Build Mental Toughness & Perform Under Pressure | Dr. Lenny Wiersma

In this episode, I sit down with Ken Rideout — author, elite masters marathoner, and one of the most compelling people I've ever had on the show — to discuss his journey from a difficult childhood and decade-long opioid addiction to becoming the Masters (50+) Marathon World Champion and winning the Gobi March, a 155-mile self-supported stage race across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Ken shares how running became his path to sobriety and why he finds peace in suffering rather than comfort. We cover his "clean vs. dirty fuel" framework for motivation, the mental tactics he uses mid-race to avoid quitting, his approach to pacing and fueling for marathons, and how his training philosophy evolved once he brought in a coach. We also discuss raising competitive kids, the value of discipline as freedom, and what he'd tell anyone who doesn't know where to start. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they've wasted time or lost their way and needs proof that it's not too late. Sponsors Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform TrueMed: https://truemed.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Chapters (00:00:00) Ken Rideout (00:02:15) Book Tease and Tears (00:03:27) Gobi March Race (00:38:23) Relief After Winning (00:40:29) Why Choose Suffering (00:47:30) Drugs Versus Discipline (01:01:10) Quitting And Redemption (01:05:00) Malibu Half Turnaround (01:09:29) Racing Tactics Mindset (01:16:03) Train Fear Compete Fire (01:17:58) Clean Versus Dirty Fuel (01:24:00) Health First Baby Steps (01:27:09) Morning Routine And Discipline (01:32:48) From Sports To Running (01:35:31) Triathlon Lessons And Kona (01:38:16) The Mental Grind Of Suffering (01:40:31) Try Harder Mindset (01:49:06) Comfort With Discomfort (01:52:48) Parenting Toughness And Losing (01:56:41) Setbacks Into Strength (01:58:20) Money Doesn't Fix You (02:00:09) Family Pride And Purpose (02:00:47) Coaching With Edge (02:06:57) Ask For Help (02:09:52) Romanticizing The Suffering (02:15:55) Grit Beats Talent (02:19:38) No Roadmap Just Effort (02:23:54) Marathon Progress And Coaching (02:28:01) First Marathon Fueling Plan (02:31:28) Service First Content (02:32:25) Wrap Up Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lenny Wiersma — one of the most respected and quietly influential figures in sports psychology — for a conversation on what it actually takes to perform when the stakes are highest. A professor for over 25 years and a highly published scientist, We discuss Alex Honnold's recent skyscraper climb and unpack what's really happening psychologically at the absolute edge of human performance, including why the "he just doesn't feel fear" narrative is both academically wrong and deeply unfair to what Honnold has actually built. From there, we draw on Lenny's work with major league baseball players, UFC fighters, big wave surfers, and extreme athletes of all kinds to go deep on confidence versus belief, why the positive/negative self-talk distinction is the wrong frame entirely, how psychological distancing changes your internal dialogue, and what visualization actually requires to transfer under pressure. Lenny also walks through his 3-2-1 reflection tool, the critical difference between emotional control and emotional regulation, what the best coaches do in high-stakes moments, and how biofeedback gives athletes a real physiological window into their own regulation. This episode is for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating high-pressure moments in daily life — you don't have to be jumping out of helicopters or riding hundred-foot waves for this to apply to you. Sponsors Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Chapters (00:00:00) Show Intro (00:00:48) Alex Honnold Mindset (00:02:18) Risk And Confidence (00:06:45) Extreme Athletes Trainability (00:11:12) Wipeout Planning (00:13:54) Visualization Basics (00:15:53) Phelps Coping Visualization (00:19:46) Visualization Best Practices (00:24:09) Visualization Beyond Sport (00:26:35) Sleep Stories Unhooking (00:32:47) Balancing Failure Imagery (00:37:33) Self Talk Framework (00:40:37) Coach Yourself With You (00:41:04) Borrow a Trusted Voice (00:42:46) Nicknames and Second Person (00:45:34) Research and Best Timing (00:48:41) Rethinking Discomfort (00:53:19) Confidence Versus Belief (00:57:14) Build Robust Confidence (01:01:14) Tools to Grow Belief (01:08:34) Overconfidence and Honesty (01:10:52) Resilience Mental Toughness (01:13:47) Emotional Regulation Skills (01:16:11) Label Emotions and Purpose (01:17:12) Labeling Emotions Fast (01:18:06) Next Play Mindset (01:18:28) Co Regulation Explained (01:20:03) Reading the Locker Room (01:21:12) Flag Disaster Scenario (01:25:23) Downregulate and Refocus (01:26:34) Reset Anchors and Cues (01:31:58) Corner Coaching in UFC (01:36:21) Simple Phrases That Land (01:39:29) Coaches Need Coaching Too (01:45:00) Earning Trust With Staff (01:47:09) Mental Performance vs Therapy (01:48:44) Embedded Team Support (01:50:23) Biofeedback Meets Performance (01:51:14) HRV Breathing Demo (01:55:57) Coherence Breathing Protocol (01:58:13) Color Screen Training (02:01:24) At Home Biofeedback Options (02:02:39) NeuroTracker Focus Training (02:07:51) Mental Fatigue Insights (02:10:49) Restore Attention Fast (02:12:06) Better Film Sessions (02:14:08) Careers And Credentials (02:17:17) Closing Thoughts Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I break down everything you need to know to build a strong core and better-looking abs — and explain why most people are training them wrong. I start by clarifying the difference between "abs" and "core," covering the key muscle groups involved (rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, spinal erectors, and more) and debunking the myth that these muscles require uniquely high-rep, high-frequency training. From there, I introduce my "look, feel, and perform" framework to show how training variables — exercise selection, movement patterns versus anti-movement patterns, load, volume, frequency, and progression — should shift depending on your actual goal. I also walk through a five-step progression model and a sample weekly program. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt confused by conflicting advice on core training, whether your goal is aesthetics, low back health, or athletic performance. Show notes: https://www.performpodcast.com/episodes/core-strength Join newsletter: https://www.performpodcast.com/newsletters Sponsors Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Timestamps (00:00:00) Core Training Myths (00:04:22) Why We Train Abs Wrong (00:07:27) Abs vs Core Explained (00:11:17) Look Feel Perform Goals (00:15:04) How Core Muscles Work (00:20:26) Stability and Anti Movement (00:24:00) Do Abs Need Daily Training (00:29:12) Spinal Safety and Crunches (00:33:08) Testing Core Strength (00:41:42) Interpreting Test Results (00:47:02) Choosing Core Exercises (00:50:18) Isolation vs compound core (00:52:31) Contraction intensity rules (00:53:23) Size principle explained (00:56:16) Loading the core safely (01:00:14) Core moves by pattern (01:06:35) Program by muscle groups (01:08:01) Abs for aesthetics (01:15:47) Aesthetic programming split (01:18:49) Core for performance (01:21:15) Core for back health (01:24:17) Sample week template (01:29:22) Five step progression (01:35:54) Exercise order priorities (01:36:56) Rapid fire Q and belts (01:42:35) Final wrap and support Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I explain how to increase your control over your nervous system — not just to manage stress, but to recalibrate your autonomic nervous system for long-term physiological resilience and adaptability. This episode goes beyond basic stress management techniques to explore how to fine-tune your nervous system, become more stress tolerant, and use your personal data to know exactly when and how to intervene. Using the three I’s framework — Investigate, Interpret and Intervene — I explain how to assess key physiological markers such as heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate and CO₂ tolerance. I also discuss a range of tools and strategies, ranging from free to clinical-grade, that can shift your nervous system acutely (like cold exposure or visual resets) and chronically (such as structured breathwork or exercise). This episode is for anyone looking to actively train their brain and body to improve resilience, adaptability and peak performance. Read the episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Controlling Your Nervous System 00:04:59 Nervous System Branches, Recalibrate Autonomic Nervous System 00:09:46 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein 00:12:30 Read & Regulate, Highway Analogy, Resilience 00:18:35 Investigate: Performance-Based Tests, Psychology & Physiological Markers 00:24:07 Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Genes & Lifestyle, Age, Health & Resilience 00:36:22 Sponsors: LMNT & Momentous 00:39:23 Tool: Measuring HRV 00:41:46 Respiratory Rate, CO2 Tolerance Test 00:45:37 Metabolism & Respiration, Chronic Hyperventilation, Overbreathing 00:53:46 Tool: Measuring Respiratory Rate 00:54:48 Interpret: HRV Scores, Device Variability, Standard Deviation 01:00:48 HRV Stability, Sleep Schedule, Alcohol, Exercise & Meal Frequency 01:04:34 Sponsor: Eight Sleep 01:05:56 HRV Data & When to Intervene, Acute vs Chronic, Training 01:09:16 Interpret: Respiratory Rate, Overbreathing & Breathing Problems 01:15:53 Intervention: Acute Changes, 4x4 Matrix 01:17:50 Acute & Chronic Categories; Cold Water Immersion 01:21:50 Acute Actions, Visual Resets, Valsalva Maneuver, Vagal Nerve Stimulators 01:28:09 Chronic Actions, Desensitization, Timing for Results 01:32:57 Exercise, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) 01:34:57 Breathwork, Tool: Reduce Stress & Anxiety with Breathwork 01:42:47 Internal Biofeedback, Meditation, Cold Exposure, Gear 1 Walking 01:48:55 External Biofeedback, Weight Belt 01:52:26 Resonant Breathing, HRV Biofeedback; Haptic Biofeedback 02:00:28 Supplements, Omega-3s, Watermelon Juice, Ashwagandha, Vitamin D & B12 02:03:33 Recap & Key Takeaways 02:07:28 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, my guest is Jill Miller, a renowned fascia expert and teacher of breathwork practices and self-myofascial release (SMR) to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance body awareness. We discuss how fascia—the connective tissue in and around muscles, bones and organs—is essential for flexibility and movement, and we explore how tools like foam rollers, balls, massage and cupping can improve fascia health. We explain the benefits of self-myofascial release, including improved range of motion, reduced muscle soreness, and improved force output, and we discuss whether experiencing pain or using hard tools is necessary for achieving good results. We also cover practices for managing chronic pain and stress, including parasympathetic techniques and breathing exercises that promote relaxation and recovery. This episode provides many practical techniques to improve mobility, physical recovery and pain management at any stage of life. Read the episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Jill Miller 00:01:13 Yoga, Physical Recovery 00:03:23 Foam Rolling, Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) & Benefits 00:08:46 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Momentous 00:11:47 Foam Rolling, Tool: Timing & Reduce Muscle Soreness 00:13:11 What is Fascia?; Massage, Scar Tissue, Pain Management 00:24:08 Pain Management & Movement 00:25:47 Ball Rolling, Range of Motion, Nervous System, Duration 00:29:55 Soft vs Hard Tools & Efficacy, Cause Pain?, Pain Spots & Feedback 00:37:55 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT 00:40:42 Massage, Tool: Tolerable Discomfort 00:44:26 Compression Alternatives, Cupping, Tool: Pin, Spin & Mobilize 00:49:53 Stress, Back Pain, Release, Tool: Spine Decompression 00:57:23 Myofascial Massage & Release; Lumbar Hammock 01:02:14 Sponsor: David 01:03:33 Respiratory Diaphragm, Increasing Awareness, Gut, Mindset 01:12:39 Diaphragm, Intercostals, Overbreathing, Tool: Breathing Zones & Symptoms 01:18:35 Breathing & Increasing Awareness, Pain, Tool: Contract-Relax Exercise, Timing 01:25:26 Parasympathetic Tolerance Capacity, Chronic Stress, Pain & Tightness 01:30:10 Tool: Parasympathetic Practices & The Five P’s 01:38:14 Pelvic Floor, Rib Flaring, Pelvic Tilt, Stacking 01:43:14 Diastasis Recti, Pregnancy & Recovery, Back & Pelvic Pain 01:52:31 Pregnancy, Hypermobility, Tool: The B’s of Rolling with Hypermobility 01:58:36 Gaining Mobility, Static Stretching & Rolling 02:01:16 Self-Myofascial Release & Benefits 02:08:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest is Dr. Michael Ormsbee, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition and integrative physiology and the director of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine at Florida State University. We explore how pre-sleep nutrition affects fat metabolism, muscle growth, performance, and recovery, while helping individuals meet their daily protein goals without causing weight gain. We discuss what to eat at night, including different protein sources—whey, casein, and plant-based proteins—or carbohydrates, and explain whether whole foods or supplements are more beneficial. Additionally, we highlight the importance of resistance training and sufficient protein intake for long-term weight loss success and how collagen supplementation may reduce joint pain. We also examine the potential benefits of lesser-known supplements, including betaine, theacrine, and butyrate postbiotics. Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to improve your health, listeners will learn how to optimize nutrition for enhanced performance, recovery, and weight management. Read the episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Michael Ormsbee 00:01:42 Hockey, Triathlons; Nutrition 00:07:36 Sponsors: LMNT & Eight Sleep 00:10:20 Pre-Sleep Nutrition, Resting Metabolic Rate, Tool: Protein Intake Before Bed 00:16:51 Sleep, Microdialysis, Fat Metabolism 00:25:18 Pre-Sleep Nutrition, Metabolism, Protein Synthesis, Daily Protein Intake 00:32:18 Obesity, Weight Loss, Resistance Training, Reduced Muscle Loss 00:37:35 Sponsor: Momentous 00:39:13 Tool: Protein Requirements, Weight Management 00:43:30 Pre-Sleep Nutrition, Performance & Recovery, Nighttime Exercise 00:48:05 Protein Type, Whole Food vs Supplementation, Protein Synthesis 00:53:55 Pre-Sleep Nutrition & Age; Alpha-lactalbumin 00:59:10 Meal Size, Digestibility, Calorie Threshold & Sleep; Long-Term Fat Loss 01:06:00 Sponsor: AG1 01:07:25 Carbohydrates, Super-Starch, Performance & Pre-Sleep Nutrition 01:18:47 Research, Variables; Resistant Starches 01:24:59 Evaluating Research Types; Collagen, Joint Pain, Vitamin C 01:37:39 Collagen Supplementation, Exercise; Collagen Dose 01:44:19 What is Collagen?, Digestion 01:49:13 Glycine, Betaine, Thermoregulation, Exercise, Firefighters, Dose 01:56:46 Betaine, Hydration, Heat Tolerance & Future Research Directions 01:59:25 TeaCrine, Caffeine, Performance 02:04:23 Creatine, Vascular Health 02:06:45 Postbiotics, Gut Health, Butyrate, Sleep 02:10:24 Female Athletes, Recovery, Muscle Damage, Supplements 02:15:18 Upcoming Studies; Travel, Sleep & Performance 02:18:29 Research Grants & Funding, Conflicts of Interest, Data Evaluation 02:26:09 Courses, Testing Facilities 02:30:11 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Allison Brager, Ph.D., an active-duty Army neuroscientist whose research focuses on physiological resilience in extreme stress environments such as Antarctica and outer space. We discuss how sleep is impacted in these harsh conditions and the broader concept of sleep resilience, which is crucial for athletes, military personnel, and anyone with demanding personal or professional situations. We explain the effects of circadian rhythm (chronotype) misalignment on performance and how different chronotypes align with certain careers and sports. We also outline the key differences in sleep between men and women, including sleep onset, daytime sleepiness, and duration, along with the biological mechanisms that drive sleepiness. Finally, we discuss practical strategies for recovering from poor sleep and improving sleep through behaviors, light exposure, and nutrition. Regardless of your career or lifestyle, this episode provides valuable insights for optimizing your sleep to enhance performance and overall well-being. Read the episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Parker University: https://parkerseminars.com Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Allison Brager 00:01:37 East vs West Coast, Sports Teams, Sleep, Injury 00:04:46 Performance & Circadian Clock, Genetics, Chronotypes; Kids & Habits 00:10:50 Sponsors: AG1 & Eight Sleep 00:13:38 Chronotype, Genetics, Military, Academia 00:18:01 Importance of Animal Models, Chromosomal Sex & Hormones; Sleep 00:24:22 Sleep Differences & Men vs Women, Sleep Pressure, Onset 00:30:32 Sex Differences, Sleep Duration; Naps 00:33:45 Tool: Nap Duration; “Nappuccino”, Chronic Insufficient Sleep 00:38:42 Multiphasic Sleep, Chronotype, Shift Work & Health Risks 00:42:44 Sponsors: LMNT & Parker University 00:45:29 Night Shift, Performance, Per Genes, Genetic Testing, Chronotypes 00:51:25 Antarctica, Sleep, Seasonality, Sleep Resilience & Limits 00:58:50 Poor Sleep, Sleep Banking, Weekends 01:01:42 Sleep in Extreme Environments, Outer Space 01:08:04 Mars Mission Preparation, Gene Editing & Studying Sleep 01:11:50 Short Sleepers, Sleep Pressure & Adenosine, Efficiency 01:16:39 Hypersomnia & Poor Health, Depression; Traumatic Brain Injury & Sleep 01:21:30 Sponsor: Momentous 01:23:08 Increasing Sleep Efficiency Case Study, Morning & Daytime Behaviors 01:30:23 Sleep Efficiency, Nighttime Behaviors, Foods, Melatonin? 