Paul Bearer

Paul Bearer is the vocalist for one of the most influential and underrated New York Hardcore bands of all time: Sheer Terror. Sheer Terror came out of the very strange New York Hardcore scene of the 80s — before the music became codified into the metallic, bouncy mosh parts we think of as NYHC today. While Sheer Terror is certainly no stranger to blending metal and punk, their sound is much more Tom G. Warrior plus Oi! rather than syncopated, single-string riffs. Nothing against bouncy mosh parts, but Sheer Terror is much more my cup of tea, personally. Paul and I talk not only about the weird world of punk and hardcore in New York in the 80s, but also about Paul’s cooking and his aggressive and comical pet Russian tortoises. Learn more from Paul and Sheer Terror here:  Instagram: @djdontlikeu | @officialsheerterror Facebook: @sheerterror | @joecoffeeband Merchandise: Dead City Merchandise |  Socks at Omerta Mia  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Many of these interviews are posted in video format on YouTube as well. Show Notes:   [02:36] Paul’s DJing and the dangers of developing a habit collecting Northern Soul records   [13:36] How to get into Northern Soul. And, artists finding out they’re unexpectedly famous.   [27:20] The difficulty of being creative during the pandemic. And, Paul burned all his old, unused lyrics notebooks.   [37:42] Paul’s specialty dishes   [43:51] Obsessive music collecting and getting into punk. Plus a meditation on aging and hard living.   [56:19] Paul’s thoughts on fitness (Don’t miss this…)   [58:50] New York was a weird place during the 80s and New York Hardcore was a weird scene. Plus, the violent, sketchy world of skinheads and the evolution of anti-establishment politics.   [1:15:51] New Sheer Terror music and how to buy Sheer Terror socks   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Northern soul  The Jackson 5  Lee Charles  Eunice Collins  Northern Soul: An Oral History | Red Bull Music Academy Daily Throbbing Gristle Industrial Records  Major Lance Keisha Lance Bottoms Searching for Sugar Man Russian tortoise Polish Hunter Stew The Sweet &amp; Savory Spot  Humble Pie  Alice Cooper  Sabbath Bloody Sabbath  Mott The Hoople  David Bowie  Bruce Springsteen Nancy Spungen No Wave Compilation  The Dickies  The Stranglers “Bring On The Nubiles”  The Plasmatics  Red Hot Chili Peppers “One Hot Minute” Craig Setari  Antidote  Bad Brains  MDC  Crass  Thin Lizzy “Baby Please Don’t Go”  Infanterie Sauvage  Bowling For Soup 

Paul Bearer is the vocalist for one of the most influential and underrated New York Hardcore bands of all time: Sheer Terror. Sheer Terror came out of the very strange New York Hardcore scene of the 80s — before the music became codified into the metallic, bouncy mosh parts we think of as NYHC today. While Sheer Terror is certainly no stranger to blending metal and punk, their sound is much more Tom G. Warrior plus Oi! rather than syncopated, single-string riffs. Nothing against bouncy mosh parts, but Sheer Terror is much more my cup of tea, personally. Paul and I talk not only about the weird world of punk and hardcore in New York in the 80s, but also about Paul’s cooking and his aggressive and comical pet Russian tortoises. Learn more from Paul and Sheer Terror here: <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/djdontlikeu/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@djdontlikeu</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/officialsheerterror/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@officialsheerterror</a></li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheerterror/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@sheerterror</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joecoffeeband/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@joecoffeeband</a></li> <li>Merchandise: <a href="https://deadcityrecords.bigcartel.com/artist/sheer-terror" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dead City Merchandise</a> | <a href="https://omertamia.com/collections/accessories/products/sheer-terror-white-w-green-socks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Socks at Omerta Mia</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Many of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OAPZC2A4QaLMvGekR_PUQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these interviews are posted in video format on YouTube</a> as well. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [02:36] Paul’s DJing and the dangers of developing a habit collecting Northern Soul records </li> <li> [13:36] How to get into Northern Soul. And, artists finding out they’re unexpectedly famous. </li> <li> [27:20] The difficulty of being creative during the pandemic. And, Paul burned all his old, unused lyrics notebooks. </li> <li> [37:42] Paul’s specialty dishes </li> <li> [43:51] Obsessive music collecting and getting into punk. Plus a meditation on aging and hard living. </li> <li> [56:19] Paul’s thoughts on fitness (Don’t miss this…) </li> <li> [58:50] New York was a weird place during the 80s and New York Hardcore was a weird scene. Plus, the violent, sketchy world of skinheads and the evolution of anti-establishment politics. </li> <li> [1:15:51] New Sheer Terror music and how to buy Sheer Terror socks </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_soul" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Northern soul</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Q80mk7bxE&amp;ab_channel=IBeLovinTheJ5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Jackson 5</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnjcLDp3JRM&amp;ab_channel=spinning45s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Lee Charles</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMdsLqd-QGE&amp;ab_channel=Blackie%27sOldies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Eunice Collins</a></li> <li><a href="https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2016/01/northern-soul-an-oral-history" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Northern Soul: An Oral History | Red Bull Music Academy Daily</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throbbing_Gristle#Legacy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throbbing Gristle</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Records" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Industrial Records</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZzy3vWBKps&amp;ab_channel=cloud9dj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Major Lance</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keisha_Lance_Bottoms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Searching_for_Sugar_Man" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Searching for Sugar Man</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_tortoise" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Russian tortoise</a></li> <li><a href="https://eatingeuropean.com/bigos-polish-hunter-stew/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Polish Hunter Stew</a></li> <li><a href="https://thesweetandsavoryspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sweet &amp; Savory Spot</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg4J8CX4xFo&amp;ab_channel=JohnnyThunder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Humble Pie</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQW1TlDZMU&amp;ab_channel=OfficialAliceCooper" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Alice Cooper</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKtU82Jrhqo&amp;ab_channel=TheMetalArchive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Sabbath Bloody Sabbath</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIGdmoEWS4k&amp;ab_channel=GermanLGonz%C3%A1lezA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Mott The Hoople</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfrOlB6pXNI&amp;ab_channel=ItaDepeeza" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> David Bowie</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgaFNC_I_ZknSHzbilIia07ucfu8FJaeh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Bruce Springsteen</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Spungen#Death" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nancy Spungen</a></li> <li><a href="https://swaggierecords.com/products/no-wave-a-m-compilation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No Wave Compilation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dYIXbAjn-I&amp;ab_channel=LoudProudandDrunk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Dickies</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVlkKGArloM&amp;ab_channel=ELGROOVER" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Stranglers “Bring On The Nubiles”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN78ZFIQMV0&amp;ab_channel=JeanBeauvoir" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Plasmatics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBDR8B95jXQ&amp;ab_channel=GalGodonut" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Red Hot Chili Peppers “One Hot Minute”</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Setari" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig Setari</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMw8l3dTZfU&amp;ab_channel=hulud99" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Antidote</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_UTnAngyw0&amp;ab_channel=wms702" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Bad Brains</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PUC1TDPe0o&amp;ab_channel=Anti-Patriot009" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> MDC</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aSZo8nMtvE&amp;ab_channel=CristianAcosta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Crass</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh1kPzMf9v4&amp;ab_channel=ThinLizzyFanpage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Thin Lizzy “Baby Please Don’t Go”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7AnxG9IoEI&amp;ab_channel=LoboAttitudine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Infanterie Sauvage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K38xNqZvBJI&amp;ab_channel=BowlingForSoupVEVO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Bowling For Soup</a></li> </ul>

Paul Bearer (Sheer Terror | Joe Coffee)

Christopher M. Russo

Monetary policy is confusing. What even is The Fed? How do they control interest rates? Is The Fed different than the Treasury? Why do different cities have different feds? And, most importantly, do people with laser eyes on Twitter actually know anything about inflation? These are all things that I've wondered about — fortunately, my friend Chris Russo is a post-graduate research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and an expert on monetary policy. And, he lifted some weights at South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning while pursuing his education at the University of Chicago. Chris does a great job of breaking down how monetary policy impacts our daily lives, and gives an enlightening explanation of some of the plumbing that keeps our monetary system functioning. Plus, we discuss a zoomed out perspective on how to think about the inflation numbers in the news. Learn more from Chris here:  Website: www.russoecon.com | Mercatus Profile Twitter: @RussoEcon  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [02:06] What is the US Treasury? What is The Fed? What do the Treasury and the Fed have to do with inflation?   [13:36] A history of the organization of The Fed including: why cities have their own Fed, how the fed regulates monetary policy, and what it means to “print money”   [27:44] How does the money supply impact prices and inflation? And, the importance of the equation of exchange: MV = PQ   [33:10] Paul Krugman’s babysitter club analogy and how it explains monetary policy   [45:40] Why does The Fed target 2% inflation?   [51:02] Interest rates, full employment and the Fed’s mechanisms for inflation targeting   [01:02:11] How should people think about inflation numbers in the news?   [01:12:11] Summary of key takeaways on monetary policy   Links and Resources Mentioned:   United States Department of the Treasury Federal Reserve United States Treasury security Full Employment Definition Federal Funds Rate  Hamilton vs. Jefferson on Monetary Policy  Why Does Missouri Have Two Federal Reserves? Federal Open Market Committee Why Does The Fed Buy Mortgage-Backed Securities?  The Great Depression According to Milton Friedman The Equation of Exchange “Baby-Sitting the Economy” by Paul Krugman  The Impact of Interest Rate Changes by the Federal Reserve  Why Is Deflation Bad for the Economy? Helicopter money  Neo-Fisherism vs. Conventional Central Banking Wisdom The Fisher Effect “Inside the Black Box: The Credit Channel of Monetary Policy Transmission” by Ben Bernanke  The Taylor Rule: An Economic Model for Monetary Policy Consumer Price Index 

Monetary policy is confusing. What even is The Fed? How do they control interest rates? Is The Fed different than the Treasury? Why do different cities have different feds? And, most importantly, do people with laser eyes on Twitter actually know anything about inflation? These are all things that I've wondered about — fortunately, my friend <a href="http://russoecon.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Russo</a> is a post-graduate research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and an expert on monetary policy. And, he lifted some weights at South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning while pursuing his education at the University of Chicago. Chris does a great job of breaking down how monetary policy impacts our daily lives, and gives an enlightening explanation of some of the plumbing that keeps our monetary system functioning. Plus, we discuss a zoomed out perspective on how to think about the inflation numbers in the news. Learn more from Chris here: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="http://russoecon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.russoecon.com</a> | <a href="https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/christopher-russo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercatus Profile</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/RussoEcon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@RussoEcon</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [02:06] What is the US Treasury? What is The Fed? What do the Treasury and the Fed have to do with inflation? </li> <li> [13:36] A history of the organization of The Fed including: why cities have their own Fed, how the fed regulates monetary policy, and what it means to “print money” </li> <li> [27:44] How does the money supply impact prices and inflation? And, the importance of the equation of exchange: MV = PQ </li> <li> [33:10] Paul Krugman’s babysitter club analogy and how it explains monetary policy </li> <li> [45:40] Why does The Fed target 2% inflation? </li> <li> [51:02] Interest rates, full employment and the Fed’s mechanisms for inflation targeting </li> <li> [01:02:11] How should people think about inflation numbers in the news? </li> <li> [01:12:11] Summary of key takeaways on monetary policy </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Treasury" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> United States Department of the Treasury</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Federal Reserve</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Treasury_security" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United States Treasury security</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fullemployment.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Employment Definition</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/federalfundsrate.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Federal Funds Rate</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/outlines/history-2005/the-formation-of-a-national-government/hamilton-vs-jefferson.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Hamilton vs. Jefferson on Monetary Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.kansascityfed.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Why Does Missouri Have Two Federal Reserves?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomc.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Federal Open Market Committee</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/agency-mbs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Does The Fed Buy Mortgage-Backed Securities?</a></li> <li><a href="https://fee.org/articles/the-great-depression-according-to-milton-friedman/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Great Depression According to Milton Friedman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/equation_of_exchange.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Equation of Exchange</a></li> <li><a href="https://slate.com/business/1998/08/baby-sitting-the-economy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Baby-Sitting the Economy” by Paul Krugman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/010616/impact-fed-interest-rate-hike.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Impact of Interest Rate Changes by the Federal Reserve</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/030915/why-deflation-bad-economy.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Why Is Deflation Bad for the Economy?</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_money" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helicopter money</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2016/november/how-neo-fisherism-differs-conventional-wisdom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Neo-Fisherism vs. Conventional Central Banking Wisdom</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fishereffect.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Fisher Effect</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/jep.9.4.27" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Inside the Black Box: The Credit Channel of Monetary Policy Transmission” by Ben Bernanke</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/10/taylor-rule.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Taylor Rule: An Economic Model for Monetary Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bls.gov/cpi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Consumer Price Index</a></li> </ul>

Christopher M. Russo (Mercatus Center) on Monetary Policy, The Fed, and Inflation

Spenser Mestel

I first encountered Spenser’s work through his writing for the Morning Chalk Up, and at some point I clicked on enough links to realize that the majority of his work is on voting rights and election reform. I’ve been a subscriber to Spenser’s voting rights newsletter, so I wanted to get his take on how things went with New York City’s experiment in ranked choice voting in their Democratic mayoral primary. While election fraud and voter suppression are hot-button culture war issues, there are also a lot of low-hanging fruit for bipartisan election reforms. Spenser’s understanding of the voting rights landscape is deep and nuanced, so I’m thrilled that he decided to indulge my questioning. We also discuss Spenser’s forthcoming book with Mat Fraser, in which Mat finally spills the beans about his training, his injuries (that he didn’t want competitors to know about), and more. You can pre-order Hard Work Pays Off here. Learn more from Spenser here:  Substack: spensermestel.substack.com Website: www.spensermestel.com Book:  “Hard Work Pays Off” by Mat Fraser and Spenser Mestel Twitter: @SpenserMestel Instagram: @spensermestel  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [02:35] How has ranked choice voting gone in the New York mayoral primary? And, what’s the deal with the New York Board of Elections?   [10:57] Did any of the theoretical benefits of ranked choice voting show up when it was tested in New York?   [27:42] What is the “steelman” case for voting rights restrictions? What is the prevalence of voter fraud?   [34:02] There is a history of political machines and electioneering. How concerned should we be with these kinds of manipulations?   [39:32] What’s the deal with voter ID requirements? And gerrymandering?   [52:50] Writing a book with 5 time CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser — and the mental challenges of being an elite athlete   [1:05:55] Learn more from Spenser and subscribe to Spenser’s Super Tuesday   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Ranked-choice voting 2021 Georgia runoff election  Vote Tally Mistake Causes Confusion In New York City Mayoral Race | NPR First-past-the-post voting Voter Fraud Map: Election Fraud Database | The Heritage Foundation Machine Politics  Study: voter ID laws don’t reduce voter fraud — or voter turnout | Vox  Leaked Audio: Trump Adviser Says Republicans Rely on Voter Suppression | Business Insider Gerrymandering Mathew Fraser  How I Conquered 'American Ninja Warrior' by Spenser Mestel | Rolling Stone 

I first encountered Spenser’s work through his writing for the <a href="https://morningchalkup.com/author/spensermestel/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Morning Chalk Up</a>, and at some point I clicked on enough links to realize that the majority of his work is on voting rights and election reform. I’ve been a subscriber to <a href="https://spensermestel.substack.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spenser’s voting rights newsletter</a>, so I wanted to get his take on how things went with New York City’s experiment in ranked choice voting in their Democratic mayoral primary. While election fraud and voter suppression are hot-button culture war issues, there are also a lot of low-hanging fruit for bipartisan election reforms. Spenser’s understanding of the voting rights landscape is deep and nuanced, so I’m thrilled that he decided to indulge my questioning. We also discuss Spenser’s forthcoming book with Mat Fraser, in which Mat finally spills the beans about his training, his injuries (that he didn’t want competitors to know about), and more. You can pre-order <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/144/1445166/hard-work-pays-off/9781529135848.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hard Work Pays Off here</a>. Learn more from Spenser here: <ul> <li>Substack: <a href="https://spensermestel.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spensermestel.substack.com</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.spensermestel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.spensermestel.com</a></li> <li>Book: <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670367/hwpo-by-mat-fraser-with-spenser-mestel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “Hard Work Pays Off” by Mat Fraser and Spenser Mestel</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/SpenserMestel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@SpenserMestel</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/SpenserMestel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@spensermestel</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [02:35] How has ranked choice voting gone in the New York mayoral primary? And, what’s the deal with the New York Board of Elections? </li> <li> [10:57] Did any of the theoretical benefits of ranked choice voting show up when it was tested in New York? </li> <li> [27:42] What is the “steelman” case for voting rights restrictions? What is the prevalence of voter fraud? </li> <li> [34:02] There is a history of political machines and electioneering. How concerned should we be with these kinds of manipulations? </li> <li> [39:32] What’s the deal with voter ID requirements? And gerrymandering? </li> <li> [52:50] Writing a book with 5 time CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser — and the mental challenges of being an elite athlete </li> <li> [1:05:55] Learn more from Spenser and subscribe to Spenser’s Super Tuesday </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Ranked-choice_voting_(RCV)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ranked-choice voting</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Georgia_runoff_election" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2021 Georgia runoff election</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/30/1011747612/the-human-error-thats-snarling-the-new-york-city-mayors-race" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Vote Tally Mistake Causes Confusion In New York City Mayoral Race | NPR</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-past-the-post_voting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First-past-the-post voting</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.heritage.org/voterfraud" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Voter Fraud Map: Election Fraud Database | The Heritage Foundation</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/774.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Machine Politics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/2/21/18230009/voter-id-laws-fraud-turnout-study-research" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Study: voter ID laws don’t reduce voter fraud — or voter turnout | Vox</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-audio-trump-adviser-republicans-rely-voter-suppression-justin-clark-2019-12" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Leaked Audio: Trump Adviser Says Republicans Rely on Voter Suppression | Business Insider</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerrymandering" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gerrymandering</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mathewfras/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mathew Fraser</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/how-i-conquered-american-ninja-warrior-35279/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How I Conquered 'American Ninja Warrior' by Spenser Mestel | Rolling Stone</a></li> </ul>

Spenser Mestel on Voting Rights, Election Reform, and Writing a Book with Mat Fraser

Dave Bland

Dave Bland is one of the most creative drummers currently playing extreme music. While technical wherewithal with blindingly fast blast beats is always appreciated, the ability to adapt to the varied styles present on Full of Hell records as well as the more straightforward death metal of Jarhead Fertilizer requires much more perspicacity. I first met Dave over 10 years ago when he was a high school student who left to go on tour with Full of Hell without his parents’ permission. Since then, Full of Hell has grown into one of the best bands in extreme music, and Dave’s drumming has become unbelievably impressive. Dave’s death metal project Jarhead Fertilizer finally released their debut full length album this year on Closed Casket Activities after letting it marinate for several years. In this interview, Dave discusses his difficult upbringing as well as his late father’s run ins with the law — and how those experiences shaped him as well as proving inspiration for Jarhead’s music. Dave also discusses his best tips for smoking meats (he works as a chef while not touring) and whether he prefers small or big sunglasses. Learn more from Dave, Full of Hell, and Jarhead Fertilizer here:  Bandcamp: Jarhead Fertilizer | Full of Hell Instagram: @davebland | @fullofhell | @jarhead_fertilizer  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [02:10] Dave’s tips for smoking meats and wearing shades   [10:54] The evolution of Jarhead Fertilizer   [13:51] Dave’s late father’s wild life story — and how that comes out in Jarhead’s lyrical content.   [26:00] Lessons learned from Dave’s upbringing   [33:50] Meeting Spencer and joining Full of Hell as a child   [41:40] Dave’s skills as a guitar player and how he writes Jarhead Fertilizer songs   [46:00] Dave’s forthcoming solo record — and how he things about collaboration, improvisation, and writing songs with a focus on drums   [56:20] Creating a cohesive vision from disparate influences   [01:06:30] All of Dave’s upcoming releases — and starting a YouTube channel   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Like Rats Kung Fu Necktie Louisiana State Penitentiary Globe Gastro Theatre Bolt Thrower  Britney Spears’s Python Do snakes have ears? Kool Keith  Tony Williams  Billy Cobham John Caution Machines with Magnets Seth Manchester The Body Daughters Lightning Bolt Kurt Ballou Developing Nations Recording Closed Casket Activities  Sepultura “Inner Self” Eloy Casagrande  Igor Cavalera 

