Brad Stulberg

Brad Stulberg’s journey is about redefining excellence for everyone, not just elite performers. In this episode, Rebecca and Brad dig into what it means to pursue sustainable success, why community and vulnerability matter, and how anyone can practice excellence in daily life. Drawing from his new book, The Way of Excellence , Brad shares science-backed insights and personal stories that illuminate how excellence is a daily practice rooted in groundedness, resilience, and authentic connection. Together, they explore the value of showing up fully, the courage it takes to thrive in a chaotic world, and how the pursuit of excellence can be accessible and meaningful for all. Show notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Brad discuss: Why excellence isn’t reserved for world champions and how everyday people can pursue their own version of greatness The difference between fleeting achievement and sustainable success Brad’s personal story: from academic to bestselling author, coach, and powerlifting enthusiast How community, challenge, and vulnerability shape our growth The science behind resilience, stress regulation, and fulfillment Lessons from coaching executives, athletes, and creatives on balance and burnout The core ideas from Brad’s new book, The Way of Excellence How to thrive amid uncertainty using psychology, philosophy, and sports science The importance of doing hard things—not for the outcome, but for the process and self-discovery Transformative Insights: Excellence is a practice, not a destination—available to anyone willing to show up Community and shared struggle are essential for growth and belonging Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, in both sport and life Sustainable performance means honoring limits and building habits that last Vulnerable Moments: Brad shares how powerlifting, despite not being a pro athlete, gives him meaning, connection, and humility Honest reflections on facing fears, letting go of perfection, and embracing the unknown Rebecca and Brad discuss the challenges of identity shifts and finding purpose beyond titles or achievements Practical Wisdom: How to approach excellence as a daily practice—grounded, intentional, and adaptable Tools for building resilience and regulating stress in high-pressure environments The role of mentorship, both giving and receiving, in personal and professional growth Why slowing down and tuning into your own values leads to deeper fulfillment Personal Growth: Brad’s evolution from academic to thought leader, coach, and advocate for sustainable success Rebecca’s ongoing journey to redefine achievement and embrace groundedness How movement, nature, and reflection are tools for self-discovery and healing The power of storytelling and honest conversation in building a meaningful life Helpful Links: Brad's Website & "The Way of Excellence" (book) Brad Stulberg on Instagram Brad Stulberg on LinkedIn Podcast: Excellence, Actually Support What’s the Rusch If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite insight on social media. Your support helps us keep bringing you these honest, ins

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Brad Stulberg discuss the concept of excellence, emphasizing it as a practice rather than an outcome. Brad's latest book, "The Way of Excellence," explores this idea, highlighting the importance of consistency, integrity, and alignment with values. They discuss the role of routines and stability in managing stress and maintaining performance. Brad shares insights from high-performing athletes and leaders, stressing the need for a balanced identity house with multiple areas of focus. They also touch on the impact of technology and metrics in performance, advocating for a balanced approach that values both process and outcome. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Brad Stulberg's Book: The Way of Excellence is currently 23% off here: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Excellence-Greatness-Satisfaction-Chaotic/dp/0063385945 Fast Track Run Squad: purplepatchfitness.com/fasttrackmarathon Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com

What does it actually mean to pursue excellence without losing your peace, your family, or yourself in the process? In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Brad Stulberg to unpack the tension so many driven men feel: the desire to achieve at a high level while still living a meaningful and grounded life. Brad shares insights from his book The Way of Excellence and explains why humans are wired to strive — but not necessarily wired to feel content once we achieve. We dive into the trap many high-performing men fall into: constantly chasing the next milestone, promotion, or accomplishment while never feeling satisfied. Brad also shares powerful insights for fathers on how to help their kids develop a healthy relationship with effort, competition, and self-worth. If you're a driven man who struggles to slow down and enjoy the journey — or you want to raise kids who value effort and character over outcomes — this conversation will challenge how you think about success. Timeline Summary [0:00] Introducing Brad Stulberg and the idea behind The Way of Excellence [2:29] Why humans are wired to strive but not wired for contentment [8:57] The trap of "heroic individualism" and chasing achievement [11:04] Why success alone often leaves people feeling empty [20:08] The mountain metaphor for achievement and fulfillment [26:04] The importance of pausing to appreciate the journey [29:00] Helping kids avoid tying self-worth to results [34:46] Why youth sports should focus on development over winning [41:01] Separating identity from performance [48:55] The real goal of youth sports: helping kids want to play again next year Five Key Takeaways Humans are wired to strive, which means the next achievement rarely brings lasting satisfaction. True excellence is about pursuing something worthwhile that aligns with your values. Focusing only on outcomes causes us to miss the meaning of the journey. Kids need to learn that effort and growth matter more than results. Fulfillment comes from aligning ambition with presence, purpose, and values. Links & Resources The Way of Excellence (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Way-Excellence-Greatness-Satisfaction-Chaotic/dp/0063385945 Roommates to Soulmates Preview: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1448): https://thedadedge.com/1448 Closing If you're a driven man constantly chasing the next milestone, this episode is a reminder to pause and ask yourself an important question: What does excellence actually mean for my life? Success without alignment will always feel empty. But when your ambition is grounded in values, presence, and purpose — that's where real fulfillment lives. If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it. Go out and live legendary.

