Powerlifting, Mental Health and the Pursuit of Personal Growth w/ Dom Calvano

In this episode, I interview my friend Dom Calvano who I have known for almost 10 years through Winners Edge gym. We discuss his transition to college and its effect on his mental health as well as the impact playing soccer had on his life. We also talk about Dom’s inclination towards awareness of his mental health and his desire to work on it.

Transcript

0:00:12
Alright.

0:00:13
Welcome welcome to another episode of Hunter and Stones. Today, my guest is Don Calvano. Don's a longtime friend of known from Winter's Edge, and he very graciously accepted to be on here today and open put me a little bit and talk. So -- Mhmm. -- Tom, if you wouldn't mind just starting up the podcast, kind of telling people a little bit about yourself. Yeah. Of course.

0:00:31
So like John said, I'm Dom Calvano. I'm twenty nine years old. I born, raised, reside, and watch out, Wisconsin. I've known John. I've been at the gym now for almost ten years, so about ten years. Yep. And some kind of fast that I've known you that long. Super ex on a different, you know, really excited to do this. I've always want to be on a podcast. I've tried to sort of podcast on my own, so this is really exciting. But, yeah, a little by myself. So like I said, twenty nine years old in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

0:00:56
I I worked for myself. I own my own as you could say construction business, primarily painting, interior modeling, and starting to venture into more exterior stuff. Doing sales for, like, windows, doors, gutters, etcetera. So a little bit of everything, a lot of remodeling. I really enjoyed doing, like, basement remodels, stuff like that. So Yeah. I started my company full time three years ago. I lost my job during COVID and I jumped again and I was like, just gonna do this full time while I am laid off, so I was kinda double dipping. I'd start doing it as like a side hustle coming up on almost ten years now that I've been painting. So it was like a long time coming. And then now here we are going into my over third year full time and coming up on a decade of painting. So That's my professional life, in my personal life.

0:01:50
As John mentioned, I'm at the gym, and that's where I spend most of my time. If I'm not working, I'm probably here. Competitive power of the thing. I've been competing for coming up on probably five, six years in some kind of form. So that's something that I really enjoy. It's a real passion of mine, real hobby. And if I'm not in the gym, I'm the weekends, you'll probably find me on the golf course. That's kind of a little bit about myself. Alright. Alright.

0:02:14
Can you and I know a little bit about your family history. Mhmm. Could you kind of talk about your family history? Like, your parents and, like, where you grew up? Yeah. So like I said, I've born and raised in workshop. Still reside there. Currently, still live with my parents as an almost thirty year old man. No shame in admitting it. It is what it is. I did just buy a house set. Shortly be moving into, but it is what it is. So my parents are still together. They've been together for over thirty years now. I have a younger sister who just recently got engaged. She lives up in Minnesota.

0:02:46
But, no, I mean, I have a really good relationship with my parents. I'm really grateful that they've allowed me to live at home without pressuring me to get out during a time that, like, I needed it. Because without that, I don't think I'd have been able to start my business and be able to flourish the way it has. To get me to a point where I just bought my first house to be able to look at it whether that's an investment or a full time house, all these things. So without that, like, I'm very grateful for that opportunity because I wouldn't be sitting here today doing what I'm doing without that opportunity of them allowing me to live out.

0:03:17
Yeah. Yeah. Of course. I mean, I think family is so important. And there's it'll it'll happen like an American culture where I feel like people wanna move out of their parents' house and wanna, like, disassociate from their parents so quickly. But, like, every other culture outside of America, you see how much more people are very involved in their parents' lives. You know, like in Jordan, my uncles, which still stop on my grandma's every single day on their way home, from work, and every single day after work. And I had it at our mom and then go back up to their own house. So I do think, like, parents being there and being there for their kids and supporters. It's huge. And I think that there's never any way to, like, look down on that. Right. They're there to help you and you're obviously continuing to flourish. Get through because I your twenties are a weird time for a lot of period. Weird time. And that's kinda late. You know, so much of this stuff came up for me because my twenties were such a learning period and You know, I'd wanna ask you to I asked you to be on this podcast because during my twenties, during that time coming up, being at Winter's Edge, I'd had a lot of these deep conversations with guys and you're somebody that when me and Kirk would talk, you and we'd also end up talking about mental health, and we kind of open up about this. This side of, like, our lives of -- Right. -- people never talk about, you know, the day most time, we cheat the shit, talk about lifting, and that was it. Mhmm. So that's kinda why I wanted to talk to you about this because I know you've experienced your own level of health struggles and some of it you've learned how to conquer and I know someone that you're still working on because obviously mental health's never like a final journey. For sure. Yeah. So for you, when would you say like your first whether I guess maybe your first battle with mental health started or do you first even aware So I guess it probably started, like, when I went off to college.