Dave Bland is one of the most creative drummers currently playing extreme music. While technical wherewithal with blindingly fast blast beats is always appreciated, the ability to adapt to the varied styles present on Full of Hell records as well as the more straightforward death metal of Jarhead Fertilizer requires much more perspicacity. I first met Dave over 10 years ago when he was a high school student who left to go on tour with Full of Hell without his parents’ permission. Since then, Full of Hell has grown into one of the best bands in extreme music, and Dave’s drumming has become unbelievably impressive. Dave’s death metal project Jarhead Fertilizer finally released their <a href="https://jarheadfertilizeroc.bandcamp.com/album/product-of-my-environment" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">debut full length album</a> this year on <a href="https://closedcasketactivities.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Closed Casket Activities</a> after letting it marinate for several years. In this interview, Dave discusses his difficult upbringing as well as his late father’s run ins with the law — and how those experiences shaped him as well as proving inspiration for Jarhead’s music. Dave also discusses his best tips for smoking meats (he works as a chef while not touring) and whether he prefers <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo6sopAnic8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">small or big sunglasses</a>. Learn more from Dave, Full of Hell, and Jarhead Fertilizer here: <ul> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://jarheadfertilizeroc.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jarhead Fertilizer</a> | <a href="https://https//fullofhell.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full of Hell</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davebland/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@davebland</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fullofhell/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@fullofhell</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jarhead_fertilizer/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@jarhead_fertilizer</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [02:10] Dave’s tips for smoking meats and wearing shades </li> <li> [10:54] The evolution of Jarhead Fertilizer </li> <li> [13:51] Dave’s late father’s wild life story — and how that comes out in Jarhead’s lyrical content. </li> <li> [26:00] Lessons learned from Dave’s upbringing </li> <li> [33:50] Meeting Spencer and joining Full of Hell as a child </li> <li> [41:40] Dave’s skills as a guitar player and how he writes Jarhead Fertilizer songs </li> <li> [46:00] Dave’s forthcoming solo record — and how he things about collaboration, improvisation, and writing songs with a focus on drums </li> <li> [56:20] Creating a cohesive vision from disparate influences </li> <li> [01:06:30] All of Dave’s upcoming releases — and starting a YouTube channel </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://hibernation-release.bandcamp.com/album/death-monolith" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Like Rats</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kungfunecktie_bar/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kung Fu Necktie</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_State_Penitentiary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Louisiana State Penitentiary</a></li> <li><a href="https://globeberlin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Globe Gastro Theatre</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUqfASftDFs&amp;ab_channel=80sTD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bolt Thrower</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/britney-spears-python.html/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Britney Spears’s Python</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.livescience.com/do-snakes-have-ears.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Do snakes have ears?</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/UltraMan7000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kool Keith</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHGac1_7A-g&amp;ab_channel=DRUMMERWORLD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Tony Williams</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3yR500uI90&amp;ab_channel=Drumeo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Billy Cobham</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/weakenednachos?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Caution</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.machineswithmagnets.com/studio-about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Machines with Magnets</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/seffffffy/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seth Manchester</a></li> <li><a href="https://thebody.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Body</a></li> <li><a href="https://daughters.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daughters</a></li> <li><a href="https://lightningbolt.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lightning Bolt</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/godcitymusic/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kurt Ballou</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.developingnationsrecording.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Developing Nations Recording</a></li> <li><a href="https://closedcasketactivities.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Closed Casket Activities</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wL8GjSeo3M&amp;ab_channel=RoadrunnerRecords" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Sepultura “Inner Self”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/eloycasagrande/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eloy Casagrande</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ZjeByJFpY&amp;ab_channel=IggorCavalera" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Igor Cavalera</a></li> </ul>

Dave Bland (Full of Hell | Jarhead Fertilizer)

Matthew O. Jackson

Humans have an intuitive sense for who is important and well-connected. We like knowing “movers and shakers,” and we regularly engage in complicated social machinations — conscious or otherwise — to position ourselves close to the seat of influence. But what about the formal study of the spread of information through human networks? Matthew O. Jackson is a professor of economics at Stanford, and his book “The Human Network” is a fantastic primer on the complex dynamics of human relationships. He’s also done fascinating work on the spread of microfinance in southern India with Arun Chandrasekhar and Nobel Laureates Abhijit Bahnerjee and Esther Duflo. In this podcast, we discuss the spread of microfinance in villages in rural India — as well as some unintended consequences that that came as a result of disrupting the social structures of these villages. And, as sometimes happens, we also had a brief detour to discuss Frank Herbert’s “Dune.” Learn more from Matthew here:  Website: Stanford Homepage Books:  The Human Network |  Social and Economic Networks Twitter: @jacksonmmatt Coursera: Instructor Page  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [02:08] “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”   [05:56] The spread of microfinance in southern India provides a natural experiment for tracking the flow of information through social networks — and the consequences of altering the social graph in communities.   [20:17] How did companies try to spread loans in India? What types of people best spread information about microfinance in their communities?   [26:30] Information spread “decays” the further out in the network it gets. What causes this?   [38:00] A quick detour into Dune and Lord of the Rings   [42:26] The consequences of microfinance on the social networks in villages — and externalities on those who already have week social ties   [55:40] Does disrupting the social networks of rural villages cause any positive externalities like less caste segregation?   [01:00:17] Using “policy cocktails” to help counteract the unintended consequences of interventions.   [01:10:00] How to learn more from Matthew, follow his research, and purchase his books.   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Eigenvector centrality Centrality Abhijit Banerjee Esther Duflo Arun Chandrasekhar Microfinance Dune  Twitter’s main character  Def Leppard Dune (1984 film) J.R.R. Tolkien  Marxism and the theory of “Long Waves” Sericulture Robert D. Putnam Bowling Alone WEIRD Psychology 

Humans have an intuitive sense for who is important and well-connected. We like knowing “movers and shakers,” and we regularly engage in complicated social machinations — conscious or otherwise — to position ourselves close to the seat of influence. But what about the formal study of the spread of information through human networks? Matthew O. Jackson is a professor of economics at Stanford, and his book “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Human-Network-Position-Determines-Behaviors-ebook/dp/B073YTX8TM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Human Network</a>” is a fantastic primer on the complex dynamics of human relationships. He’s also done fascinating work on the spread of microfinance in southern India with Arun Chandrasekhar and Nobel Laureates Abhijit Bahnerjee and Esther Duflo. In this podcast, we discuss the spread of microfinance in villages in rural India — as well as some unintended consequences that that came as a result of disrupting the social structures of these villages. And, as sometimes happens, we also had a brief detour to discuss Frank Herbert’s “Dune.” Learn more from Matthew here: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://web.stanford.edu/~jacksonm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stanford Homepage</a></li> <li>Books: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Human-Network-Position-Determines-Behaviors-ebook/dp/B073YTX8TM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Human Network</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTKEZKA/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Social and Economic Networks</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksonmmatt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@jacksonmmatt</a></li> <li>Coursera: <a href="https://www.coursera.org/instructor/jacksonm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instructor Page</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [02:08] “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” </li> <li> [05:56] The spread of microfinance in southern India provides a natural experiment for tracking the flow of information through social networks — and the consequences of altering the social graph in communities. </li> <li> [20:17] How did companies try to spread loans in India? What types of people best spread information about microfinance in their communities? </li> <li> [26:30] Information spread “decays” the further out in the network it gets. What causes this? </li> <li> [38:00] A quick detour into Dune and Lord of the Rings </li> <li> [42:26] The consequences of microfinance on the social networks in villages — and externalities on those who already have week social ties </li> <li> [55:40] Does disrupting the social networks of rural villages cause any positive externalities like less caste segregation? </li> <li> [01:00:17] Using “policy cocktails” to help counteract the unintended consequences of interventions. </li> <li> [01:10:00] How to learn more from Matthew, follow his research, and purchase his books. </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eigenvector_centrality" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eigenvector centrality</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrality" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Centrality</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhijit_Banerjee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Abhijit Banerjee</a></li> <li><a href="https://economics.mit.edu/faculty/eduflo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esther Duflo</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.stanford.edu/~arungc/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arun Chandrasekhar</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfinance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Microfinance</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_(novel)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dune</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/maplecocaine/status/1080665226410889217?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter’s main character</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMzyleT2FqY&amp;ab_channel=DefLeppardVEVO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Def Leppard</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_(1984_film)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dune (1984 film)</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">J.R.R. Tolkien</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.marxist.com/marxism-theory-long-waves-kondratiev141100.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Marxism and the theory of “Long Waves”</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sericulture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sericulture</a></li> <li><a href="http://robertdputnam.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert D. Putnam</a></li> <li><a href="http://bowlingalone.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bowling Alone</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology#WEIRD_bias" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WEIRD Psychology</a></li> </ul>

Matthew O. Jackson, PhD on Human Networks and Microfinance

Kayhan Vaziri

Yautja plays lurching, uncomfortable music, so it is fitting that their new album is called “The Lurch.” I first met Kayhan back in approximately 2010 when I was on tour with Weekend Nachos and we stayed at Kayhan’s place in Birmingham, Alabama. At the time, Kayhan was in a band called Legion (funny enough), and since then has gone on to play in several excellent hardcore and metal projects like Coliseum, Die Young, and — of course — Yautja. Yautja’s most recent record is fantastic, so I wanted to get Kayhan on the podcast to discuss how they write such weird but catchy songs. The conversation also took a detour into some of Kayhan’s wild experiences working at his family’s convenience store during a pandemic, so stick around for that as well. Learn more from Kayhan and Yautja here:  Bandcamp: yautja.bandcamp.com Instagram: @yautjagram Facebook: @YautjaTN  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [01:29] The power of naming things “Legion”   [06:50] Being viewed as an off-the-rails weirdo due to an interest in extreme music — and the differences between music, sci-fi, and fantasy fandoms   [15:04] Getting into hardcore and punk, and the benefits of a mid-sized scene on creativity in Birmingham, Alabama   [20:28] Straddling genre lines with Yautja and being the misfit band on most concert bills   [29:17] The impacts of the country music industry on the Nashville underground music scene   [35:07] Yautja’s songwriting process — and the importance of rhythm, variations, and other subtleties in their compositions   [47:17] Yautja plays difficult and weird riffs, but is not really a “technical” band   [57:55] Yautja’s plans as the US emerges from the pandemic   [01:03:29] Kayhan’s comical and frustrating experiences working in his family’s convenience store during a pandemic   [01:14:14] How to purchase “The Lurch” and support Yautja   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Weekend Nachos Legion  Deicide “Legion”  Integrity “Dawn of a new Apocalypse” Legion in popular culture Birmingham Legion FC The Home Despot  Wish  Machine Head “Burn My Eyes”  Keep Staring I Might Do a Trick T-Shirt Doctor Who The Lord of the Rings Robert Jordan George R. R. Martin Darkman Virus (1999 film) In Defence Revocation Exhumed Rivers of Nihil  Voivod “Dimension Hatröss”  Morbid Angel “Formulas Fatal to the Flesh”  Morbid Angel “Gateways to Annihilation” Hella Gnarwhal Mutilation Rites  Alraune  Steve Cloutier and Luc Lemay of Gorguts guitar lesson  Gorguts “Obscura” 

Yautja plays lurching, uncomfortable music, so it is fitting that their new album is called “The Lurch.” I first met Kayhan back in approximately 2010 when I was on tour with Weekend Nachos and we stayed at Kayhan’s place in Birmingham, Alabama. At the time, Kayhan was in a band called Legion (funny enough), and since then has gone on to play in several excellent hardcore and metal projects like <a href="https://coliseum.bandcamp.com/album/sister-faith" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coliseum</a>, <a href="https://dieyoungtx.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Die Young</a>, and — of course — Yautja. Yautja’s most recent record is fantastic, so I wanted to get Kayhan on the podcast to discuss how they write such weird but catchy songs. The conversation also took a detour into some of Kayhan’s wild experiences working at his family’s convenience store during a pandemic, so stick around for that as well. Learn more from Kayhan and Yautja here: <ul> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://yautja.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yautja.bandcamp.com</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yautjagram/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@yautjagram</a></li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YautjaTN/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@YautjaTN</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [01:29] The power of naming things “Legion” </li> <li> [06:50] Being viewed as an off-the-rails weirdo due to an interest in extreme music — and the differences between music, sci-fi, and fantasy fandoms </li> <li> [15:04] Getting into hardcore and punk, and the benefits of a mid-sized scene on creativity in Birmingham, Alabama </li> <li> [20:28] Straddling genre lines with Yautja and being the misfit band on most concert bills </li> <li> [29:17] The impacts of the country music industry on the Nashville underground music scene </li> <li> [35:07] Yautja’s songwriting process — and the importance of rhythm, variations, and other subtleties in their compositions </li> <li> [47:17] Yautja plays difficult and weird riffs, but is not really a “technical” band </li> <li> [57:55] Yautja’s plans as the US emerges from the pandemic </li> <li> [01:03:29] Kayhan’s comical and frustrating experiences working in his family’s convenience store during a pandemic </li> <li> [01:14:14] How to purchase “The Lurch” and support Yautja </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://weekendnachos.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weekend Nachos</a></li> <li><a href="https://legionbham.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legion</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTOVvSxzAsQ&amp;ab_channel=GravkammerChannel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Deicide “Legion”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9W86aGf3Q0&amp;ab_channel=tonydiediedie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Integrity “Dawn of a new Apocalypse”</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_in_popular_culture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legion in popular culture</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bhmlegion.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birmingham Legion FC</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.teepublic.com/sticker/8901883-the-home-despot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Home Despot</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.wish.com/~/art-and-craft-supplies/stickers-and-decals/?hide_login_modal=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Wish</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srqz7yirBSI&amp;ab_channel=TheMetalArchives" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Machine Head “Burn My Eyes”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Staring-Might-Trick-Light-T-Shirt/dp/B07NFPFCTD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Keep Staring I Might Do a Trick T-Shirt</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Who</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lord of the Rings</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Jordan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Jordan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_R._R._Martin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George R. R. Martin</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darkman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darkman</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus_(1999_film)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Virus (1999 film)</a></li> <li><a href="https://indefence.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Defence</a></li> <li><a href="https://revocation.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revocation</a></li> <li><a href="https://exhumed.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exhumed</a></li> <li><a href="https://riversofnihil.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rivers of Nihil</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGmaresjBhY&amp;ab_channel=MetalLionMX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Voivod “Dimension Hatröss”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lql4uz0tyr0&amp;ab_channel=LamarcusDirk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Morbid Angel “Formulas Fatal to the Flesh”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKfQkNLXVEE&amp;ab_channel=LamarcusDirk2.0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Morbid Angel “Gateways to Annihilation”</a></li> <li><a href="https://hella.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hella</a></li> <li><a href="https://gnarwhal.bandcamp.com/album/crucial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gnarwhal</a></li> <li><a href="https://gileadmedia.bandcamp.com/album/chasm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mutilation Rites</a></li> <li><a href="https://alraune.bandcamp.com/album/the-process-of-self-immolation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Alraune</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wG3GmaIgQ0&amp;ab_channel=broly1718" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Steve Cloutier and Luc Lemay of Gorguts guitar lesson</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCT8-Yzkzbs&amp;ab_channel=TheMetalArchives" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Gorguts “Obscura”</a></li> </ul>

Kayhan Vaziri (Yautja)

I’ve often spoken on the Legion Strength &amp; Conditioning podcast about the desire for “simple solutions to complex problems.” I figured I’d reframe and refine that discussion for a solocast based upon the cynefin decision-making framework, Julia Galef’s great new book “The Scout Mindset,” and some marketing intuition from years of running a small business. Over years of creating content for a fitness audience, I’ve learned that the things that resonate with people are often not the things that are actually correct. Understanding the difference between a “complicated” environment and a “complex” environment has helped me clarify what’s going on here. People tend to listen to podcasts, read articles, and buy coaching products to solve problems that they know they have. Most people intuitively frame things as “complicated” problems — meaning that there is established expertise out in the world that, messy as it may be, can come up with a flow chart or system that will guarantee an outcome if followed correctly. Instead, most real-life things are complex — meaning that outcomes are only loosely coupled with the “correctness” of inputs, nonlinearities, emergent phenomena, and threshold effects dominate, and it’s really hard to extract signal from noise. So, if I were being more parsimonious in my statement, I could rephrase it as “people want complicated solutions to complex problems.” Here’s why the best way to market yourself as a coach is not the best way to actually coach. If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [00:13] Introduction to the cynefin framework — Obvious | Complicated | Complex | Chaotic   [05:14] Moving from the realm of the complicated to the complex in real life environments like training, coaching, and business   [11:40] The Scout Mindset — and the weakness of epistemic humility when marketing to people thinking in a “complicated” not a “complex” way   [16:10] The prestige trap — and the desire to copy what successful people do under the misconception that there is a linear path to accomplish what they’ve accomplished (like people complaining that Mat Fraser’s new programming doesn’t show exactly what he did leading into his final CrossFit Games championship)   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Cynefin framework “A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making” from the Harvard Business Review Emergence  Threshold Effects Insulin resistance Julia Galef  “The Scout Mindset” by Julia Galef Philip E. Tetlock  ‎Hybrid Unlimited: Ep.83 Putting a strength coach in your pocket ft Mat Fraser and Ian Kaplan Dr. Ian Kaplan Hayden Bowe 

I’ve often spoken on the <a href="https://legionsc.com/podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legion Strength &amp; Conditioning podcast</a> about the desire for “simple solutions to complex problems.” I figured I’d reframe and refine that discussion for a solocast based upon the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cynefin decision-making framework</a>, Julia Galef’s great new book “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Mindset-Perils-Defensive-Thinking/dp/0735217556" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Scout Mindset</a>,” and some marketing intuition from years of running a small business. Over years of creating content for a fitness audience, I’ve learned that the things that resonate with people are often not the things that are actually correct. Understanding the difference between a “complicated” environment and a “complex” environment has helped me clarify what’s going on here. People tend to listen to podcasts, read articles, and buy coaching products to solve problems that they know they have. Most people intuitively frame things as “complicated” problems — meaning that there is established expertise out in the world that, messy as it may be, can come up with a flow chart or system that will guarantee an outcome if followed correctly. Instead, most real-life things are complex — meaning that outcomes are only loosely coupled with the “correctness” of inputs, nonlinearities, emergent phenomena, and threshold effects dominate, and it’s really hard to extract signal from noise. So, if I were being more parsimonious in my statement, I could rephrase it as “people want complicated solutions to complex problems.” Here’s why the best way to market yourself as a coach is not the best way to actually coach. If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [00:13] Introduction to the cynefin framework — Obvious | Complicated | Complex | Chaotic </li> <li> [05:14] Moving from the realm of the complicated to the complex in real life environments like training, coaching, and business </li> <li> [11:40] The Scout Mindset — and the weakness of epistemic humility when marketing to people thinking in a “complicated” not a “complex” way </li> <li> [16:10] The prestige trap — and the desire to copy what successful people do under the misconception that there is a linear path to accomplish what they’ve accomplished (like people complaining that Mat Fraser’s new programming doesn’t show exactly what he did leading into his final CrossFit Games championship) </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin_framework" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cynefin framework</a></li> <li><a href="https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making” from the Harvard Business Review</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergence" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emergence</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/threshold-effects" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Threshold Effects</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Insulin resistance</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/juliagalef" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julia Galef</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Mindset-Perils-Defensive-Thinking/dp/0735217556" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “The Scout Mindset” by Julia Galef</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sas.upenn.edu/tetlock/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philip E. Tetlock</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-83-putting-strength-coach-in-your-pocket-ft-mat/id1488804718?i=1000518187079" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> ‎Hybrid Unlimited: Ep.83 Putting a strength coach in your pocket ft Mat Fraser and Ian Kaplan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaplanfitness.hybrid/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Ian Kaplan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayden.bowe/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hayden Bowe</a></li> </ul>

Simple Solutions to Complex Problems [Solocast]

Bryan James

At some point in the last year or so, I started listening to the Epidemiology Counts podcast. I was thrilled to learn that the host, Bryan James, is a Chicago local at Rush University — and he’s a CrossFitter at Goose Island CrossFit. Bryan and I recently collaborated on an article for BarBend about controlling the spread of Covid in gym, as well: COVID In Gyms: What The Research Says About Mitigating Spread. In his day job, Bryan’s research focuses on the epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease, so I wanted to get his take on some common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s. Most of us have a family member who has been touched by Alzheimer’s or dementia, and my family is no different. Bryan’s work focuses on population-level analysis of some of the things that give us “buffering capacity” to delay the onset of dementia, as well as some of the hidden costs of Alzheimer’s and dementia that don’t always show up in our statistics. In Bryan’s role as a podcast host, he is also an expert communicator about nuanced epidemiological topics and public health. There’s a lot to talk about with the litany of public health communication catastrophes we’ve seen through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the descent into epistemic nihilism playing out daily on our social media feeds. Bryan has been wrestling with some of these problems in his own work, so his insight here is invaluable. Learn more from Bryan here:  Podcast: Epidemiology Counts |  Episode 1: Why should I trust that new health study? Website: Rush Profile Twitter: @bryandjames | @rushalzheimers Selected Publications: Late-Life Social Activity and Cognitive Decline in Old Age | Contribution of Alzheimer disease to mortality in the United States  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [01:51] The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia — and the role of cognitive reserve capacity in preventing dementia   [13:36] How to determine causality in a multifactorial complex system — and the changes in “prevalence” and “incidence” of Alzheimer’s over time   [24:50] What does epidemiology tell us about developing cognitive reserve capacity?   [33:29] Bryan’s paper on the correlation between social activity and Alzheimer’s   [41:47] Controlling for reverse causality and potential outside causes in epidemiological research   [50:04] The challenges in public health communication and the flaws in the way epidemiology research is presented in the media.   [01:03:24] Misinformation, publicly communicating nuanced topics, combatting epistemic nihilism, and restoring trust in institutions that have made public mistakes   [01:10:10] The Epidemiology Counts podcast and properly weighting the information from observational studies   Links and Resources Mentioned:   Grandpa Simpson walking in and out Lewy body dementias TDP-43 Pathology, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia in Old Age Amyloid plaques Neurofibrillary tangle Cognitive reserve in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease  Epidemiology, Prevalence and Incidence Image of Alzheimer’s Brain vs Normal Brain Reverse Causality U.S. POINTER Study Person, woman, man, camera, TV  “Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV” Video MoCA Montreal – Cognitive Assessment Assessment of memory complaint in age-associated memory impairment: the MAC-Q Controlling for a variable Effect of purpose in life on the relation between Alzheimer disease pathologic changes on cognitive function in advanced age  “SARS-CoV-2 and Potential Airborne Transmission” from the CDC  “FAQs on Protecting Yourself from Aerosol Transmission” from Jose-Luis Jimenez “Still Alive” Astral Codex Ten Gell-Mann Amnesia Malleus Maleficarum Prior probability 

