ATHLETE'S PURSUIT

I want to introduce you all to Cameron Ahouse.  Cam is a trainer based in Boston, but his route to get there wasn't so direct.  He has a journey that's actually quite similar to my own.  Cam also began his career in finance and talks about his transition into the fitness world.

I've always had a great deal of respect for Cameron, as a trainer and as a human.  It's not hard to see that Cam has a lot of fun with his training, always tackling new challenges and encouraging his community to do the same.  His work extends far beyond the gym, however.  Cam is also an advocate for men's mental health.  Leading and supporting work that encourages men to share what they are going thru and to support one another.

I loved diving into Cam's story and hearing about his journey into the fitness world.  It took a lot of courage to leave a cushy and secure finance job to essentially start over in the fitness world.  Taking a lot of humility and patience to just follow your passion and do work you love.

Enjoy this conversation with Cameron Ahouse.

What is 'absolute responsibility'?

While at the University of Kentucky Cheer Program, Chris Rodonis was introduced to this idea.  While simple to understand, application in your daily life and thought process is very different.  

Discussing true ownership over your life and results.  Enjoy this episode with Chris Rodonis!

This is our first episode of 2022 and I couldn't be more excited to have my brother, Chris Rodonis, joining us.  

Chris has a great story to share. Chris ultimately became a 2x national champion and the University of Kentucky in Cheerleading. While receiving a scholarship, and completing his MBA. Since graduation, he carried his success into the business world and is currently a Chief Revenue Officer.  

The road to success was not an easy or obvious one, however.  Growing up, athletics was not his natural gift.  But he had something else, a relentless quality about him.  He had this way of setting his sights on a goal and just simply worked at it.  Sounds simple enough...and it is. But his consistent work and attention to detail paid off. 

We hear his story about how he even found the opportunity at UK.

We talk about the strength training program in college and the power of team. 

What was the transition away from college, being in peak shape, to striking balance in business. 

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did

Having trouble finding that perfect gift for that man in your life? Ryan and Joe run down some of there favorite products and brands from this year.

It's always tough to shop for guys; so Ryan and I wanted to help you out. Sharing gifts that we would love to have, from boots, jackets, athletic gear and more.

Enjoy!!

Practice Gratitude. I've been told this before, and I get it...I think we all day. We understand the concept of gratitude, right? If we are grateful for where we are/what we have, we'll be happier.

But how many of us actually practice gratitude. There's always a difference between understanding something conceptually and actually embodying a belief and putting it into practice.

I've always been curious about this; why should I actually practice gratitude? I haven't really found a strong enough reason to compel me to make it a daily practice. That's why we dove into this topic.

As Ryan and I dove into this topic, we found a ton of research that's been done on the subject. Let's dive in.

On this episode, we touch on listening to your intuition and letting go of attachment. Even in areas of life such as; how do you recharge and recover? We discuss recovery, but not the way you think. There are environmental stressors impacts us daily. Stress from our careers, environment, relationships, etc. How can you learn yourself well enough to know how to recharge properly?

How do you protect your energy? How do you develop awareness to create space for yourself to recharge?

Does balance exist? How do you find it? or what perspective can you have to keep that fire lit.

Learning when to say 'no', so you can say 'yes' to something bigger.

Enjoy this episode and conversation with Joe and Ryan.

Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes and share this episode. We would love your help in growing this community!

On this episode we discuss a few topics: 

- Updates in New York City during the pandemic.  What it's been like living in New York?  How has the city changed / adapted 

- Looking at your goals from a long term perspective.  Avoiding the quick fix, and setting yourself up with proper expectations.  

- Setting Intention. "Are you confusing motion for progress?"

- Falling in love with your work when no one is watching 

- Identifying the difference between physical and mental limitations you may be creating for yourself

We are certainly in a difficult time.  But it's also a great time to get in touch with yourself and get re-centered.  Enjoy this episode!

Welcome to the Athlete's Pursuit with Joe Rodonis and Ryan Turner! We are very excited to launch the first episode of the season, as we share what this show is all about!