01:34:59 Cold Plunge, Mouth Taping, Nasal Dilators 01:37:02 Jet Lag, Supplements, Melatonin 01:41:37 Sleep Extension, Tool: Intervals; Sleep Banking, Sleep In or Bed Earlier? 01:49:18 Youngstown, Ohio & Sports 01:55:24 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss the importance of exercise, specifically strength training, for kids. With growing concerns over childhood obesity, limited opportunities for physical activity in school, decreased outdoor playtime, and reduced sports participation, the lack of physical activity in children poses serious long-term risks to their physical and mental health. I address common myths and misconceptions about resistance training for kids and highlight the many cognitive, physical, and mental health benefits of regular physical activity. I also explain the three I’s—investigate, interpret, and intervene—for assessing and improving a child’s movement abilities, emphasizing the importance of fun, play-based experiences to develop a diverse range of movement skills. Additionally, I discuss the risks of early sports specialization, guidelines for safe weightlifting for kids, injury risks, and strategies to encourage physical activity. Whether or not a child aspires to be an athlete, this episode offers practical tips to foster long-term athletic development and ensure kids grow up strong, healthy, and active. Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Kids & Strength Training 00:03:26 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & LMNT 00:06:10 Misconceptions, History, Kids & Resistance Training 00:10:15 “Zombie” Myths about Kids & Exercise 00:13:58 Kid-Centric Exercise & Movement Literacy; Strength & Coordination 00:18:47 Movement vs Language Development Analogy 00:22:52 Chronic Health Crisis in Kids, Sports, Downstream Adult Issues 00:30:33 Physical, Cognitive & Mental Health Benefits of Strength Training for Kids 00:36:53 Sponsor: AG1 00:38:18 Investigate: YFIT Test, FitBack Test 00:42:41 Interpret: Baseline Test, Injury, Growth & Development, Specialization Ready? 00:49:02 Intervene: Positive Experiences, Open Play, Schools & PE, Sports Variety 00:53:13 Kid-Centric Programs, Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD), American Development Model 01:00:40 Sponsor: Momentous 01:02:21 LTAD Program Example, Strength Training 01:09:08 Youth Movement Skills & Concepts, Games, Diversity, Range of Motion 01:12:28 Basic Movement Skill Development Targets 01:17:25 Example Program for 7-Year Old, Basic Movement Skill Development 01:22:16 Plyometrics & Kids 01:23:26 10 Rules of Lifting Weights for Kids 01:29:22 Guidelines for Youth Athletes, Injury, Play, Sport Diversity & Breaks, Specialization 01:33:18 Early Specialization & Problems 01:36:35 Encouraging Physical Activity in Kids 01:41:47 Additional Resources, Books, Courses & Organizations 01:44:49 Summary & Key Takeaways 01:48:35 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest is Dr. Herman Pontzer, Ph.D., a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University, known for his research on human bioenergetics, particularly energy expenditure and the exercise paradox. We discuss his work comparing highly active hunter-gatherer groups to more sedentary cultures, exploring their total energy expenditure and the surprising similarities. We examine the impact of factors such as age, sex, exercise, and pregnancy on daily energy expenditure. We also break down whether diet or exercise plays a greater role in weight management and weight loss. Additionally, we explore how genetics and the environment interact to shape human physiology, highlighting how population-level findings often overlook individual variation and emphasizing the need for medical and diagnostic practices to account for this diversity. Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Renaissance Periodization: https://rpstrength.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Herman Pontzer 00:01:18 Energy Expenditure & Metabolism 00:03:59 Hunter-Gatherers, Energy Expenditure vs Sedentary Cultures 00:07:19 What is Energy Expenditure?; Maintaining Energy Budget 00:13:42 Sponsors: David Protein & LMNT 00:16:23 Weight Gain; Calories In, Calories Out 00:22:18 Exercise & Calories Burned, Energy Expenditure Changes? 