At some point in the last year or so, I started listening to the <a href="https://serepidemiologycounts.blubrry.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Epidemiology Counts podcast</a>. I was thrilled to learn that the host, Bryan James, is a Chicago local at Rush University — and he’s a CrossFitter at <a href="http://www.gooseislandcrossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goose Island CrossFit</a>. Bryan and I recently collaborated on an article for BarBend about controlling the spread of Covid in gym, as well: <a href="https://barbend.com/covid-gyms-spread-research/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">COVID In Gyms: What The Research Says About Mitigating Spread</a>. In his day job, Bryan’s research focuses on the epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease, so I wanted to get his take on some common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s. Most of us have a family member who has been touched by Alzheimer’s or dementia, and my family is no different. Bryan’s work focuses on population-level analysis of some of the things that give us “buffering capacity” to delay the onset of dementia, as well as some of the hidden costs of Alzheimer’s and dementia that don’t always show up in our statistics. In Bryan’s role as a podcast host, he is also an expert communicator about nuanced epidemiological topics and public health. There’s a lot to talk about with the litany of public health communication catastrophes we’ve seen through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the descent into epistemic nihilism playing out daily on our social media feeds. Bryan has been wrestling with some of these problems in his own work, so his insight here is invaluable. Learn more from Bryan here: <ul> <li>Podcast: <a href="https://epiresearch.org/serlibrary/serpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Epidemiology Counts</a> | <a href="https://serepidemiologycounts.blubrry.net/2019/01/10/epidemiology-counts-why-should-trust-that-new-health-study-episode-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 1: Why should I trust that new health study?</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.rushu.rush.edu/faculty/bryan-d-james-phd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rush Profile</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/bryandjames?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bryandjames</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rushalzheimers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@rushalzheimers</a></li> <li>Selected Publications: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206295/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Late-Life Social Activity and Cognitive Decline in Old Age</a> | <a href="https://n.neurology.org/content/82/12/1045.short" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contribution of Alzheimer disease to mortality in the United States</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [01:51] The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia — and the role of cognitive reserve capacity in preventing dementia </li> <li> [13:36] How to determine causality in a multifactorial complex system — and the changes in “prevalence” and “incidence” of Alzheimer’s over time </li> <li> [24:50] What does epidemiology tell us about developing cognitive reserve capacity? </li> <li> [33:29] Bryan’s paper on the correlation between social activity and Alzheimer’s </li> <li> [41:47] Controlling for reverse causality and potential outside causes in epidemiological research </li> <li> [50:04] The challenges in public health communication and the flaws in the way epidemiology research is presented in the media. </li> <li> [01:03:24] Misinformation, publicly communicating nuanced topics, combatting epistemic nihilism, and restoring trust in institutions that have made public mistakes </li> <li> [01:10:10] The Epidemiology Counts podcast and properly weighting the information from observational studies </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkJehlr1tEw&amp;ab_channel=CALObaddie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Grandpa Simpson walking in and out</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewy_body_dementias" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lewy body dementias</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3830649/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TDP-43 Pathology, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia in Old Age</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyloid_plaques" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amyloid plaques</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurofibrillary_tangle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neurofibrillary tangle</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3507991/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cognitive reserve in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.physio-pedia.com/Epidemiology,_Prevalence_and_Incidence" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Epidemiology, Prevalence and Incidence</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.iona.org/dementia-memory-loss-alzheimers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Image of Alzheimer’s Brain vs Normal Brain</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.statisticshowto.com/reverse-causality/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reverse Causality</a></li> <li><a href="https://alz.org/us-pointer/overview.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. POINTER Study</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person,_woman,_man,_camera,_TV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Person, woman, man, camera, TV</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBEiCfLoW90&amp;ab_channel=TheSheridanFiles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV” Video</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mocatest.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MoCA Montreal – Cognitive Assessment</a></li> <li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1477304/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Assessment of memory complaint in age-associated memory impairment: the MAC-Q</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlling_for_a_variable" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Controlling for a variable</a></li> <li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22566582/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Effect of purpose in life on the relation between Alzheimer disease pathologic changes on cognitive function in advanced age</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/scientific-brief-sars-cov-2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “SARS-CoV-2 and Potential Airborne Transmission” from the CDC</a></li> <li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fB5pysccOHvxphpTmCG_TGdytavMmc1cUumn8m0pwzo/edit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “FAQs on Protecting Yourself from Aerosol Transmission” from Jose-Luis Jimenez</a></li> <li><a href="https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/still-alive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Still Alive” Astral Codex Ten</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.epsilontheory.com/gell-mann-amnesia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gell-Mann Amnesia</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malleus_Maleficarum" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Malleus Maleficarum</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prior_probability" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prior probability</a></li> </ul>

Bryan James, PhD on Alzheimer’s and Epidemiology

James Pligge

James Pligge is back by popular demand. This time, we talk about some of the many misconceptions that people have about James and Harm’s Way — as well as James’s ill-fated attempt to make a protein shake with Coca-Cola. To be honest, talking about making a protein shake from Coca-Cola probably doesn’t do a lot to correct any of those popular misconceptions about James… Either way, this is a hilarious conversation. James explains why Harm’s Way is more influenced by The Jesus Lizard than by Madball and also ridicules contemporary powerlifting culture. Learn more from James and Harm's Way here:  Website: www.harmsway13.com | Bandcamp Twitter: @harmsxway Facebook: @harmsxway Instagram: @harmsway13  These interviews are also posted on YouTube with video. Check out my channel here. If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [01:19] The challenges of remote learning (and teaching)   [10:25] James’s hatred of metalheads in high school   [15:20] The tribalism of adjacent subcultures   [22:20] James’s tough guy reputation   [28:23] Misconceptions that people have about Harm’s Way — and the challenges of making your art legible to an audience that doesn’t share the same background   [37:33] Powerlifting has become embarrassing   [47:40] James’s Coca-Cola protein shake   [52:15] Writing music in quarantine for the next Harm’s Way album   [01:06:40] The artistic direction of new Harm’s Way material   [01:16:45] How to follow Harm’s Way online. And the importance of Interpunk and No Idea Records mailorder on our development years.   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Zoombombing  Dimmu Borgir  Youth Of Today  Throwdown  Madball  The Legendary Study That Embarrassed Wine Experts Across the Globe  Terror  Cannibal Corpse  Ghostemane  Godflesh  Sepultura – Chaos AD  The Jesus Lizard  Suffocation “Liege of Inveracity”  Suffocation “Funeral Inception” Larry Wheels James Harden  Jay Cutler’s Coca-Cola Post-workout Shake Save Our Stages  The Locust  Saetia  Circle Takes The Square  Planes Mistaken for Stars  Beneath the Wheel  Five Fingers Half a Hand Interpunk.com No Idea Records  Vitamin X  Combatwoundedveteran 

James Pligge is back by popular demand. This time, we talk about some of the many misconceptions that people have about James and Harm’s Way — as well as James’s ill-fated attempt to make a protein shake with Coca-Cola. To be honest, talking about making a protein shake from Coca-Cola probably doesn’t do a lot to correct any of those popular misconceptions about James… Either way, this is a hilarious conversation. James explains why Harm’s Way is more influenced by The Jesus Lizard than by Madball and also ridicules contemporary powerlifting culture. Learn more from James and Harm's Way here: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.harmsway13.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.harmsway13.com</a> | <a href="https://harmswayband.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/harmsxway?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@harmsxway</a></li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/harmsxway" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@harmsxway</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harmsway13/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@harmsway13</a></li> </ul> These interviews are also posted on YouTube with video. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OAPZC2A4QaLMvGekR_PUQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out my channel here.</a> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [01:19] The challenges of remote learning (and teaching) </li> <li> [10:25] James’s hatred of metalheads in high school </li> <li> [15:20] The tribalism of adjacent subcultures </li> <li> [22:20] James’s tough guy reputation </li> <li> [28:23] Misconceptions that people have about Harm’s Way — and the challenges of making your art legible to an audience that doesn’t share the same background </li> <li> [37:33] Powerlifting has become embarrassing </li> <li> [47:40] James’s Coca-Cola protein shake </li> <li> [52:15] Writing music in quarantine for the next Harm’s Way album </li> <li> [01:06:40] The artistic direction of new Harm’s Way material </li> <li> [01:16:45] How to follow Harm’s Way online. And the importance of Interpunk and No Idea Records mailorder on our development years. </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoombombing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zoombombing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFRwNYPsHwY&amp;ab_channel=NuclearBlastRecords" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Dimmu Borgir</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBIpdHsA_v0&amp;ab_channel=guitargods2009" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Youth Of Today</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGLWGW74698&amp;ab_channel=blacksun40" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Throwdown</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBNrct01z_c&amp;ab_channel=NoPunksInK-Town" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Madball</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2014/08/the_most_infamous_study_on_wine_tasting.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Legendary Study That Embarrassed Wine Experts Across the Globe</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEwe36_sndE&amp;ab_channel=Cloverdogadventures%21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Terror</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=482tDopNzoc&amp;ab_channel=MetalBladeRecords" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Cannibal Corpse</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31j4DIpgY9U&amp;ab_channel=%EF%BC%B4%EF%BC%B2%EF%BC%A1%EF%BC%B3%EF%BC%A8%E6%96%B0%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B4%E3%83%B3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Ghostemane</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfN7OR5q_xw&amp;ab_channel=CrimsonCloud" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Godflesh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srF4NlN6GL4&amp;ab_channel=autumnblaze666" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Sepultura – Chaos AD</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhHwuPNA-j4&amp;ab_channel=SantiagoBernhardt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Jesus Lizard</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utwmnkw9Rf4&amp;ab_channel=Suffocation-Topic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Suffocation “Liege of Inveracity”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3WI-GUt2lk&amp;ab_channel=DanielW13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Suffocation “Funeral Inception”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/larrywheels/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Larry Wheels</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/JHarden13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harden</a></li> <li><a href="https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=183687&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Jay Cutler’s Coca-Cola Post-workout Shake</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.saveourstages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Save Our Stages</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V9i_zEm8r8&amp;ab_channel=RoyGattero" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Locust</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q801yAFdBPA&amp;ab_channel=Nicol%C3%A1s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Saetia</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hXpMGwbBGc&amp;ab_channel=FullLeaks-HD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Circle Takes The Square</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMVWxDGQFbs&amp;list=OLAK5uy_lD0xdY5THkcZdeS3-8JlplH4pMpC5xMVE&amp;ab_channel=PlanesMistakenforStars-Topic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Planes Mistaken for Stars</a></li> <li><a href="https://dupagecountyhardcore.bandcamp.com/album/beneath-the-wheel-2001-demo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Beneath the Wheel</a></li> <li><a href="https://dupagecountyhardcore.bandcamp.com/album/five-fingers-half-a-hand" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Five Fingers Half a Hand</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.interpunk.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Interpunk.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://store.noidearecords.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No Idea Records</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyYFs47FHps&amp;ab_channel=DiegoFernandoAr%C3%A9valoMoreno" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Vitamin X</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cup9zJeBFbU&amp;ab_channel=XStevexLOxFIxIrwinX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Combatwoundedveteran</a></li> </ul>

James Pligge (Harm's Way) Round II

I feel like I say this about a lot of my friends that I have on the podcast, but John Caution is one of the weirdest and funniest people I know. I’m happy to talk to John endlessly about funny things that people we both know did 15 years ago, but, in this interview, we talk about the legacy of Weekend Nachos. We talk about the trolling instinct, the impulse to create — either in riff form or otherwise, and being in a band that defined the identity of a lot of angry but funny social misfits. I laughed pretty hard during this interview, and I laughed even harder while relistening to it. John’s instinct for saying hilarious things and pushing people’s buttons remains as strong as ever, even as a suburban father. John is currently working on a book detailing the history of Weekend Nachos, so wish him happy and painless writing on that endeavor. Learn more from John here:  Bandcamp: Weekend Nachos | Sawblade | Ledge Twitter: @weakenednachos  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends,  why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:   [01:03] Spontaneous experimental trolling — and how the trolling instinct helped create Weekend Nachos   [13:57] How Weekend Nachos incorporated both anger and humor into their music   [19:30] Creating a blend of different styles of music that sounds cohesive   [23:58] Having a brain that is constantly full of riffs — and the social consequences thereof   [35:20] John is a suburban dad now and will call the cops on any local punk shows.   [44:17] Does John want his daughter to get into punk? And how extreme music helps people channel aggressive emotions.   [50:20] John’s experiences with therapy, marriage counseling, and dealing with negative emotions as an adult with a family   [01:05:10] The forthcoming book on the history of Weekend Nachos   Links and Resources Mentioned:  Born from Pain  Pele Circle Takes the Square  Orchid  Portraits of Past  Slayer “Altar Of Sacrifice”  Slayer Demos Slayer “Disciple”  Slayer “Jesus Saves”  Trap Them  Black Breath  Bad Luck 13  Blood for Blood  First Blood Hoodie Jacob Bannon Kid Dynamite 

I feel like I say this about a lot of my friends that I have on the podcast, but John Caution is one of the weirdest and funniest people I know. I’m happy to talk to John endlessly about funny things that people we both know did 15 years ago, but, in this interview, we talk about the legacy of Weekend Nachos. We talk about the trolling instinct, the impulse to create — either in riff form or otherwise, and being in a band that defined the identity of a lot of angry but funny social misfits. I laughed pretty hard during this interview, and I laughed even harder while relistening to it. John’s instinct for saying hilarious things and pushing people’s buttons remains as strong as ever, even as a suburban father. John is currently working on a book detailing the history of Weekend Nachos, so wish him happy and painless writing on that endeavor. Learn more from John here: <ul> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://weekendnachos.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weekend Nachos</a> | <a href="https://sawbladehc.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sawblade</a> | <a href="https://ledgedoom.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ledge</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/weakenednachos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@weakenednachos</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li> [01:03] Spontaneous experimental trolling — and how the trolling instinct helped create Weekend Nachos </li> <li> [13:57] How Weekend Nachos incorporated both anger and humor into their music </li> <li> [19:30] Creating a blend of different styles of music that sounds cohesive </li> <li> [23:58] Having a brain that is constantly full of riffs — and the social consequences thereof </li> <li> [35:20] John is a suburban dad now and will call the cops on any local punk shows. </li> <li> [44:17] Does John want his daughter to get into punk? And how extreme music helps people channel aggressive emotions. </li> <li> [50:20] John’s experiences with therapy, marriage counseling, and dealing with negative emotions as an adult with a family </li> <li> [01:05:10] The forthcoming book on the history of Weekend Nachos </li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://bornfrompain.bandcamp.com/album/in-love-with-the-end" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Born from Pain</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT-U0rqd3r4&amp;ab_channel=MilwaukeeJournalSentinel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Pele</a></li> <li><a href="https://ctts.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circle Takes the Square</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrEr8sPw2J0&amp;ab_channel=sweetbabyjaysus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Orchid</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFkND6UGuFg&amp;ab_channel=sweetbabyjaysus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Portraits of Past</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCA0u7Y9xyo&amp;ab_channel=TheMetalFactory" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Slayer “Altar Of Sacrifice”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tavEAvIH7yY&amp;ab_channel=ExtremelyPossessed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Slayer Demos</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS0mQ25ezq4&amp;ab_channel=Michu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slayer “Disciple”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFlctCuUV28&amp;ab_channel=ChrisMarciniak" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Slayer “Jesus Saves”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95pWht-MQLE&amp;ab_channel=Death%2CGore%26Grindcore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Trap Them</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is9N23F0eI0&amp;ab_channel=GoreGrinder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Black Breath</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tALyn3DAQaw&amp;ab_channel=hate5six" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Bad Luck 13</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk3Hw_j45MM&amp;list=PL9-AZ9k4nK0edxAm79y2VHHTpR3yXxDt1&amp;ab_channel=deathtotyrants76" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Blood for Blood</a></li> <li><a href="http://webshop.realityrecords.be/product_info.php?products_id=4269&amp;osCsid=6l2vs0r27bmf89a0a2d7un6ep7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> First Blood Hoodie</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jbannon/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jacob Bannon</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Dynamite_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kid Dynamite</a></li> </ul>

John Caution (Weekend Nachos)

Quick Note: I'm currently doing a Master's degree in Computer Science, so my release schedule will be intermittent depending on my coursework.Todd Nief is the owner of downtown Chicago's #1 CrossFit gym and the coach to multiple CrossFit Games athletes. He has been featured by Men's Fitness, WGN Radio, and NBC Chicago among others. His background in chemical engineering and as a musician in multiple death metal bands gives him a unique lens with which to unpack the models that people use to solve problems in complex areas like fitness, business, nutrition, music, economics and psychology.

Soliddddddsaaa

Wow yeah

Quick Note: I'm currently doing a Master's degree in Computer Science, so my release schedule will be intermittent depending on my coursework. Todd Nief is the owner of downtown Chicago's #1 CrossFit gym and the coach to multiple CrossFit Games athletes. He has been featured by Men's Fitness, WGN Radio, and NBC Chicago among others. His background in chemical engineering and as a musician in multiple death metal bands gives him a unique lens with which to unpack the models that people use to solve problems in complex areas like fitness, business, nutrition, music, economics and psychology.