0:04:50
I mean, like most people, that's a culture shock. Going from living at home and all these things like when I was in high school, I had a pretty regimented schedule. I played competitive soccer. So it was always something going on, all this stuff, and then all of a sudden I go to college. That's not there anymore. It's like free for all growing up. I didn't like drink or anything. So now all of a sudden, it's like partying and school and then you Girls and all the stuff. I went to Oshkosh, like, one of the biggest drinking cities in the country. And then here I am like, whoa. So it's a big culture shock.

0:05:21
I definitely tried to stay in front of it because they did offer free therapy at Oshkosh. So I did go to a couple sessions because it was quite a growing stage right away. Right away. Like, probably within the first semester I went, I seeked it out, I mean, I probably only want a handful of times, but I'm like, well, it's free. I'll take advantage of it. And I really enjoyed just like talking about it. I'm definitely an introvert, but sometimes, like, when I get going, I can be very extroverted and just, like, spill it all out. So it was a really good thing for me at the time just going through a lot of life changes. From there, life is life.

0:05:59
So anxiety became very prevalent in my life. For better or worse, I know I sometimes, like, when things come up like that, like, I tend to joke about it and be, like, I'm just anxious and stuff, but, like, it was truly there. Tried some medication, didn't really care for it, and just kind of pushed it aside and carried on. And it wasn't till So from that point on, I always knew that there was, like, these anxieties and these feelings and this pressure within me and I don't wanna say unhappiness, but like I knew it was like an unsettling feeling where like I knew I just wanted more and I had more. I just didn't know how to put that out there for everyone.

0:06:35
So it's been like an on and off journey for the last ten years, I guess, you could say. And it's finally taken me to this point now being back in therapy, getting medication, and just like learning how to really express my emotions and what I want. And being confident within myself to be like, hey, that doesn't matter, like, these are my emotions. This is how I feel, and I'm gonna say it, and I'm gonna put that out to everyone that I can finally say, like, I'm at, like, a really good place, but obviously it's a it's a continuous journey. Like every day I, you know, try and read something or listen to something or try and, like, continue to grow every day because I've started and then I stopped and then I regress. And it's just like, okay, this is something I have to do all the time. I have to have those conversations and express those emotions because when I don't things kinda just So there's a there's two things there.

0:07:25
I wanna and I wanna come back to talk about this, which is you Jesus described the character trait, which is you you you almost don't know how to not like, you have to try to get better every day. Like, it seems like that was so natural in you that you just needed to there's a problem and you wanted to address it. It wasn't a problem when you ignored it. Mhmm. But before we kinda get into that, so you said that anxiety kind of came up when you first going to college. Yeah. But do you and you then you can say that it was a feeling that you felt you felt, you felt that pressure, that anxiety, that kind of internal, a little panic that you can feel.

0:07:56
You Remember that starting ever in your childhood? Do you remember it in your younger years? I can't really pinpoint it. Growing up, I was always kinda like the chubby kid, and then I was a chubby kid who played soccer. And so, like, there was always, like, a little bit of, like, name calling because that I was always that kid. Like, I can never really remember being, like, that overwhelming, like, oh my goodness. Actually, not you say it.

0:08:21
It's funny when I look back in when I was in kindergarten and, like, first grade I think, I would work myself up to almost get sick every day before school. Stomach. I have so many stomach aches. I take past the bizmo every morning. I just remember doing it. And then, I mean, at the time, this is, like, in the nineties, early two thousands. My mom, I remember going to the doctor and he's, like, I don't know. Like, it's just fine. Like, get over it.

0:08:41
We're, like, now looking back on it's probably, like, well, maybe there was, like, a little bit of something there. But I don't think that ever really impacted anything. Okay. Do you feel like it You don't so you don't you don't feel like it impacted anything? I mean, I'm sure it did. I guess there was probably always like confidence in self esteem issues, and that was probably internalized and that was probably anxiety. But at the same time, that was the time when people, like, didn't talk about those things. And, you know, when you're eight, ten years old, you're just like, I don't know, maybe I'm just weird. Do you, like, recall your self esteem, like, whether it was fluctuating or maybe for periods to wink down? And, like, do you recall possibly things that happened that brought it back up? Or was it really for you and this is just a kind of you get to Yeah.

