Help Me Understand is a podcast that explores the context behind the things that we experience from day to day. With topics ranging from personal development, to parenting, to health and fitness, and more; join JK McLeod as he shares his thoughts and hosts conversations that are meant to encourage you to say "Help me understand" in an effort to add perspective to the things we experience in everyday life.
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152. Solo: The "functional training" argument.
45:31
45:31
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On today's episode, JK reviews specific arguments against functional training, including: - lacking specificity for athletes - increased risk of injury - limited hypertrophy and aesthetic results - difficult to measure progress ...and more. Listen in as JK shares his perspective on what functional training is, why it is/isn't a better choice than h…
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151. Solo: Crossfit Games business decisions
26:37
26:37
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, host JK McLeod dives into the tough decisions that sports organizations face when tragedy strikes, using the recent events at the 2024 CrossFit Games as a backdrop. JK explores how business interests often play a significant role in whether or not competitions continue, even in the wake of heartbre…
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150. Solo: Handling comments about your "healthy" choices.
19:44
19:44
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In this episode, JK delves into the often awkward and uncomfortable moments when others comment on your healthy choices. Drawing from personal experience and client stories, JK shares insights on how to navigate these situations with confidence and perspective. Whether you're worried about being judged or just want to stay committed to your goals, …
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149. Solo: Habits to support your fitness goals.
38:54
38:54
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On today's episode, JK shares 6 foundational habits that can support your fitness goals. Listen in as he offers his perspective on why these habits matter, and how tracking all (or some) of them can put you in a better position to maximize your training. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleod…
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148. Solo: Finding Supportive People & Communities
17:05
17:05
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In this episode, JK discusses the importance of finding a supportive community or people when implementing positive habits. He shares his thoughts on the research and science behind sustained success and goal achievement, and explores two strategies for finding a supportive community. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coa…
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On today's episode, JK is sharing feedback sent in and/or posted from listeners in the month of July, along with a recent win related to the podcast. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleod Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: subscribe here …
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146. Solo: Should trainers workout with their clients?
15:00
15:00
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In this episode, JK discusses the topic of personal trainers working out with their clients. He shares some context behind his perspective, including his experiences as: -A personal trainer who wanted to motivate and lead by example -A group fitness coach when there is a low class turnout ------ Connect with JK on Instagram: …
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145. Solo: When men label women as "DEI hires".
6:18
6:18
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6:18
In this episode, JK shares his thoughts on the discourse surrounding labeling females as DEI hires and using it as a weak argument in disagreements. He discusses his experiences growing up in diverse environments and his attempts to engage in conversations with people who have shared derogatory posts and comments JK expresses his perspective concer…
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144. Solo: You're not going to get "bulky"...the real reasons why
29:48
29:48
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In this episode, JK discusses the fear of getting bulky and why coaches are not concerned about it when it comes to most lifestyle-based clients. He breaks down three key areas: nutrition, sleep, and training, explaining the level of consistency and structure required to achieve an extremely muscular physique. JK also mentions the importance of und…
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143. Solo: Accepting compliments & documenting progress.
17:44
17:44
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In this episode, JK discusses his perspective on the importance of accepting compliments and a non-traditional way of documenting progress in health and fitness. He shares his own struggle with receiving compliments and how he has learned to acknowledge and appreciate them. JK also emphasizes the need to document progress beyond aesthetics, such as…
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142. Solo: Verbal framing for goal achievement
22:53
22:53
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22:53
In this episode, JK discusses the concept of verbal framing when it comes to achieving goals. He explains how verbal framing can impact behavior change and shares a study that compares the effectiveness of different types of verbal framing. JK emphasizes the importance of using language like 'I don't' instead of 'I can't' to create a sense of deter…
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In this episode, JK discusses the 80-20 rule and its application in various aspects of life, including nutrition and maintaining a positive outlook. He clarifies that the 80-20 rule is often misunderstood, with people focusing on the percentage of time rather than the percentage of intake or consumption. JK talks about how to apply the 80-20 rule t…
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This episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast discusses the concept of portable habits, focusing on maintaining habits while traveling or in unfamiliar environments. JK shares tips and strategies for maintaining training, movement, water intake, nutrition, and reading habits while on the road. This episode emphasizes the importance of adapting hab…
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139. Conversation: The transition from 'fit friend' to coach w/Kylie Larson
1:06:12
1:06:12
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In this episode, JK welcomes Kylie Larson (owner of Elemental Coaching) back to the podcast to talk about current topics in the nutrition and fitness coaching space. JK and Kylie discuss the differences between a coach and an influencer, as well as the distinction between a fit friend and a coach. They explore the motivations behind the marketing t…
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138. Solo: A simple word change to increase results.
