Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

This week on Chasing Common Ground, I’m joined by strength coach and nutritionist Jeb Stuart Johnston to explore how our perception of time, our relationships, and the ability to embrace discomfort shape the lives we live.We discuss:* How viewing time differently changes your choices* Building relationships that last decades in fitness & business* Overcoming addiction by fostering connection and purpose* Asking better questions to spark real conversations* Why rituals matter more than rigid rules* Journaling to celebrate your wins and own your growthIf you’ve been reflecting on how to align your personal and professional life with your values, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on what really matters.🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:Apple: Spotify: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianliddleAbout Chris LiddleChris Liddle is a fitness professional, media consultant, and podcast host with a passion for meaningful conversations and building genuine connections. As the creator of Chasing Common Ground, Chris blends curiosity, empathy, and practical experience to explore topics that inspire personal growth and challenge conventional thinking.🏋️‍♂️ Training: https://invigoratetraining.com/🎥 Media Consulting: https://christianliddle.com/About Jeb Stuart JohnstonJeb Stuart Johnston is a strength coach, nutritionist, and storyteller with a career rooted in resilience, curiosity, and service. With a background in music, fashion, and fitness, he brings a rare blend of creativity and discipline to his coaching, helping clients transform both physically and mentally.📷 Instagram: @jebstuartjohnstonMy Links:🎓 Podcast Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/8151e768-82e3-4800-aa7b-0f718de40144🥗 Holiday Meal Guide: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/64605825-4c8a-45bf-b9d6-664699d44a88💪 Follow Along Workouts: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/0f5d4456-341d-458a-a512-ddabd050012d✂ CapCut Academy Video Editing Course: https://portal.christianliddle.com/courses/offers/90002b5a-3455-46b2-9016-d4e65c005c8f Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Jay Croft — a journalist-turned-fitness content strategist helping gyms serve adults over 50. We talk about his new book Selling Longevity, why older clients are the future of fitness, and how life pivots can lead to deeper purpose.We cover:✅ Why gyms struggle to serve adults 50+✅ The turning point after the fall of print journalism✅ Money trauma & reinvention in midlife✅ The real power of showing up in person✅ How slow, simple effort builds success✅ Why fitness marketing needs to evolve — now🎯 Get the Book – Selling Longevity→ Waitlist: https://app.automaticmembers.com/v2/preview/UuzHhBPi80OtaYwI3VmV→ Amazon: https://a.co/d/gnDxg7N🔗 More from Jay Croft→ Website: https://www.primefitcontent.com→ Podcast: https://pod.link/1532395738→ Instagram: @primefitcontent→ LinkedIn: Jay Croft🎧 Listen to Chasing Common Ground→ Apple: → Spotify: → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianliddle💼 Work with Chris Liddle→ Coaching: https://invigoratetraining.com→ Media & Podcast Consulting: https://christianliddle.com→ Instagram: @christianliddle🎁 Courses & Offers→ Holiday Meal Guide: Click here→ Follow-Along Workouts: Click here→ CapCut Academy: Click here Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, Chris reconnects with long-time friend and fellow coach Mark Zarate. They reflect on the past two years of life, growth, aging, and all the messy middle parts that come with being in your 30s and 40s. From the therapeutic power of trees to navigating burnout, digital overstimulation, and learning how to actually live well in a hyper-distracted world—this is a deep, grounding, and timely conversation.Whether you’re trying to simplify, reconnect, or just find clarity in a noisy world—this episode delivers.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome Back: First episode since rebranding to Chasing Common Ground01:20 – Summer break, turning 40, and history nerd road trips03:30 – The story behind Chris’s logo: trees, mountains, and legacy05:15 – Why spruce trees matter & what nature teaches us about resilience07:45 – Ditching hustle culture and healing outdoors09:00 – Kettlebells vs dumbbells: Picking what feels good10:50 – Letting go of self-inflicted stress and reclaiming headspace13:40 – Manufactured problems and the power of simplicity16:00 – The importance of saying “I love you” daily18:30 – Why repetition (like reading a poem 1,000 times) builds depth20:00 – What missed birthdays can teach us about expectation23:15 – Creating solo birthday rituals & owning your joy25:50 – Noticing the people who quietly show up in your life27:10 – What’s inspiring Mark to live differently in his 40s30:45 – Small rituals (like coffee with Chelsea) as the best part of life34:00 – How Mark chooses where to travel (and why Ireland is home base)37:00 – Saying yes while you still have the window of opportunity39:30 – What Chris learned in Denmark and how it changed his priorities42:30 – What’s left after chasing big goals? Human connection.43:45 – Social media is mostly theater—here’s what to do instead49:20 – Fill your time with good things, not just "less bad" things50:30 – Real life > virtual connection (and how to live it)51:15 – How experience beats perfection in fitness and life55:00 – Two-ingredient meals: A lesson in simplicity & self-efficacy59:45 – Action is the antidote: Just do the thing1:01:00 – Final reflections: friendship, intention, and doing life well🔗 Links & Mentions:🎧 Mark Zarate on Instagram: @markpzarate🎧 Chris Liddle on Instagram: @christianliddle📘 Past episodes with Mark: Search “Chris Liddle Mark Zarate” on your favorite podcast app🌐 Connect with Chris:Media Website → christianliddle.comFitness Coaching → invigoratetraining.comYouTube → @ChrisLiddle🎯 Keywords for Discoverability:#midlifereflection #unplug #digitaldetox #burnoutrecovery #mentalhealth #fitnessafter40 #realconnection #lifebalance #outdoorsheals #chasingcommonground Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

