Getting After It

In this episode, I let ChatGPT take the interviewer’s seat. After feeding it transcripts from past episodes, I asked it to act like a loyal listener—someone who gets after it in their own life—and throw some thought-provoking questions my way. The result? A dive into discipline, overcoming self-doubt, pushing limits, and the mindset shifts that fuel personal growth. Here’s what we cover: The bigge...

We've all been there—things are going well, you're making progress, you're feeling good… and then, suddenly, you lose momentum.  Life gets busy, obstacles pop up, and before you know it, you're off track. So, what do you do when that happens? How do you rebuild momentum and keep moving forward? In this episode, I break down: Why starting is always the hardest part (and how to p...

In this solo episode, we’re tackling one of the most critical principles for success—hard work. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually work hard in a way that moves the needle, this episode is for you. Inspired by Paul Graham’s essay How to Do Hard Work, we break down what separates those who get after it from those who stay stagnant. We explore why hard work is often misunderstood and how to app...

In this special episode, I sit down with my wife, Ally, for a conversation about discipline, creativity, and making the most out of life.  From starting her own true crime podcast to exploring art and quilting, Ally shares how she’s been challenging herself in new ways. We also dive into the importance of presence—how being intentional in marriage, work, and personal growth leads to a more fulfill...

Success isn’t just about effort—it’s about strategy. In this episode, I break down the fundamental principle that applies to running, business, relationships, and every major pursuit in life: how you fuel yourself determines how far you go. Whether you’re training for a marathon, chasing career growth, or simply trying to be 1% better every day, the quality of what you put in—mentally, physically,...

In this episode, I get real about following your passions and the power of discipline in unlocking the greatness within you.  I share personal stories—from my journey into podcasting and my evolving running adventures to the small, daily habits that have transformed my life. I dive deep into why fear often holds us back, and how embracing failure as a stepping stone has led me to unexpected breakt...

Confidence. Everyone wants it, but few understand how to actually get it. Is it some innate superpower you’re born with, or is it something you build? Is it about repeating affirmations in the mirror, or does it come from something deeper? Today, I’m breaking down the truth about confidence—what it actually is, where it comes from, and most importantly, how you can build it for yourself. Spoiler:...

In this episode, I dive into the tough but transformative topic of pain—not as something to avoid but as a signal for growth. Drawing from personal stories, running metaphors, and lessons learned, I explore how embracing pain can lead to resilience, strength, and self-belief. Pain is life’s way of signaling where we need to grow. It’s not an enemy—it’s a guide. Every moment of discomfort, whether...

In this milestone 100th episode of The Getting After It Podcast , Brett reflects on the journey that brought him here and shares the cornerstone of his personal and podcasting success: Consistency with Purpose.   Consistency with purpose is the secret sauce to progress in any meaningful endeavor. It’s not about just showing up every day; it’s about showing up and doing the right things, relentless...

In this heartfelt and motivational episode of The Getting After It Podcast , Brett explores the transformative power of "beginning with the end in mind." Drawing from personal experiences and reflections, he delves into how this mindset fosters clarity, resilience, and progress in any area of life.  Whether you're chasing a fitness goal, building a career, or striving to live with i...

In this episode of The Getting After It Podcast ,  Karsten and I reconnect for a candid conversation about life, fitness, and the power of progress. We cover our journeys in fitness and family to sharing hard-won lessons about discipline, gratitude, and resilience. We dive into stories about marathon training, overcoming hardships, and finding fulfillment in the small moments. Whether it’s the les...

In this episode of The Getting After It Podcast , we’re diving deep into one of the most transformative principles you can adopt: Discipline Equals Freedom. This powerful mantra, introduced by Jocko Willink, reshaped my approach to fitness, career, and personal goals—and it can do the same for you. If you’ve ever struggled with procrastination, self-doubt, or simply staying consistent, this episod...

