Run Lift Perform Podcast

What does it take to step into fear—and trust the preparation that got you there? Christian Washington sits down with Dylan Anderson for a conversation about skydiving, BASE jumping, military experiences, and pursuing a life that challenges you. Dylan shares his journey into extreme sports, the training behind high-stakes decisions, and the freedom he finds in the air. Together, they explore how m...

What does working with death teach you about life? Christian sits down with Medicolegal death investigator Jalenn Earle to find out. Jalenn shares her journey from single motherhood to studying biology and anthropology while working at a morgue. She opens up about how personal tragedy shaped her calling, what death investigators do, and the emotional weight of helping grieving families. Together,...

What happens when the mission changes—but the drive to lead, serve, and succeed remains? In this episode of Run Lift Perform , Christian Washington sits down with former Green Beret Ryan Garay to discuss his journey from military operator to business executive. Ryan shares how the discipline, leadership, and resilience developed through military service helped shape the man and leader he is today....

What if smoking a cigar could become more than a pastime—and instead create space for reflection, brotherhood, and genuine connection? In this episode of the Run Lift Perform Podcast, Christian Washington sits down with military veterans Zach Duffy and Steven Fanero, founders of The Smoking Standard. With one of them having served as a combat medic, they share how their military experiences, frien...

How does an Army infantryman become a touring guitarist in the country music industry? In this episode of the Run Lift Perform Podcast, Christian Washington sits down with Paul Oliger, former U.S. Army infantryman and lead guitarist for country artist Kolby Cooper. Paul shares the unexpected story of how a drunken Spring Break decision changed the direction of his life—eventually leading him throu...

How do you build tactical athletes who are strong, conditioned and prepared for the demands of the mission—without running them into the ground? Christian Washington sits down with veteran strength and conditioning coach Jacob Walker to discuss tactical performance, intelligent programming and the lessons Jacob learned from his time at Westside Barbell. Jacob explains how conjugate principles can...

How do you build serious strength without sacrificing your endurance? In this episode of Run Lift Perform, Christian Washington sits down with Ignas, a hybrid athlete from Lithuania who combines powerlifting with running. Ignas shares how he transitioned from BMX riding into strength training and eventually achieved a 280-kilogram—or approximately 620-pound—deadlift. He explains how he balances he...

Mike joins Run Lift Perform to break down what it truly takes to complete a 100-mile ultramarathon. From his transition out of the military to building the physical and mental endurance required for ultrarunning, Mike shares an honest look at his training, race strategy, nutrition, footwear, and support system. He explains how he handled exhaustion, gastrointestinal issues, and the mental battle o...

What drives someone to keep pushing when everything says to quit? In this episode of Run Lift Perform , Christian Washington sits down with Lyndsey to discuss the mindset forged through military service, leadership, endurance, and refusing to let obstacles define your future. One of the most memorable moments of the conversation is Lyndsey's perspective on hearing the word "no." Rath...

What does it really take to perform when the stakes are at their highest? In this episode of the Run Lift Perform Podcast , Christian Washington sits down with Pat Choi , founder of Sierra 7 , to discuss the mindset, training, and preparation required for law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, and responsible civilians. Pat shares lessons learned from years of real-world expe...

In the debut episode of the Run Lift Perform Podcast, Christian sits down with the legendary Operator X for a top-secret conversation on discipline, freedom, and tactical life. In this classified interview, Operator X reveals: 🟢 Why Bitter Bite may have saved her career by helping her stop biting her nails. 🟢 Why there is no medicine that makes smoking cigars safe—even though scientists are “wor...