Todd Nief's Show

Mike Hranica

Most musicians in the world toil in obscurity - hoping that anyone at all will find and resonate with their music.For those select few who do achieve some level of success via their music, they quickly become part of a machine focused on touring, album cycles, support acts, and management companies. So, for the established artist, they long to be creative without restrictions and baggage from expectations from their fans and the music business that sustains them.I discuss this dichotomy with Mike Hranica, the lead vocalist ("screamer" lol) from The Devil Wears Prada (a band with a lot of fans, and thus a lot of expectations) and God Alone (a band that purposefully defies expectations). We also discuss how he views discipline - or lack thereof - in his creative process, and how he scratches various creative itches through different outlets.Check out more from Mike here:Instagram: @mkhrnc//@tdwpband//@godalonebandWebsite: www.mikehranica.com//www.tdwpband.comTwitter: @mkhrnc If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is to share with your friends. So pass it along! If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review on iTunes? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. Show Notes[02:01] Establishing rules in creativity and having obsessive tendencies - and finding the appropriate balance in sticking to the record and improvising live[20:39] Balancing a breadth and depth of music consumption, and finding the right amount of focus to kickstart creativity[33:00] The process of maturing creatively and developing better songwriting skills - and which influences still hold up as an adult.[45:15] The ridiculousness of backing tracks in contemporary metalcore and the real-life consequences of selling out (or not selling out)[50:59] Finding a creative outlet with no expectations in God Alone and a censored YouTube video[01:00:09] Do writing lyrics and writing prose scratch the same creative itch? And how do lyrics “fit in” with God Alone or The Devil Wears Prada?[01:12:09] The opportunity cost of maintaining relationships - and how to decide which relationships are worth maintaining[01:18:24] Starting a coffee company - and what people mean when they say a coffee is “bright” or “fruity”[01:31:54] Getting in touch with your sensory experiences via things like appreciating coffee, appreciating guitar tones, and meditation. And the physical toll that touring takes on the body. Links and Resources Mentioned The Jesus Lizard The Tick (1994 TV series) Josh James Andy Nelson Bricktop Recording Julien Baker Julien Baker "Sour Breath" (Live on KEXP) - YouTube The Devil Wears Prada "Sour Breath" Hate Force James Pligge Interview Drew Brown (@from_my_stacks) Vastum Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer Stephen King Norma Jean Norma Jean "O' God the Aftermath" Curl Up and Die Every Time I Die Lagwagon Black Sabbath Silverchair Silverchair "Frogstomp" Radiohead The Jasta Show Hatebreed Slayer War "Lowrider" American Pie Electrical Audio Sanford Parker Steve Albini Adam Sandler "Do It For Your Mama" Happy Gilmore Happy Gilmore knocks off Chubb's hand and truck runs it over Billy Madison Nick Cave Grinderman Charles Bukowski Chicago Music Exchange Handlebar Restaurant Metric Coffee Vans Shoes | The Devil Wears Prada The Devil Wears Prada Coffee Collaboration | Metric Coffee Blue Bottle Coffee Folgers Coffee Intelligentsia Kickapoo Coffee Madcap Coffee

Most musicians in the world toil in obscurity - hoping that anyone at all will find and resonate with their music.For those select few who do achieve some level of success via their music, they quickly become part of a machine focused on touring, album cycles, support acts, and management companies. So, for the established artist, they long to be creative without restrictions and baggage from expectations from their fans and the music business that sustains them.I discuss this dichotomy with Mike Hranica, the lead vocalist ("screamer" lol) from The Devil Wears Prada (a band with a lot of fans, and thus a lot of expectations) and God Alone (a band that purposefully defies expectations). We also discuss how he views discipline - or lack thereof - in his creative process, and how he scratches various creative itches through different outlets.Check out more from Mike here:<ul><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mkhrnc/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@mkhrnc</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tdwpband/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@tdwpband</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/godaloneband/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@godaloneband</a></li><li>Website: <a href="http://mikehranica.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.mikehranica.com</a>//<a href="https://www.tdwpband.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.tdwpband.com</a></li><li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mkhrnc" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@mkhrnc</a></li></ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is to share with your friends. So pass it along! If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">why not a leave a review on iTunes</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. Show Notes<ul><li>[02:01] Establishing rules in creativity and having obsessive tendencies - and finding the appropriate balance in sticking to the record and improvising live</li><li>[20:39] Balancing a breadth and depth of music consumption, and finding the right amount of focus to kickstart creativity</li><li>[33:00] The process of maturing creatively and developing better songwriting skills - and which influences still hold up as an adult.</li><li>[45:15] The ridiculousness of backing tracks in contemporary metalcore and the real-life consequences of selling out (or not selling out)</li><li>[50:59] Finding a creative outlet with no expectations in God Alone and a censored YouTube video</li><li>[01:00:09] Do writing lyrics and writing prose scratch the same creative itch? And how do lyrics “fit in” with God Alone or The Devil Wears Prada?</li><li>[01:12:09] The opportunity cost of maintaining relationships - and how to decide which relationships are worth maintaining</li><li>[01:18:24] Starting a coffee company - and what people mean when they say a coffee is “bright” or “fruity”</li><li>[01:31:54] Getting in touch with your sensory experiences via things like appreciating coffee, appreciating guitar tones, and meditation. And the physical toll that touring takes on the body.</li></ul> Links and Resources Mentioned<ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jesus_Lizard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Jesus Lizard</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tick_(1994_TV_series)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Tick (1994 TV series)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshjamesxxx/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josh James</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/andyheybro" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andy Nelson</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bricktoprecording.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bricktop Recording</a></li> <li><a href="https://julienbaker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julien Baker</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh-fHms2_PU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julien Baker "Sour Breath" (Live on KEXP) - YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbgCUcuPpjs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Devil Wears Prada "Sour Breath"</a></li> <li><a href="https://hatexforce.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hate Force</a></li> <li><a href="http://toddnief.com/james-pligge-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Pligge Interview</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/from_my_stacks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Drew Brown (@from_my_stacks)</a></li> <li><a href="https://vastum.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vastum</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephen King</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norma_Jean_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a></li> <li><a href="https://normajean.bandcamp.com/album/o-god-the-aftermath" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Norma Jean "O' God the Aftermath"</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curl_Up_and_Die" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Curl Up and Die</a></li> <li><a href="http://everytimeidie.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Every Time I Die</a></li> <li><a href="http://lagwagon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lagwagon</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blacksabbath.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Sabbath</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverchair" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silverchair</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUqo5ChNEYM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silverchair "Frogstomp"</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.radiohead.com/deadairspace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiohead</a></li> <li><a href="https://gasdigitalnetwork.com/gdn-show-channels/the-jasta-show/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Jasta Show</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hatebreed.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hatebreed</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.slayer.net/band/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slayer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ7sGO-TSSo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">War "Lowrider"</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_(film)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Pie</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.electricalaudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Electrical Audio</a></li> <li><a href="http://sanfordparker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanford Parker</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Albini" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steve Albini</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgclWn5dEUo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Sandler "Do It For Your Mama"</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Gilmore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Gilmore</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7IKj9Yme2w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happy Gilmore knocks off Chubb's hand and truck runs it over</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Madison" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Billy Madison</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nickcave.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Cave</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grinderman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grinderman</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bukowski" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Bukowski</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Music Exchange</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.handlebarchicago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handlebar Restaurant</a></li> <li><a href="https://metriccoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metric Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://poshmark.com/listing/The-Devil-Wears-Prada-Vans-542965814845e64700149c1f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vans Shoes | The Devil Wears Prada</a></li> <li><a href="https://metriccoffee.com/blogs/news/tdwp-x-metric-coffee-collab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Devil Wears Prada Coffee Collaboration | Metric Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://bluebottlecoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Bottle Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.folgerscoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Folgers Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Intelligentsia</a></li> <li><a href="https://kickapoocoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kickapoo Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://madcapcoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madcap Coffee</a></li></ul>

Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada//God Alone)

You may think that James is an intimidating and frightening man. But, it turns out that he is one of the weirdest and funniest people I know. Check out this discussion to learn about James's long-standing fascination with Fear Factory, the process of stealing riffs for Harm's Way songs, and how he trains for powerlifting while injured and on tour. Check out more from James and Harm's way  Instagram: @harmsway13 Facebook: @harmsxway Bandcamp: @harmswayband Website: www.harmsway13.com Video for "Become a Machine":   Show Notes  [2:15] Being recognized by students while substitute teaching - and denying it [10:19] The influence of metropolitan Chicago's melting pot of extreme music [15:52] Learning about bands, digging in the crates, and becoming Youth Crew James [24:26] Passing the torch from one generation of extreme music to the next [31:04] Meeting Billy Milano from the Stormtroopers of Death [34:27] The writing of "Posthuman" - writing riffs, writing transitions, collaborations amongst band members, and how to write songs when you can't actually pay guitar that well [47:38] A treatise on stealing riffs [57:38] A disagreement on nu-metal [1:03:23] Training while touring - a change in mindset from maximizing performance to maintaining strength while working through injuries  Resources and Individuals Mentioned Backtrack Title Fight Morbid Angel Burzum Slayer Death Famous Hulbert Fat Wreck Chords Metallica Record Breakers Gorilla Biscuits Youth of Today Minor Threat Bane Fireside Bowl Angelfire Soulseek Audiogalaxy Kazaa Future Hewhocorrupts Kung-Fu Rick Empire Productions Weekend Nachos Soulfly Max Cavalera Sepultura - "Chaos AD" Billy Milano M.O.D. Madball Cro-Mags Peter Gabriel Hate Force Like Rats Godflesh Black Sabbath Mercyful Fate Triptykon Celtic Frost Kid Rock Celtic Frost - Os Abysmi vel Daath Jacob Bannon Primitive Future: Tom Warrior Interview Discharge Battalion of Saints Motörhead Are You Morbid?: Thomas Fischer Fear Factory Slipknot Prong Machine Head Iron Maiden At the Gates Insane Clown Posse - "The Great Milenko" Biohazard Jared Skinner American Barbell Club The Reverse Hyper Jesse Norris Peter Thiel Joe Rogan Experience #1066 - Mel Gibson &amp; Dr. Neil Riordan Longmont Potion Castle The Blood Brothers The Locust YMCA

You may think that James is an intimidating and frightening man. But, it turns out that he is one of the weirdest and funniest people I know. Check out this discussion to learn about James's long-standing fascination with Fear Factory, the process of stealing riffs for Harm's Way songs, and how he trains for powerlifting while injured and on tour. Check out more from James and Harm's way <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harmsway13/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@harmsway13</a></li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/harmsxway/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@harmsxway</a></li> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://harmswayband.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@harmswayband</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.harmsway13.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.harmsway13.com</a></li> <li>Video for "Become a Machine": </li></ul> Show Notes <ul> <li>[2:15] Being recognized by students while substitute teaching - and denying it</li> <li>[10:19] The influence of metropolitan Chicago's melting pot of extreme music</li> <li>[15:52] Learning about bands, digging in the crates, and becoming Youth Crew James</li> <li>[24:26] Passing the torch from one generation of extreme music to the next</li> <li>[31:04] Meeting Billy Milano from the Stormtroopers of Death</li> <li>[34:27] The writing of "Posthuman" - writing riffs, writing transitions, collaborations amongst band members, and how to write songs when you can't actually pay guitar that well</li> <li>[47:38] A treatise on stealing riffs</li> <li>[57:38] A disagreement on nu-metal</li> <li>[1:03:23] Training while touring - a change in mindset from maximizing performance to maintaining strength while working through injuries</li> </ul> Resources and Individuals Mentioned <a href="https://bridge9.bandcamp.com/album/lost-in-life" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Backtrack</a> <a href="https://titlefightmusic.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Title Fight</a> <a href="https://morbid-angel.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Morbid Angel</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burzum" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Burzum</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slayer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Slayer</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_(metal_band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Death</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/famoushulbert?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Famous Hulbert</a> <a href="http://www.fatwreck.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fat Wreck Chords</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Metallica</a> <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/photos/record-breakers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Record Breakers</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla_Biscuits" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gorilla Biscuits</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_of_Today" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Youth of Today</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_Threat" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Minor Threat</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bane_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bane</a> <a href="http://www.firesidebowl.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fireside Bowl</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelfire" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Angelfire</a> <a href="http://www.slsknet.org/news/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soulseek</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiogalaxy" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Audiogalaxy</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazaa" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kazaa</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_(rapper)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Future</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hewhocorrupts" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hewhocorrupts</a> <a href="https://kungfurick.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kung-Fu Rick</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/empireshows/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Empire Productions</a> <a href="https://weekendnachos.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Weekend Nachos</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soulfly" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soulfly</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Cavalera" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Max Cavalera</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sML3fbgiA0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sepultura - "Chaos AD"</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Milano" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Billy Milano</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.O.D." rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">M.O.D.</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madball" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Madball</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cro-Mags" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cro-Mags</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gabriel" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Gabriel</a> <a href="https://hatexforce.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hate Force</a> <a href="https://likeratssl.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Like Rats</a> <a href="https://godflesh1.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Godflesh</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Black Sabbath</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercyful_Fate" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mercyful Fate</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptykon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Triptykon</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Frost" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Celtic Frost</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Rock" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kid Rock</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVsrYjdSwJM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Celtic Frost - Os Abysmi vel Daath</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jbannon/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jacob Bannon</a> <a href="http://primitive-future.blogspot.com/2011/02/tom-warrior-interview.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Primitive Future: Tom Warrior Interview</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discharge_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Discharge</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battalion_of_Saints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Battalion of Saints</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mot%C3%B6rhead" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Motörhead</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Morbid-Thomas-Fischer/dp/1860743102" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Are You Morbid?: Thomas Fischer</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_Factory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fear Factory</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slipknot_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Slipknot</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prong_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Prong</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_Head_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Machine Head</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Iron Maiden</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At_the_Gates" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">At the Gates</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Milenko" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Insane Clown Posse - "The Great Milenko"</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biohazard_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Biohazard</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drjskinner2315/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jared Skinner</a> <a href="https://www.abcstrong.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">American Barbell Club</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9tU7_w7rvw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Reverse Hyper</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jessenorr/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jesse Norris</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Thiel" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Thiel</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtL1fEEtLaA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Joe Rogan Experience #1066 - Mel Gibson &amp; Dr. Neil Riordan</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longmont_Potion_Castle" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Longmont Potion Castle</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blood_Brothers_(band)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Blood Brothers</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Locust" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Locust</a> <a href="http://www.ymca.net/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YMCA</a>

James Pligge (Harm's Way)

James FitzGerald

James FitzGerald is the founder and president of OPEX and an all around systematic thinker and pattern matcher who has developed some pretty impressive insights into what makes people successful in mixed modal fitness. He’s applied this insight into winning the CrossFit Games himself in 2007, coaching multiple other CrossFit Games athletes through OPEX and Big Dawgs, and developing continuing education through the OPEX CCP and the more recent Mixed Modal course. In this conversation, I wanted to dig into how James systemizes his thoughts and updates his mental models based upon experiences and new information - and how he knows when his pattern matching is going off the rails and when he’s developing new insight.Check out more from James, OPEX &amp; Big Dawgs here:  Instagram: @jfitzopex//@opexfitness//@opexfitness//@bigdawgsathlete Website: www.opexfit.com///Mixed Modal  Show Notes  [2:03] Special Newfoundland pronunciation of vowels and consonants – and how to build and extract systems from reality and reason from first principles. [9:27] How James builds and updates his mental systems based upon both thoughts and experiences – and how to build the metacognition to “notice your noticings” [15:37] How James goes about confirming or disconfirming his beliefs. And one thing that James has changed his mind on over the years: the role of muscle endurance in mixed modal sport. [24:11] The role of chaos in mixed modal sport – and how to systemize mixed modal sport as a whole in terms of monads, diads, triads, etc. [34:03] How to pattern match in a chaotic environment like mixed modal sport – and finding the appropriate amount of variance in the skill acquisition process for mixed modal sport [48:13] How do you know when the patterns that you’re seeing are real? What is the application of something like peer review in fitness? What incentives would pull people out of silos as far as best practices in fitness coaching? [56:54] When did system building behavior start for James? And what resources have helped him in building mental models and systems? [01:05:38] How does James approach content consumption? How does he balance consuming content for fun vs trying to solve a specific problem? [01:13:24] The balance of giving people what they want vs what they need – especially in the context of fitness vs sport [01:19:09] What is happening in individuals who are resistant to fatigue in mixed modal sport? What would the process look like to truly do research on the various fatigue models for how people utilize fuel in a mixed modal setting?  Links and Resources Mentioned  Ernest Shackleton Rusty Shackleford Bernie Novokowsky Isaac Newton John Forbes Nash Jr. International Functional Fitness Federation 10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris Sudoku Sam Harris with Nick Bostrom Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom Peter Attia Chris Masterjohn, PhD Peter Forsberg Mathew Fraser No Rules Folders 

James FitzGerald is the founder and president of OPEX and an all around systematic thinker and pattern matcher who has developed some pretty impressive insights into what makes people successful in mixed modal fitness. He’s applied this insight into winning the CrossFit Games himself in 2007, coaching multiple other CrossFit Games athletes through OPEX and Big Dawgs, and developing continuing education through the OPEX CCP and the more recent Mixed Modal course. In this conversation, I wanted to dig into how James systemizes his thoughts and updates his mental models based upon experiences and new information - and how he knows when his pattern matching is going off the rails and when he’s developing new insight.Check out more from James, OPEX &amp; Big Dawgs here: <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfitzopex/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@jfitzopex</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/opexfitness/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@opexfitness</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/opexfitness/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@opexfitness</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigdawgsathlete/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@bigdawgsathlete</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://opexfit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.opexfit.com/</a>//<a href="https://opexfit.com/mixed-modal/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Mixed Modal</a> </li></ul> Show Notes <ul> <li>[2:03] Special Newfoundland pronunciation of vowels and consonants – and how to build and extract systems from reality and reason from first principles.</li> <li>[9:27] How James builds and updates his mental systems based upon both thoughts and experiences – and how to build the metacognition to “notice your noticings”</li> <li>[15:37] How James goes about confirming or disconfirming his beliefs. And one thing that James has changed his mind on over the years: the role of muscle endurance in mixed modal sport.</li> <li>[24:11] The role of chaos in mixed modal sport – and how to systemize mixed modal sport as a whole in terms of monads, diads, triads, etc.</li> <li>[34:03] How to pattern match in a chaotic environment like mixed modal sport – and finding the appropriate amount of variance in the skill acquisition process for mixed modal sport</li> <li>[48:13] How do you know when the patterns that you’re seeing are real? What is the application of something like peer review in fitness? What incentives would pull people out of silos as far as best practices in fitness coaching?</li> <li>[56:54] When did system building behavior start for James? And what resources have helped him in building mental models and systems?</li> <li>[01:05:38] How does James approach content consumption? How does he balance consuming content for fun vs trying to solve a specific problem?</li> <li>[01:13:24] The balance of giving people what they want vs what they need – especially in the context of fitness vs sport</li> <li>[01:19:09] What is happening in individuals who are resistant to fatigue in mixed modal sport? What would the process look like to truly do research on the various fatigue models for how people utilize fuel in a mixed modal setting?</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ernest Shackleton</a></li> <li><a href="https://kingofthehill.fandom.com/wiki/Rusty_Shackleford_(Real)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rusty Shackleford</a></li> <li><a href="https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/author/bernie-j-novokowsky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bernie Novokowsky</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Isaac Newton</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Forbes_Nash_Jr." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Forbes Nash Jr.</a></li> <li><a href="https://functionalfitness.sport/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Functional Fitness Federation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.10percenthappier.com/podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.websudoku.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sudoku</a></li> <li><a href="https://samharris.org/podcasts/151-will-destroy-future/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sam Harris with Nick Bostrom</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Superintelligence-Dangers-Strategies-Nick-Bostrom/dp/1501227742" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom</a></li> <li><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Attia</a></li> <li><a href="https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Masterjohn, PhD</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Forsberg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Forsberg</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mathewfras/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mathew Fraser</a></li> <li><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/VUxda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No Rules Folders</a></li> </ul>

James FitzGerald (OPEX)

Daniel Shea

"Actually choosing to try to be an artist as a terrible idea. Nobody should do it.  It's really fucking stupid. It's like one of the stupidest things you could do with your life. And it's really hard. And you're an idiot if you think it's a good idea, or that it's going to be easy." Well, I guess it's kind of sad that my friend Daniel decided to ruin his life through art. You've probably seen Daniel's photographs, although you may not realize it. He's done plenty of high profile journalistic and commercial work - most notably photographing Barack Obama for Fast Company. And - although many people would kill to have the types of job offers that Daniel regularly gets, he turns most of them down to focus on his artistic practice. Why does he choose to turn down lucrative photo shoots that will be seen by millions of people? To make a photography book that will only have 1000 copies printed, of course. Check out this conversation to learn: How to face the embarrassment and fear that comes when you create something - and how to put it out into the world anyway. How Daniel chooses to balance commercial photography with his artistic practice - and what skills and frameworks are universal across the different modalities How to justify "selling out" to your younger, punker self How to balance the tension between having free, unstructured "creative time" with the demands to meet deadlines, respond to emails, and have a schedule  If you're enjoying the show, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.   You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list.  Check out more from Daniel and get a copy of 43-15 10th StreetGet a copy of the book: 43-35 10th StreetWebsite: www.danielpshea.comInstagram: @danielpsheaTumblr: Daniel Shea's Studio TumblrGallery Representation: Andrew Rafacz Gallery Show Notes [2:34] Embarrassment over being confronted with "the early work" and relics from the past due to having to clean out old stuff from your parents' house [8:55] Feeling awkward and hating your work - and putting it out into the world anyway [16:39] So, what was the most embarrassing art from your past? [20:17] What is the tension between having an artistic, a journalistic, and a commercial photography practice? [26:03] How would you justify selling out" and "commercialism" to your younger self? [43:34] Do you have any practices relative to improving your skill as an artist? [49:07] How do you collect and curate images for a cohesive work - specifically relative to 43-35 10th street? [01:02:06] The ineffectiveness of art as a medium for communicating a specific message [01:11:54] The influence of punk and DIY principles on later entrepreneurship and creative behavior - and disastrous early touring experiences [01:17:42] The tension between being creative - and actually having to follow-up with people, meet deadlines, and have to-do lists  Resources and Individuals Mentioned Like Rats John Friel Joy Division New Order Adbusters Steampunk James Pligge of Harm’s Way Interview Harm's Way Hate Force Slayer Tim Ferriss Sam Harris President Obama: The Fast Company Interview Maximum Rock N Roll Book Your Own Fuckin' Life Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies" Ragú Eminem "The Way I Am"