00:29:56 Movement Efficiency, Exercise & Metabolism Research 00:37:55 Metabolic Recalibration & Exercise Threshold 00:43:33 Hunter-Gatherer Groups, Energy Expenditure, Fertility 00:47:23 Sponsors: AG1 & Renaissance Periodization 00:49:53 Pregnancy & Energy; Overtraining, Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (REDs) 00:57:37 Metabolism “Slowing Down”, Age or Sex Differences? 01:04:22 Metabolism & Age, Puberty, Older Adults 01:11:51 Body Composition, Individual Food Intake 01:16:49 Sponsor: Eight Sleep 01:18:12 Anthropology, Natural Fallacy, Diversity & Adaptations, Physical Activity 01:27:59 Population, Individual Variation, Diversity, Race 01:34:33 Kidney, eGFR Calculation; Clinical Equations & Race 01:40:51 Genetics, Diversity, Populations; Genetic Testing 01:49:29 One-to-One Gene Fallacy, Height, Environment, Diversity 01:51:20 Height & Weight, Genetics & Environment Interplay 01:56:31 Science Literacy & Research; Diabetes, Heart Disease & Race 02:02:33 Diversity, Physiology & Medicine, EMT 02:07:08 Upcoming Projects, Metabolic Ceilings 02:09:39 Metabolism, Diet & Exercise, Individual Approach 02:14:57 Crash Metabolism?, Herman’s Links 02:17:30 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, my guest is Jordan Sullivan, APD, a registered sports dietitian and the founder of The Fight Dietitian (TFD), whose clients include UFC world champions, Olympians, and ultra-endurance athletes. We discuss performance nutrition, focusing on how to strategically use diet and nutrition to optimize an athlete’s physical performance, recovery, and overall health while aligning with their training intensity and volume. We take a holistic view of nutrition, considering individualized goals, lifestyle factors, training schedules, and meal frequency. We also cover core nutrition principles for non-elite athletes, including calorie estimates, macronutrient thresholds, and how to estimate calorie deficits for sustainable weight loss. Additionally, we explore different fuel sources used during exercise and how they shape an effective nutrition strategy for training and competition. Finally, we discuss pre-competition nutrition for endurance athletes, hydration, electrolytes, and extreme weight cutting. Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Parker University: https://parkerseminars.com Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Jordan Sullivan 00:01:31 Pre-Competition Nutrition, Hyrox, UFC 00:07:55 Sponsors: Momentous & LMNT 00:10:54 Performance Nutrition & Goals 00:15:14 Performance Nutrition vs Periodized Nutrition; Schedule Adaptation 00:20:36 UFC Fighters, Compliance & Performance 00:26:06 Nutrition Adherence, Lifestyle Integration, Tool: 90/10 Goal 00:30:34 Non-Elite Athletes & Core Principles, Tools: Macronutrient Thresholds, Fiber 00:37:32 Food Quality, Tool: Whole Foods, Supplements 00:40:54 Sponsors: Parker University & Eight Sleep 00:43:46 Resting Metabolic Rate, Tool: Daily Calorie Estimates; Fat Loss & Calorie Deficit 00:51:44 Weight Loss, Sustainable Goals 00:57:47 Calorie Deficit, Performance & Injury; Blood Work 01:01:54 Modifying Plans, Tracking Food; Meal Frequency, Fasting? 01:07:58 Sponsor: AG1 01:09:22 Exercise, Fat vs. Carbohydrates, Crossover Point & Fatigue, VO2 Max 01:18:13 Food Choices, Carbohydrates, Pre-Competition Nutrition 01:22:14 Sparing Glycogen, Pre-Competition Carbs, Glucose vs Fructose, Car Analogy 01:29:54 Nedd Brockmann, Ultra-Endurance Athlete, Fueling & Training the Gut 01:43:25 Competition vs Training Nutrition 01:48:05 Daily Nutrition & Intense Training, Clustering Nutrition 01:51:49 Race Preparation Nutrition, Endurance Athlete; Water Weight, Hydration 02:01:04 Ultra-Endurance Athlete, Hydration & Sweat Rate; Sodium 02:09:28 Ultra-Endurance Event & Nutrition Plan 02:14:32 Macronutrients & Ultra-Endurance Event, Protein & Muscle Loss 02:18:26 Performance Nutrition, Fat vs Carbohydrates, ATP, Fatigue 02:28:50 Weight Cutting, Fat Loss vs Acute Water Loss, Fiber 02:39:18 Weight Cutting, Fluid Load, Sodium 02:42:33 Water Cut; Sauna, Sweating It Out, Dehydration & Caution, Heat Stroke 02:47:50 Body Temperature, Heat Acclimatization; Weight Cuts 02:50:39 Calorie Deficit, Training, Tools: Daily Nutrition, Protein, Individualization 02:56:41 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices