Chris "Kiwi" Ashenden - From Health Issues and Depression, to Simple Steps to Health and Happiness

Inspiring Lives

Chris “The Kiwi” Ashenden (@christhekiwi) is an entrepreneur, a world class relationship builder, health expert and Founder and Chairman of [Athletic Greens](athleticgreens.com?utm_source=ep-1&utm_medium=show notes&utm_campaign=inspiring-lives), a company whose mission is to inspire fulfilling lives starting with a focus on health.

We dive into Chris’ health issues and struggles with depression, and how with the help of his sisters and integrating practical steps to health and happiness, Chris was able to climb out of it and embark on a mission to inspire happiness in others.

In this episode we cover:

• Chris' battle with illness and how it lead to the inception of Athletic Greens [00:10]
• The importance of sleep, recovery, micro-nutrients and food quailty in overall health and well-being [04:29]
• The extent Athletic Greens goes into testing ensuring the highest quality ingredients and finished product [07:25]
• How an innate generosity led to a life of building relationships, focusing on people and customers [10:49]
• Moving towards happiness and away from interactions that don't leave the 'warm and fuzzies' [13:41]
• What is 'The Kiwi' and what being a New Zealander means to Chris' identity [15:51]
• The perspective Chris gained about health and fitness after falling sick - having empathy for all [17:59]
• The impact of stress and cortisol and what you should do if your running at full steam to manage the impact [23:13]
• Chris' battle with depression and how it drove him to find happiness in life and as an entrepreneur [26:16]
• Practical and simple steps and routines Chris utilizes to live a healthier life (checklist below show notes) [32:16]
• After failing as an entrepreneur and going to a Keith Cunningham business course - Chris discusses extreme ownership and how it empowers people to own their work, their life and relationships [36:48]
• Chris' definition of 'entrepreneur' and how non-confirming can lead to creating something special and valuable [41:36]

Selected Links And Books From The Episode

• Link: What are cGMP standards?
• Link: The 75 ingredients in Athletic Greens
• Restaurant: Michel Roux 3 Michelin Star restaurant in London - Le Gavroche
• Link: Articles on Cortisol cumulated by Rhonda Patrick
• Book The Business of Happiness by Ted Leonsis
• Book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
• Course Keith Cunningham's courses and books

People Mentioned

• Michel Roux
• Tony Hsieh
• Ted Leonsis
• Jocko Willink
• Leif Babin
• Keith Cunningham
• Garret Camp

Chris' Checklist To A Healthier Life [32:16]

• Wearing blue light blocking glasses, particularly if you're looking at a screen after 6 p.m.
• Try to go to bed at the same time every night
• Getting cold to ensure sleep efficiency
• 30 minutes of fiction reading in bed before sleeping
• Aim to drink less fluids two hours before bed to avoid having to go to the bathroom during the night
• Getting in front of natural light as soon as possible after waking
• Managing body temperature by jumping in cold water or into a sauna

Other Links

• Full Transcription
• Lean more about Athletic Greens
• Subscribe To Newsletter
• Chris Ashenden Finding Mastery Interview
• Chris Ashenden Spartan Up Interview

If you like what you hear, we'd be grateful for a review on iTunes. Happy listening!