"Actually choosing to try to be an artist as a terrible idea. Nobody should do it.  It's really fucking stupid. It's like one of the stupidest things you could do with your life. And it's really hard. And you're an idiot if you think it's a good idea, or that it's going to be easy." Well, I guess it's kind of sad that my friend Daniel decided to ruin his life through art. You've probably seen Daniel's photographs, although you may not realize it. He's done plenty of high profile journalistic and commercial work - <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3046757/president-barack-obama-on-what-we-the-people-means-in-the-21st-century" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">most notably photographing Barack Obama for Fast Company</a>. And - although many people would kill to have the types of job offers that Daniel regularly gets, he turns most of them down to focus on his artistic practice. Why does he choose to turn down lucrative photo shoots that will be seen by millions of people? To make a photography book that will only have 1000 copies printed, of course. Check out this conversation to learn:<ul> <li>How to face the embarrassment and fear that comes when you create something - and how to put it out into the world anyway.</li> <li>How Daniel chooses to balance commercial photography with his artistic practice - and what skills and frameworks are universal across the different modalities</li> <li>How to justify "selling out" to your younger, punker self</li> <li>How to balance the tension between having free, unstructured "creative time" with the demands to meet deadlines, respond to emails, and have a schedule</li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, <a href="a class= " rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.   You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Check out more from Daniel and get a copy of 43-15 10th Street<ul><li>Get a copy of the book: <a href="https://www.dashwoodbooks.com/pages/books/17793/daniel-shea/4335-10th-street" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">43-35 10th Street</a></li><li>Website: <a href="http://www.danielpshea.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.danielpshea.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielpshea/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@danielpshea</a></li><li>Tumblr: <a href="http://danielsheastudio.tumblr.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Shea's Studio Tumblr</a></li><li>Gallery Representation: <a href="http://www.andrewrafacz.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Rafacz Gallery</a></li></ul> Show Notes<ul> <li>[2:34] Embarrassment over being confronted with "the early work" and relics from the past due to having to clean out old stuff from your parents' house</li> <li>[8:55] Feeling awkward and hating your work - and putting it out into the world anyway</li> <li>[16:39] So, what was the most embarrassing art from your past?</li> <li>[20:17] What is the tension between having an artistic, a journalistic, and a commercial photography practice?</li> <li>[26:03] How would you justify selling out" and "commercialism" to your younger self?</li> <li>[43:34] Do you have any practices relative to improving your skill as an artist?</li> <li>[49:07] How do you collect and curate images for a cohesive work - specifically relative to 43-35 10th street?</li> <li>[01:02:06] The ineffectiveness of art as a medium for communicating a specific message</li> <li>[01:11:54] The influence of punk and DIY principles on later entrepreneurship and creative behavior - and disastrous early touring experiences</li> <li>[01:17:42] The tension between being creative - and actually having to follow-up with people, meet deadlines, and have to-do lists</li> </ul> Resources and Individuals Mentioned<ul> <li><a href="https://likeratssl.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Like Rats</a></li> <li><a href="https://johnfriel.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Friel</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Division" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joy Division</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.neworder.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Order</a></li> <li><a href="https://adbusters.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adbusters</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steampunk</a></li> <li><a href="http://toddnief.com/james-pligge-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Pligge of Harm’s Way Interview</a></li> <li><a href="https://harmswayband.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harm's Way</a></li> <li><a href="https://hatexforce.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hate Force</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.slayer.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slayer</a></li> <li><a href="https://tim.blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Ferriss</a></li> <li><a href="https://samharris.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sam Harris</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3046757/president-barack-obama-on-what-we-the-people-means-in-the-21st-century" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">President Obama: The Fast Company Interview</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.maximumrocknroll.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maximum Rock N Roll</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.byofl.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Book Your Own Fuckin' Life</a></li> <li><a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/intro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies"</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ragu.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ragú</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQvteoFiMlg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eminem "The Way I Am"</a></li></ul>

Megan Benzik

Austin O'Neal

Austin O’Neal and Megan Benzik return for a round two on the podcast - although it’s a round three for Megan. They moved into a van last summer, but they wouldn’t consider themselves minimalists. Instead, their decision was based upon a desire for freedom and has given them perspective on the dangers of hyper-intention and outcome-dependence in competitive CrossFit. They have also recently launched their own coaching business, called Live ATOP coaching.Check out more from Austin &amp; Megan here:  Website: www.liveatopcoaching.com  Instagram: @atoneal_liveatopcoach | @megbenz_liveatopcoach | @live_atop_coaching  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:  [01:19] The social dynamics of van life and the descent into hippiedom after 10 months of living in a van [04:40] Moving into a van wasn’t necessarily about minimalism – it was more about finding freedom and creating clear priorities. A lack of options allows for increased efficiency. [09:18] Many people fantasize about minimalism or starting a business, so there’s a lot of fluffy content that appeals to the crowd who hates their job and wishes they were doing something else that isn’t actually applicable to people who are really living that lifestyle. [15:11] Transitioning from normal life to van life was surprisingly smooth – although there were a few surprises. [22:00] Finding a balance with fitness and maintaining a serious training routine while living in a van – and getting out of a counterproductive and outcome-focused relationship with competitive CrossFit [26:30] Most people are pretty supportive of van life – but occasionally a cop kicks you out of where you’re trying to sleep [35:45] Taking a risk and starting your own coaching business – while minimizing that risk and building confidence through exposure to world class coaches [44:30] Getting enough initial clients that starting a business doesn’t feel totally insane and risky – and thinking through the competitive implications for the changing season structure in the competitive CrossFit landscape [58:23] Best national parks and hiking spots  Links and Resources Mentioned  “How Minimalism Brought Me Freedom and Joy” by James Altucher Marie Kondo OPEX North Scottsdale CrossFit Back-on-the-Bar “Matt Foley: Van Down By The River” from Saturday Night Live Windy City Strength &amp; Conditioning Alo Moves Sedona Lost Coast Trail Moab 

Austin O’Neal and Megan Benzik return for a round two on the podcast - although it’s a round three for Megan. They moved into a van last summer, but they wouldn’t consider themselves minimalists. Instead, their decision was based upon a desire for freedom and has given them perspective on the dangers of hyper-intention and outcome-dependence in competitive CrossFit. They have also recently launched their own coaching business, called Live ATOP coaching.Check out more from Austin &amp; Megan here: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.liveatopcoaching.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.liveatopcoaching.com</a> </li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atoneal_liveatopcoach/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@atoneal_liveatopcoach</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/megbenz_liveatopcoach/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@megbenz_liveatopcoach</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/live_atop_coaching/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@live_atop_coaching</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li>[01:19] The social dynamics of van life and the descent into hippiedom after 10 months of living in a van</li> <li>[04:40] Moving into a van wasn’t necessarily about minimalism – it was more about finding freedom and creating clear priorities. A lack of options allows for increased efficiency.</li> <li>[09:18] Many people fantasize about minimalism or starting a business, so there’s a lot of fluffy content that appeals to the crowd who hates their job and wishes they were doing something else that isn’t actually applicable to people who are really living that lifestyle.</li> <li>[15:11] Transitioning from normal life to van life was surprisingly smooth – although there were a few surprises.</li> <li>[22:00] Finding a balance with fitness and maintaining a serious training routine while living in a van – and getting out of a counterproductive and outcome-focused relationship with competitive CrossFit</li> <li>[26:30] Most people are pretty supportive of van life – but occasionally a cop kicks you out of where you’re trying to sleep</li> <li>[35:45] Taking a risk and starting your own coaching business – while minimizing that risk and building confidence through exposure to world class coaches</li> <li>[44:30] Getting enough initial clients that starting a business doesn’t feel totally insane and risky – and thinking through the competitive implications for the changing season structure in the competitive CrossFit landscape</li> <li>[58:23] Best national parks and hiking spots</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://jamesaltucher.com/blog/minimalism-brought-freedom-joy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“How Minimalism Brought Me Freedom and Joy” by James Altucher</a></li> <li><a href="https://konmari.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.opexnorthscottsdale.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX North Scottsdale</a></li> <li><a href="https://backonthebar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit Back-on-the-Bar</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2VIEY9-A8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Matt Foley: Van Down By The River” from Saturday Night Live</a></li> <li><a href="https://windycitycrossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Windy City Strength &amp; Conditioning</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.alomoves.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alo Moves</a></li> <li><a href="https://visitsedona.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sedona</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/267873/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lost Coast Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.discovermoab.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moab</a></li> </ul>

Austin O'Neal & Megan Benzik (Live ATOP Coaching)

Marcus Filly

Marcus Filly is the owner of Revival Strength and Revive-Rx, as well as a multiple time CrossFit Games athlete. Marcus has popularized the concept of Functional Bodybuilding and a more measured approach to intensity in fitness training - especially for people whose goal is to look good, feel good and move well (not necessarily compete at a high level). Marcus is a highly analytical individual, and we discuss finding the balance between being systematic and going with the flow, creating content for yourself and creating content for an audience, and many hilarious stories from training with Danny Nichols and the GRID League.Check out more from Marcus, Revival Strength &amp; Functional Bodybuilding here: Instagram: @marcusfilly//@functional.bodybuilding//@revivalstrength Website: www.functionalbodybuilding.net//www.revival-strength.com (Sign up for Marcus’s e-mail list here!)//www.revive-rx.com Podcast: Look Good, Move Well Podcast Show Notes [01:51] The differences between posting training on a WordPress blog and posting training on social media – and the differences between posting to have a record of what you’ve done, posting to self-reflect, and posting to share for an audience. [11:17] What was the tipping point to move from the personal fitness blog to social media? [15:20] The difference between systemizing and going with the flow – and how to decide when a system is helpful and valuable, and when it’s overly restrictive. [20:04] “Letting your hair down” – how being overly analytical can cause roadblocks, and why what got you here won’t always get you there [31:53] Training with Danny Nichols – and strapping him to the pull-up bar with lifting straps to teach him kipping. And tales of folly and intensity from the Grid League including a broken hand from touch-and-go power snatches. [42:59] Tying multiple different businesses together – and the challenges of running an in-person gym when you’re running a successful online business.  [52:38] How to create content for a large audience – and how to think about people misunderstanding the message  [01:03:25] How to handle and react to negativity on the internet – and how handle the opportunity cost of helping everyone who reaches out for advice while still being grateful for the fact that people are paying attention. Links and Resources Mentioned TrueCoach Marcus Filly’s Travel Blog James FitzGerald National Pro Grid League Pat Barber Gabe Subry Blair Morrison Neal Maddox Danny Nichols Craig Kenney Ryan Rapenport Super Size Me Fat Head 

Marcus Filly is the owner of Revival Strength and Revive-Rx, as well as a multiple time CrossFit Games athlete. Marcus has popularized the concept of Functional Bodybuilding and a more measured approach to intensity in fitness training - especially for people whose goal is to look good, feel good and move well (not necessarily compete at a high level). Marcus is a highly analytical individual, and we discuss finding the balance between being systematic and going with the flow, creating content for yourself and creating content for an audience, and many hilarious stories from training with Danny Nichols and the GRID League.Check out more from Marcus, Revival Strength &amp; Functional Bodybuilding here:<ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusfilly/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@marcusfilly</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/functional.bodybuilding/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@functional.bodybuilding</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/revivalstrength/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@revivalstrength</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://functionalbodybuilding.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.functionalbodybuilding.net</a>//<a href="https://revival-strength.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.revival-strength.com</a> (Sign up for Marcus’s e-mail list here!)//<a href="https://www.revive-rx.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.revive-rx.com</a></li> <li>Podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/look-good-move-well/id1360675823" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Look Good, Move Well Podcast</a></li> </ul>Show Notes<ul> <li>[01:51] The differences between posting training on a WordPress blog and posting training on social media – and the differences between posting to have a record of what you’ve done, posting to self-reflect, and posting to share for an audience.</li> <li>[11:17] What was the tipping point to move from the personal fitness blog to social media?</li> <li>[15:20] The difference between systemizing and going with the flow – and how to decide when a system is helpful and valuable, and when it’s overly restrictive.</li> <li>[20:04] “Letting your hair down” – how being overly analytical can cause roadblocks, and why what got you here won’t always get you there</li> <li>[31:53] Training with Danny Nichols – and strapping him to the pull-up bar with lifting straps to teach him kipping. And tales of folly and intensity from the Grid League including a broken hand from touch-and-go power snatches.</li> <li>[42:59] Tying multiple different businesses together – and the challenges of running an in-person gym when you’re running a successful online business. </li> <li>[52:38] How to create content for a large audience – and how to think about people misunderstanding the message </li> <li>[01:03:25] How to handle and react to negativity on the internet – and how handle the opportunity cost of helping everyone who reaches out for advice while still being grateful for the fact that people are paying attention.</li> </ul>Links and Resources Mentioned<ul> <li><a href="https://truecoach.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TrueCoach</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/juggernaut/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marcus Filly’s Travel Blog</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfitzopex/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James FitzGerald</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pro_Grid_League" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Pro Grid League</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/patbarbercf/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pat Barber</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gsubry209/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gabe Subry</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/morrison_blair/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blair Morrison</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nealmaddox/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neal Maddox</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dannynichols33/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Danny Nichols</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ckenney34/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig Kenney</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/teamryanrap/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Rapenport</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Size_Me" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Super Size Me</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Head" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fat Head</a></li> </ul>

Marcus Filly (Revival Strength)

Chris Mills

Chris Mills is the drummer for Harm’s Way - and he’s also a clinical social worker for an addiction and mental health residential program. Many folks who are touring most of the year piece together random part-time jobs or have their hands in a few different pieces of the music industry (management, booking, merchandise, etc.). Chris, however, is a highly trained professional in an extremely difficult field. We dig into music nerd stuff about how Harm’s Way writes songs - and how they think about the roll of “heaviness” and “rhythm” in their songs. And Chris also explains why he thinks that many of the models that we use to think about addiction are outdated - and what he prefers instead.Check out more from Chris and Harm’s Way here:  Instagram: @harmsway13 Bandcamp: Harm’s Way  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:  [01:08] Getting into nu-metal as an adult – and how that influenced the process of writing music [08:31] Harms Way’s change in sound was more “organic” in that the new riffs that they were writing started to sound different. And, how songs can be “heavy” without just focusing on the “breakdown.” [15:15] The album writing process: trying to create a cohesive work – and writing through jamming, building songs in practice, and grinding it out. [26:02] The crappy practice space that Like Rats and Harm’s way share. [29:08] Working as a social worker in a residential program in the field of addiction and mental health. How does Chris prioritize what clients work on in terms of their biggest priorities in treatment? [37:44] What’s the difference between the 12 step model, the disease model of addiction, and a more behavior-based model? What framework does Chris prefer for treating his patients? [45:42] Differentiating psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers – and understanding what is usually the biggest obstacle to creating lasting behavioral change? [54:14] Harm’s Way’s history as a straight edge band, and how Chris thinks about playing in a band that often focuses on negative emotion in its art through the lens of a social worker. [58:14] Harms Way’s upcoming touring plans  Links and Resources Mentioned  Nu metal Slipknot Korn Max Cavalera Sepultura – Chaos A.D. Sepultura – Roots Sepultura The Dillinger Escape Plan Cryptopsy Andy Nelson Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone New York hardcore Biohazard Cro-Mags Snapcase Vision of Disorder Like Rats Hate Force Bob Marley Bob Marley Posters Gateway Foundation Twelve-step program Cognitive behavioral therapy Ghostemane The Devil Wears Prada Every Time I Die 

Chris Mills is the drummer for Harm’s Way - and he’s also a clinical social worker for an addiction and mental health residential program. Many folks who are touring most of the year piece together random part-time jobs or have their hands in a few different pieces of the music industry (management, booking, merchandise, etc.). Chris, however, is a highly trained professional in an extremely difficult field. We dig into music nerd stuff about how Harm’s Way writes songs - and how they think about the roll of “heaviness” and “rhythm” in their songs. And Chris also explains why he thinks that many of the models that we use to think about addiction are outdated - and what he prefers instead.Check out more from Chris and Harm’s Way here: <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harmsway13/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@harmsway13</a></li> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://harmswayband.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Harm’s Way</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li>[01:08] Getting into nu-metal as an adult – and how that influenced the process of writing music</li> <li>[08:31] Harms Way’s change in sound was more “organic” in that the new riffs that they were writing started to sound different. And, how songs can be “heavy” without just focusing on the “breakdown.”</li> <li>[15:15] The album writing process: trying to create a cohesive work – and writing through jamming, building songs in practice, and grinding it out.</li> <li>[26:02] The crappy practice space that Like Rats and Harm’s way share.</li> <li>[29:08] Working as a social worker in a residential program in the field of addiction and mental health. How does Chris prioritize what clients work on in terms of their biggest priorities in treatment?</li> <li>[37:44] What’s the difference between the 12 step model, the disease model of addiction, and a more behavior-based model? What framework does Chris prefer for treating his patients?</li> <li>[45:42] Differentiating psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers – and understanding what is usually the biggest obstacle to creating lasting behavioral change?</li> <li>[54:14] Harm’s Way’s history as a straight edge band, and how Chris thinks about playing in a band that often focuses on negative emotion in its art through the lens of a social worker.</li> <li>[58:14] Harms Way’s upcoming touring plans</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu_metal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nu metal</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slipknot_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slipknot</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Korn</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Cavalera" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Max Cavalera</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-dzbpKJmQLWV9Bf7R0JkhrBUc3oeqynV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sepultura – Chaos A.D.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfUV806q_Ri4WN5omBcgzDxHcWMaHL_i1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sepultura – Roots</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepultura" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sepultura</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dillinger Escape Plan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptopsy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cryptopsy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/andyheybro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andy Nelson</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eokp9VZHvUA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_hardcore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York hardcore</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biohazard_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Biohazard</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cro-Mags" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cro-Mags</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapcase" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Snapcase</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_of_Disorder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vision of Disorder</a></li> <li><a href="https://likeratssl.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Like Rats</a></li> <li><a href="https://hatexforce.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hate Force</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bob Marley</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.allposters.com/-st/Bob-Marley-Posters_c229_.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bob Marley Posters</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gateway Foundation</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twelve-step program</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cognitive behavioral therapy</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostemane" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ghostemane</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Wears_Prada_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Devil Wears Prada</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Every_Time_I_Die" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Every Time I Die</a></li> </ul>

Chris Mills (Harm's Way)

Jason Leydon

Jason Leydon is an elite-level CrossFit coach - and, much like myself, a continuing education junkie. I’d been looking forward to this conversation, since Jason is not just very successful in his ability to develop athletes, but also very self-aware about his process and how he’s developed his knowledge and his methods. Jason is the real deal, and he can articulate exactly what he’s doing and why he’s doing it. In this conversation, we don’t just hit the nitty gritty details of developing athletes (although there is some of that). We spend a lot of time on Jason’s process for continuing to learn - and how he actually turns the things that he learns through books, seminars and courses into tangible results for his athletes and his coaches. Check out more from Jason, Conquer Athlete &amp; CrossFit Milford here:  Instagram: @jasonleydon | @conquerathlete | @crossfit_milford Website: www.conquerathlete.com | www.crossfitmilford.com Podcast: Conquer Athlete Podcast  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:  [1:08] What’s up with Jason’s accent? Is this how people from Milford speak? And – the sudden and shocking end to Jason’s basketball career. [11:17] How to handle the sudden change in identity as an athlete who can no longer compete. And – the transition from athlete to coach, as well as the coinciding dedication to continuing education. [20:21] How does Jason actually apply the things that he learns from seminars, books and courses? How does Jason think about solving tangible problems with the material that he learns – and how does he go about asking for help when something isn’t clicking for him. [25:36] Connecting the practical, in-the-gym application of concepts with the theoretical learning that occurs in books or courses. Outcomes are often messy, so how does Jason figure out what’s actually working and what is just happenstance and chaos? [31:14] How does Jason teach coaches who work with him to hold the same standard of coaching? Not everyone is able to learn from courses in the same way, so how does Jason pass knowledge on?  [37:00] How does Jason decide what his coaches need to prioritize in their coaching development? And, what lessons from learning to manage rowdy teens in a gym class are applicable to coaching adults? [44:24] How does Jason manage the sport-specific needs of his competitive CrossFit athletes with their long-term development? How does a coach prioritize what an athlete needs to work on – and how does a coach create sustainability for an athlete in the sport?  [52:40] How to find out more about Conquer Athlete and the Conquer Athlete Podcast  Links and Resources Mentioned  Michael Phelps on the Tony Robbins Podcast Jumpsoles Dan John James FitzGerald FRC (Functional Range Conditioning) Louie Simmons Juggernaut Training Systems “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey &amp; Jim Huling The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant Brett Bartholomew “Conscious Coaching” by Brett Bartholomew 

Jason Leydon is an elite-level CrossFit coach - and, much like myself, a continuing education junkie. I’d been looking forward to this conversation, since Jason is not just very successful in his ability to develop athletes, but also very self-aware about his process and how he’s developed his knowledge and his methods. Jason is the real deal, and he can articulate exactly what he’s doing and why he’s doing it. In this conversation, we don’t just hit the nitty gritty details of developing athletes (although there is some of that). We spend a lot of time on Jason’s process for continuing to learn - and how he actually turns the things that he learns through books, seminars and courses into tangible results for his athletes and his coaches. Check out more from Jason, Conquer Athlete &amp; CrossFit Milford here: <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jasonleydon/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@jasonleydon</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/conquerathlete/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@conquerathlete</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crossfit_milford/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@crossfit_milford</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.conquerathlete.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.conquerathlete.com</a> | <a href="https://crossfitmilford.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.crossfitmilford.com</a></li> <li>Podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conquer-athlete-podcast/id1470980471" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Conquer Athlete Podcast</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li>[1:08] What’s up with Jason’s accent? Is this how people from Milford speak? And – the sudden and shocking end to Jason’s basketball career.</li> <li>[11:17] How to handle the sudden change in identity as an athlete who can no longer compete. And – the transition from athlete to coach, as well as the coinciding dedication to continuing education.</li> <li>[20:21] How does Jason actually apply the things that he learns from seminars, books and courses? How does Jason think about solving tangible problems with the material that he learns – and how does he go about asking for help when something isn’t clicking for him.</li> <li>[25:36] Connecting the practical, in-the-gym application of concepts with the theoretical learning that occurs in books or courses. Outcomes are often messy, so how does Jason figure out what’s actually working and what is just happenstance and chaos?</li> <li>[31:14] How does Jason teach coaches who work with him to hold the same standard of coaching? Not everyone is able to learn from courses in the same way, so how does Jason pass knowledge on? </li> <li>[37:00] How does Jason decide what his coaches need to prioritize in their coaching development? And, what lessons from learning to manage rowdy teens in a gym class are applicable to coaching adults?</li> <li>[44:24] How does Jason manage the sport-specific needs of his competitive CrossFit athletes with their long-term development? How does a coach prioritize what an athlete needs to work on – and how does a coach create sustainability for an athlete in the sport? </li> <li>[52:40] How to find out more about Conquer Athlete and the Conquer Athlete Podcast</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcasts/becoming-michael-phelps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Phelps on the Tony Robbins Podcast</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.jumpusa.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=1001A&amp;Store_Code=J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jumpsoles</a></li> <li><a href="http://danjohn.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dan John</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfitzopex/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James FitzGerald</a></li> <li><a href="https://functionalanatomyseminars.com/frc-details/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FRC (Functional Range Conditioning)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.westside-barbell.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Louie Simmons</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.jtsstrength.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Juggernaut Training Systems</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Wildly-Important/dp/145162705X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The 4 Disciplines of Execution” by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey &amp; Jim Huling</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mamba-Mentality-How-Play/dp/0374201234" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kobe Bryant</a></li> <li><a href="https://brettbartholomew.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Bartholomew</a></li> <li><a href="https://brettbartholomew.net/conscious-coaching-art-science-building-buy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Conscious Coaching” by Brett Bartholomew</a></li> </ul>