0:09:25
It's like when you got into powerlifting, eventually, you started getting, you know Well, at the time, it was suck. Right? So, like, I just had an outlet. I've always had an outlet to pour myself into. So, like, I could always distract myself from everything because, like, at the time I had soccer, was pretty good at soccer, so good enough, then it kept me not only preoccupied, but, like, it was everything. So I was always even if I was home and I just didn't know what to do, I'd go outside and play in soccer ball. Like, whatever. But now it's like, if I don't know what to do, like, I come to the gym, I hang out and do something, stay around it, stay active with it. So, like, I guess, in a way, without knowing I found those coping mechanisms, I found ways to make myself confident, but at the time I didn't know what I was doing. Okay. So So what so did soccer help your self esteem? For sure. Like and and it sound like maybe when you start playing soccer, you're overweight at first and you lost weight throughout Yeah. And slowly that kind of built up -- Yep. -- good at soccer. Yep. Yeah. Totally.

0:10:15
I mean, I just it happened that, like, I always was able to play on good teams and it turned out that I played a lot and then, like, would be, like, a captain of a team and, like, these teams would be successful. So it was, like, okay. Like, I'm actually like, I must be pretty good at this because, like, I just keep kinda climbing the ranks of at the time of what it was and things were going well. So it's like, okay. Yeah. Like, obviously, I'm a little above average. I guess you could say, maybe I'm being a little too humble about it, but I was better than most at it, you can say.

0:10:41
So Did you so do you remember, like, even, like, when even, like, twelve or thirteen, maybe middle school or, like, really early high Well, I guess you probably start playing soccer. I mean, I probably I'm sorry playing soccer. I was, like, two years old. Okay. So it was my entire life. Okay. So you've I always had that, like, friend group of, like, teammates.

0:10:57
You know, has been part of a team sport. Yep. Because I guess, what I wanna kinda get out with that question is, did you have, like, did you have a friend group outside of soccer? And did you do you kinda remember, like, how did you, like, feel in that friend group? Did you feel like you're, you know, like, an equal to your friends? Do you feel like you have to, like, pander to get friends' attention? Did you all feel like you got friend's attention. Did you like, there wasn't a validation thing there with friends? No. Definitely not. And it's funny because now, like, when you say that and I look back, like, I have my group of soccer friends, But the friends I had outside of soccer, I'm still friends with a lot of those guys. And those are friends.

0:11:28
I have a couple of friends that I've been friends with, and I've known since literally the first day of first grade I have a buddy that I still talk to. And it's like, I've known my I only know my life with some of these guys, and some of those guys are still some of my closest friends of this day. It never really felt like there had to be, like, some kind of validation or anything. But I always felt like we were a very, like, close group, but we're we're all very similar. Like, there wasn't, like, one person who seemed to be, like, too good for anyone or, like, the other way, like, every like, we were always, like, it seemed, like, on a very level playing field. We had very similar interests. We weren't, like, you know, two girl crazy or two this or that. Like, everyone was just kinda, like it just, like, work out. So I've always had, like, a good, like, core of friends that even to this day, even if I don't talk to him for a while, like, I could call up and, like, pick up, but it's, you know, we only know our lives with each other, and we've been able to maintain that. So it's pretty cool. Not a lot of people have that. That I mean, that's great because -- Yeah. -- those are friendships that really do mean a lot. As the sort of years continue to grow down.

0:12:24
Do you do you remember what your relationship like was like with your dad, like, in the younger years, in the later years, relationship with you. That kind of always constant in the same. Do you remember, like, fluctuations in it? Yeah. I mean, like, from what I was told, like, when I was younger, I was always, like, a little afraid of my dad, but it was more like he just he always worked really really hard to make sure that, like, myself and my sister could have whatever we needed and do whatever we wanted to do. Like, I mean, for soccer, like, we would travel to, like, Vegas and Kansas City and, like, fly to these places, travel, like, I don't even wanna know how much it cost it because I would feel really guilty now looking back on it, but, like, he always made it work, and he was always there too. So, like, even if it was always, like, vocalized, like, he was always there, always you know, if I needed to get pick up from school, he'd come pick me up all these things that were, like, looking back on were, like, amazing things considering he had to work, you know, two jobs, all this stuff. But, like, we always were able to do, like, I don't ever really remember being told, like, no. Not in like a spoiled way, but, like, I was never held back from an opportunity because of that. He just figured it out.