In this episode of the Running Explained podcast, hosts Amanda Katz and Nick Klastava engage in a deep conversation with New York Times Bestselling author Brad Stulberg about his latest book, 'The Way of Excellence.' They explore the true meaning of excellence, the importance of caring deeply about one's pursuits, and the value of community in achieving goals. Brad shares insights on the journey of personal growth, the significance of values in goal setting, and the necessity of embracing discomfort. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on our perceptions of success and the importance of maintaining integrity in the pursuit of growth. This episode is sponsored by Wahoo and their KICKR Run Treadmill to learn more about this revolutionary rethink of treadmills from: Dynamic Pacing (no controls just run) Terrain simulation (even side to side) Unmatch Connectivity (simulate routes from Strava and other third party apps). Go ahead and use code EXPLAINED and Run you Run! (00:00) Introduction to the Guest Brad Stulberg (04:02 )The Journey of Writing and Coaching (05:21) Understanding the Arrival Fallacy (08:14) The Process Over Outcomes Philosophy (10:59) Defining Excellence and Its Misconceptions (14:00) Aligning Goals with Personal Values (17:12) The Importance of Caring and Vulnerability (21:04) Building a Supportive Community (26:58) The Concept of the Humble Badass (30:03) Navigating Extremes: The Middle Ground (36:28) The Myth of Balance: Embracing Seasons of Life (44:05) Sitting with Discomfort: The Path to Mental Toughness (52:27) Final Thoughts: Advice and Insights from Brad Brad Stulberg is author of the New York Times bestseller The Way of Excellence Book Link - The Way of Excellence Amanda's Instagram Nick's Instagram Email - Hello@runningexplained.com 🚨 1:1 COACHING SPOTS OPEN NOW 🚨Ready to finally train with a plan that’s built around YOU? ✅ Personalized training ✅ Weekly support + adjustments ✅ Strategy, structure, and accountability ✅ Expert coaching to help you actually hit your goals Not ready for a 1:1 Coach 📝PDF Training Plan Templates available 🤝Group Coaching, Strength Training and Unlimited access to all Training Plans available in The Run Club App Learn more about all of this at Running Explained.com

Brad Stulberg shares foundational principles for making the process of self-development more fun and fulfilling. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) What true excellence looks and feels like 2) Why to stop chasing happiness—and what to focus on instead 3) The best tool for building focus and concentration Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1132 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT BRAD — Brad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on performance, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and Master of Change , and coauthor of Peak Performance . Stulberg regularly contributes to the New York Times and his work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic, among many other outlets. He serves as the co-host of the podcast “excellence, actually” and is on faculty at the University of Michigan. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina. • Book: The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World • Website: BradStulberg.com — RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “The comparison of Imagery ability in elite, sub-elite and non-elite swimmers” by P. Duarte-Mendes, et al. • Study: “Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity” by Adrian F. Ward, Kristen Duke, Ayelet Gneezy, and Maarten W. Bos • Book: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley • Book: The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr • Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig • Past episode: 164: Sustaining Your Peak and Avoiding Burnouts with Brad Stulberg • Past episode: 415: Pursuing Your Passion the Smart Way with Brad Stulberg • Past episode: 699: Redefining Success for More Fulfilling Days with Brad Stulberg — THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com . Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME. • Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at <a href="http://shopify.com/better" rel="noopener noreferrer"

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brad Stulberg, bestselling author of "The Way of Excellence," as he shares groundbreaking insights on authentic leadership, team building, and sustainable high performance.Join TOC Coach for Free! https://www.skool.com/toccoachSubscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox: https://tocculture.com/culture-toolbox 🔑 KEY LEADERSHIP TOPICS:✅ Excellence Framework: Discover why true excellence exists at the intersection of mastery (concrete skill development) and mattering (connection beyond yourself)✅ Team Leadership Strategies: Learn how to create belonging and purpose for every team member, even those without competitive opportunities✅ Process Over Outcomes: Actionable coaching methods to shift athlete focus from external validation to internal growth✅ Values-Driven Leadership: Why aligning actions with core values creates sustainable excellence and prevents burnout✅ The Finite and Infinite Game: Balancing short-term performance goals with long-term personal development✅ Managing External Pressures: Practical approaches for addressing parent expectations, social media influence, and performance culture✅ Goal Setting Reimagined: The three-tier framework - outcome goals, process goals, and person goals✅ Leadership Under Pressure: How elite coaches like Steve Kerr and Greg Popovich maintain perspective while competing at the highest level✅ Purpose vs. Values: Why values provide a more consistent foundation than purpose, especially during challenging times⏱️ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 - Introduction: The Way of Excellence03:15 - Defining Mastery and Mattering08:42 - Team Sports vs Individual Pursuits12:30 - Creating Mattering for All Team Members18:15 - Process Over Outcomes in Practice24:50 - Finite and Infinite Games Framework29:40 - Addressing External Pressures (Parents, Social Media)35:20 - Goal Setting: Outcome, Process, Person42:10 - Leadership Excellence: Steve Kerr Case Study48:35 - Values vs. Purpose in Leadership53:20 - Avoiding the Purpose Trap💡 LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS YOU'LL LEARN:• How to reward effort over results while still honoring the importance of winning• Building brain trusts and support systems for high-pressure environments• The importance of defining roles for every team member• Teaching athletes to hold competing truths simultaneously• Preventing burnout through values-based decision making• Creating championship cultures that prioritize joy and competition📚 ABOUT BRAD STULBERG:Brad Stulberg is a bestselling author, coach, and internationally known expert on human performance, well-being, and sustainable excellence. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, and Outside Magazine. Brad's previous books include "Peak Performance" and "The Practice of Groundedness."🔗 CONNECT & LEARN MORE:Brad Stulberg's Website: https://www.bradstulberg.com/"The Way of Excellence" Book: https://www.bradstulberg.com/booksBrad's Newsletter: https://thegrowtheq.com/Twitter/X: https://x.com/bstulbergInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/Brad Stulberg on the Coaching Culture Podcast: Episode 333:https://youtu.be/53vl1XZ8lm0?si=5zeBbfumR7SOr42gEpisode 334: https://youtu.be/BHKG-RTxz0I?si=LdqQOowvSSlLFSzl🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR:• Coaches at all levels (youth, high school, college, professional)• Athletic directors and sports administrators• Team leaders and managers in any industry• Parents of young athletes• Anyone interested in sustainable high performance• Leadership development professionals• Sports psychologists and mental performance coaches💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What resonated most with you from this episode? How do you balance process and outcomes in your leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest leadership conversations!

Send us Fan Mail Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with author, researcher and coach Brad Stulberg about his newly released book, The Way of Excellence. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website , Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride Guest: Brad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on performance, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and Master of Change , and co-author of Peak Performance . Stulberg regularly contributes to The New York Times and his work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic , among many other outlets. He serves as the co-host of the podcast “excellence, actually” and is on the faculty at the University of Michigan. He lives in Asheville, NC. Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine Title Sponsor : Taylor, Harris Insurance Services Sponsors: Equine Affaire and Windstar Cruises Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person live event! theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse , our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

In this episode best selling author and coach Brad Stulberg joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss his new book 'The Way of Excellence' which explores what sustainable excellence really looks like and what it potentially means for us all in supporting young athletes. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Building excellence through rhythm and balance The dangers of outcome obsession Supporting our young people to build and maintain a 'stable sense of self' Helping our young people build confidence through effective preparation The importance of discomfort for growth but not chaos Helping young people interpret failure as information, not a final verdict Creating support systems and environments full of clarity and consistency that help develop resilience and self-awareness Brad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on performance, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and Master of Change, and is the co-author of Peak Performance with former guest Steve Magness. Brad regularly contributes to the New York Times and his work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic, among many other outlets. He serves as the co-host of the podcast “excellence, actually” and is on the faculty at the University of Michigan.

