STRENGTH IN LIFE: MY CONVERSATION WITH THE WHOLE MAN ACADEMY
I had the privilege of sitting down with Anthony on the Whole Man Academy podcast for Episode 97. If you’ve been following my journey, you know my mantra is the persistent dedication to optimizing your life. That isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or hitting a PR in the gym; it’s about how we handle adversity, how we show up for our families, and how we engineer our lives for longevity and fulfillment.
In this episode, we dove deep into the philosophy that drives everything I do as a strength coach and a father.
From the Diamond to the Gym
We started by talking about my roots. My background is in baseball—a game of failure. If you fail 70% of the time in baseball, you’re a Hall of Famer. That sport taught me early on that life is a game of adjustments. I shared how I transitioned from an engineering student to a strength coach, eventually seeking out mentors like the legendary Charles Poliquin to learn from the very best in the world.
The "Functionally Lazy" Approach
One concept we discussed that might surprise you is being "functionally lazy." It sounds contradictory, but it’s actually about efficiency. It’s asking yourself: What is the minimal amount of effort I can do right now to get the maximum result?
We live in a world where men are constantly overstimulated—too much screen time, too much work, too much stress. We talked about how to pull back, prioritize sleep, and manage stress so you aren't just burning the candle at both ends.
Nutrition, Hormones, and "Old Man Strength"
Of course, we talked training and nutrition. I broke down my go-to "elite breakfast" for focus and energy (hint: it involves red meat and healthy fats, not cereal) and why managing insulin and inflammation is key to maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
I also shared stories about my father—an old-school boxer and construction worker who taught me what real strength looks like. It’s not just physical; it’s the calluses you build from constantly banging against the wall of life.
Fatherhood and Focus
We wrapped up with a topic very close to my heart: fatherhood. I spoke about how having children actually made my life "easier" by stripping away the noise. It forces you to get crystal clear on your priorities. When you walk through the door at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is being present for those kids.
I really enjoyed the energy of this conversation. It’s an honest look at the state of modern masculinity, the importance of mentorship, and why, at the end of the day, you need to know that you are enough.
Check out the full interview below. I hope it inspires you to take that next step in your own hero’s journey.
Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/3gtfwzZ9ZQM?si=78iOjesc3g1hK5ez