Jason Leydon (Conquer Athlete | CrossFit Milford)

Mike Lee

Mike Lee is the Director of Coaching at OPEX - and he's worked with some pretty big names in the competitive CrossFit community like Tennil Reed, Marcus Filly and Amanda Goodman.  I met Mike at one of the OPEX CCP Level 2 courses a few years back, and - since then - he's gone on to take over the coaching of most of the competitive athletes in OPEX's system.  This year, OPEX has also brought several sponsored athletes onsite to train at their HQ in Scottsdale, Arizona (which we discussed in this previous podcast with Megan Benzik and Austin O'Neal).  Mike and I get into the nitty gritty of: How to manage egos, emotions and social dominance in groups of highly competitive athletes (Hint: it's not all the hugs and high fives that you see on Instagram) The difference between real coaching (allowing athletes to take responsibility for their own results) and play-acting as a coach (lots of emotion and screaming and overly detailed instructions) The process and best practices for training the elite of the elite If you're enjoying the show, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.   You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list.  Check out more from Mike and OPEXInstagram: @mikeleeopex//@opexfitness//@opexathleteWebsite: http://opexfit.com  Show Notes [01:55] The emergence of dominance heirarchies in groups of competitive athletes [07:55] How do you prevent competitive athletes from going too hard in training when they're training together? [14:22] Qualification in CrossFit is a zero-sum game - how do you communicate with your athletes surrounding that? [21:57] People who are good in the sport of CrossFit are probably going to be good no matter what they do. [24:49] How do you balance minimum effective dose with maximum tolerable dose in training for CrossFit Games competitors? [21:57] How do you prevent being beaten regularly in training from becoming psychologically damaging for individuals? [36:33] How coaches are actually supportive - and weird fake coaching" behavior" [43:33] Being forcefully reprimanded by Charles Poliquin [48:50] How do you continue to learn and evolve your prescriptions in a sport like CrossFit that is relatively young? [54:33] How much sport specific training is necessary for success in the sport of CrossFit? [01:02:47] What is the role of innate genetic potential in the development of a CrossFit athlete? [01:12:55] How to find out more about OPEX.  Links and Resources Mentioned Tennil Reed-Beuerlein Amanda Goodman Megan Benzik Austin O'Neal OPEX CCP Charles Poliquin Marcus Filly  Rachel Campbell Colleen Fotsch James FitzGerald Renaissance Periodization Nick Saban - How Good Do You Want to Be? Bill Walsh - The Score Takes Care of Itself Bobby Knight throws a chair Michael FitzGerald Michael Bann Functional Bodybuilding Fitbot 

Mike Lee is the Director of Coaching at OPEX - and he's worked with some pretty big names in the competitive CrossFit community like Tennil Reed, Marcus Filly and Amanda Goodman. I met Mike at one of the OPEX CCP Level 2 courses a few years back, and - since then - he's gone on to take over the coaching of most of the competitive athletes in OPEX's system. This year, OPEX has also brought several sponsored athletes onsite to train at their HQ in Scottsdale, Arizona (which we discussed in this <a href="http://toddnief.com/austin-oneal-and-megan-benzik-interview/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">previous podcast with Megan Benzik and Austin O'Neal</a>). Mike and I get into the nitty gritty of:<ul> <li>How to manage egos, emotions and social dominance in groups of highly competitive athletes (Hint: it's not all the hugs and high fives that you see on Instagram)</li> <li>The difference between real coaching (allowing athletes to take responsibility for their own results) and play-acting as a coach (lots of emotion and screaming and overly detailed instructions)</li> <li>The process and best practices for training the elite of the elite</li></ul> If you're enjoying the show, <a href="a class= " rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.   You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Check out more from Mike and OPEX<ul><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeleeopex/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@mikeleeopex</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/opexfitness/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@opexfitness</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/opexathlete/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@opexathlete</a></li><li>Website: <a href="https://opexfit.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://opexfit.com</a></li></ul> Show Notes<ul> <li>[01:55] The emergence of dominance heirarchies in groups of competitive athletes</li> <li>[07:55] How do you prevent competitive athletes from going too hard in training when they're training together?</li> <li>[14:22] Qualification in CrossFit is a zero-sum game - how do you communicate with your athletes surrounding that?</li> <li>[21:57] People who are good in the sport of CrossFit are probably going to be good no matter what they do.</li> <li>[24:49] How do you balance minimum effective dose with maximum tolerable dose in training for CrossFit Games competitors?</li> <li>[21:57] How do you prevent being beaten regularly in training from becoming psychologically damaging for individuals?</li> <li>[36:33] How coaches are actually supportive - and weird fake coaching" behavior"</li> <li>[43:33] Being forcefully reprimanded by Charles Poliquin</li> <li>[48:50] How do you continue to learn and evolve your prescriptions in a sport like CrossFit that is relatively young?</li> <li>[54:33] How much sport specific training is necessary for success in the sport of CrossFit?</li> <li>[01:02:47] What is the role of innate genetic potential in the development of a CrossFit athlete?</li> <li>[01:12:55] How to find out more about OPEX.</li></ul> Links and Resources Mentioned<ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiQfvVPHdP8/?hl=en&amp;taken-by=tennil_reed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tennil Reed-Beuerlein</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_amandagoodman/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amanda Goodman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/megbenz210/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megan Benzik</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/atoneal32/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Austin O'Neal</a></li> <li><a href="https://opexfit.com/ccp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX CCP</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.strengthsensei.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Poliquin</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcusfilly/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marcus Filly </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Biud9NkH9lq/?hl=en&amp;taken-by=brunettestrong" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Campbell</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/colleenfotsch/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colleen Fotsch</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfitzopex/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James FitzGerald</a></li> <li><a href="https://renaissanceperiodization.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Renaissance Periodization</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Good-You-Want-Champions/dp/0345500849/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=6J8CBSDE5QVXSNDCZVMH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Saban - How Good Do You Want to Be?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Philosophy-ebook/dp/B002G54Y04" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Walsh - The Score Takes Care of Itself</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qxu5cvW-ds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bobby Knight throws a chair</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/optimum_performance_training/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael FitzGerald</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach_michael_bann/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Bann</a></li> <li><a href="https://functionalbodybuilding.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Functional Bodybuilding</a></li> <li><a href="https://thefitbot.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fitbot</a></li> </ul>

Mike Lee (OPEX)

Adrian Bozman

We're going back in the archives this week to last year with a repost of an interview with Adrian Bozman - the Head Judge of the CrossFit Games. You can check out the full show notes from the episode here.I've been hard at work finishing up the first season of From Coach to Business, which will be released in the next week or two. I'll be releasing an episode on this feed when the podcast goes live, so stay tuned.

We're going back in the archives this week to last year with a repost of an interview with Adrian Bozman - the Head Judge of the CrossFit Games. You can check out <a href="http://toddnief.com/adrian-bozman-interview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the full show notes from the episode here.</a>I've been hard at work finishing up the first season of From Coach to Business, which will be released in the next week or two. I'll be releasing an episode on this feed when the podcast goes live, so stay tuned.

[Repost] Adrian Bozman (Head Judge of the CrossFit Games)

Jim Crowell

Jim Crowell is the CEO of OPEX. I first met Jim back in the OPT days at one the CCP certifications in Scottsdale - and now he’s friggin' running the place. We talk about how to think about competition in the fitness industry (you’re not just competing with other gyms offering similar services…), how to find the balance between creating systems and structure while still allowing for the creativity and craftsmanship of the coaching profession, and how to leverage tribalism in your target audience to create a marketing message that actually resonates.Check out more from Jim here: Instagram: @crowelljim//@opexfitness Website: www.opexfit.com//www.opexgyms.com LinkedIn: @jim-crowell  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes [3:21] How Jim's background as an MBA hedge fund guy with degrees in finance and economics set him up for entry into the CrossFit market as a true capitalist. “I need to build this thing because somebody else is going to build it if I don't.”[11:18] The winner-take-all dynamics of local fitness businesses - and why you must be the leader in your subcategory[20:48] How OPEX is seeking to create the "personalized fitness" category in the market - and how they are looking to position themselves compared to personal training or group training[26:38] The necessity of targeting a specific audience to reap the benefits of tribalism – versus risking speaking to no one at all. “You don't create your brand; the market tells you what your brand is…You can just try to influence what that market reaction is.” [32:53] The growing pains of restructuring and the importance of not confusing and alienating your target audience - and how OPEX decided to split out the remote coaching business of Big Dawgs from the work of certifications and licensing.[40:40] Tribalism and the desire “to be a part of something…[and feel] a deeper meaning behind why they're doing what they're doing" - and how this relates to marketing and retention in facilities[56:06] Allowing for creativity in coaching while still providing standardization and consistency in processes.[01:04:34] How the start-up cost and business structure of opening a CrossFit gym has changed since 2005 to now. [01:10:25] Differences in managing a gym with 150 members versus a gym with more than that, and attempting to get in front of problems before they happen.  Links and Resources MentionedBox Tour: Integrated Fitness from the CrossFit JournalOPEX OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP) CrossFit Games Penn State University of North Carolina Orange Theory Peloton YouTube CrossFit Central (TX) OPEC F45 Fit Body Boot Camp CrossFit Apple Samsung Huawei Facebook MySpace Ben Thompson's “Stratechery”  Amazon  LinkedIn  Instagram  South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning Tesla  Colgate Palmolive Johnson &amp; Johnson Big Dawgs CrossFit Invictus Misfit Athletics Tribalism  Tristan Harris Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Tyler Cowen's The Age of the Inforvore  Tyler Cowen's Marginal Revolution blog Biohacking  Tim Ferriss James FitzGerald Tony Robbins SoulCycle Rogue  OPEX Coach’s Toolkit 

Jim Crowell is the CEO of OPEX. I first met Jim back in the OPT days at one the CCP certifications in Scottsdale - and now he’s friggin' running the place. We talk about how to think about competition in the fitness industry (you’re not just competing with other gyms offering similar services…), how to find the balance between creating systems and structure while still allowing for the creativity and craftsmanship of the coaching profession, and how to leverage tribalism in your target audience to create a marketing message that actually resonates.Check out more from Jim here:<ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crowelljim/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@crowelljim</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/opexfitness/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@opexfitness</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://opexfit.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.opexfit.com</a>//<a href="https://www.opexgyms.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.opexgyms.com</a></li> <li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-crowell" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@jim-crowell</a> </li></ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes <ul><li>[3:21] How Jim's background as an MBA hedge fund guy with degrees in finance and economics set him up for entry into the CrossFit market as a true capitalist. “I need to build this thing because somebody else is going to build it if I don't.”</li><li>[11:18] The winner-take-all dynamics of local fitness businesses - and why you must be the leader in your subcategory</li><li>[20:48] How OPEX is seeking to create the "personalized fitness" category in the market - and how they are looking to position themselves compared to personal training or group training</li><li>[26:38] The necessity of targeting a specific audience to reap the benefits of tribalism – versus risking speaking to no one at all. “You don't create your brand; the market tells you what your brand is…You can just try to influence what that market reaction is.” </li><li>[32:53] The growing pains of restructuring and the importance of not confusing and alienating your target audience - and how OPEX decided to split out the remote coaching business of Big Dawgs from the work of certifications and licensing.</li><li>[40:40] Tribalism and the desire “to be a part of something…[and feel] a deeper meaning behind why they're doing what they're doing" - and how this relates to marketing and retention in facilities</li><li>[56:06] Allowing for creativity in coaching while still providing standardization and consistency in processes.</li><li>[01:04:34] How the start-up cost and business structure of opening a CrossFit gym has changed since 2005 to now.</li> <li>[01:10:25] Differences in managing a gym with 150 members versus a gym with more than that, and attempting to get in front of problems before they happen.</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned<ul><li><a href="http://journal.crossfit.com/2012/01/cribsintegratedfitness.tpl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Box Tour: Integrated Fitness from the CrossFit Journal</a></li><li><a href="https://opexfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX</a></li> <li><a href="https://opexfit.com/ccp-level-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP)</a></li> <li><a href="https://games.crossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit Games</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psu.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Penn State</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.unc.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">University of North Carolina</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orange Theory</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peloton</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.crossfitcentral.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit Central (TX)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEC</a></li> <li><a href="https://f45training.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">F45</a></li> <li><a href="https://fitbodybootcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fit Body Boot Camp</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.crossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.apple.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.samsung.com/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Samsung</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.huawei.com/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Huawei</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://myspace.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MySpace</a></li> <li><a href="https://stratechery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Thompson's “Stratechery” </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a></li> <li><a href="https://southloopsc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tesla.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tesla </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colgate Palmolive</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.jnj.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thebigdawgs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Dawgs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.crossfitinvictus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit Invictus</a></li> <li><a href="https://misfitathletics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Misfit Athletics</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribalism" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tribalism </a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tristanharris.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tristan Harris</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Lies-Internet-About-Really/dp/0062390856" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Age-Infovore-Succeeding-Information-Economy/dp/0452296196" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tyler Cowen's The Age of the Inforvore </a></li> <li><a href="https://marginalrevolution.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tyler Cowen's Marginal Revolution blog</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biohacking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Biohacking </a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Ferriss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Ferriss</a></li> <li><a href="https://opexfit.com/blog/james-fitzgerald/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James FitzGerald</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tonyrobbins.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tony Robbins</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.soul-cycle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SoulCycle</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.roguefitness.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rogue </a></li> <li><a href="https://opexfit.com/free-downloads/coachs-toolkit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX Coach’s Toolkit</a></li> </ul>

Jim Crowell (OPEX)

Shelby Lermo

Shelby Lermo plays guitar for Vasum and Ulthar, and used to oversee the tangled web of death metal, interviews and conspiracy theories that was Illogical Contraption. This conversation was a real pleasure for me, since I’ve known Shelby as an “online friend” for probably close to a decade, and have long admired his work from afar. For those concerned with the stagnation of the extreme metal underground, we discuss possible iterations on the form of death metal outside of the contemporary postmodern juxtaposition of seemingly disparate genres or the rehashing of the past through “old school death metal.” For those concerned with conspiracy thinking, we discuss the allure and the dangers of conspiracy theories, as well as the mechanisms that have pushed conspiracy into the mainstream.Check out more from Shelby, Illogical Contraption, Vastum &amp; Ulthar here:  Bandcamp: Vastum | Ulthar Illogical Contraption Archives: Blog | Podcast  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:Show Notes: [01:12] The process of making internet friends before social media, and the tangled web of content that was Illogical Contraption. [09:17] The evolution of music discovery and communication in the underground from tape-trading to music blogs to Spotify - and how Shelby thinks about consuming music vs listening to music. [19:58] The stagnation of the death metal genre, and how to think about composing outside of the standard idioms of the form.” [24:21] Shelby’s creative process for multiple different projects, and the differing levels of collaboration between different projects. [29:35] Where can death metal go next? Do the popular styles of metal in the underground follow cyclical patterns (ie thrash -&gt; old school death metal -&gt; technical death metal)? Will anyone create a new form for underground metal that isn’t just a postmodern hodgepodge of varied styles and instrumentation? [40:48] Being disciplined regarding creativity: scheduling time to create, not waiting for inspiration, and separating the process of creating from the process of editing [48:10] The allure of conspiracy theories - and why you shouldn’t believe them, as well as the surprising “mainstreamification” of conspiracy thinking. [59:00] Implausible beliefs are a signaling mechanism for in-group loyalty, which can create feedback loops that increase the strangeness of conspiracy theories. [1:05:05] Shelby’s favorite interviews from the Illogical Contraption podcast Links and Resources Mentioned Mediafire RapidShare Megaupload Spotify Pavor Incantation 20 Buck Spin Suffocation Cryptopsy Destruction "The Least Successful Human Cannonball" by Destruction Red Hot Chili Peppers "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" by Primus "Pork Soda" by Primus Melvins Devourment Defeated Sanity "Storm Of The Light's Bane" by Dissection ByoNoiseGenerator The Dillinger Escape Plan Naked City "Graves of the Archangels" by Dead Congregation Brian May Queen Alpha Draconis "Stop Falling For This Facebook Scam" from Forbes QAnon WALL-E Bill Zebub Dave Attell Dave Attell on Illogical Contraption Radio Dave Brockie Dave Brockie on Illogical Contraption Radio Longmont Potion Castle Longmont Potion Castle on Illogical Contraption Radio Alex Trebek Where In The Hell is The Lavender House? The Longmont Potion Castle Story Killtown Death Fest 

Shelby Lermo plays guitar for Vasum and Ulthar, and used to oversee the tangled web of death metal, interviews and conspiracy theories that was Illogical Contraption. This conversation was a real pleasure for me, since I’ve known Shelby as an “online friend” for probably close to a decade, and have long admired his work from afar. For those concerned with the stagnation of the extreme metal underground, we discuss possible iterations on the form of death metal outside of the contemporary postmodern juxtaposition of seemingly disparate genres or the rehashing of the past through “old school death metal.” For those concerned with conspiracy thinking, we discuss the allure and the dangers of conspiracy theories, as well as the mechanisms that have pushed conspiracy into the mainstream.Check out more from Shelby, Illogical Contraption, Vastum &amp; Ulthar here: <ul> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://vastum.bandcamp.com//" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Vastum</a> | <a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/cosmovore/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ulthar</a></li> <li>Illogical Contraption Archives: <a href="http://illogicalcontraption.blogspot.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/illogical-contraption/id472533923" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Podcast</a> </li></ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:Show Notes:<ul> <li>[01:12] The process of making internet friends before social media, and the tangled web of content that was Illogical Contraption.</li> <li>[09:17] The evolution of music discovery and communication in the underground from tape-trading to music blogs to Spotify - and how Shelby thinks about consuming music vs listening to music.</li> <li>[19:58] The stagnation of the death metal genre, and how to think about composing outside of the standard idioms of the form.”</li> <li>[24:21] Shelby’s creative process for multiple different projects, and the differing levels of collaboration between different projects.</li> <li>[29:35] Where can death metal go next? Do the popular styles of metal in the underground follow cyclical patterns (ie thrash -&gt; old school death metal -&gt; technical death metal)? Will anyone create a new form for underground metal that isn’t just a postmodern hodgepodge of varied styles and instrumentation?</li> <li>[40:48] Being disciplined regarding creativity: scheduling time to create, not waiting for inspiration, and separating the process of creating from the process of editing</li> <li>[48:10] The allure of conspiracy theories - and why you shouldn’t believe them, as well as the surprising “mainstreamification” of conspiracy thinking.</li> <li>[59:00] Implausible beliefs are a signaling mechanism for in-group loyalty, which can create feedback loops that increase the strangeness of conspiracy theories.</li> [1:05:05] Shelby’s favorite interviews from the Illogical Contraption podcast</ul> Links and Resources Mentioned<ul> <li><a href="https://www.mediafire.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mediafire</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RapidShare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RapidShare</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megaupload" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megaupload</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.spotify.com/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Pavor/13015" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pavor</a></li> <li><a href="https://incantation666.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Incantation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.20buckspin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">20 Buck Spin</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.suffocationofficial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suffocation</a></li> <li><a href="http://cryptopsy.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cryptopsy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.destruction.de/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Destruction</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhfrshEXssw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Least Successful Human Cannonball" by Destruction</a></li> <li><a href="https://redhotchilipeppers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Hot Chili Peppers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL94gOvpr5yt1jDh-QsrcNg7I9qtc5mI0c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Sailing the Seas of Cheese" by Primus</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8a8cutYP7frqITiPJoDF2pJd0gJW_91N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Pork Soda" by Primus</a></li> <li><a href="http://themelvins.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melvins</a></li> <li><a href="https://devourment.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Devourment</a></li> <li><a href="https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Defeated Sanity</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqytfNFx9Ghz6pryjBWeAUQbfMoV3GR6P" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Storm Of The Light's Bane" by Dissection</a></li> <li><a href="https://realityfaderecords.bandcamp.com/album/neuromechanica" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ByoNoiseGenerator</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dillinger Escape Plan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naked_City_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naked City</a></li> <li><a href="https://deadcongregation.bandcamp.com/album/graves-of-the-archangels" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Graves of the Archangels" by Dead Congregation</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_May" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian May</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.queenonline.com/the_band" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Queen</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuban" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alpha Draconis</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2019/08/19/facebook-scam/#5d64a71aa4cf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Stop Falling For This Facebook Scam" from Forbes</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAnon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">QAnon</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WALL-E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WALL-E</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Zebub" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Zebub</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Attell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Attell</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5ugooOPEL4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Attell on Illogical Contraption Radio</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Brockie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Brockie</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.radiovalencia.fm/podcasts/?episode=13884" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Brockie on Illogical Contraption Radio</a></li> <li><a href="http://longmontpotioncastle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Longmont Potion Castle</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqILl-zeyrg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Longmont Potion Castle on Illogical Contraption Radio</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Trebek" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Trebek</a></li> <li><a href="http://lpcfilm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where In The Hell is The Lavender House? The Longmont Potion Castle Story</a></li> <li><a href="http://killtowndeathfest.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Killtown Death Fest</a></li> </ul>

