Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

Randy King returns to Chasing Common Ground for a conversation about conflict, communication, fear, social media, and what modern self-defense actually looks like. In a world that feels increasingly polarized, Randy breaks down why de-escalation is one of the most underdeveloped skills people have — and why learning to de-escalate yourself might be the most important place to start. We discuss: *...

Most people will never visit every country in the world. Thor Pedersen did it. Without flying. In this episode, I sit down with Thor to talk about what it actually took to complete one of the most ambitious journeys ever attempted. We get into: * What 10 years of global travel really feels like * The mental toll of chasing a massive goal * Why the world is better than the media makes it seem * The...

Most people don’t leave the fitness industry because they don’t care. They leave because they can’t make it work. In this episode, I sit down with Blake Parado — a coach and gym owner out of Hawaii — to talk about what it actually takes to stay in this industry long term. We get into:Why so many trainers quitThe difference between passion and sustainabilityHow to build a gym without burning outThe...

Most people are chasing attention. But the ones who last? They’re usually the quiet ones. In this episode, I sit down with Trevor Aime—owner of AIM Fitness—to talk about what actually builds a long-term career in fitness. Not the flashy stuff. Not the viral content. The real things. We get into: * Why consistency beats charisma in the long run * How to build a gym without going broke * The biggest...

Most coaches don’t burn out because they’re lazy. They burn out because they care too much — and they never learned where to draw the line. In this conversation, I sit down with George Pagan III to talk about what it actually looks like to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process. George describes it as a tug of war between two versions of the same person — the ambitious c...

This one hit home. After a year of slowed down podcast publishing pace for Chasing Common Ground, I sat down with my friend Dal Sekhon to talk about what it means to evolve in real time—when life doesn’t go how you planned, when progress isn’t linear, and when consistency doesn’t look like what it used to. We covered the real-life side of growth, not the polished version. The kind that requires hu...

In this deeply human conversation, coach Paul Buono opens up about identity, perfectionism, OCD, lupus, disordered eating, fear-based avoidance, and the path to becoming a more integrated person. The episode explores how tunnel vision—whether toward fitness, career, or health—can disconnect us from friendships, opportunities, and fully living. We also talk about coaching psychology, small wins, mi...

I got to visit Liv and her family last summer in Denmark, and it really left a mark on me. In this episode, we talk about growing up between cultures, raising grounded kids in a digital world, and how empathy can be a guiding principle when you’re unsure where to go next. Liv brings a quiet wisdom that’s been shaped by travel, parenthood, and a life dedicated to helping others feel seen. If you’ve...

Some days, consistency isn’t a choice—it’s a non-negotiable. In this solo episode, I open up about what’s been pulling at me lately, from health challenges to identity shifts, and why I’m still hitting record. I share the behind-the-scenes of staying committed when it feels easier to step back, and how I’m learning to honor both momentum and rest without letting go of who I’m becoming. Here’s what...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground , I reconnect with longtime friend and returning guest Tim Gourlay , who last joined me back in 2018. A lot has changed since then—both for Tim and for the businesses he’s built. We talk about the transition from Fit Set Pass to Fit Set Ninja , the growth of ninja obstacle sports across Canada, and the surprising story of how a turf side hustle during the p...

🎙️ Chasing Common Ground with Shane Fennessey: A Deep Dive into Storytelling, Mental Resilience & Documentary Filmmaking in Canada In this episode, Chris Liddle chats with Canadian filmmaker and documentary producer Shane Fennessey about the power of storytelling, navigating mental health, and building a creative career through persistence, purpose, and passion. From his early days in business sch...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground , I’m joined by coach Nolan Vannata, who’s on a mission to simplify sustainable fat loss—and show the internet that you can enjoy ice cream and lose weight. We talk about his journey into coaching, what he learned from the Real Coaches Summit, and his takeaways from running an unconventional “Ben & Jerry’s + fat loss” experiment. We also dig into habit-buil...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground , Chris Liddle sits down with longtime coach and family man Zach Pello to unpack two decades of insight in fitness, mental health, personal growth—and how redefining success in midlife reshapes the way you coach. We talk about: * Getting unstuck professionally and personally * Mental health challenges as a coach * Reigniting passion after burnout * Real Coa...

This week on Chasing Common Ground , I’m joined by strength coach and nutritionist Jeb Stuart Johnston to explore how our perception of time, our relationships, and the ability to embrace discomfort shape the lives we live. We discuss: * How viewing time differently changes your choices * Building relationships that last decades in fitness & business * Overcoming addiction by fostering connection...

Dean Guedo returns for his fifth appearance—his first since the show’s rebrand. This time, the mic is flipped toward life lessons, shifting priorities, and the quiet power of showing up when it’s not glamorous. Dean talks candidly about returning to teaching, evolving as a dad, coaching high school football, and why he’s doubling down on movement that matters—weighted vests, pushups, air squats, a...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground , I sit down with Jay Croft — a journalist-turned-fitness content strategist helping gyms serve adults over 50. We talk about his new book Selling Longevity , why older clients are the future of fitness, and how life pivots can lead to deeper purpose. We cover: ✅ Why gyms struggle to serve adults 50+✅ The turning point after the fall of print journalism✅...

In this solo reflection, I explore one of the most repeated motivational phrases— burn the boats . But what does it actually mean when those boats are your comfort, identity, or backup plan? I walk through the moments where I truly committed, the times I hesitated, and how it shaped my growth—personally and professionally. From quitting my job to pursue fitness to coaching others through transform...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground , Chris reconnects with long-time friend and fellow coach Mark Zarate. They reflect on the past two years of life, growth, aging, and all the messy middle parts that come with being in your 30s and 40s. From the therapeutic power of trees to navigating burnout, digital overstimulation, and learning how to actually live well in a hyper-distracted world—this...

Today’s episode is one of the most powerful I’ve recorded—because it’s so real. Meet Steve Lutz —first-time podcast guest, fitness coach, and someone who’s walked through fire. At one point, Steve was 381 pounds, drinking heavily every day, and living abroad in deep isolation during the pandemic. Now? He’s a coach helping others change their lives—and living proof that it’s never too late to take...

🧱 What can a pixelated video game about punching trees teach us about fitness, mindset, and life momentum? In this solo episode, I break down surprising parallels between Minecraft and the real-life pursuit of meaningful goals—especially in fitness, health, and career. Whether you’ve never played the game or you’re an everyday adventurer, this episode will help you rethink how momentum, creativit...

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr. Ashley Dwyer to dive into hormone health and its common misconceptions. Dr. Dwyer breaks down the importance of lifestyle choices over quick fixes and provides actionable advice for managing hormones like cortisol and insulin. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the wellness industry, ways to combine scientific evid...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Allan Bacon, fitness coach, industry educator, and founder of Maui Athletics. Known for his calm, no-BS approach to health, Dr. Bacon unpacks the often overwhelming world of fitness advice—and how to navigate it without burning out. From breaking down creatine myths to managing stress and building realistic habits, this episode is a mus...

In this special episode, Chris reconnects with longtime friend and fitness coach Alex McBrairty. Over the past four to five years, Chris and Alex have shared numerous conversations, making Alex a vital part of the show's community. Today, they dive deep into the challenges and barriers to change, motivation, and the importance of context in progress. Alex shares insights on combating perfectionism...

In this episode I'm talking to Jayme Shiarla, a coach dedicated to helping high achievers escape burnout and realign their success with genuine happiness. I connected with her at the Real Coaches Summit I attended a few weeks ago and she had a great down-to-earth energy that really resonated with me. Jayme shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of building a life driven by strength rat...

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the critical question of whether it's possible to understand someone you disagree with. Through a personal story from 2010 about my 'Free Hugs' initiative in Edmonton, I share my experiences regarding the importance of human connection, community, and empathy. This episode reflects on the experiences of bridging differences, learning about others' perspectives,...