🧱 What can a pixelated video game about punching trees teach us about fitness, mindset, and life momentum?In this solo episode, I break down surprising parallels between Minecraft and the real-life pursuit of meaningful goals—especially in fitness, health, and career. Whether you’ve never played the game or you’re an everyday adventurer, this episode will help you rethink how momentum, creativity, and connection show up in your day-to-day life.From surviving your “spawn point” in fitness to building with what you’ve got—even when zombies (or real-life setbacks) come—this is your reminder that the path to progress isn’t perfect, but it is possible.💡 In This Episode, You'll Hear:* Why “just punching trees” is a metaphor for starting before you feel ready* How to shift from survival mode to creative problem-solving* The surprising power of multiplayer mode in real life* What fitness momentum looks like (and how to build it without motivation)* How to celebrate wins without derailing your goals* A heartfelt story about friendship, consistency, and meaningful connection* Why setbacks don’t mean failure—and how resilience compounds📱 Let’s Connect:* Instagram – @christianliddle* Podcast Page – Chasing Common Ground🎧 Timestamps:00:00 – Minecraft and the “spawn point” of life02:00 – What starting really looks like (and why most overthink it)05:00 – Creative mode vs survival mindset07:00 – Real-life coaching and the shift from surviving to thriving13:00 – Building castles: how small wins compound23:00 – Why momentum > motivation28:00 – Real-world meal prep advice35:00 – Why multiplayer (aka connection) leads to deeper progress38:00 – A story about Jimmy and lifelong friendships45:00 – What zombies teach us about setbacks48:00 – Rebuilding isn’t optional—so start anyway💬 Quote of the Episode:"The next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, just punch the first tree. Take one step, lay one block, and you'll be surprised how fast it builds." Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Allan Bacon, fitness coach, industry educator, and founder of Maui Athletics. Known for his calm, no-BS approach to health, Dr. Bacon unpacks the often overwhelming world of fitness advice—and how to navigate it without burning out.From breaking down creatine myths to managing stress and building realistic habits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s tired of fad diets, influencer overload, and guilt-based coaching.Whether you’re a beginner looking for clarity or a seasoned lifter struggling to balance real life with real health, you’ll walk away with perspective, practical tools, and a bit more peace of mind.🔑 Topics We CoverHow to spot bad diet advice before it ruins your progressThe truth about creatine—and why most people misunderstand itThe emotional side of coaching and behaviour changeHow marketing fuels confusion in fitnessWhy stress and social dynamics matter more than macrosWhat makes a coach actually valuable in the long runSaying no to alcohol and peer pressure without guiltSustainable routines vs. chasing perfection⏱️ Full Episode Breakdown00:00 – Meet Dr. Allan Bacon: from dentistry to fitness coaching01:30 – Why “dumb” diet advice feels so believable05:31 – Marketing vs. science: what’s really shaping your decisions14:12 – Using AI to create more human coaching relationships18:44 – Creatine: who it helps, who it doesn’t, and what the research says26:11 – Habit-building when life feels chaotic34:56 – Letting go of the all-or-nothing trap35:35 – Designing routines that actually support your goals37:17 – How to support someone trying to live healthier38:16 – What to do when people criticize your lifestyle42:05 – Internal vs. external pressure: learning to say no45:44 – The power of intentional living in your health journey51:07 – Facing the hard stuff: why you’re more ready than you think53:06 – What a great coach does (and what they don’t)56:43 – Social pressure and alcohol: how to opt out gracefully01:01:11 – Final insights and encouragement from Dr. Bacon🔍 Why This Episode MattersIn a world full of loud voices, quick fixes, and unrealistic expectations, Dr. Allan Bacon offers a grounded, science-based, and deeply human approach to health. He’s not selling you hype. He’s helping you reclaim clarity, confidence, and compassion in your journey.📌 Don’t Miss This If You’ve Ever:Felt stuck trying to “do everything right” and still not getting resultsWondered if supplements like creatine are worth it (or safe)Wanted to build a better relationship with food and fitness—without burning outStruggled with pressure to drink, eat, or live a certain way around others🎙️ Subscribe to Chasing Common Ground wherever you get your podcasts, and follow along for more grounded conversations about health, purpose, and real life.🔗 Connect with Dr. Allan Bacon:Instagram: @drallanbaconWebsite: www.mauiathletics.com Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking to Jayme Shiarla, a coach dedicated to helping high achievers escape burnout and realign their success with genuine happiness. I connected with her at the Real Coaches Summit I attended a few weeks ago and she had a great down-to-earth energy that really resonated with me. Jayme shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of building a life driven by strength rather than mere survival.Discover the power of quotes that have transformed her life by supporting her and buying her book here:https://coachjayme.com/beyondthewordsJamie also tackles the loneliness high achievers often face, and offers actionable advice on building meaningful connections. Tune in to learn how to slow down, be present, and truly enjoy life. Don't miss out on this fast-paced, introspective and deep-thinking conversation!Follow Jayme here: https://www.instagram.com/jaymethecoach/00:00 Introduction to Jayme and Her Mission01:33 Jamie's Book: A Journey of Quotes and Resilience04:27 Understanding Burnout and Identity Loss06:58 Balancing Work and Personal Life09:06 Finding Purpose Beyond Work13:15 Navigating Success and Happiness18:54 The Illusion of Material Success29:09 The True Meaning of Self-Care35:10 Defending the Bubble Bath35:24 Reflections on Float Tanks36:35 The Importance of Context in Self-Care37:41 Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep38:50 The Value of Evening Walks39:15 Balancing Work and Personal Life40:55 The Struggles of High Achievers44:44 Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation47:57 The Importance of Intentional Connections53:03 Finding Purpose in Everyday Actions54:18 Slowing Down to Speed Up01:03:04 Final Thoughts and Wisdom Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe