Beyond the Build Podcast

In this episode of the Beyond the Build podcast, we engage in a heartfelt conversation about fitness, mental health, and personal growth. We emphasize the importance of checking in on friends, the uniqueness of individual fitness journeys, and the significance of consistency in workouts. The discussion also touches on overcoming self-comparison, the impact of social media, and the necessity of cel...

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Grajeda, (AKA Cosmix) a passionate DJ, music producer, and marathoner, to discuss his journey through sports, music, and personal growth. Alex shares his experiences from childhood, the importance of community in running, and the challenges of balancing a full-time job with his music career. He emphasizes the significance of self-motivation, the lessons learne...

In this episode, Zach shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and competitor. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, the importance of finding purpose, and the lessons learned through martial arts. Zach emphasizes the significance of community, authenticity, and personal growth, offering valuable advice for the younger generatio...

Summary In this episode, Mania shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Iran, where dancing was restricted, to pursuing her passion for dance in the U.S. She discusses the cultural differences, her achievements in dance competitions, and the importance of visualization in her practice. Mania also highlights the role of fitness in her life, the challenges she faced, and how dance has positiv...

In this episode the overarching theme is "Health is wealth". Thalia shares her health scares that led to several skull surgeries. We talk about humans and our relationship with food, whether we view it as fuel, or an intense emotional experience. Thalia reflects on her experience founding a gym clothing brand and personal training business, and what she learned along the way. She opens u...

In this episode, I interview Cameron, AKA "The Whimsical Lightskin", who shares his inspiring journey from being extremely skinny to embracing fitness and self-expression. We talk about how martial arts influenced his fitness journey, the importance of community and nutrition, and how social media plays a role in content creation. Cameron opens up about mindfulness and mental health prac...

In this episode of the Beyond the Build podcast, I dive deep with Marquise Courseault about personal growth, fitness journeys, and the challenges faced along the way. Marquise shares his experiences of overcoming gym anxiety, the impact of alcohol on fitness goals, and the importance of mentorship, therapy, and self-awareness. We discuss navigating life changes, finding balance between activity an...

In this episode, we explore the journey of personal development, adventure, and the importance of health and wellness. We discuss the balance between enjoying life and taking responsibility, the impact of community on personal growth, and the significance of mindfulness and presence in everyday experiences.  Ryan shares his insights on rediscovering identity, the role of enjoyment in life, and the...

In this episode of the Beyond the Build podcast, I sit down with David Wall for an insightful conversation about personal growth, career changes, and the importance of creative outlets. We dive into our fitness journeys, share stories from our travels, and discuss the dynamics of relationships, including marriage and friendships. We also explore the significance of having a growth mindset and how...

 In this episode of the Beyond the Build podcast, I sit down with Ben Butler for a deep conversation about our journeys in fitness, nutrition, and personal growth. We dive into the importance of staying active, how food choices impact our health, and the challenges that come with balancing relationships and fitness goals. Ben opens up about growing up active in Southeast Portland, how his relation...

In this episode of Beyond the Build, I interview Marcus Brown, Marine veteran, ballroom dancer, and bodybuilder. Marcus' main sport growing up was track & field, where he made it to the junior Olympics. At the time of this recording, he was about a week away from his bodybuilding competition in Phoenix. Marcus shares insights on the challenges of balancing multiple passions, the significa...

In this episode of Beyond the Build, I interview Jordan McBarnett - a freelance cinematic 3D designer who also happens to be insanely jacked. We talk about his Caribbean heritage, how he got started in 3D design, and some of his current fitness goals. A lot of the conversation revolves around topics we both learned from Atomic Habits - focusing on your identity and who you are, and trusting and en...

In this episode we've got Mark Palmer- Ireland raised arborist living in New Zealand with his partner and 4 year old daughter. We talk about his energy drink addiction and how that led to starting his 75 Hard challenge. He shares his experience with the carnivore diet and the importance of having a supportive partner and friends/community. Hang out with us for an hour and enjoy his Irish acce...

 In this episode of Beyond the Build , I sit down with Hans-Peter (HP) for a deep conversation about his journey—from a promising soccer career in Austria to building a successful corporate life that allowed him to travel the world and now settle in Mexico. We talk about the transformative power of travel, the value of learning new languages, and the lessons that come from personal growth. We also...

In this episode I interview David McAndrews, LA raised ultrarunner and ironman now living in Austin, TX. We dive into his childhood, running cross country and many other sports, as well as his current and future physical goals. We talk about fear and faith coexisting in a perfect storm, and how he uses it as a catalyst for action and inspiration. Stretching the comfort zone, living true to your po...

We discuss Elmer's journey through sports, injuries, and personal growth. We explore the importance of mindset, family dynamics, and the role of faith in overcoming challenges. Elmer shares his aspirations for fitness, including his goal to complete an Ironman, and we both reflect on the supportive nature of the gym environment. 

In this episode, I interview my friend Nas, who shares his inspiring journey from a skinny child in Bangladesh to a fitness enthusiast. We discuss the mental benefits of working out, overcoming gym anxiety, and the importance of community and support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Nas emphasizes the significance of building a routine, the challenges of diet and nutrition, and the value of co...

In this episode, I interview my dad, Paul Schopp, who reflects on his active childhood, the challenges of maintaining fitness while building a business and raising kids, and the importance of community and accountability in staying healthy.  He discusses his re-awakening to fitness in his 40s, the struggles of self-discipline in his 50s, and the impact of knowledge on health choices. We dive into...

In this episode, Zach shares his journey from a small town in Idaho to becoming a fitness enthusiast and a dedicated family man. He discusses his upbringing, early sports involvement, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite life's challenges. Zach emphasizes the significance of mindset, setting high standards, and overcoming limiting beliefs in achieving personal fitness...

Beyond the Build Pilot episode! This episode dives into the upbringing of my good friend Leo. We talk about how his father's example molded his solution-seeker mindset, how he overcomes judgement in the gym, his fitness journey from growing up playing chess instead of sports, how he pivoted from a sedentary work lifestyle, and so much more.  Come hang out with us for an hour of honest explora...