Do Cool Shit Podcast

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, Olivia Oneid joins as a guest. She speaks about her journey as a bodybuilder, coach, and athlete. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, the challenges of trying new things, and how to navigate the holiday season without falling into restrictive eating patterns. Olivia shares her insights on the significance of recovery, setting realistic goals, a...

Ever stood in a grocery store at 8 PM thinking "maybe I'll just have cookies for dinner"? I definitely have. But it wasn't because I didn't care. That's decision fatigue. In this episode, we're diving deep into decision fatigue: what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, what you can actually do about it. Here's what you'll learn: Why you make 35,000 de...

The holidays don't have to be something you survive. In this episode, we're talking about how to create actual alignment with who you want to be and how you want to feel as you move into the new year - without perfection, rigidity, or writing off the next six weeks. Learn how to identify your values, use past patterns as data, and create real strategies for navigating holiday events in a w...

In this episode of The Do Cool Shit Podcast , Meryl sits down with her longtime coach, friend, and registered dietitian, Hillary Ervin, to explore how our relationships with food, movement, and identity evolve through different seasons of life. Hillary shares her journey from navigating celiac disease and rigid nutrition during her CrossFit days to building a more compassionate, flexible approach...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, I speak with Ashley Rath, a breast cancer survivor who shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery. Ashley discusses the challenges she faced during treatment, the emotional toll of cancer, and how it led her to create a nonprofit organization, Rebuild a Bitch, aimed at supporting other women in similar situations. The conversation highlights the impo...

In this episode, guest Bonnie Schroeder shares her transformative journey from competitive athlete to holistic wellness advocate. After a traumatic back injury forced her to confront an identity solely tied to athletic achievement, Bonnie discovered the power of flexibility, evolution, and living in alignment with your authentic self. The conversation explores essential lessons for high achievers:...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, I discuss the profound impact of self-talk on personal reality and growth. I introduce the concept of the 'Naughty S's'—patterns of self-sabotage that hinder progress, including 'shoulding', shaming, shitting on yourself (harsh self-talk), and shrinking. The neuroscience behind these patterns and offers actionable steps to overcome t...

Disappointment is one of the most frequently experienced emotions, and we're massively underestimating the damage it causes to our progress, our relationships, and our ability to keep showing up. In this episode, I'm getting real about the gut-punch, chest-tightening kind of disappointment. The kind that shows up when you've been doing all the things, and reality doesn't match what...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, we dive into the complex topic of self-sabotage, exploring its roots, manifestations, and the underlying psychological mechanisms that drive it. Inside, you'll learn that self-sabotage is not a sign of weakness but rather a protective response from the brain, often rooted in past experiences. I share how self-sabotage snuck into my own life recently...

In this deeply personal solo episode, I share a life-changing epiphany I had at 38.5 years old about what has been driving me throughout my life. After a conversation with my mom, I realized that I had been operating under the belief that achievements were what made my parents proud—but it was never about that. The breakthrough came when my mom specifically praised me for my courage and bravery. T...

In this episode, Meryl Binder and Coach Laura Vinger discuss the journey of personal growth through things like coaching, the struggles with eating disorders, and the importance of introspection and action in achieving health goals. They explore the impact of comparison on self-worth, the significance of celebrating small wins, and the challenges of pursuing goals. The conversation emphasizes the...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, Meryl Binder interviews Paul Oneid, a business owner, mentor, and athlete, and someone who has architected a life that he loves. We discuss the importance of agency in life, emotional intelligence, and the value of pursuing hardships to build resilience. Paul shares a lot from his personal journey, including overcoming a significant injury. He discusses...

This was a fun one filled with a lot of cool shit! In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, host Meryl Binder speaks with Michael De La Pava (MDLP), owner of The Battle Axe Gym, about his journey as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of mental hygiene in coaching, the role of edges in personal growth, and the significance of family and cultural identity. MDLP shar...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, I share some of my personal journey of transformation through five significant shifts that have empowered my life. I emphasize the importance of authenticity, the power of choice, and the necessity of processing emotions. We discuss: shifting from a focus on being smaller to a focus on being stronger the fear of failure to what's possible never doin...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, we explore the concept of victim mentality, discussing how it manifests in people's lives and the detrimental effects it can have on personal growth and empowerment. Meryl emphasizes the importance of shifting from a victim mindset to a victor mindset through radical acceptance, ownership, and solution-oriented thinking. Meryl provides practical exa...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, Meryl Binder delves into the complex topic of motivation, particularly in the context of health and fitness. She emphasizes that motivation is always present but can be directed towards different things. The conversation explores the spectrum of motivation, from extrinsic to intrinsic, and discusses how understanding one's psychological needs can en...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, we explore the crucial role of mindset in achieving fitness and wellness goals. Meryl contrasts fixed and growth mindsets, illustrating how they influence behavior and outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of reframing challenges, celebrating progress, and adopting a language of possibility. The episode provides practical strategies for listeners to sh...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, host Meryl Binder welcomes her first guest, Lauren Burke. They explore the meaning of community, the importance of core values like generosity and integrity, and the concept of the line of choice in personal growth. The conversation delves into emotional awareness, the significance of journaling for self-discovery, and the journey of personal growth thr...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit Podcast, Meryl discusses the often overlooked importance of asking for help. She challenges the common belief that independence equates to strength, arguing that refusing help can lead to self-sabotage. Meryl examines the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. She emphasizes the need to reframe these beliefs and offers practical strat...

In this episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, Meryl Binder explores the concept of discomfort as a necessary part of personal growth. She emphasizes that feeling uncomfortable does not equate to failure, but rather signifies that one is in the 'messy middle' of transformation. Meryl discusses the psychological aspects of discomfort, practical strategies to embrace it, and the importance of...

In the inaugural episode of the Do Cool Shit podcast, Meryl Binder introduces her mission to inspire listeners to embrace their authentic selves and pursue personal growth. She shares her journey of overcoming self-sabotage and the importance of living with purpose and intentionality. The podcast aims to provide raw, candid conversations about the challenges of growth, the significance of coaching...