5:41
5:41
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In this episode, J.K. discusses the importance of using intentional language to be more productive and achieve goals. He suggests a simple change to increase your ability to follow through when creating to-do lists or discussing plans.
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In this episode, JK discusses the concept of treating a wake-up call like a snooze button. He shares a story-based example of what it looks like to get a wake-up call but not follow through with making a permanent change. JK explores the behaviors that indicate treating a wake-up call like a snooze button, such as reaching out for help but not foll…
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136. Solo: Invites to the negativity party.
14:46
14:46
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In this episode, JK shares a personal experience that highlights and discusses the importance of not participating in someone else's negativity. He emphasizes the impact of small micro moments on our mood, focus, and mental energy. This episode highlights the significance of making conscious decisions and not accepting every invitation to negativit…
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On today's episode, JK shares his perspective on former President Donald Trump's comment referencing illegal immigrants taking "Black jobs". He shares how he processed the comment, and how he believes a purely emotional reaction may be distracting from a very important, systemic problem. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleo…
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134. Solo: 6 ways to break out of your fitness funk.
21:23
21:23
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On today's episode, JK offers suggestions on what to do when you find yourself feeling unmotivated and disconnected from your training. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleod Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: subscribe here --- 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 03:21 Chapter 1:…
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133. Solo: My intentional daily practice.
18:18
18:18
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18:18
On today's episode, JK shares three pieces of his intentional daily practice. They involve gratitude, commitment, and grace. If you're seeking some ideas for ways that you can start each day off with intention, this episode is for you. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleod Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's we…
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132. Conversation: What it's like to play youth sports (with Mason McLeod, 11 years old)
15:55
15:55
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Today's episode is a re-airing of a conversation that JK had with his son Mason on his (Mason's) podcast called Kids Talk Sports. Mason is interviewed by his dad about what it's like to be an athlete on game day. They discuss the sports Mason plays, which one he likes the most, and why. The answer might surprise you! They also talk about how parent…
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131. Solo: A real life interaction that inspired me.
13:36
13:36
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In this episode, JK shares a recent interaction that reminded him of the importance of self-care and the impact of social media on our perception of the world. The conversation serves as a reminder that there are people out there who prioritize their well-being and engage in self-care activities without seeking attention or validation. --- Connect …
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130. Solo: Taking ownership over your decisions.
8:45
8:45
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On today's episode, JK talks about the importance of owning your decisions. He offers a tactical way to reflect on past decisions and take intentional action to improve future self-accountability. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleod Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: subscribe here…
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129. Solo: Two ways to approach fitness & nutrition challenge programs (LRL clip)
17:53
17:53
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Today's episode is a clip from JK on the Lifting, Running, & Living Podcast, co-hosted with @coachingklutz In this clip, JK shares some context behind a recent post he made about two different ways to approach fitness challenges. If you'd like to check out the full episode, you can find that here: LRL Episode 28 - Competing Goals and the Fear of Pr…
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128. Solo: The irony of advice to "Play it safe".
