthusiasts. Use code EXCELLENCE. 🔗 EIGHT SLEEP | Experience revolutionary sleep technology with a bed that automatically adjusts temperature, elevates for comfort, and tracks sleep phases and heart rate, clinically proven to help you gain up to one hour more quality sleep each night. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Is CrossFit in 2023 Watered Down? | 23 May 2023 | 01:10:39 | |
We’re answering a listener question about whether CrossFit affiliates are offering a “watered down” version of CrossFit, and whether that’s a good thing if so. We’re talking about the CrossFit Games, standardization across gyms, Hyrox, and more. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN: =========== 📍 Whether our mobility work should be consistent or varied 📍 How to stop comparing yourself to your gym buddies 📍 Ben’s recommendations for bloodwork 📍 How to make time for yourself with young kids 📍 A strategy for leaders to work with folks who are resistant to coaching =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 LMNT =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Living with Integrity and Finding Balance, w/ Julie Foucher | 16 May 2023 | 01:03:43 | |
Should we sacrifice now for security later, forgo security later and enjoy now, or find a balance between the two? Friend-of-the-show Julie Foucher joins us to talk through that and listener questions about why she’s training now, how to handle rep shavers, and more. =========== EXPECT TO LEARN: =========== 📍 How hard it was for Julie to transition out of being a CrossFit Games athlete 📍 Why “feeling” fitter might be more important than chasing specific numbers 📍 What parasympathetic lash-back is and why performers need to be wary of it 📍 How to deal with rep shavers and workout cheaters 📍 Our experience trying to cut our social media use by 50% =========== OUR SPONSORS: =========== 🔗 Landkind =========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== ABOUT US: =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: The Bamboo Forest | 12 May 2023 | 00:12:48 | |
In February of 2021, we released an episode called “Overcoming Excellence Fatigue.” It started with a question about how to exist inside the gap between where we are and where we want to be. Here’s a clip about how Ben thinks about that gap. ========== Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs | |||
| Where to Learn More About the 5 Factors of Health | 09 May 2023 | 01:14:46 | |
We talk about the five factors of health all the time, but what are the books, movies, and people we turn to to learn more about them? We’re giving you our list this week. ========== EXPECT TO LEARN: ========== 📍 The question to ask yourself before (or while) you’re watching the news 📍 How to combine CrossFit with seasonal outdoor pursuits 📍 Some strategies for eating clean when you’re days are packed 📍 How to recover, train, and eat while breastfeeding 📍 A surprising revelation Ben had recently while in Sweden ========== GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: ========== Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ========== ABOUT US: ========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: The 101st Blow | 05 May 2023 | 00:10:20 | |
Way back in October of 2020, the writer James Clear (author of the wildly successful “Atomic Habits”) joined us on the show. In this clip from that episode, we talk about the patience required to build the kinds of habits that have real impact. Watch the full episode here. =========== Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs | |||
| Handle Hard Better & Return to Center Faster | 02 May 2023 | 01:03:02 | |
Life, business, and sport continually give us setbacks. How do we know when those setbacks mean we should quit or that we should put our head down and keep working? That’s the listener question we’re talking about this week. =========== 📍 How often Ben uses chalk in the gym 📍 Fueling strategies for a 24-hour burpee challenge 📍 Tips for getting over performance anxiety 📍 Why the ultimate success might be peace of mind 📍 A strategy to fall asleep faster =========== 🔗 LMNT =========== 🔗 Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! =========== 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: The Difference Between Busy and Overwhelmed | 28 Apr 2023 | 00:23:33 | |
Why is it so easy to get so busy? In this clip from a longer conversation Patrick had with the Digital Barbell podcast, he talks about some of the strategies he’s implemented to stay busy without getting overwhelmed. You can listen to the full conversation here. 📍 Subscribe: | |||
| Essential Behaviors to Build Durability, w/ the Starretts | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:54:42 | |
Kelly and Juliet Starrett are world-class trainers and longtime leaders in the CrossFit space. They join us this week to talk about their newest book, Built to Move, which is a masterclass for all of us who want to continue to kick ass into our 90s. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Why Kelly and Juliet wanted to write Built to Move 📍 What the 10 out of 10 Club is (and why we should want to get in it) 📍 How the book can be used as a roadmap for both coaches and athletes 📍 What “rewilding” the body means and why it’s important 📍 Why the aim of our health should be greater durability Thanks to our sponsors this week: LMNT | Ice Barrel GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: Take Ultimate Responsibility | 21 Apr 2023 | 00:10:22 | |
In this clip from a longer episode from 2019, Ben and Patrick talk about responsibility, focus, and the need for all of us to better pay attention to the few things inside our control. Watch the full episode here. 📍 Subscribe: | |||