Shelby Lermo (Vastum | Ulthar)

Orion Melehan

Orion Melehan is the co-founder and CEO of LIFEAID - known throughout the CrossFit community for the bubbly delights stored in gym fridges across the land. Orion and I discuss the trade-offs of rapidly scaling a growing business, how to understand proper sequencing in terms of when it’s appropriate to take certain actions in business, and how LIFEAID plans to stay true to their mission as they expand outside of the fitness subculture into more mainstream markets in grocery stores. Orion also has a background as a house DJ, which allows for a bit of digging deep into musical details (always a great time).If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list.Show Notes  [01:43] Orion’s seemingly contradictory background as both a certified financial planner and a DJ, as well as his early entrepreneurial ventures (including a record store). [08:30] The process of crafting a DJ set – and balancing your own desires with the desires of the audience. The differences between being a “technical” DJ and going off the feel of the crowd, and developing DJ skills in a time before comprehensive DJ software. [15:25] Starting LIFEAID with multiple different SKUs, and figuring out how to prioritize the many different options. The benefits of understanding direct response marketing and split testing offers with different markets. [24:33] How to manage ultra-fast growth – and how to figure out what you’re going to let break and what you’re going to stay on top of. And why being starved of capital during a growth phase is better than being flush with capital. [33:18] Breaking into the very high barrier to entry beverage space through direct response marketing, understanding the long tail and subcultures, and hiring during rapid expansion. [40:47] How LIFEAID plans to manage its expansion from a niche community (CrossFit) into mainstream areas like grocery and convenience stores while maintaining the vision for the company. Just continuing to create products for already healthy people doesn’t serve the mission of getting the population off of sketchy energy drinks. [52:45] How to find the optimal balance between optimizing things that are already working while still being innovative and expanding into new markets. LIFEAID’s goal of solving different problems for their customers throughout the day – the goal is to have products for all the different “jobs” customers buy beverages to accomplish. [01:00:32] How to think about the sequencing of growth in a company and do things in the correct order. Crafting new quarterly vision statements and creating alignment across the team based upon objectives and key results – as well as creating an environment in which the best ideas can percolate throughout the organization from the bottom up.  Links and Resources Mentioned  Frankie Knuckles Robert Owens Model 500 Juan Atkins Acid house DJ Dan Donald Glaude Aaron Hinde Phil Knight “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight Topgrading OKRs (Objectives &amp; Key Results) RXBAR Peter Rahal Kellogg’s Andreessen Horowitz “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel 

Orion Melehan is the co-founder and CEO of LIFEAID - known throughout the CrossFit community for the bubbly delights stored in gym fridges across the land. Orion and I discuss the trade-offs of rapidly scaling a growing business, how to understand proper sequencing in terms of when it’s appropriate to take certain actions in business, and how LIFEAID plans to stay true to their mission as they expand outside of the fitness subculture into more mainstream markets in grocery stores. Orion also has a background as a house DJ, which allows for a bit of digging deep into musical details (always a great time).If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list.Show Notes <ul> <li>[01:43] Orion’s seemingly contradictory background as both a certified financial planner and a DJ, as well as his early entrepreneurial ventures (including a record store).</li> <li>[08:30] The process of crafting a DJ set – and balancing your own desires with the desires of the audience. The differences between being a “technical” DJ and going off the feel of the crowd, and developing DJ skills in a time before comprehensive DJ software.</li> <li>[15:25] Starting LIFEAID with multiple different SKUs, and figuring out how to prioritize the many different options. The benefits of understanding direct response marketing and split testing offers with different markets.</li> <li>[24:33] How to manage ultra-fast growth – and how to figure out what you’re going to let break and what you’re going to stay on top of. And why being starved of capital during a growth phase is better than being flush with capital.</li> <li>[33:18] Breaking into the very high barrier to entry beverage space through direct response marketing, understanding the long tail and subcultures, and hiring during rapid expansion.</li> <li>[40:47] How LIFEAID plans to manage its expansion from a niche community (CrossFit) into mainstream areas like grocery and convenience stores while maintaining the vision for the company. Just continuing to create products for already healthy people doesn’t serve the mission of getting the population off of sketchy energy drinks.</li> <li>[52:45] How to find the optimal balance between optimizing things that are already working while still being innovative and expanding into new markets. LIFEAID’s goal of solving different problems for their customers throughout the day – the goal is to have products for all the different “jobs” customers buy beverages to accomplish.</li> <li>[01:00:32] How to think about the sequencing of growth in a company and do things in the correct order. Crafting new quarterly vision statements and creating alignment across the team based upon objectives and key results – as well as creating an environment in which the best ideas can percolate throughout the organization from the bottom up.</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankie_Knuckles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frankie Knuckles</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Owens_(musician)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Owens</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_500" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Model 500</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Atkins" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Juan Atkins</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_house" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Acid house</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.djdan.com/#" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DJ Dan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Glaude" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donald Glaude</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronhinde/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aaron Hinde</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Knight" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phil Knight</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Phil-Knight/dp/1508211809" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topgrading" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Topgrading</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OKRs (Objectives &amp; Key Results)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rxbar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RXBAR</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterrahal/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Rahal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/home.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kellogg’s</a></li> <li><a href="https://a16z.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andreessen Horowitz</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel</a></li> </ul>

Orion Melehan (LIFEAID)

I was recently a guest on my buddy Angelo's Alpha Hippie podcast. I got some good feedback on the interview, so I figured I'd share here with all of you as well since you seemingly have some interest in what I have to say.You can check out more from Angelo here: www.alphahippiepodcast.com iTunes @thealphahippie 

I was recently a guest on my buddy Angelo's Alpha Hippie podcast. I got some good feedback on the interview, so I figured I'd share here with all of you as well since you seemingly have some interest in what I have to say.You can check out more from Angelo here:<ul> <li><a href="https://alphahippiepodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.alphahippiepodcast.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alpha-hippie-podcast/id1396722039?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thealphahippie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@thealphahippie</a></li> </ul>

[Alpha Hippie Podcast #44] Mental Models & Death Metal

Heather Gabel

Seth Sher

“I just want to make heavy brutal shit that makes people feel anything at all.” My friends Heather and Seth play in a band called HIDE that - in addition to offering a disorienting and bludgeoning live experience - creates pulsing, lurching soundscapes that I think are some of the best sounds to come out of Chicago of late. Their 2018 debut full length is called “Castration Anxiety,” and I think it’s fantastic - so I got them on the podcast to talk about it - as well as the relationships in behavior between repeatedly watching funny YouTube clips and enjoying minimalist music and the usage and subversion of religious iconography in HIDE’s visual art. Check out more from Heather, Seth &amp; HIDE here:  Instagram: @hide_music//@heathergabel Bandcamp: https://hide3.bandcamp.com/  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes  [01:23] Seth wasn’t into pop punk growing up. Heather was on tour with pop punk bands, but only liked “real punk.” And sitting with albums and listening to them deeply in the pre-internet era. [10:45] The association between live performance and recorded music – and filtering the amount of content you consume through the lens of live performance. And how the spirit of HIDE relates to Heather’s punk background and Seth’s metal background even if the surface aesthetics may be different. [27:53] Overanalyzing repetitive watching and listening behavior in viral videos as well as music. And what is the role of repetition in HIDE’s music? And how do Heather and Seth balance competing desires for minimalism and variation? [50:42] Use of symbols and iconography in association with HIDE’s imagery, and Heather’s bizarre and uncomfortable experiences with the way that people react to their body in art, in performance and in daily life [1:08:21] Humans are humans no matter where they go, and engage in shitty behavior even in subcultures that ostensibly value more progressive views – and the reaction of creating online “call out culture” is probably not the best response [1:23:00] Check out “Castration Anxiety” and do whatever you want – as long as it is exactly what Seth wants you to do  Links and Resources Mentioned  Alkaline Trio Green Day NOFX Screeching Weasel New Found Glory Blink-182 The Cure Crass Ramones 120 Minutes Napster Daughters Lingua Ignota Pantera Rowland S. Howard ADULT. Rudimentary Peni Public Image Ltd Nitzer Ebb Dark wave Industrial music Wumpscut Bolt Thrower Wolf Eyes Gouge Away Goats Yelling Like Humans Scott Stapp Nickelback Creed Stapp sings 'Marlins Will Soar' Siouxsie and the Banshees Cypress Hill Cypress Hill's Instagram Comments on National Geographic Sen Dog B-Real Tangerine Dream Swans Adrian Bozman Adrian Bozman on my podcast Dais Records Dave Brubeck “Take Five” Meshuggah Allan Holdsworth Magma Pietà Carl Jung Sam Harris “Fear is the mind-killer.” 

“I just want to make heavy brutal shit that makes people feel anything at all.” My friends Heather and Seth play in a band called HIDE that - in addition to offering a disorienting and bludgeoning live experience - creates pulsing, lurching soundscapes that I think are some of the best sounds to come out of Chicago of late. Their 2018 debut full length is called “Castration Anxiety,” and I think it’s fantastic - so I got them on the podcast to talk about it - as well as the relationships in behavior between repeatedly watching funny YouTube clips and enjoying minimalist music and the usage and subversion of religious iconography in HIDE’s visual art. Check out more from Heather, Seth &amp; HIDE here: <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hide_music/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@hide_music</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heathergabel/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@heathergabel</a></li> <li>Bandcamp: <a href="https://hide3.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://hide3.bandcamp.com/</a> </li></ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes <ul> <li>[01:23] Seth wasn’t into pop punk growing up. Heather was on tour with pop punk bands, but only liked “real punk.” And sitting with albums and listening to them deeply in the pre-internet era.</li> <li>[10:45] The association between live performance and recorded music – and filtering the amount of content you consume through the lens of live performance. And how the spirit of HIDE relates to Heather’s punk background and Seth’s metal background even if the surface aesthetics may be different.</li> <li>[27:53] Overanalyzing repetitive watching and listening behavior in viral videos as well as music. And what is the role of repetition in HIDE’s music? And how do Heather and Seth balance competing desires for minimalism and variation?</li> <li>[50:42] Use of symbols and iconography in association with HIDE’s imagery, and Heather’s bizarre and uncomfortable experiences with the way that people react to their body in art, in performance and in daily life</li> <li>[1:08:21] Humans are humans no matter where they go, and engage in shitty behavior even in subcultures that ostensibly value more progressive views – and the reaction of creating online “call out culture” is probably not the best response</li> <li>[1:23:00] Check out “Castration Anxiety” and do whatever you want – as long as it is exactly what Seth wants you to do</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="http://alkalinetrio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alkaline Trio</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Day" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Green Day</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.nofxofficialwebsite.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NOFX</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screeching_Weasel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Screeching Weasel</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.newfoundglory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Found Glory</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.blink182.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blink-182</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thecure.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Cure</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crass</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ramones</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120_Minutes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">120 Minutes</a></li> <li><a href="https://us.napster.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Napster</a></li> <li><a href="https://daughters.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daughters</a></li> <li><a href="https://linguaignota.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lingua Ignota</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantera" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pantera</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowland_S._Howard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rowland S. Howard</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.adultperiod.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ADULT.</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudimentary_Peni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rudimentary Peni</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Image_Ltd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Public Image Ltd</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitzer_Ebb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nitzer Ebb</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_wave" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dark wave</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_music" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Industrial music</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wumpscut" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wumpscut</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_Thrower" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bolt Thrower</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.wolfeyes.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wolf Eyes</a></li> <li><a href="https://gougeawayfl.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gouge Away</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpccpglnNf0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goats Yelling Like Humans</a></li> <li><a href="https://scottstapp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scott Stapp</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nickelback.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nickelback</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creed</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/stapp-sings-marlins-will-soar/c-7588469" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stapp sings 'Marlins Will Soar'</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siouxsie_and_the_Banshees" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Siouxsie and the Banshees</a></li> <li><a href="https://cypresshill.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cypress Hill</a></li> <li><a href="http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/03/cypress-hills-instagram-comments-on-national-geographic.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cypress Hill's Instagram Comments on National Geographic</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sendog/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sen Dog</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-Real" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">B-Real</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tangerinedream.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tangerine Dream</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swans_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/apbozman/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adrian Bozman</a></li> <li><a href="https://toddnief.com/adrian-bozman-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adrian Bozman on my podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.daisrecords.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dais Records</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Brubeck “Take Five”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.meshuggah.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meshuggah</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Holdsworth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Allan Holdsworth</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magma_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magma</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet%C3%A0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pietà</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carl Jung</a></li> <li><a href="https://samharris.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sam Harris</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2-i-must-not-fear-fear-is-the-mind-killer-fear-is" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Fear is the mind-killer.”</a></li> </ul>

Heather Gabel & Seth Sher (HIDE)

Jake Rhodes

Jason Yule

We’ve got Jake Rhodes from BearKompleX and Jason Yule from Boxstar Apparel and Harbor Park CrossFit on the podcast. I met both of these fellows when they exhibited at the inaugural South Loop Games in 2016. This episode isn’t just for CrossFit geeks, since we dig into the ways that Jake and Jason think about building a market for their businesses in a complicated and dynamic fitness landscape. The nuances of balancing promoting competitive CrossFit and whether that detracts from the mission of health and wellness is tricky to unpack, and Jason and Jake have some interesting perspectives from working with every day people in CrossFit affiliates as well as being involved with sponsoring high level athletes and the CrossFit Games themselves.Check out more from Jason, Boxstar and Harbor Park CrossFit here:  Website: www.boxstarapparel.com | www.harborparkcrossfit.com Instagram: @jasonjyule | @boxstarapparel | @harborparkcrossfit  Check out more from Jake &amp; BearKompleX here:  Instagram: @bearkomplex Website: www.bearkomplex.com   If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:  [1:37] Jason’s feelings toward Wisconsin always being paired with some sort of nod to cheese – particularly within the CrossFit Games. [4:03] Marketing in the CrossFit world must find balance between the mission of improving health and wellness for those who feel intimidated by the sport, and the showcasing of ‘freaks’ doing muscle ups and handstand walking. By focusing on the elite athletes in the sport, folks who are curious to try CrossFit can be intimidated and put off from going to the gym. [11:10] CrossFit is its affiliates, not its one weekend each year where the best athletes perform. There’s a place for showcasing the sport’s best athletes, but stepping away from making those people the whole CrossFit image is important in recruitment of more ‘everyday’ people.  [15:24] Businesses need to figure out how to retain customers – BearKompleX can’t only target those who are ripping their hands for the first time forever, and the focus begins to shift more toward high-level athletes as the business progresses.  [17:53] People view elite athletes as role models – people who they strive to be like, whose gear choices influence their own gear choices, etc. It grants companies credibility to have the support of high-level athletes. Those who are newer to CrossFit had to see an ad in their box or a cool video (with a high-level athlete as the face of the brand) and want to improve their athletic ability through gear to buy product, though. As time goes on, Jason and Jake have moved their companies away from focusing on the over-saturated elite athlete field and instead toward focusing on the average athletes who are influencers within their specific CrossFit community. [29:00] The goal of being able to compete in the sport of CrossFit is more attainable now, whereas competing at Regionals was previously the goal of the most elite athletes. The changes to the Games structure have affected athletes immensely – they have to be able to handle unpredictability as a piece of the ultimate test, along with the fact that they could devote their lives to CrossFit just to fly across the world and run 400m. [37:45] Will someone like Brent Fikowski struggle to compete with the new structure of early cuts at the CrossFit Games? One bad workout can send athletes home early, and it makes it more challenging for outliers in body size to compete in the sport. And why is the stereotypical elite CrossFit athlete so different than the stereotypical elite athlete in other sports? [45:14] Jason and Jake’s companies have to establish strategic marketing plans. Placement at events is significant (years ago, they hustled for a main vendor spot at the South Loop Games), along with having the resources to now have representation at sanctionals worldwide. [53:44] The vendor floor is very saturated and companies struggle to break even with giving away free gear on top of paying a high price to have a spot at events. [57:47] Online traffic spikes for a few weeks after a company is present at an event, which could be due to spectators returning to their boxes and showing off their new gear. Giving out discounts doesn’t produce much increase in purchasing but the chance of having referrals in the future makes it worth it. [1:03.58] Priorities change as the Games structure changes – global expansion tactics, prize giveaways with partnerships, and continuing to find further affiliate retail space is essential. Successful worldwide representation is a struggle, but having affiliate owners get on board with carrying gear in their boxes is as well. [1:15.11] More on Jason and Jake: social media accounts, opinions on quality Wisconsin beer, and the story behind BearKompleX’s name.  Links and Resources Mentioned  Mathew Fraser Rich Froning Tia-Clair Toomey Greg Glassman on Pursuing Health with Julie Foucher Nick Urankar Noah Ohlsen Dylan Martin Streat Hoerner FitAid Kill Cliff WODprep Granite Games Wodapalooza Patrick Vellner Brent Fikowski Dave Castro Josh Bridges Ben Smith Rory Mckernan Dre Strohm Ron Dayne Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Rogue Invitational Challenge Me App Spotted Cow 

We’ve got Jake Rhodes from BearKompleX and Jason Yule from Boxstar Apparel and Harbor Park CrossFit on the podcast. I met both of these fellows when they exhibited at the inaugural South Loop Games in 2016. This episode isn’t just for CrossFit geeks, since we dig into the ways that Jake and Jason think about building a market for their businesses in a complicated and dynamic fitness landscape. The nuances of balancing promoting competitive CrossFit and whether that detracts from the mission of health and wellness is tricky to unpack, and Jason and Jake have some interesting perspectives from working with every day people in CrossFit affiliates as well as being involved with sponsoring high level athletes and the CrossFit Games themselves.Check out more from Jason, Boxstar and Harbor Park CrossFit here: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://boxstarapparel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.boxstarapparel.com</a> | <a href="https://harborparkcrossfit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.harborparkcrossfit.com</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jasonjyule/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@jasonjyule</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/boxstarapparel/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@boxstarapparel</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harborparkcrossfit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@harborparkcrossfit</a></li> </ul> Check out more from Jake &amp; BearKompleX here: <ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bearkomplex/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bearkomplex</a></li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.bearkomplex.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.bearkomplex.com</a> </li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li>[1:37] Jason’s feelings toward Wisconsin always being paired with some sort of nod to cheese – particularly within the CrossFit Games.</li> <li>[4:03] Marketing in the CrossFit world must find balance between the mission of improving health and wellness for those who feel intimidated by the sport, and the showcasing of ‘freaks’ doing muscle ups and handstand walking. By focusing on the elite athletes in the sport, folks who are curious to try CrossFit can be intimidated and put off from going to the gym.</li> <li>[11:10] CrossFit is its affiliates, not its one weekend each year where the best athletes perform. There’s a place for showcasing the sport’s best athletes, but stepping away from making those people the whole CrossFit image is important in recruitment of more ‘everyday’ people. </li> <li>[15:24] Businesses need to figure out how to retain customers – BearKompleX can’t only target those who are ripping their hands for the first time forever, and the focus begins to shift more toward high-level athletes as the business progresses. </li> <li>[17:53] People view elite athletes as role models – people who they strive to be like, whose gear choices influence their own gear choices, etc. It grants companies credibility to have the support of high-level athletes. Those who are newer to CrossFit had to see an ad in their box or a cool video (with a high-level athlete as the face of the brand) and want to improve their athletic ability through gear to buy product, though. As time goes on, Jason and Jake have moved their companies away from focusing on the over-saturated elite athlete field and instead toward focusing on the average athletes who are influencers within their specific CrossFit community.</li> <li>[29:00] The goal of being able to compete in the sport of CrossFit is more attainable now, whereas competing at Regionals was previously the goal of the most elite athletes. The changes to the Games structure have affected athletes immensely – they have to be able to handle unpredictability as a piece of the ultimate test, along with the fact that they could devote their lives to CrossFit just to fly across the world and run 400m.</li> <li>[37:45] Will someone like Brent Fikowski struggle to compete with the new structure of early cuts at the CrossFit Games? One bad workout can send athletes home early, and it makes it more challenging for outliers in body size to compete in the sport. And why is the stereotypical elite CrossFit athlete so different than the stereotypical elite athlete in other sports?</li> <li>[45:14] Jason and Jake’s companies have to establish strategic marketing plans. Placement at events is significant (years ago, they hustled for a main vendor spot at the South Loop Games), along with having the resources to now have representation at sanctionals worldwide.</li> <li>[53:44] The vendor floor is very saturated and companies struggle to break even with giving away free gear on top of paying a high price to have a spot at events.</li> <li>[57:47] Online traffic spikes for a few weeks after a company is present at an event, which could be due to spectators returning to their boxes and showing off their new gear. Giving out discounts doesn’t produce much increase in purchasing but the chance of having referrals in the future makes it worth it.</li> <li>[1:03.58] Priorities change as the Games structure changes – global expansion tactics, prize giveaways with partnerships, and continuing to find further affiliate retail space is essential. Successful worldwide representation is a struggle, but having affiliate owners get on board with carrying gear in their boxes is as well.</li> <li>[1:15.11] More on Jason and Jake: social media accounts, opinions on quality Wisconsin beer, and the story behind BearKompleX’s name.</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mathewfras/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mathew Fraser</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/richfroning/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rich Froning</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiaclair1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tia-Clair Toomey</a></li> <li><a href="http://juliefoucher.com/2019/08/ep-118-coach-greg-glassman-crossfits-new-direction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Greg Glassman on Pursuing Health with Julie Foucher</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickurankar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Urankar</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nohlsen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Noah Ohlsen</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kindalikabigdyl/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dylan Martin</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/streathoerner/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Streat Hoerner</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.lifeaidbevco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FitAid</a></li> <li><a href="https://killcliff.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kill Cliff</a></li> <li><a href="https://wodprep.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WODprep</a></li> <li><a href="https://thegranitegames.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Granite Games</a></li> <li><a href="https://wodapalooza.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wodapalooza</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pvellner/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick Vellner</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fikowski/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brent Fikowski</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedavecastro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Castro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bridgesj3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josh Bridges</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bsmit13/?hl=nl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Smith</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rorymckernan/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rory Mckernan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drestrohm/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dre Strohm</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Dayne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ron Dayne</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Jordan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kobe Bryant</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.roguefitness.com/invitational#/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rogue Invitational</a></li> <li><a href="https://challengemetraining.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Challenge Me App</a></li> <li><a href="https://newglarusbrewing.com/beers/ourbeers/beer/spotted-cow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotted Cow</a></li> </ul>