AP is about tapping into the "Athletic Mindset" and using that skillset into other aspects of our lives. We want to compete and perform at a high level, not just in our training but in our careers and relationships.

We will be sharing our experiences and bringing on amazing guests to help us grow as a community. We are excited for you all to join us!

On today's episode, Ryan and I discuss the topic of Leadership.

This is always one of my favorite topics, because I believe we all take on a leadership role in our lives.  It doesn't mean you are necessarily leading a team.  It could mean a family member looks up to you or a community.  Even qualities you want to embody yourself.

We also discuss how someone may gain a following within a community.

Enjoy this Episode!

Joe and Ryan

Vulnerability.  A topic that has become increasingly popular due in large part from the work of Brene Brown. 

Ryan and I dive into our thoughts on vulnerability and how it can lead to deeper connection.  Developing a relationship to fear and allowing your true self to lead.  Allowing for proper alignment and attraction to occur in your life. 

Enjoy this episode and be sure to comment / share / subscribe. 

Joe And Ryan

Holding yourself to a higher standard is all about acting with integrity as your pursue your goals.  It's about acting in accordance with you who you want to become and what you accept for yourself.    It can be difficult to do this alone and so we discuss the power of community and finding your team.  How a team, a coach, a community, that aligns with who you want to become will help you stay on the right path.  

It's not just about what you do...it's understanding why you're doing it. Is it for growth, service, contribution, or for recognition and ego?

 Welcome to the Breakdown with Joe Rodonis and Ryan Turner

Roger Rojas - The Content CEO

Roger's story is one about following your gut and living in your passion.  We dive into his story about the leap of faith he took to leave home in Miami, turn down conventional career paths, and to move to NYC with nothing but a vision.  Using the camera has his vessel and way to serve his community; his career has taken him to incredible places.  

We also learn some expert tips on how to grow your social media presence. Getting some great advice on how to grow your following on Tik Tok and why it's such a good idea to jump on board now!

Enjoy this episode with Roger Rojas!

If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend that needs to hear it; Like, subscribe, donate to help us continue to grow this podcast!

You may know Jordan Syatt as Gary Vaynerchuk's Personal Trainer and from his profound presence on social media.  He's a trainer and coach that doesn't take himself too seriously and does an amazing job connecting and educating his community.  

Fun facts about Jordan:

• 5x World Record Powerlifter
• Precision Nutrition and Westside Barbell Certified coach
• Bachelors of Science in Health & Behavior Science with a focus in Strength & Conditioning
• Holds several powerlifting world records
• Gary Vaynerchuk’s personal trainer, strength & nutrition coach
• 27th degree black belt in chugging coffee

We loved this conversation with Jordan; diving into some fun topics: 

- Get an inside look at what it's like training Gary Vee

- Why the fitness industry may be the most insecure industry in the world.

- Hear about his time at Westside Barbell. Where he was told that the weakest guy squats 800lbs

- How to find that rhythm of posting on social media 

Enjoy this Episode with Jordan.  Remember to share this episode with someone that you believe needs to hear it!  

Joe and Ryan

Bobby Maximus joins us this week on The Breakdown!  

From 2008-2017 Bobby Maximus was the General Manager, Training Director and Lead Seminar Instructor at Gym Jones, an elite strength and conditioning facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bobby’s lovely wife, Lisa Maximus, was the Head of Women’s Program at Gym Jones. They have since moved, creating a world class brand and gym of their own. 

Bobby was also a former UFC fighter and Policeman in Toronto.  A current contributor for Men's Health Magazine and the author of "Maximus Body". 

During this interview we dive into the psychology of training and life, in general. 

- How to approach the time we are all facing under quarantine

- The mental toughness of training

- Finding gratitude in every situation and celebrating successes

- Identifying your value propositions and personal reasons for training

Enjoy this episode with Bobby Maximus!  Share with your team and leave us a comment / subscribe to the Podcast.  