| Improve Your Adaptability | 18 Apr 2023 | 01:08:58 | |
How can we increase the skill of adaptability? That’s the listener question we’re talking through this week, hitting on the reality of change, the role our ego and attitude plays, and what we can learn from Sesame Street. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 How to incorporate training for a half-marathon into CrossFit Thank you to our sponsors this week: Timeline Nutrition | LandKind GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| [ 💪🏼 ] The Parasympathetic Sigh, Health Through Lifespan, Dealing with Negativity, & More | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:30:27 | |
⛷️ Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === Your Five Factors questions are in the spotlight today. We’re discussing getting out of fight-or-flight mode, the value of health across our lifespans, incentivizing coaches to sell more, and dealing with negativity, drama, and lies. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 SIPHOX | Experience convenient at-home blood testing to monitor 17 essential biomarkers, enabling you to track your health, optimize wellness, and access actionable insights—all while saving over 88% on traditional bloodwork costs for a comprehensive health overview. 🔗 MANUKORA | Taste the rich, creamy taste of premium Manuka honey, ethically sourced from New Zealand, packed with antioxidants and prebiotics, and known for its powerful health benefits, making it the perfect addition to your wellness routine. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: Stimulus → Thought → Emotion → Feeling | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:19:39 | |
Here’s a clip from a conversation Ben had recently with Bryan from the Young & Alive Company. They talk about focus, distraction, the voice in our heads, and what we can learn from the Navy SEALs. Watch the full conversation here. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs | |||
| The Three Key Priorities, w/ Jon Gilson | 11 Apr 2023 | 01:13:54 | |
How do you set priorities when so many things feel important? That’s our question; we’ve got our friend Jon Gilson here to help answer it. Also, your questions about Zone 2 training, doing work we don’t hate, and outgrowing friends. Learn more about Optimal Agency here. Thanks to our sponsors this week: LMNT | Caldera+Lab | UCAN EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 What Zone 2 training is and whether CrossFitters need to prioritize it 📍 What to think about when balancing financial security and interesting work 📍 Why it’s important to consider your friend group over the course of a decade 📍 The problem with the Rocks analogy we so often hear 📍 Why Ben thinks we should all be using kitchen scissors more often GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: Here Comes the Health Revolution | 07 Apr 2023 | 00:10:28 | |
Here’s a clip from a conversation Ben had recently with James Geering of the Behind the Shield podcast. They chat about how to get the conversation moving in the right direction as it relates to health, manufactured stress, and how to be influential. Click here for the full episode. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs | |||
| Why We Prioritize the 5 Factors | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:45:24 | |
In many ways, the 5 Factors of Health are as much a hedge against stress as a pursuit of performance and longevity. We unpack how stress manifests itself in the body and why it’s so important we are aware of it. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 How to think about weightlifting as you get older 📍 What you need to recognize as you make progress on losing a lot of weight 📍 Some suggestions for what to do if you find yourself getting sick a lot 📍 How to create balance when working from home 📍 Four books and two podcasts Ben and Patrick have enjoyed lately GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: Our 3 Nutrition Challenges | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:09:27 | |
Ben was recently on EC Synkowski’s podcast, The Consistency Project, talking about how CrossFit New England thinks about nutrition challenges. Here’s a segment of that episode where Ben discusses the 3 challenges that the gym currently runs. Click here to listen to their full convo. 📍 Subscribe: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs | |||
| The Problem of Nutrient Deficiency, w/ Chris Kresser | 28 Mar 2023 | 01:07:09 | |
Chris Kresser is one of the most respected clinicians and educators in the fields of Functional Medicine and ancestral health and one of Ben’s go-to’s for all things nutrition. He joins us this week to talk about nutrient density, feeding kids, gut health, and a bunch more. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 The reasons Chris says eating a clean diet isn’t enough anymore 📍 Why our microbiome is so important to our overall health 📍 The various ways you can get a sense of your own gut health 📍 The benefits of organ meats 📍 Some bad news about chicken Big thanks to our sponsors this week: Miracle Made | BlueChew GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Quick Set: Dyslexia & the Sweet Spot of Learning | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:12:04 | |
In this Quick Set from a previous episode, Ben shares his experience living with and dealing with dyslexia. For the full episode, search the feed for “What We’re Reading #02.” 📍 Subscribe to the show: Apple Pods: tinyurl.com/3nu78tsh Spotify: tinyurl.com/ekhp3cce YouTube: tinyurl.com/9uktjdfs | |||
| The 10 Pillars of Trusting the Process | 21 Mar 2023 | 01:06:12 | |
