Episodes

In today’s episode I quickly cover the concept of New Year Resolutions, the typical pitfalls, and. how increase the odds of having the year you are envisioning, while simultaneously simplifying and decreasing the stress of it. We will cover: Why is this time of year a powerful tool? What are the biggest mistakes people make when implementing their plans (or lack of). How can you simplify the approach with a handful of specific and easy preparatory tasks? As always I hope this helps! Please f...

This is the first of a new general series that I am calling the ‘Dramatic Fitness Industry’. In these episodes we will walk through various topics that social media tends to over-complicate, to the point there is no longer benefit. We will take these usually beneficial topics and bring simplicity back, so you can learn how to really help yourself. In todays episode we discuss the idea of Morning Routines, and what actually must be involved for them to be successful. And, by successful, what I me...

In this episode I dig into the topic of detoxification. Detoxing, as an industry, is projected to reach a valuation of $88 BILLION dollars by 2033. That’s right, a near 100 billion dollar industry. And here is the ironic part: we are spending unfathomable amounts of money on a system that is near free. The actual cost? Groceries. That’s it. So what is the detox system? How does it actually work? Why have certain myths come about, and what can we do to avoid continuing to waste our time and money...

The term “athlete” has traditionally been reserved for those competing in traditional sports, and at younger ages. However, training athletically is something that benefits all of us, and goes beyond sports performance. You will hear today why it is crucial for your brain health, executive function and longevity to keep specific types of athletic exercises in your routines. Follow @coach_mikericcs on instagram for more!

This has been a passion topic of mine for as long as I’ve been a trainer. And it stems from the disconnect between what we are hoping to achieve and what we read on the internet will get us there. The goal of this episode is to provide some clarity for you. Clarity of why you aren’t achieving the outcomes you hope. Clarity of the specific changes you need to make. And clarity of how to decrease your frustrations with nutrition. We will cover: The actual difference between fat loss and weight lo...

This week I meet with Gerard Friedman, a long time athletic trainer and Board Certified Health Coach. Gerard spent well over a decade working with high school athletes before moving to a primary focus of adults and adult heath. Gerard’s experience made for the perfect conversation surrounding the merger between youth and adults into total healthy households. We talk about family nutrition, decision making, the creation of choices (Illusion of choice, one of my new favorite terms). We also talk a...

This week you will hear from David Edwards, who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. David is won a Super Bowl with the LA Rams, and played for the University of Wisconsin. But before all of that, David was a youth athlete who thoroughly enjoyed playing sports with his friends. David and I talk about todays youth athletes, the demands that have evolved, and what it is like to be a parent of young athletes. We talk about the difference between encouragement and creating opportunity f...

This is a debate that has gone on for quite some time now. Are there good and bad foods? Is it acceptable to label any food as one or the other? Or, my bigger question, does it matter? In this solo episode (no guest, just me) I will discuss how I label foods, and how we can define and qualify our nutritional choices, including how I talk about foods with my kids. Listen in to this short episode, that can easily be finished on a short walk or car ride. Do you have other other questions you’d lik...

This week you will hear from Justin Loudon, the 2024 NSCA National Strength Coach of the Year. Justin and I connected last year at a national conference, where he was leading a meeting for the National High School Strength Coach committee. After listening in, it was clear he was someone I wanted this audience to learn from. The topic we landed on is the important one of ‘physical literacy’, specifically in youth and high school sports, and how they relate to adulthood. The research is clear, tho...

We are back! And relaunching with a highly requested topic. This week you will learn Gina Graham, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has specialized in eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, and women’s issues for 20 years, with a private practice located in the western suburbs of Chicago. Gina is also an Author of “Body Beautiful” (link below), and an impressively talented photographer. The episode kicks off discussing eating disorders specifically, but merges into the more typic...

This week we are talking with Dr. Jason Pencek. Dr. Pencek is a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. He started working in medicine as a registered nurse in 2010. He quickly realized that traditional Western medicine has failed many people. He went back to school in 2012 to study for his chiropractic doctorate. He attended National University of Health Sciences. While in school, he started training for IV therapies. The scope of practice of chiropractic medicine was too limited. He began his nur...

In my 60th episode I have a great conversation with Dr. Matthew Tolstoy. What background doesn’t Dr. Tolstoy have? Matt is a licensed acupuncturist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), completing the three year training program in trauma therapy developed by Peter Levine. He is certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists as well as by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In addition to his private practice, Matt has been on staff at New York City Ballet an...