(Join the team at The Breakdown and support our mission by donating to the show! www.WelcomeToTheBreakdown.com)

These are unprecedented times and what's going on the world has impacted us all.  Friends/Family of ours may be directly impacted with Covid-19 or they are on the front lines as healthcare workers.  

For many of us, however, we're being asked to stay inside. So, Ryan and I wanted to discuss different ways to use this time and share perspectives on the situation.  What is the silver lining in the midst of all this?  

- Why it's ok to be bored...and how that can generate creativity

- Learning to eliminate distractions to take back your focus 

- Allowing yourself the space to relax and enjoy the slow down

We hope you enjoy this episode.  To all of those working on the front lines, we appreciate you all so much. Remember to honor your healthcare workers at 7pm every evening to show your support.

Max Siegelman Who is this guy? What does he even do?  I like to think Max is the most interesting man in the world, and I think you'll agree with me after listening to this episode.  Max is a Social Media Director for OUTFRONT media, a consultant, and entrepreneur. 

Max shares with us some amazing perspectives on business, training, and building relationships. Changing my perspective on networking and the value it can truly create. Flipping my view of networking from the uptight business meetings to enjoying a workout at your favorite gym.  

We talk about why training and going to a gym is the new "golf course" in the business world.  

Ever wonder how to get in touch with someone that has a high profile? Maybe to discuss with them a business opportunity or pitch them on a project?  We discuss the mindset and strategies to help you get a response. 

Plus - hear some advice he may have indirectly received from Michael Jackson!

Enjoy this episode with Max!

On this episode I ask Ryan, Registered Dietitian, several questions on how best to  fuel pre / post workout.  

If you've ever had questions on supplements and which ones to use...this is an episode you need to hear.  Do you know the proper way to evaluate a supplement before using or even when you should consider a supplement? 

We talk about the timing of eating and chronic under-fueling.  Have you been eating less calories than you need for so long, that you've just gotten used to how that feels?  We discuss the idea of not just surviving a workout, but THRIVING during your training. 

How can fueling properly help your muscles recover and help with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness? 

We touch on all of this and more...take a listen and share with friends that need to hear this. This is one of the episodes that are information rich, and if you are training and want to get to the next level. You need to hear this. 

Allow me to introduce to you our guest for this episode.  A personal friend of mine and former Tone House Coach, Adrian Williams.  

Adrian is a true New Yorker, and an incredible athlete. From a young age, he had a gift with speed and competed in track.  At the age of 36, Adrian completed the 40 yard dash in 4.18 seconds; with video documentation for proof.  This is the fastest time posted by anyone in the NFL Combine!  (We'll dive into that story)

What amazes me with Adrian is this dude has every right to be 'overly confident', if you will. But his entire nature and mindset is to help other people. In fact, he had original ambitions to be a nurse for that very reason...until a career in fitness called his name.  

For years, he was a coach at Tone House and someone the community very much respects as a person and an athlete.  Enjoy this episode as we have a conversation on almost everything. 

Enjoy!

On this episode, we bring back Rachel Lee in this round table discussion on body image and tying self worth to your aesthetic.  Training is a big part of our lives, but too often we see people enter an unhealthy mindset where self worth is tied to their appearance.  

We dive into the pressures we face from our friends, society, and careers that may drive this mindset.  And offer some alternatives on how to take back control and train from a healthy place...where you can gain self confidence, for example.  

Enjoy this episode and share with friends / family that need to hear this!

We are thrilled to have the Director of Performance Nutrition for the New York Giants, Pratik Patel, with us for this episode. 

It's incredible to hear what these amazing athletes go through to prepare for game day, during season and off-season.  We dive into topics with Pratik that include challenges he faces with these athletes, such as: battling fad diets, developing healthy habits, family pressures, and reaching peak performance. 

Understanding how professional athletes fuel for performance and prepare for game day. We hear some great strategies that we can all learn from.  We also touch on supplementation and what to do when you notice you have a deficiency in your nutrition. 

Enjoy this episode as we learn to Fuel like an Athlete. 

There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding the topic of the Ketogenic diet. Does it work? What are the benefits? Is it sustainable? Are people doing it the right way? Is it healthy?