We’re talking about what it means to “trust the process” this week, breaking down the 10 things we all need to keep in mind as we pursue our goals. Also, your questions about breath work, leadership, feeding kids, and more. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Where F45 may fall short in comparison to CrossFit 📍 Why awareness is the most important step of making things better 📍 The reason why Ben switched his breathwork practice 📍 Why leadership is the hardest job in the world 📍 How the steps we take toward a goal matter more than the goal GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Ask Yourself These 6 Big Questions | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:58:29 | |
How do you define success? What impact do you want to have? What problem are you trying to solve? Just a few of the big questions we’re talking about and through this week. We’re also cooking up a new monthly challenge, so stay tuned til the end! EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 What “overload” looks like in the gym, and when you should use it 📍 What to consider if you’re not losing the weight you think you should be 📍 The first big goal in getting back from an injury 📍 Why we can always have more compassion and empathy 📍 How to get the universe to nudge you in the right direction Thanks to our sponsors this week: BetterHelp | Miracle Made | BlueChew GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Calling Yourself Out When Things Aren’t Working, w/ EC Synkowski | 07 Mar 2023 | 01:06:36 | |
Friend-of-the-show EC Synkowski joins us this week to answer your questions about training for a 500lb deadlift into a sub-5:00 mile test, back injuries, and whether CrossFitters should try to work out during multi-day fasts. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 EC’s woo-woo moment that helped her tackle her long-time back problems 📍 EC’s first big question to ask about fasting 📍 Ben’s prescription for a weak back 📍 What to focus on when selling transformational coaching services 📍 The core memories that got us hooked on CrossFit 10+ years ago Thanks to our sponsors this week: LMNT | UCAN | BlueChew GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| [ 🗣️ ] HopperTalk: Self-Worth & the Skill of Friendship | 25 Oct 2024 | 00:30:37 | |
❤️ Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === We’re reintroducing an older format, but with a twist. We’ve got wisdom from writers Elizabeth Gilbert and Simon Sinek that we’ll hear, discuss, and learn from. Takeaways:
=== 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 HELIX SLEEP | Experience a transformative sleep with a personalized mattress designed to alleviate night sweats and back pain, ensuring unparalleled comfort and support for improved sleep quality, all while offering an exclusive 20% discount on your purchase. 🔗 SIPHOX HEALTH | This innovative at-home blood test provides a comprehensive analysis of 17 essential biomarkers, enabling you to monitor your health conveniently and affordably while delivering actionable insights to optimize your energy, focus, and overall well-being. === ❤️🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Kick Ass ‘Til You Kick the Bucket, w/ Steven Kotler | 28 Feb 2023 | 01:04:34 | |
Steven Kotler is expert on flow. He joins us to talk about why it’s important to develop multiple pathways to flow, why our mindset around aging needs a major rewrite, and the surprising correlation to lifelong confidence. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 What flow is and why it’s so important Big thank to our sponsors: Miracle Made | BetterHelp | Blinkist GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Developing Elite Levels of Skills, Strength, and Stamina | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:42:53 | |
Introducing the CompTrain 3x3, where Ben answers your questions about the pursuit of elite athletic performance and mental toughness. This week, we’ve got 10 questions from the first 6 episodes of that show to give you a taste. Learn more about our sponsors: Blinkist | LMNT EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 When to know if self-induced pressure is a good thing GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Daily Actions to Build the Five Factors of Health | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:46:47 | |
We’re talking about the actions to take (nearly) every day to balance the five factors of health. We’re also answering questions about red light therapy, cutting people out of our lives, and nasal breathing during CrossFit. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 The usefulness of nasal breathing during hard CrossFit workouts This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Every Element of Existence is a Gift | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:43:27 | |
We get philosophical this week, discussing a way to think about the purpose of suffering and the very nature of existence. We also answer your questions about blending CrossFit with yoga and dealing with negativity at work. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 The ideal body fat percentage for long-term health GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Increasing Our Social Fitness, with Robert Waldinger | 31 Jan 2023 | 01:00:07 | |
Dr. Robert Waldinger is the head of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, and the author of The Good Life. We discuss the importance of connection, being proactive in our relationships, judgment, curiosity, and more. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 How impactful social isolation and loneliness are on our health GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| How to Build Shared Values | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:52:01 | |