In this episode, we dive into the raw truth about progress: it begins with brutal honesty. Often, the biggest lies we tell aren’t to others—they’re to ourselves. We convince ourselves that tomorrow is a better day to start, that our circumstances aren’t ideal, or that someone else’s success is out of our reach. But here’s the reality: you don’t need perfect conditions to begin. You just need to ta...

In this episode, I sit down with my brother, Drew, for a deep dive into distractions—how they show up, why they derail us, and, most importantly, how to overcome them. Whether it’s battling TikTok rabbit holes, pushing through tough runs, or staying consistent with long-term goals, we explore the mindset shifts and strategies to keep distractions in check and your focus on track. We also talk abou...

In this special year-end episode, I’m joined by the one and only—my wife, Ally. Together, we reflect on the lessons we’ve learned in 2024 and how we’re gearing up to make 2025 our best year yet. From overcoming fears and embracing the grind to finding perspective in tough moments, we dive deep into what it means to grow individually and as a team. We share stories from the past year, including All...

In this heartfelt and humorous episode, I sit down with the two people who know me best—my parents. What starts as a light chat about holiday traditions and Europe’s Christmas markets takes a deep dive into some of life’s biggest lessons: the power of faith, the resilience required in tough times, and the unexpected joys of family. We explore their recent trip to historical sites in Europe, includ...

Imagine facing life’s challenges with the resolve of Winston Churchill during World War II. In this episode, we delve into how discipline and perspective can serve as your anchor through life’s storms. By shifting our perspective, anxiety shrinks, clarity sharpens, and we gain the strength to tackle physical challenges and long-term goals with focus and grit. Empathy takes the spotlight as we expl...

What does it mean to truly live with purpose and intention? In this episode, we dive deep into rules to live by—a personal set of principles designed to kill complacency, build character, and transform your life. Through stories, reflections, and actionable insights, I explore what it takes to become a quality human. It starts with aligning your life to your core values: keeping your word, embraci...

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative philosophy of Stoicism—a way of thinking that has profoundly shaped my life. Often misunderstood as emotionless or rigid, Stoicism is far from it. It's about embracing our emotions, mastering them, and using them as tools for growth. Drawing on lessons from ancient Stoics like Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus, and modern figures like...

What if choosing the hard path in life could unlock your full potential? In this episode, I sit down with my best friend Drew to reflect on our recent experiences, including Hell for the Holidays. Together, we explore how committing to tough choices—and seeing them through—can prepare you to take on life’s biggest challenges. Life is hard. That’s a fact. But you get to choose what kind of hard you...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, my mind turns to the question: What am I grateful for? Focus on the good, and you’ll find it. Focus on the bad, and it will consume you. What if the stories we tell ourselves are the keys to unlocking gratitude and growth? In this episode, I start with our "Hell for the Holidays" workout—a tradition that started in college with my brother and has become a f...

Life doesn’t always go your way. Circumstances shift, challenges arise, and some things are beyond your control. But there’s one thing you can always control—your thoughts. What you focus on shapes your reality. Want a better life? Start by imagining it. Dreams don’t happen because you wish for them. They happen because you work for them. Want to be a musician? Practice every day. Can’t find the t...

This episode dives into the gritty transition from heavy lifting to running, with my brother Drew who made some serious life changes. Through raw stories and hard-won lessons, we explore the pivotal moments that forced a shift toward a healthier, more intentional life. Accountability was the cornerstone. Each milestone, from shedding the first few pounds to the grind of marathon training, proved t...

Life’s obstacles can feel like immovable walls. A tough breakup, a career setback, a goal that feels just out of reach. It’s easy to feel stuck, defeated, or overwhelmed. But what if those obstacles aren’t the problem? What if the way we see them is? This episode is about transforming challenges into opportunities. Not by wishing them away, but by changing the way we think about them. The Stoics k...

Have you ever let fear of failure or rejection hold you back?  It’s the one thing we all face, no matter how strong we think we are. And it’s sneaky—it shows up when we’re standing on the edge of something important.  Fear. It keeps us stuck, small, and safe. But safe doesn’t change the world. Safe doesn’t get you where you want to go. I remember the first time I asked my wife out. I was terrified...