5:51
5:51
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast, JK shares his thoughts on the concept of having something to fall back on (inspired by a commencement speech from Denzel Washington). He reflects on the common advice of choosing a stable career and questions the assumption that the people creating those stable careers didn't take risks themselves.…
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast, JK is putting on his coaching cap to share some insight on identifying progress milestones on your way to reaching your goal. Plot twist: It's not going to be based on how much you weigh, how much you lift, or how you look. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleod Email JK: jk@the…
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On this episode, JK discusses the importance of putting yourself on the hook to maintain consistency in fitness and other areas of life. JK shares his experience with signing up for gym slots and how it instilled a sense of responsibility and accountability. He also explores the concept of finding accountability partners and creating systems to ens…
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125. Solo: Oprah's Weight Loss Special, Quick Fixes, and more...
40:29
40:29
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40:29
On today's Friday Four episode of the podcast, JK covers four topics that are front of mind. JK provides a life update on his recent travels to the Arnold Fitness Expo in Ohio, the Real Coaches Summit in Las Vegas, and a reflection from both trips. He then shares his perspective on Oprah's special, 'Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution.' JK…
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124. Solo: The Time I Got Fired and Found My Fitness Consistency
26:55
26:55
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26:55
In this episode, JK reflects on a recent Facebook reminder that marked a turning point in his life. He shares how losing his job became the catalyst for gaining consistency with his fitness routine. JK discusses the impact on his family and how he managed to juggle a part-time job while searching for new opportunities. He explains how he started go…
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In this Solo episode, JK shares a classic story from Zig Ziglar to illustrate the importance of questioning our actions and habits. He emphasizes that doing the same thing over and over again without questioning can lead to missed opportunities and suboptimal results. JK also discusses the idea that just as insanity is doing the same thing and expe…
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122. Conversation: Maria. Self-Acceptance Through Writing and Fitness
1:10:05
1:10:05
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On this Conversation episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast, host JK interviews Maria, a nutrition coach, personal trainer, writer, and author. Maria shares her background and early memories of fitness and athletics, discussing how she initially struggled with sports and physical fitness tests in school. She also talks about her journey into nut…
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121. Solo: Are Video Games For Kids Useful or Useless?
19:40
19:40
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19:40
In this Solo episode of Help Me Understand, JK discusses the topic of video games and challenges the assumption that they are completely useless. He shares a personal experience of observing his son playing a basketball video game and realizing the valuable life lessons that can be validated from it. JK encourages parents to be curious and get invo…
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In this Perspective Shift episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, Emilie, a Spirituality & Success Coach for women, shares her story. Her story centers around her shift on how she felt the need to control everything in order to achieve success. She discusses how societal expectations and the pressure to conform led her to believe that she had to…
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119. Solo: What Makes You Different Is What Makes The Difference
22:43
22:43
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In this Solo episode of Help Me Understand, JK shares a message to emphasize the importance of knowing your audience when sharing content and receiving feedback. JK also discusses the journey of getting comfortable sharing personal stories and how embracing what makes you different can make a difference in helping others. He encourages listeners to…
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118. Conversation: Competitive Bodybuilding with Phil (Fitness Journey, Challenges of Prep, Sacrifices, and Rewards)
1:22:18
1:22:18
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In this Conversation episode of the podcast JK engages in a conversation with his Phil, tracing Phil's transformative journey in health and fitness, with a particular focus on his inaugural bodybuilding show. Phil passionately shares his background, underscoring the importance of enjoying the training process and discovering a personalized approach…
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In this episode, JK discusses the importance of starting goals and the misconception of needing a specific date to begin. He shares his personal strategy of using January as a time for reflection and assessment before setting goals in February. JK also explains how his experience in the retail industry influenced his approach to goal-setting. He em…
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116. Conversation: Words of Intention with M.C. (Navigating Goals, Social Media Breaks, and Yearly Themes)
1:13:28
1:13:28
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In this Conversation episode, JK is joined by M.C. to discuss the concept of setting goals for each year. M.C. shares her experience of creating a list of things to accomplish each year, starting with 19 things for 2019. She reflects on the challenges and successes of each year, including taking a break from social media in 2020 and embracing the w…
