Figuring Things Out

In this episode of Side Notes I’m joined by friend, ex-student and now collaborator Simeon Hauberg. We introduce him to the FTO audience and then we expand on our current collaborative project - the MentorSHIP. An online community for current and aspiring movement coaches to learn and enhance their craft. To learn more and to apply for the next cohort: www.figuringthingsout.com/mentorship To suppo...

In this episode of Side Notes, Wil breaks down the 5 key take aways from our latest series on Longevity. Tip 1 - Ageism is real, how to be aware of it. Tip 2 - How to move to increase your Vitality. Tip 3 - Breathe correctly to fix your snoring and long term health. Tip 4 - BOTH Spontaneity & Rhythm are the keys to youthfulness. Tip 5 - The whole connected organism, and personal responsibility...

Dr Sally Bell is a medical professional from the UK. She worked as a GP for many years before deciding to step away, in her words “I felt so frustrated. I felt like a pharmaceutical vending machine” In this conversation Sally outlines what the health system in the UK could do better, and how she aims to work with her own patients to support them as an individual. She outlines her Wellness Framewor...

Olivier Goetgeluck is a coach that aims to help driven individuals in business, sports and the arts playfully connect with their bodies in order to mobilize authentic self-expression and liberate possibility. In this exciting conversation we discuss the topic of longevity… We explore longevity through various angles, from why spontaneity is vital, to why controlling parents ruine childhood potenti...

David Jackson is a Breath Work Coach for high performing athletes, based in Wales, UK. Previously he was a professional rugby player, but after a series of brutal head injuries he was forced to move on. He founded the highly successful “School of Calisthenics” before diving into the his now profession of breath work coach… In this conversation we explore the concept of longevity, and the significa...

Sebastien Foucan is one of the founders of Parkour. Now 50 years old, he still moves with the energy and vitality of a young teen. I sat down with him to find out his secrets, to understand his story and to hear about where it all began… Topics include: The Foucan Methodology, Sebastien’s Personal Journey, How Parkour really began, Barefoot Living, Self Care, Seasonal Training and more… To support...

David Wilson AKA Oldscoolmoves is a teacher turned mover who is passionate about turning the conversation on aging, fighting back against ageism. Once a school teacher, David began to really dive into movement in his 50s, and now empowers hundreds of thousands of others via his social media. In our conversation, I learn about negative aging attitudes, how to embrace aging with compassion and growt...

In this episode, Wil discusses some simple yet powerful ways in which he’s been journaling over the past 10 years. Alongside this episode, you can download the Tools for Reflection guide for FREE via the following link: www.figuringthingsout.com/store — If you’d like to support this project and help us create more series, get involved in suggesting guests and topics, why not join our team: patreon...

In this episode of Side Notes, Wil takes a look at some key aspects of learning that emerged in our recent series. After interviewing 5 amazing people on the topic, we gained and shared some gems. In this episode we take a more pragmatic look at learning tools that could help a slow learner. If you’re a coach/teacher, or are simply looking to help yourself at becoming a better learner… this one’s...

In this special episode we mark one year of the Figuring Things Out Podcast, and go full circle with our first ever guest!! Josh Hash is the founder and CEO of StrengthSide, a hugely popular YouTube channel and brand. Josh and I spoke in the first ever episode of the FTO Podcast, and to celebrate a year of the paddy we decided to sit down again for round 2!  Josh was a long term online student and...

S4:E5 - Learning Series. In this episode Flynn and I discuss personal experiences, communication techniques, and the role of movement in personal growth. We explore the interplay between internal experiences and external performance, highlighting the importance of technology and bodily intelligence. Additionally, we delve into the concept of joy and its relationship with sensory experiences, atten...

S4:E4 - LEARNING. Lisa Chaves is a movement practitioner and coach living in Costa Rica. Originally from Canada, she had a long career personal training in NY, before a major life event changed her path. In this episode she explains her passion for movement, sensitivity and exploration, and how finding joy through movement is the keystone to learning - and unlearning.  Bulldog  “WBROWN7” for 10% o...