This week the hosts of NBC’s Chicago Today Show join me to discuss the lifestyles that support their careers. I wanted to dive into the stress and pressure that come with life on camera, and what tactics each of them use to diffuse that stress. I ask Cortney and Matt about that press, their morning routines, strategies to de-stress, and how they turn it “on” when they may not be feeling at their best. As you will hear, both have their own strategies that work for them. My favorite part of the ep...

This week we speak to Certified Mental Coach, Jason Komosa. Years after studying Psychology + Marketing while helping a small beverage company (Vitamin Water) grow into a Goliath purchased by Coca-Cola, and forgoing a Doctoral Program in Psychology at the University of Chicago to instead help launch an internet company (Groupon), Jason found himself confused, and unfulfilled. His career success grew at an exponential rate, as he was able to rapidly complete the ‘Path-To-Happiness’ checklist he s...

Joshua Church, the Co-Founder of Edge Theory Labs, joins us to discuss the popular topic of cold exposure and cold plunges. Edge Theory Labs developed a revolutionary option for cold plunges at home, as well as a mobile option, neither needing repeated trips to the store for bags of ice. In this episode Joshua discusses why he got into this field, his passion for helping people reach their potential, and how cold exposure can be a powerful tool in your journey. You will also learn about: The me...

Today we are talking about corporate stress. Stress management consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo talks us through how she works with companies to create the best possible environment for their employees. What does an effective benefits package look like? How does todays work from home vs. office culture create challenges and benefits to each of us? What are the signs a company may need some changes? All of this and more is answered in a great conversation with Sarah! You can find Sarah at the follow...

Today we are speaking with Suzanne Monroe, the Founder and CEO of the International Association of Wellness Professionals and the host of the Live Well Dream Big podcast. Suzanne and I discuss the concept of career burnout. How do you identify if you are in or nearing a stage of burnout? What strategies can and should you consider? How do you make the right change to put yourself in a better position going forward? Suzanne answers all these questions and more and todays episode. You can also fin...

Today you will hear from the metabolism mentor, Austin Mcguffie. Austin and I discuss blood sugar, the affects of blood sugar on our metabolic health, and the benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor. I’ve been personally using a CGM for a few months now, and it has made an immediate impact on my food choices. Most would call me a healthy eater, and while that may be accurate as a general statement, I still learned a lot about what specifically affects my body and metabolism and in what wa...

In todays episode we are talking CBD w/ Kerwell’s Bryan Christopher. Bryan helps us to understand CBD, what it is, what it is commonly used for, and the variety of types. What you will hear consistently in this episode is the need for education. Educating ourselves when looking to add a new element to our lifestyle, and also how important it is to seek how educated individuals who truly listen to your needs. You can find Kerwell at the following: Kerwell websitehttps://kerwellness.com/ Kerwell ...

In this weeks episode you will hear from Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietician who focuses on hear heart, heart disease management, and heart disease prevention. Michelle approach to health is specific and clear. She leaves you feel like you have control over your situation and in a position to make the best possible choices for yourself. Specifically, you will hear the following: How often to get blood work, what tests to get, and how to communicate w/ your MD. How to recognize trends...

At too young of an age, the father of Austin and Caleb Majors was given two weeks to live, diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. Mr. Majors decided to take his health into his own hands, turning to major lifestyle changes in hopes he could defeat the odds. He would survive 7 years, inspiring and educating many along the way. Mr. Majors strength and selflessness in this situation is incredible, but equally as impressive is his family around him. Fast forward to today, Caleb and Austin have t...

This week you will hear from Dr. Karlie Causey, a sports chiropractor, strength and conditioning specialist, and pregnancy and postnatal athleticism coach. Dr. Karlie and I instantly clicked during our planning call when we realized how similar our philosophies are. She has an impressive approach to fitness, discomfort, and pain. Specifically, Dr. Karlie works with women who are currently pregnant or in post pregnancy stages to not only return to their previous level of fitness, but far beyond. ...

In this episode you will hear from Dr. Carly Hudson, chiropractor, exercise therapist, masseuse, and yoga instructor. Dr. Hudson’s skillsets are as unique and interesting as her story. As a child Dr. Hudson experienced a serious illness. This illness has lead her appreciate life in a different way. More than that, she is able to help people from a perspective that is extremely rare. I really enjoyed the chance to speak to Dr. Hudson and i know you will enjoy hearing it just as much! You can find...

Physical Therapist, performance coach, movement specialist, and former NBA physical therapist Zac Cupples joins us today to discuss how he uses multiple modalities to improve both pain/tightness and also overall quality of life. Those modalities include concepts that are sometimes labeled as “rehab” exercises with other exercises typically labeled as “strength training” or gym exercises. As you will hear, Zac would prefer to remove these imaginary lines, as the reality is most people need a comb...