Andres Ayesta is a great person to dive into this topic with.

About Andres: Andres is the true representation of a driven expert fueled with a passion to help others transform their bodies and their lives.  He founded Vive Nutrition as a movement, and a community to help people optimize life performance and see the best version of themselves.

He has spent the last 10 years studying and learning nutrition and the art of connecting education with application. He believes nutrition extends beyond what you eat, but the environment you are surrounded by. He coaches people to create a journey of self-awareness and self-discovery to achieve their most desired goals.

Enjoy this episode as we dive into Keto with Andres!

While we don't recommend any specific diet; we find it important to provide clarity and solid information so you can make your own decisions.  Our goal with this show is to help you make informed decisions to craft a healthy lifestyle that works best for you and your goals.

Sometimes, less is more.  On this episode, we breakdown the signs of Overtraining: The symptoms to recognize and ways to get ahead of it. 

Training can be an incredible outlet for most of us. Once we get into a solid routine; some of us want to train every day. We do this for many reasons; to train for an event, as a way to release stress, as therapy, as a way to be with friends, etc.  But if we train at a high level without adequate recovery or nutrition, we will ultimately hit a point of 'overtraining'.

This is where a healthy habit of exercise can start to yield negative results. For Instance, your performance may suffer and your strength decrease.  It can be a frustrating place to be.  So Ryan and Joe tackle this topic to understand what to look out for and how to get ahead of it!

Remember to share this episode with friends and leave a comment!

Joe and Ryan

We were honored to have Alonzo Wilson, Co-Founder of Tone House, join us for this episode.  Alonzo's story is one that inspires me every time I hear it.  What was the inspiration behind starting Tone House and where do the ideas of this unique concept come from? Tone House is the first Athletic, Performance Based Group fitness studio; launching in NYC. 

We got to dive into his background and upbringing; which shows this man might be a real life super hero. At a 11 years old, he looked like he could bench press your Dad's truck.  

Alonzo played college football at Grand Valley State, under the leadership of Brian Kelly (now head coach of Notre Dame). With a promising football career ahead of him, the sudden decline of his mother's health took him down a different path. We learn more about how Alonzo turned one of the most difficult moments of his life; into the driving force for launching a community that has changed countless people's lives and an entire industry. 

We hope you enjoy this episode! Like, Share, Comment. 

Joe and Ryan

On our first episode of 2020, we shine light on the always fascinating topic of DIETS.  Every year there is a popular diet being presented to us as the supposed 'best way' for us to eat.  Why is it that so many people believe and push their specific diet?  Is there such a thing as one perfect way for us to all eat? Why are these diets being pushed in our face? 

Joe and Ryan dive into this topic and shine light on how to use these diets to your advantage.  How you can free yourself from restriction and understand why these diets rise in popularity. 

With the ultimate goal being Freedom to eat food you enjoy and food that serves you!  Enjoy this episode

Leave a comment and share this video!

Joe Rodonis (@joerodonis) and Ryan Turner (@foodisfuelnyc)

The New Year is fast approaching; a very popular time of year to reflect and set goals for the year ahead.  I think we all understand the power and importance of goals; however, what causes so many of us to burn out before March even hits?  

Ryan and Joe talk about some different approaches to help you set a vision for your life and focus on the long term to help you stay the course. 

Leave a comment / Share with a friend / and find us on Instagram @foodisfuelnyc @joerodonis

Welcome to The Breakdown! Helping you find a strategic approach to your training.  On this episode, Ryan and I talk about preparing for the Holidays.  We offer a few approaches on how to be in the driver seat with your nutrition; while still allowing yourself to enjoy the Holidays. 

How to be proactive with your training during this time of year and use it as a time of reflection; to come back recharged and better than ever. 

Hear 9 tips on Holiday eating from the guru of nutrition, Ryan Turner.  And hear about some approaches to training and how to use this week to your advantage. 

You can also find us on Instagram @joerodonis and @foodisfuelnyc

Thanks for listening!