Excellence Without Burnout: Brad Stulberg on Escaping Hustle Culture

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushIn a world that rewards constant stimulation and surface-level productivity, it’s become easier than ever to stay busy — and harder than ever to feel fulfilled. Many people aren’t burning out from doing too much, but from spending their days disconnected from the things that actually matter. The result is a numbing, restless state Brad Stulberg calls zombie burnout.In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Juliet and Kelly Starrett sit down with author and coach Brad Stulberg to unpack what excellence really means in a chaotic, distraction-heavy world. Drawing from his latest book, The Way of Excellence, Stulberg challenges the myths of hustle culture and self-optimization, offering a grounded path toward ambition that’s aligned with values, sustained by rest, and rooted in deep, meaningful engagement.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy excellence has nothing to do with rigid routines or influencer “optimization”The difference between happiness, satisfaction, and lasting fulfillmentHow “zombie burnout” happens — even when you’re not technically overworkedWhat truly excellent environments have in commonWhy process matters more than outcomes (without pretending outcomes don’t matter)How rest and renewal are essential — not optional — for long-term excellenceKey Highlights: (00:00) - Introduction(01:17) - What is Excellence(08:37) - What Excellence is Not(09:48) - Importance of Excellence(13:08) - Excellence vs. Happiness(17:54) - Aggregation of Marginal Gains(19:59) - Sponsor: Vitality(23:10) - Brad's Take on Heisman Winner(25:15) - Creating an Excellent Environment(33:18) - Zombie Burnout and Adult Pacifiers(35:50) - Combating Zombie Burnout(37:39) - Sponsor: LMNT(40:20) - Managing Distractions(43:22) - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance(46:41) - Decline of Excellence(52:30) - Goal Setting Strategies(58:13) - Stress, Rest, and Growth(01:02:40) - Sponsor: Momentous(01:05:25) - Recovery Techniques(01:06:40) - Surprises After Writing the Book(01:08:34) - Meaningful Milestone for 2026(01:10:38) - Brad's Addition to the Infinite Shelf(01:12:18) - Starrett SystemHuge thanks to our sponsors, Vitality, Momentous, and LMNT.Connect with BradWebsite | Podcast | Instagram | YouTubePre-Order The Way of Excellence

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushDiscover the secret to thriving outside your comfort zone with Ginger Naylor, CEO of Outward Bound USA. In this inspiring conversation, Ginger shares how wilderness adventures help kids and adults build resilience, face discomfort, and uncover their true potential. Learn why stepping into the unknown fosters personal growth, how Outward Bound uses outdoor challenges to teach life-changing lessons, and the transformative power of "threshold moments." Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast or seeking ways to stretch your limits, this video will motivate you to embrace discomfort and grow stronger.We are particularly excited about joining Ginger for The Reset, happening on January 24th and led by Outward Bound. This is a nationwide invitation to step away from screens and schedules, get outside, move your body, and reconnect with the kind of challenge and perspective that only nature can provide. No apps, no optimization, no performance metrics. Just time outdoors, intentional discomfort, and the chance to reset your nervous system in the most human way possible.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy resilience doesn’t come from comfort — but from manageable challengeHow outdoor education helps kids discover identity, confidence, and capabilityWhat “threshold moments” are — and why they drive real growthWhy reflection matters as much as the experience itselfHow wilderness exposure shapes empathy, leadership, and perseveranceWhy being alone without distraction is increasingly rare — and powerfulKey Highlights: (00:00) – Intro(00:31) – Wilderness Awareness and Why It’s Fading(07:48) – What Outward Bound Really Is (And Isn’t)(11:16) – Threshold Moments and Why Growth Starts at the Edge(14:25) – Discomfort as a Skill, Not a Side Effect(19:08) – The Cultural Shift Away from Wilderness(23:04) – The Solo Experience: Being Alone With Yourself(28:38) – What Happens After Students Leave Outward Bound(32:10) – Why Reflection Turns Experience Into Growth(36:45) – Technology, Childhood, and Rebalancing Attention(41:22) – Wilderness as a Gateway to Conservation(46:08) – Parenting, Protection, and Letting Kids Struggle(51:14) – Resilience as a Life Skill, Not an Adventure Skill(56:02) – Why These Experiences Matter More Than Ever(1:01:10) – Final Reflections on Growth, Identity, and IndependenceConnect with Ginger and Outward BoundWebsite | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeTake The Reset Pledge with us!