Jake Rhodes (BearKomplex) & Jason Yule (Boxstar Apparel)

Ben Dziwulski

Ben Dziwulski is the founder of WODprep, where he and his team of coaches teach CrossFit athletes the fundamentals of advanced skills. Ben has helped thousands of people learn new skills and built an impressive online business in the process. This episode is not just about CrossFit, but about foundational principles of teaching, asking probing questions, and deeply understanding what people want in order to better serve them and help them reach their goals.Check out more from Ben and WODprep here:  Website: www.wodprep.com  Instagram: @wodprep YouTube: @wodprep  If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes:  [01:30] True expertise comes from being able to explain things simply and prioritize effectively – how Ben avoids the “curse of knowledge" and breaks down coaching cues in ways that people can understand and relate to their goals [07:30] Consistency is more important than perfection. When learning new skills, it’s much more important to start somewhere, work on figuring out a basic level of competency, then iterating over time. [12:40] How to understand what a market actually wants and what will pay for – as opposed to just what they say they want. And some miscalibrated predictions that Ben has made throughout WODprep’s history. [23:00] The danger of going it alone when learning new things: People tend to want to either skip steps, or they will think they have to check off an endless list of prerequisites before they even attempt the thing that they’re working on. Having a coach can eliminate both of these problems. [31:24] People are motivated to do silly things both by blindly copying others and by trying to increase their status in their group. Plus, two stories of CrossFit heartbreak including Ben doing an Open workout with a sever staph infection and Gary Helmick breaking his ankle right before Regionals. [41:54] Everyone understands that you should spend some time training your weaknesses, but how do you honestly look at yourself and figure out what’s holding you back? For many people, the lack of consistent focus and being willing to tackle one thing at a time is a bigger issue than anything else. [47:10] What has been changed and iterated on with WODprep in order to better help people? The value of making things simple and having clear step-by-step instructions in order to increase compliance, hiring great people and giving them autonomy, and giving more options and avenues for clients to communicate with coaches. [58:00] Sign up for Ben’s newsletter – and the new WODprep course on hip mobility  Links and Resources Mentioned  How to Snatch: And then…a miracle occurs Richard Feynman Blue Crab CrossFit Muscle Up Madness: Learn Muscle Ups Faster "Eva" – Named CrossFit Workout The Secret of Our Success by Joseph Henrich Michael Jordan’s Sweatband Position Gary Helmick Jordan Troyan Ben Smith Mathew Fraser 

Ben Dziwulski is the founder of WODprep, where he and his team of coaches teach CrossFit athletes the fundamentals of advanced skills. Ben has helped thousands of people learn new skills and built an impressive online business in the process. This episode is not just about CrossFit, but about foundational principles of teaching, asking probing questions, and deeply understanding what people want in order to better serve them and help them reach their goals.Check out more from Ben and WODprep here: <ul> <li>Website: <a href="https://wodprep.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.wodprep.com</a> </li> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wodprep/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@wodprep</a></li> <li>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/wodprep" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">@wodprep</a></li> </ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/todd-niefs-show/id1278759120?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="http://www.toddnief.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: <ul> <li>[01:30] True expertise comes from being able to explain things simply and prioritize effectively – how Ben avoids the “curse of knowledge" and breaks down coaching cues in ways that people can understand and relate to their goals</li> <li>[07:30] Consistency is more important than perfection. When learning new skills, it’s much more important to start somewhere, work on figuring out a basic level of competency, then iterating over time.</li> <li>[12:40] How to understand what a market actually wants and what will pay for – as opposed to just what they say they want. And some miscalibrated predictions that Ben has made throughout WODprep’s history.</li> <li>[23:00] The danger of going it alone when learning new things: People tend to want to either skip steps, or they will think they have to check off an endless list of prerequisites before they even attempt the thing that they’re working on. Having a coach can eliminate both of these problems.</li> <li>[31:24] People are motivated to do silly things both by blindly copying others and by trying to increase their status in their group. Plus, two stories of CrossFit heartbreak including Ben doing an Open workout with a sever staph infection and Gary Helmick breaking his ankle right before Regionals.</li> <li>[41:54] Everyone understands that you should spend some time training your weaknesses, but how do you honestly look at yourself and figure out what’s holding you back? For many people, the lack of consistent focus and being willing to tackle one thing at a time is a bigger issue than anything else.</li> <li>[47:10] What has been changed and iterated on with WODprep in order to better help people? The value of making things simple and having clear step-by-step instructions in order to increase compliance, hiring great people and giving them autonomy, and giving more options and avenues for clients to communicate with coaches.</li> <li>[58:00] Sign up for Ben’s newsletter – and the new WODprep course on hip mobility</li> </ul> Links and Resources Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="http://crossfitsomerville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Snatch-miracle.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Snatch: And then…a miracle occurs</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Feynman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richard Feynman</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bluecrabcrossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Crab CrossFit</a></li> <li><a href="https://wodprep.teachable.com/p/mu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muscle Up Madness: Learn Muscle Ups Faster</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2009/06/30#/comments" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Eva" – Named CrossFit Workout</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Our-Success-Evolution-Domesticating/dp/0691166854" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret of Our Success by Joseph Henrich</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.shotur.com/michael-jordan-wristband-position-secret-analytics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Jordan’s Sweatband Position</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/helmickcf/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gary Helmick</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jtroyancf/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jordan Troyan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bsmit13/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Smith</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mathewfras/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mathew Fraser</a></li> </ul>

Ben Dziwulski (WODprep)

Ah yes, the delightful process of asking obnoxious leading questions. What could be more fulfilling? Well, it turns out that - in order to teach the complex reasoning necessary for something like coaching, simply receiving complicated, theoretical lectures is not enough. Nor is it enough to have a ton of real-life experience. The best bounce back and forth between abstraction and reality and build complicated models of how the world works. And, in order to teach others to do this (like, say, employees at a CrossFit gym), it’s not enough to just lecture at them. Instead, you must engage in pointed questioning that comes from a genuine place of curiosity and that helps clarify reasoning and assumptions. One might call this Socratic questioning in fact... If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes  [00:00] How to become an obnoxious person who people don’t want to be around in social situations [05:45] How some people build mental models of the world – and how they constantly check their models against both their real life experiences and theories from experts [13:52] People only work to solve problems that they know that they have. Everything else is just intellectual entertainment. [21:57] How to cultivate a genuine curiosity to guide questioning rather than being a pedantic blowhard 

Ah yes, the delightful process of asking obnoxious leading questions. What could be more fulfilling? Well, it turns out that - in order to teach the complex reasoning necessary for something like coaching, simply receiving complicated, theoretical lectures is not enough. Nor is it enough to have a ton of real-life experience. The best bounce back and forth between abstraction and reality and build complicated models of how the world works. And, in order to teach others to do this (like, say, employees at a CrossFit gym), it’s not enough to just lecture at them. Instead, you must engage in pointed questioning that comes from a genuine place of curiosity and that helps clarify reasoning and assumptions. One might call this Socratic questioning in fact... If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes <ul> <li>[00:00] How to become an obnoxious person who people don’t want to be around in social situations</li> <li>[05:45] How some people build mental models of the world – and how they constantly check their models against both their real life experiences and theories from experts</li> <li>[13:52] People only work to solve problems that they know that they have. Everything else is just intellectual entertainment.</li> <li>[21:57] How to cultivate a genuine curiosity to guide questioning rather than being a pedantic blowhard</li> </ul>

Socratic Questioning

Austin and Megan have both spent significant amounts of time at South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning as both athletes and coaches, and - last year after competing at the Central Regional - they've moved out to Scottsdale, Arizona to be part of OPEX's sponsored athlete program. The goal of this program is to allow athletes to train full-time - and not have to worry about coaching classes, working a day job, or running from gym to gym throughout the day. Getting better in training is all about maximizing your ability to respond and adapt to stressors - which means minimizing the stress in your life outside of the gym. Check this episode out to learn how Megan and Austin have learned to trust the coaching process (and avoid self-doubt and constant questioning of what they're doing), what they do to prioritize their recovery outside of the gym, and how they approach the mental grind of training on a daily basis. Check out more from Austin and Megan  Megan's Instagram: @megbenz210 Austin's Instagram: @atoneal32 Austin's Training Blog: Austin on OPT  Resources and Individuals Mentioned  Alan Webb On Coaching OPEX Athlete Mike Lee James FitzGerald CrossFit Back on the Bar Amanda Goodman Jake Berman Rachel Campbell Colleen Fotsch Tennil Reed Back squat neuromuscular efficiency test Barbell Shrugged Blue-blocking glasses Tony Robbins Tim Ferriss David Goggins  Show Notes  [3:12] What is the OPEX Athlete program? What does it look like to professionalize the process of training for the sport of CrossFit? [7:45] Transitioning from a remote coaching relationship to working with a coach on the floor - and how to accept constant feedback and what could be perceived as criticism [14:06] The dynamics of being around so many high level athletes. How do you stop yourself from just constantly doing more training? [24:30] Balancing external stressors and finding your own personal "why" - and what do Austin and Megan actually think about during tough sessions? [30:50] A slight SD card error - and how to be consistent over tie. What personality traits correlate with maximizing time spent outside of the gym, and how do you make decisions on what to prioritize as far as recovery and stress management? [38:53] What is the biggest learning you've had from having a coach watching you on the gym floor? [42:30] Competing for Instagram followers [45:51] What does prepping for the Open look like? How do you maintain a culture with a healthy competitiveness amongst so many elite athletes without them starting to bicker and cut each other down? [56:00] How do you handle the pressure to succeed during the Open - and how do you prepare emotionally for the stress that will come during the Open? 

Austin and Megan have both spent significant amounts of time at <a href="http://southloopsc.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning</a> as both athletes and coaches, and - last year after competing at the Central Regional - they've moved out to Scottsdale, Arizona to be part of <a href="https://opexfit.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX</a>'s sponsored athlete program. The goal of this program is to allow athletes to train full-time - and not have to worry about coaching classes, working a day job, or running from gym to gym throughout the day. Getting better in training is all about maximizing your ability to respond and adapt to stressors - which means minimizing the stress in your life outside of the gym. Check this episode out to learn how Megan and Austin have learned to trust the coaching process (and avoid self-doubt and constant questioning of what they're doing), what they do to prioritize their recovery outside of the gym, and how they approach the mental grind of training on a daily basis. Check out more from Austin and Megan <ul> <li>Megan's Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/megbenz210/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@megbenz210</a></li> <li>Austin's Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atoneal32/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@atoneal32</a></li> <li>Austin's Training Blog: <a href="https://austinonopt.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Austin on OPT</a></li> </ul> Resources and Individuals Mentioned <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/alan_webb1?" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alan Webb</a></li> <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/magness-marcus-on-coaching/id961516002?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">On Coaching</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/opexathlete/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX Athlete</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeleeopex/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Lee</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfitzopex/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">James FitzGerald</a></li> <li><a href="https://backonthebar.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit Back on the Bar</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_amandagoodman/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amanda Goodman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jakebermanator/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jake Berman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brunettestrong/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Campbell</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/colleenfotsch/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Colleen Fotsch</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tennil_reed/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tennil Reed</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141203194344-250347201-what-the-hell-is-neuromuscular-efficiency/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Back squat neuromuscular efficiency test</a></li> <li><a href="http://daily.barbellshrugged.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Barbell Shrugged</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sleepdr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Does_Bono_wear_blue_light_blocking_glasses-1.jpg" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Blue-blocking glasses</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tonyrobbins/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tony Robbins</a></li> <li><a href="https://tim.blog/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Ferriss</a></li> <li><a href="http://davidgoggins.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">David Goggins</a></li> </ul> Show Notes <ul> <li>[3:12] What is the OPEX Athlete program? What does it look like to professionalize the process of training for the sport of CrossFit?</li> <li>[7:45] Transitioning from a remote coaching relationship to working with a coach on the floor - and how to accept constant feedback and what could be perceived as criticism</li> <li>[14:06] The dynamics of being around so many high level athletes. How do you stop yourself from just constantly doing more training?</li> <li>[24:30] Balancing external stressors and finding your own personal "why" - and what do Austin and Megan actually think about during tough sessions?</li> <li>[30:50] A slight SD card error - and how to be consistent over tie. What personality traits correlate with maximizing time spent outside of the gym, and how do you make decisions on what to prioritize as far as recovery and stress management?</li> <li>[38:53] What is the biggest learning you've had from having a coach watching you on the gym floor?</li> <li>[42:30] Competing for Instagram followers</li> <li>[45:51] What does prepping for the Open look like? How do you maintain a culture with a healthy competitiveness amongst so many elite athletes without them starting to bicker and cut each other down?</li> <li>[56:00] How do you handle the pressure to succeed during the Open - and how do you prepare emotionally for the stress that will come during the Open?</li> </ul>

Austin O'Neal & Megan Benzik (OPEX Athlete)

Justin LoFranco

Justin LoFranco is the founder of the Morning Chalk Up - a daily CrossFit newsletter with many, many thousands of subscribers. Justin has an extensive background in political campaign work - and was able to use his insight and know-how to deliver long-form, text-based content to CrossFitters when everything else seems to be moving in the direction of short, controversial videos.Check out more from Justin and the Morning Chalk Up here:Instagram: @jaylowone//@morningchalkupWebsite: www.morningchalkup.comFacebook: @morningchalkupYouTube: @morningchalkup If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list.Show Notes[01:54] Using mountain climbing as an expression of fitness outside of the gym - and finding something enjoyable, then escalating it until it’s a challenging and difficult task to complete. [12:38] People say that long content is dead and that bite-sized pieces on social media are the future: "I just decided to go the opposite direction. Let's focus on on doing words right. Not driving clicks.” [18:17] Getting into the weeds with e-mail marketing: segmenting audiences, measuring user behavior and the degree to which the Chalk Up finds these kinds of analytics valuable [24:14] Who are the archetypal readers of the Chalk Up: Every day CrossFit athletes, coaches and affiliate owners, elite athletes, elite coaches, CrossFit industry, and CrossFit media - and how flipping from focusing on the elite to focusing more on the affiliate community resulted in growth. [33:16] Finding the right balance between the aspirational content of the CrossFit Games vs  seeing every day people accomplishing something great. “Who you think you are as a brand may not be who your customers think you are.” [39:33] Justin’s background in politics: in political campaigns, you need to get buy-in from every day people and you need to convince them the a candidate is the right person from the job. However, CrossFitters are already bough in. “I don’t need to convince a bunch of CrossFitters that they want to read about CrossFit” [49:02] The CrossFit community doesn’t have the cynicism of the political climate. Even though the Chalk Up will cover controversial topics, the goal is not to fan the flames of outrage or drive clicks. Links and Resources MentionedPat Sherwood Ben Bergeron Jason Khalipa Jason Khalipa's podcast with Justin LoFranco Tia-Clair Toomey Josh Bridges CrossFit CrossFit Games OPEX Big Dawgs South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning Legion Strength &amp; Conditioning Wodapalooza Sean Hannity Anderson Cooper Donald Rumsfeld on "Unknown Unknowns" John Kerry "Flip Flopper" advertisement

Justin LoFranco is the founder of the Morning Chalk Up - a daily CrossFit newsletter with many, many thousands of subscribers. Justin has an extensive background in political campaign work - and was able to use his insight and know-how to deliver long-form, text-based content to CrossFitters when everything else seems to be moving in the direction of short, controversial videos.Check out more from Justin and the Morning Chalk Up here:<ul><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jaylowone/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@jaylowone</a>//<a href="https://www.instagram.com/morningchalkup/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@morningchalkup</a></li><li>Website: <a href="http://www.morninghcalkup.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.morningchalkup.com</a></li><li>Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/morningchalkup" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@morningchalkup</a></li><li>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaVuIEkcQkaLKCUfWF2-Nqg" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@morningchalkup</a></li></ul> If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why not a leave a review</a>? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show.You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at <a href="a class=" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.toddnief.com</a>. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list.Show Notes<ul><li>[01:54] Using mountain climbing as an expression of fitness outside of the gym - and finding something enjoyable, then escalating it until it’s a challenging and difficult task to complete.</li> <li>[12:38] People say that long content is dead and that bite-sized pieces on social media are the future: "I just decided to go the opposite direction. Let's focus on on doing words right. Not driving clicks.”</li> <li>[18:17] Getting into the weeds with e-mail marketing: segmenting audiences, measuring user behavior and the degree to which the Chalk Up finds these kinds of analytics valuable</li> <li>[24:14] Who are the archetypal readers of the Chalk Up: Every day CrossFit athletes, coaches and affiliate owners, elite athletes, elite coaches, CrossFit industry, and CrossFit media - and how flipping from focusing on the elite to focusing more on the affiliate community resulted in growth.</li> <li>[33:16] Finding the right balance between the aspirational content of the CrossFit Games vs  seeing every day people accomplishing something great. “Who you think you are as a brand may not be who your customers think you are.”</li> <li>[39:33] Justin’s background in politics: in political campaigns, you need to get buy-in from every day people and you need to convince them the a candidate is the right person from the job. However, CrossFitters are already bough in. “I don’t need to convince a bunch of CrossFitters that they want to read about CrossFit”</li> <li>[49:02] The CrossFit community doesn’t have the cynicism of the political climate. Even though the Chalk Up will cover controversial topics, the goal is not to fan the flames of outrage or drive clicks.</li></ul> Links and Resources Mentioned<ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sherwood215/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pat Sherwood</a></li> <li><a href="https://benbergeron.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Bergeron</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.jasonkhalipa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Khalipa</a></li> <li><a href="https://player.fm/series/business-of-fitness-with-jason-khalipa/episode-32-jason-justin-lofranco-morning-chalk-up" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Khalipa's podcast with Justin LoFranco</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiaclair1/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tia-Clair Toomey</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bridgesj3/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josh Bridges</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.crossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit</a></li> <li><a href="https://games.crossfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CrossFit Games</a></li> <li><a href="https://opexfit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OPEX</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thebigdawgs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Dawgs</a></li> <li><a href="https://southloopsc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Loop Strength &amp; Conditioning</a></li> <li><a href="https://legionsc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legion Strength &amp; Conditioning</a></li> <li><a href="https://wodapalooza.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wodapalooza</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hannity.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sean Hannity</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/andersoncooper?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anderson Cooper</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiPe1OiKQuk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donald Rumsfeld on "Unknown Unknowns"</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucdGspCOvM4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Kerry "Flip Flopper" advertisement</a></li></ul>

Justin LoFranco (Morning Chalk Up)

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