Falling off a goal is normal. Knowing how to get back on track—without shame or drama—is the real skill. I’m hosting a free 60-minute live workshop on Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm ET to teach a simple framework for getting unstuck. Register now for ⁠⁠Falling Off is Part of It: The Framework for Getting Back on Track (Without the Drama) ⁠⁠ ! In this episode, Brad Stulberg explores how to cultivate excellence in a chaotic world. He explains how excellence is a lifelong practice rooted in daily effort, presence, and values, not a final achievement. Brad also discusses the importance of process over outcome, balancing ambition with self-kindness, and finding meaning through consistent, value-driven actions. The conversation also covers overcoming burnout, the illusion of perfect balance, and how to live intentionally in a chaotic world, offering practical advice for cultivating fulfillment and true greatness in everyday life. Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠ How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: The concept of excellence as a continuous practice rather than a fixed destination. The transformative nature of pursuing goals and its impact on character and personal growth. The importance of a process mindset, focusing on daily efforts and consistency. The metaphor of "feeding the good wolf" to emphasize nurturing positive qualities. The balance between striving for outcomes and being present in the process. The significance of measuring effort over outcomes for sustained progress. The idea of "raising the floor" to improve performance on average days. The role of care and commitment in achieving excellence. The distinction between meaningful engagement and the pitfalls of comfort and convenience. The necessity of intentional living and effort in a chaotic, technology-driven world. For full show notes: ⁠click here⁠ ! If you enjoyed this conversation with Brad Stulberg, check out these other episodes: The Practice of Groundedness with Brad Stulberg Mindfulness and Understanding Identity with Cory Allen By p urchasing products and/or services from o ur sponsors , you a re helpi ng to support The One You Feed and we greatly appreciate it . Thank you! This episode is sponsored by : Hungry Root : For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life . Go to www.hungryroot.com/feed and use promo code: FEED . IQ Bar: Text FEED to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, including the ultimate sampler pack, plus FREE shipping. (Message and data rates may apply). Check out ⁠ Mountains to Cross ⁠ by Dr. Abraham George. It’s the story of how a life built on success was redirected toward compassion, and how that choice led to the founding of Shanti Bhavan, a school helping children break free from generational poverty. Find it wherever books are sold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

View This Week's Show Notes Start Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility Coach Join Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The Ambush In a world that rewards constant stimulation and surface-level productivity, it’s become easier than ever to stay busy — and harder than ever to feel fulfilled. Many people aren’t burning out from doing too much, but from spending their days disconnected from the things that actually matter. The result is a numbing, restless state Brad Stulberg calls zombie burnout. In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Juliet and Kelly Starrett sit down with author and coach Brad Stulberg to unpack what excellence really means in a chaotic, distraction-heavy world. Drawing from his latest book, The Way of Excellence, Stulberg challenges the myths of hustle culture and self-optimization, offering a grounded path toward ambition that’s aligned with values, sustained by rest, and rooted in deep, meaningful engagement. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why excellence has nothing to do with rigid routines or influencer “optimization” The difference between happiness, satisfaction, and lasting fulfillment How “zombie burnout” happens — even when you’re not technically overworked What truly excellent environments have in common Why process matters more than outcomes (without pretending outcomes don’t matter) How rest and renewal are essential — not optional — for long-term excellence Key Highlights: (00:00) - Introduction (01:17) - What is Excellence (08:37) - What Excellence is Not (09:48) - Importance of Excellence (13:08) - Excellence vs. Happiness (17:54) - Aggregation of Marginal Gains (19:59) - Sponsor: Vitality (23:10) - Brad's Take on Heisman Winner (25:15) - Creating an Excellent Environment (33:18) - Zombie Burnout and Adult Pacifiers (35:50) - Combating Zombie Burnout (37:39) - Sponsor: LMNT (40:20) - Managing Distractions (43:22) - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (46:41) - Decline of Excellence (52:30) - Goal Setting Strategies (58:13) - Stress, Rest, and Growth (01:02:40) - Sponsor: Momentous (01:05:25) - Recovery Techniques (01:06:40) - Surprises After Writing the Book (01:08:34) - Meaningful Milestone for 2026 (01:10:38) - Brad's Addition to the Infinite Shelf (01:12:18) - Starrett System Huge thanks to our sponsors, Vitality</