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushWhat if the key to longevity isn’t found in your heart, your brain, or your hormones — but in your muscle?In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon explains why skeletal muscle is the most overlooked organ in modern medicine and how its decline quietly drives aging, disease, and loss of independence. Drawing from her work in nutrition, geriatrics, and muscle-centric medicine, Lyon breaks down how strength training, protein intake, and daily movement protect metabolic health, resilience, and mental clarity as we age. From preventing sarcopenia to rethinking weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, and what it really means to age well, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone who wants to stay strong, capable, and useful for life. If you care about longevity, this episode reframes the conversation — starting with muscle!WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODEWhy cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and dementia often begin in skeletal muscleWhat “muscle-centric medicine” means — and why it challenges modern healthcareWhy building muscle for longevity is the important thing you can doHow GLP-1 drugs could unintentionally accelerate muscle loss and sabotage longevityWhy body fat percentage misses the real metabolic problemHow resistance training protects the brain, joints, and metabolismThe protein framework Lyon uses in clinical practiceWhy movement is the fastest path to physical and mental freedomTIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Dr. Gabrielle Lyon(01:20) - What Kind of Doctor Are You(06:45) - Muscle-Centric Medicine Explained(14:18) - Vitality Blueprint: $50 Off Plans(16:45) - Role of a Muscle-Centric Physician(19:15) - Muscle: The Organ of Longevity(24:04) - Muscle Mass and Dementia Prevention(27:10) - Fear of Resistance Training(29:55) - Concerns About Being Too Bulky(33:20) - LMNT(35:00) - Subscribe to the Podcast(32:50) - Importance of Healthy Muscle Mass(40:00) - Best Ways to Measure Health Aging(44:27) - Nutrition Insights(50:07) - Staying Forever Young(51:23) - Start Your Momentous Journey(53:20) - The Forever Strong Playbook Overview(54:15) - Understanding GLP-1s(57:47) - Muscle-Centric Strength Program Overview(59:35) - Expectations from The Forever Strong Playbook(1:00:25) - Dr. Lyon’s addition to the Infinite Shelf(1:01:11) - Finding Dr. Gabrielle LyonHuge thanks to our sponsors, Vitality, Momentous, and LMNT.Connect with Dr. LyonWebsite | Instagram | YouTubePre-Order The Forever Strong PLAYBOOKOrder Forever Strong

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushDiscover how to become a humble, hungry, happy person, that kicks butt into your 90s.In this episode, world-class strength & conditioning coach Ben Bergeron shares his holistic approach to long-term fitness, strength, and mental resilience. Learn how creating supportive environments, building strong connections, and focusing on key pillars—eat, sleep, train, think, connect—can help you crush your goals and stay fit for life. Whether you're training for life's challenges or simply want to feel great and pain-free, Ben’s insights will inspire you to kick butt into your 90s. Don’t miss this motivational deep dive into optimizing health and happiness!What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy elite performance is about sustainability, not intensityHow discipline creates freedom in training and leadershipThe difference between being busy and being effectiveWhy emotional regulation is a performance skillHow to avoid burnout while still pushing limitsWhat world-class athletes understand about consistencyWhy values-based systems outperform motivationKey Highlights: (00:00) - Intro(02:49) - Key System Mistakes for Everyday Athletes(09:35) - Creating a Movement Rich Environment(10:44) - Feeling Seen and Sense of Belonging(17:45) - Building Community in Fitness(18:50) - Evolution of Training Philosophy(20:50) - Embracing "Yes, And" in Fitness(22:56) - Shifts in Ben’s Fitness Perspective(25:28) - Best Practices in Training Implementation(28:58) - Changes in the Fitness Landscape Over 20 Years(32:17) - Fitness as a Standalone Discipline(35:03) - Hydration with LMNT(37:35) - Momentous: Creatine Chews(46:01) - Importance of Fun in Training(47:00) - Squatting and Deadlifting After 40(50:03) - Current Obsessions in Fitness(52:36) - Character vs Personality in Training(58:21) - Training Character Development(01:01:00) - Changing Your Mindset for Fitness(01:05:30) - Transformative Impact of Training Methods(01:09:40) - Infinite Shelf(01:11:39) - Finding Ben Online(01:13:06) - Join the Starrett SystemSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushDid you know your oral health is directly tied to your longevity? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kenny Brown, Stanford-educated oral and maxillofacial surgeon, unpacks the shocking link between dental hygiene and overall health and wellness. Discover how bacteria in your mouth can impact your heart, brain, gut, and even reproductive system, and why gum disease could be silently affecting your body’s performance. Learn the dos and don’ts of brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning, bust common oral health myths, and explore groundbreaking innovations like the Feno Smartbrush that could revolutionize your routine. Whether it’s preventing chronic inflammation or improving systemic health, this episode is packed with actionable tips that could transform your wellness journey. Don’t miss out—your health starts here!What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy oral bacteria travel to the heart, brain, joints, and gutThe difference between brushing “daily” and brushing correctlyWhy only 3 out of 10 people brush properly — and just 1 in 10 flossWhat bleeding gums actually mean (hint: inflammation, not “brushing too hard”)The connection between gum disease and chronic illness, diabetes, heart conditions, and preterm laborWhy panoramic X-rays and cone-beam CT scans matterHow root canals can hide silent infectionsWhether oral care is improving or declining — and whyHow Zyn, vaping, and nicotine damage gum tissue and affect wellnessWhy nasal breathing and airway health matter for kids and adultsThe future of oral hygiene: AI, microbiome testing, and automated brushingChapters(00:00) - Intro(00:39) - How Often to Brush Teeth(04:10) - Mouth as Gateway to the Body(09:12) - Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques(11:39) - Importance of Flossing(13:03) - Benefits of Mouthwash(14:15) - Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush(15:34) - Teeth Whitening(17:03) - Understanding Root Canals(22:17) - Oral Health and Overall Wellness(29:40) - Hope for Non-Flossers(31:52) - Gum and Dental Health(33:55) - Effects of Mouth Breathing(38:39) - Nicotine and Oral Health Risks(44:32) - Innovations in Oral Care(47:19) - Current Trends in Oral Health(55:22) - A book for our Infinite Shelf(57:11) - Finding Dr. Kenny Brown(58:28) - The Starrett System’s Durability ChallengeSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushWhat if strength isn’t just physical, but emotional and cultural too?Award-winning journalist Bonnie Tsui, author of Why We Swim and On Muscle, explores how our muscles tell the story of who we are — our adaptability, creativity, and joy in motion.On this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Juliet and Kelly Starrett sit down with Bonnie to unpack how muscle links the brain and body and reshapes how we think about strength, beauty, and being alive.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy muscle is more than physical strength — it’s an endocrine organ that communicates with the brain.How Bonnie’s unconventional childhood shaped her lifelong fascination with the body.The cultural myths that still shape how we view women’s bodies and power.Why play and access to movement are essential across every stage of life.How muscle’s adaptability makes it a symbol of hope and renewal.The one simple practice Bonnie recommends for everyone: “Lift something heavy for you”Key Highlights: (00:00) - Intro(01:25) - Importance of Muscle(03:52) - Parental Influence on Fitness(07:56) - Debunking Muscle Myths(12:35) - Understanding Muscle Physiology(15:52) - Surprising Facts About Muscle(18:50) - Women and Muscle Development(23:15) - Trends in Women's Fitness(27:38) - Access and Inclusion in Fitness(30:11) - Resilience of Muscle Tissue(31:13) - Muscle Regeneration Process(32:44) - Interview with Matthew Sanford(37:10) - Curiosity in Muscle Science(43:28) - Daily Muscle Care Tips(45:47) - Closing Remarks(47:14) - Bonnie adds a book to our Infinite Shelf(48:00) - Connecting with BonnieSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushBehind every great movement is a trained visual system. Your eyes aren’t just for seeing — they’re tools for balance, reaction, and control. When they’re not working in sync with your brain and body, everything from focus to performance suffers.In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Dr. Bryce Appelbaum — a neuro-optometrist specializing in functional vision — joins Juliet and Kelly Starrett to break down how your visual system drives everything from reaction time to recovery. He explains how training the eyes and brain together can improve coordination, balance, and focus under pressure. Whether you’re coming back from a concussion or looking to level up your athletic edge, this episode will open your eyes to the hidden system behind performance.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat functional vision training is (and how it differs from standard eye exams)Why vision is a skill — not just a senseHow concussions and screen time can disrupt your visual systemThe surprising ways vision affects posture, balance, and coordinationPractical tools to improve visual endurance and reaction timeHow athletes can train their eyes like any other muscleWhy vision issues are often misdiagnosed as ADHDKey Highlights: (00:00) - Intro(01:48) - Vision Misunderstandings(05:14) - Training Eyesight Without Glasses(10:27) - Identifying Children's Vision Problems(15:44) - Causes of Reading Fatigue(18:54) - Increasing Vision Changes Trends(23:33) - Healthy Vision Training Routine(27:35) - Sponsor: Momentous(30:29) - Sponsor: LMNT(32:45) - Duration for Effective Vision Training(38:02) - Secrets to Regular Bowel Movements(44:06) - Understanding Concussions(50:30) - Getting Help for Concussions(53:20) - Functional Vision as a Competitive Advantage(56:20) - Finding Dr. BryceSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

Rob Wilson is a performance educator with over twenty years of experience helping people build durable, high-functioning bodies and minds. He joins us on The Ready State Podcast to unpack the uncomfortable truth about performance: it’s not free. In this powerful conversation with Kelly and Juliet Starrett, Rob dives into the real price of pushing your limits, why sleep is non-negotiable, and how to reframe “selfish” self-care as the foundation for showing up better in every area of life. Together, they tackle burnout, aging, and what it takes to sustain health and high output in a world that rewards constant hustle.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe three waves of fitness, and why Rob Wilson's book represents the vanguard of the third wave.The problem with the democratization of health metrics like Heart Rate Variability (HRV) if you don't know how to interpret the data or take action.The story behind the "Check Engine Light" metaphor, which helps high performers prioritize what to address and what to ignore.Why the phrase "self-care" often fails with service-oriented and high-performing individuals and the analogy used instead.The "Cobra Effect" or Goodhart's Law, and how chasing a metric like a high HRV can lead to misleading and useless outcomes.How to stop the "medical cascade" and apply an experimental framework (test/retest) to chronic, nagging pain and everyday health issues.The true cost of high performance and the crucial need for a "cost mitigation strategy" to avoid burnout.Why context matters more than perfect protocols, and how to create a personal longevity dashboard for continuous adaptation.For more info, follow Rob on Instagram and definitely pick up a copy of his new book, Check Engine Light: Tuning Your Body and Mind to Achieve Performance Longevity.Key Highlights: (00:00) - Intro(00:48) - Check Engine Light Book Overview(06:49) - Check Engine Light Metaphor Explained(14:06) - Importance of Check Engine Light for Everyone(17:49) - Inputs and Outputs in Life(20:37) - One Size Fits All Approach: Myth or Reality?(25:25) - Identifying What Matters Most to You(27:28) - Performance Costs: Understanding Trade-offs(29:27) - Recommended Supplements for Health(32:55) - LMNT: Importance of Hydration Explained(37:10) - Resistance: Creativity's Universal Challenge(39:48) - Becoming Reasonable: A Personal Journey(45:18) - Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Benefits Explained(47:15) - Using Tracking Devices Mindfully(49:57) - The Cobra Effect: Understanding Consequences(57:55) - Setting Up Environments for Success(1:00:20) - Changes Since Writing the Book(1:03:14) - What's Next for Rob: Future Plans(1:04:30) - Finding Rob: Where to ConnectSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous. 