S4:E3 - Learning Series. Possibly the nicest guy in movement? What a conversation this was! Honestly we could have gone for another few hours, so if you’d like to hear more of our conversations please let us know.   We discussed Aarons journey through parkour and into movement, his current research study, measuring backflip efficiency and the relationship between internal vs external states when m...

S4:E2 - Learning series. In this conversation Joseph explores the importance of authentic communication, connection, and learning in personal development. We discuss our experiences with movement culture and digital devices, and compare this to Josephs experience of a forest school eduction, the current educational system, and the importance of understanding and addressing cognitive and physical l...

S4:E1 - Learning series. Udo Neumann is one of Europe’s most prolific climbing coaches, having won the world title with not one, but two German Athletes in the same year! (Jan Hojer & Jule Wurm) We discuss various aspects of athletic performance, including training methods, visualization techniques, and the balance between agitation and rest. We explore the differences between boulder gym clim...

We recently took a trip to Fontainebleau, one of the world’s most famous bouldering destinations! After a week of sends, we figured it’d be a really nice exercise to reflect on the week, discuss things that went well and those that didn’t go so well. We highlight Some useful tips and tactics that saved some time and effort, and of course have a general chin wag about the place. Going on a trip soo...

In Pt.2 of the shoulder discussion, we go over the principle of R.E.L.M and how to use it for recovery from an injury. After a major shoulder injury back in early 2023, I decided to dive into a slightly alternative rehab process than the classically suggested R.I.C.E. After great success and feeling stronger than ever in my once injured shoulder, we share the general process and ways in which it c...

Part one: In this episode we discuss the principles of producing force and maintaining the health of the shoulder. We explain the importance of transferring force from the arms to the body and resisting forces. We explain the unique structure of the scapula and how it functions like a floating canoe on the rib cage, requiring specific support from surrounding tissues. We also introduce the importa...

In this episode Wil and Harvey discuss the concept of self-reward based on effort rather than outcome, with Wil suggesting this approach could support long-term practice and progress. We also touch upon the importance of acknowledging and owning stress as an enhancer to mindset, as introduced by Dr. Crumb. Lastly, they reviewed a section from the book, "9 out of 10 climbers make the same mistakes....

In this episode Wil and Harvey discuss the concept of consolidation in their work, emphasizing the importance of combining various elements into a more effective or coherent whole. They explored the complexity of the human system compared to a 'clever' system like a robot, and the need for the whole system to adapt and assimilate any changes made. Key Points: Consolidation: Key to Sustainable Prog...

In this episode of Side Notes Wil discusses various principles related to progress within training, including reps in reserve, time under tension, rest times, range of motion and the importance of quality in movement. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training, incorporating both physical and mental aspects such as deloading for recovery and maintaining motivation. The conversation...

In this episode, Wil and Harvey discuss the question "when to stick it out and when to move on" - which of course includes various subtopics related to passion, needs, motivation, and the journey of personal growth. They emphasize the importance of balancing long-term goals with short-term projects to maintain momentum and enjoyment in one's training. They also touch on the challenges of achieving...

A round-up of series 3 - conversations on creativity. We look at the key takeaways and learnings from our 5 guests, and their ideas related to creativity. What is creativity? How and what can one implement to be more creative? Tools, permissions, barriers and more... Bulldog  “WBROWN7” for 10% off your next gym gear purchase.  Or comply click this link: http://bulldoggear.com/WBROWN7 Surreal  “WIL...

S3:E5 - Creativity series. This discussion is about the creative process, the importance of listening, and the challenges of adapting to the online world. Tom Weskler and Roser Tutusaus explained the concept of 'priming' or warming up as a crucial part of their creative practice. We then discussed creativity, inspiration, and the challenges of sharing creative work. How to have dialogue within the...

S3:E4 - Creativity series. The conversation between Wil and George Mayfield, a parkour practitioner and performer for Justice in Motion, discusses their shared interest in climbing and how George's background in parkour influences his approach to climbing. George also shared his childhood experiences and how he got into parkour. We discuss the evolution of parkour, its philosophy, and the personal...