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand: Perspective Shift series, Claire joins JK from Australia to share her experience of a perspective shift that occurred after a cycling accident while training for her first Ironman Triathlon. The accident led her to shift her focus from being hyper-concerned with her body's appearance to being grateful for …
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114. Four Things I Did That Changed My Relationship With My Phone
19:09
19:09
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In this Friday Four episode, JK shares four things he did to change his relationship with his phone over the past year. Book: How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price --- Chapters 01:26 The Book: How to Break Up with Your Phone 03:22 Reflection on Mindless Phone Usage 04:49 Pat Your Pocket Exercise 07:13 Logging Out of Social Media Apps 1…
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113. The "Why" Behind The Perspective Shift Episodes
11:18
11:18
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In this episode, JK shares the context behind the Perspective Shift series and the purpose of leaving some questions unanswered. JK discusses his own perspective shifts and the importance of flipping the script on assuming negative intent. He emphasizes the potential benefit in working to understand others before making judgments and invites listen…
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, JK has a conversation with Jeff, who shares his perspective shift that occurred one year ago, when he opened up to his wife about a long-internalized childhood experience. Jeff helps us understand how the power of trust, communication, vulnerability, and human connection have helped him to grow as …
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111. Fat Loss Recap, Part 2: Training, Post-Cut Strategy, and Takeaways
42:26
42:26
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42:26
In this episode, JK discusses his training during the fat loss phase, including his upper body lower body split and the structure of his workouts. He also talks about how he adjusted his training as he progressed through the fat loss phase and how he handled training during trips. JK wraps up by sharing his post fat loss nutrition strategy, the les…
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110. Fat Loss Recap, Part 1: Goals and Nutrition Strategy
49:01
49:01
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49:01
In this episode, JK discusses his recent 16-week fat loss phase and answers questions from his audience. He shares his stats, goals, and the strategy he used to achieve his fat loss. JK also talks about the importance of consistency and how he addressed consistency while traveling and during the holiday season. He addresses the challenges of sticki…
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On this episode of the Perspective Shift series, host JK talks to his friend Terrance Smith about his shift from being a personal trainer and business owner in the fitness industry to working in the financial industry. Terrance shares his perspective shift on saving money and the importance of financial planning. He discusses the parallel paths of …
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108. What Product Development Teaches Us About Personal Development
20:08
20:08
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20:08
In this podcast episode, JK explores the concept of personal development, drawing parallels with a startup's journey of iterations. He emphasizes the ongoing nature of growth, encouraging listeners to embrace the idea of being a work in progress and navigate feedback on their journey of continuous improvement. --- Instagram: @coachjkmcleodEmail: jk…
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, JK engages in a conversation with Amy, a guest who shares her perspective shift after experiencing loss. This episode delves into grief and resilience, exploring how challenges can shape one's reactions and the importance of intentional living. Amy reflects on her journey, emphasizing the significa…
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JK shares a strategic approach to navigating the holiday season. He challenges the idea of treating the season as a continuous period and encourages listeners to view it as a series of individual events. JK offers practical tips for maintaining your commitments during this time, helping you avoid the need for a major reset in the new year. Tune in …
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105. Fat Loss, Pink Washing, and the Middle East
38:58
38:58
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38:58
Topics covered in today's episode: Fat Loss JK gives a 10-week progress report on his dedicated fat loss phase. Discover his measurement updates, weight loss achievements, and insights into the challenges and adjustments involved in reaching his fitness goals. Pink WashingWith Breast Cancer Awareness Month in focus, JK sheds light on the concept of…
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104. Winning and Losing: Navigating Life's Halftime Lead
24:41
24:41
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In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, JK discusses the challenge of maintaining success and avoiding self-sabotage when you're in a winning position. He draws parallels with a recent Chicago Bears football game against the Denver Broncos, where a lead was lost. JK offers two main pieces of advice: using neutral language and thinking wh…
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103. Supporting Men After Miscarriage w/Kelly Jean-Phillipe
1:03:18
1:03:18
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On today's episode, JK is talking with Kelly Jean-Phillipe about his movement to bring light to the need for better support for men who have experienced miscarriages. Kelly is a father of two boys ages 3 years old and 6 months old. He and his wife have been married for the past 5 years. Along their journey of starting and growing their family, Kell…
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