In a world where “one-size-fits-all” health advice dominates, women are often left out of the conversation entirely. Enter Dr. Stephanie Estima — chiropractor, health strategist, and unapologetic myth-buster — who’s redefining how women think about hormones, metabolism, and longevity. Known for her bestselling book The Betty Body and her work on aligning health practices with the female cycle, Estima is helping women ditch cookie-cutter protocols and reclaim their biology as a superpower.In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Juliet and Kelly Starrett dig deep with Dr. Estima into why women need different health strategies, what biohacking gets wrong, and how to move from shame and confusion to empowerment and strength.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the first step for women's health is "the great unlearning" that they are not just "smaller men".How prolonged calorie restriction teaches the female body to conserve fat and slow metabolism.The three-pronged approach to health that balances scientific evidence, clinical experience, and patient desire.Why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign, and how to use it as a monthly hormonal report card.The biggest misconception around strength training for women (Hint: It’s the fear of "getting bulky").Why you lose strength before mass, making strength training crucial for fall risk and long-term independence.Why explosive movement, like sprinting, is the key to maintaining power and mitigating the exponential decline of speed with age.How to deprogram the fear of lifting heavy and prioritize form before load.Key Highlights(00:00) - Intro(02:15) - Why Women Need a Different Health Strategy(06:42) - The Hormonal Cycle Explained(13:10) - Fasting, Keto & Carbs for Women(21:25) - Stress, Cortisol & Female Metabolism(29:48) - The Truth About Sleep as a Biohack(35:22) - Why Lifting Heavy is Non-Negotiable(42:50) - The Problem with Male-Dominated Biohacking Protocols(49:36) - Using Hormones as Feedback, Not Enemies(55:44) - Practical Nutrition Tips for Each Phase of the Cycle(01:03:20) - Turning Confusion into Empowerment(01:09:55) - Longevity Strategies for Women(01:15:18) - Q&A: Busting Common Myths(01:22:40) - Final Thoughts from Kelly & JulietSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

ACL tears used to be rare in high school sports. Today, they’re an epidemic. Behind the headlines, there’s one voice cutting through the noise with hard truths, practical solutions, and decades of experience: Coach Carmen Bott. Known online as “Coach Bott,” she’s become the go-to expert on youth athletic development and late-stage ACL rehab, guiding parents, athletes, and coaches through one of the most pressing crises in sports performance.In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Kelly and Juliet Starrett sit down with Coach Bott to dig into why so many kids are getting hurt, why recovery takes longer than most parents realize, and how we can protect the next generation of athletes.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy ACL rehab isn’t 12 weeks—it’s a full yearThe difference between yesterday’s athletes and today’s single-sport kidsRed flags parents should watch for in youth sport programsHow to support kids when insurance and the system fall shortThe myths around strength training and growth in young athletesWhy prevention starts with play, variety, and strength—not fearThe real story behind the menstrual cycle and ACL injury debatesKey Highlights: (00:00) - Intro(00:54) - Carmen's Background(05:26) - Athletes 25 Years Ago(10:00) - Good Rehab Program Criteria(13:18) - Ideal Club System for Athletes(16:40) - Supporting Kids in Sports(23:46) - Post-Acute Rehab Strategies(29:32)) - Return to Play: Getting Fitter(32:23) - Importance of Exposure in Rehab(39:34) - Returning to Contact Sports(44:51) - Preventing ACL Injuries in Kids(52:30) - Menstrual Cycle and Athletic Performance(56:04) - Myth Busting in Sports(58:20) - Where to Find Carmen(59:34) - OutroSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.