We’re talking about how to communicate your values better so you can build them up alongside the people in your life. We’ve also got listener questions about prehab, healthy eating based on your age, massage guns, and more. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Ben’s go-to protocol for healthy shoulders and hips GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. of📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| We’re Rewriting the Purpose of the Gym | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:52:02 | |
We’re talking about how to know what a “healthy” body looks like in a world of Instagram, PEDs, and photoshop. We’ve also got listener questions about protein intake, getting more sleep, and coaching CrossFit kids, and more! EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Ben’s thoughts on “self-help” GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| The Worst Things Could Become the Best Things | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:59:00 | |
We’re talking about when things don’t turn out as we hope, but do turn out for the better. We’re also answering your questions about CrossFit programming, protein intake, hard conversations with in-laws, and citing our sources. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Whether doing “double strength” before a metcon is a good idea GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Benchmark: Building a Life of Focus | 03 Jan 2023 | 01:01:53 | |
To start the year off right, we’re revisiting the most popular episode we released in 2022. We’re talking about the levels of focus, how to wrestle with internal distractions, what anxiety feels like, and more. GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Become Calm in the Many Faces of the Mind | 27 Dec 2022 | 01:18:12 | |
This week, we’ve got a conversation Ben had recently with Danny Miranda. They chat about why focus is a more important resource than time, how to distinguish between inner and outer purpose, and hearing the voice in our heads. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 When Ben decided he needed to live a life of impact Get more of the Danny Miranda podcast here: Apple | Spotify | YouTube GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| [ 💭 ] Reducing Parental Stress | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:42:59 | |
🤟🏼 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club === What: We discuss the impact of stress on parenting and how societal expectations, technology usage, and self-comparison can exacerbate stress levels in parents. Why: Understanding and managing stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy family environment, as parental stress can significantly influence children's mental and emotional well-being. How: 🌱 Focus on creating a relaxed and caring home environment to reduce stress. 📵 Limit screen time to reclaim time for healthier activities like exercise and nature walks. 🧘♀️ Practice gratitude by appreciating current achievements rather than comparing to others. 📚 Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as reading and good conversations. 💪 Resist short-term temptations that can lead to long-term stress, like excessive reliance on technology for childcare. === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 LUMEN | This handheld metabolic coach measures your metabolism through breath analysis, providing personalized nutrition plans and real-time insights to improve metabolic health, aid weight management, enhance energy levels, and support better sleep and overall well-being. 🔗 LMNT | This zero-sugar electrolyte mix delivers essential sodium, potassium, and magnesium to enhance hydration, making it ideal for athletes, keto followers, and anyone seeking a refreshing boost without added sugars, all while providing a risk-free satisfaction guarantee. === ❤️🔥 ABOUT THE SHOW We answer listener questions about health, fitness, fulfillment, and what it takes to chase what truly matters. New episodes on Tuesdays & Fridays. === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| Do What Sets Your Heart on Fire | 20 Dec 2022 | 01:08:03 | |
We’re talking about the value and purpose of work, why it’s so important to spend our time doing something we enjoy, and balancing risk and safety. We’re also giving some new podcast, documentary, and book recommendations. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 How to avoid injury when starting CrossFit GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, podcaster, and creator of Functional Branding. Find him on Instagram. | |||
| How to Make a Healthier Society | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:55:36 | |
We’re talking about what it would look like for more people to have a C+ level of health & fitness, and why that would be a win. Also: your questions about learning from folks we disagree with & starting a strength program. EXPECT TO LEARN: Learn more about Emily Maki: GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: ABOUT US: | |||
| The 30 Days of Kindness Challenge | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:55:13 | |
We’re talking about how to use our time at night better when it’s easy to kill a few hours mindlessly. What should we do if we’re too tired for much else? Tune in to find out, and stick around for our first 30-day challenge. EXPECT TO LEARN: 📍 Why consistency comes before intensity in our training GET A QUESTION IN THE QUEUE: Send Patrick a DM with your Five Factors questions! ABOUT US: 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. | |||