0:13:28
So would you like, obviously, your dad sounds really great in the sense that he he prioritized that doing things for you guys was not about just him being tired, like, he did it, when he was tired, he did it, when he was working his ass off, but he wanted to be there. Did you feel like, like, would he Would he tell you who loved you often? Do you feel like he was he would emotionally open up with you? Because he obviously did, like, one of the biggest things was just to show up there, kinda be there for his practice for And I think that because what I'm kinda getting at with this question is, like -- Yeah.

0:13:58
-- how do you think, like, you know, some guys seek validation from men because we didn't get it from a dad -- Right. -- in some way to some capacity. But I think at the end of the day, most guys still at the end of the day, can say, well, my dad still he worked. He provided for us. And then Some can have, like, there's the actual level. They work to provide it, and they try to make games, and they try to go to practices. Totally. And how, like, that is different than maybe a dad who was, like, very vulnerable and -- Yep. -- but and emotionally there. Yeah. How how would you say your dad wasn't that sense? Yeah. I mean, they're, like, wasn't a lot of that.

0:14:25
And, like, even within my family, like, no offense, anyone's watching. Like, we're not, like, a hugging family. Like, we go to holidays and stuff, there's not, like, hugs. It's just kinda like, hey, how's it going? We chat? You know, that kind of thing, but it's not really, like, overly, like, emotional, like, I love you, big hugs, all that stuff. That's just not really how any of our families have been. That's, like, both for me dad. Both sides and all sides. Yeah. For sure.

0:14:48
So would you but I'm assuming, like, your mom probably still gave you that love. Because I mean, I'm not sure if your mom Yeah. Right? Yeah. She's not very frustrating. Yes. Yeah. Definitely. So she kinda gave you that, like, enough of that pie emotional horribleness. Yes. So, like, as a whole, there's not a whole, like, on them like that.

0:15:03
So would you say like you felt like you didn't you didn't feel like you missed anything from your parents? Or would you? I mean, I I look at it differently. I wouldn't say I miss on anything. They gave me a lot of opportunities, but, like, know, if there's one thing like I've learned through all of this, it's like and when I say all of this, it's like self discovery, it's just like, I can take parts from them that, like, I really appreciate. I mean, they stayed together for thirty years of marriage. You know, they gave us everything we needed are always there, like, those are amazing qualities.

0:15:36
And at the same time, like, I'm at a weird generation where, like, now some of us are realizing, like, hey, maybe, like, we talk about these kinds of things versus before that, like, you would never vote wise. So it's like, there's a lot of good things that I can take and then there's things that maybe, like, I'll take And if I have a family someday, I can be like, hey, like, I wanna do this because, like, I wanna make sure they feel that. Whether that's right or wrong, It's just like how I look at it now. There's no resentment or hatred or like, I wish, you know, my dad would give me a hug. Like, none of that. It's just like learn from them and keep moving and take the parts you like and you don't like and keep moving.

0:16:11
So so you're very much probably kind of agree with that sentiment that the older you get the more you like, you can really you can see your parents' side of it. You can spin your parents' shoes. And I agree. I mean, it it's never a good thing to sit there and, like, wish your parents did anything differently, but it's good to acknowledge if there was something maybe to you -- Sure. -- you missed and see how, like, you reflect out as an adult can really change your perspective on it because you do see, like, oh, yeah, your parents at the end of the day were just kids that grew up and went through their own struggle. Yeah. And they'd have to raise kids and figure shit out themselves.

0:16:38
And it's like this big circle, but I feel like like trying to talk about things to me if kinda like trying to break that circle a little bit to have these to have these conversations feel like they're normal, like, pretty much a standard power society, not something that, for sure, you know, can't be talked about. And it's like one of those things too, like, even now, like, this is why I enjoy talking about these things because not like something just like hit me as we vocalize this. It's like, I I'm realizing too that, like, there are certain qualities of myself, like, in, like, a relationship that, like, I take for my parents too because, like, I sometimes struggle to be overly affectionate with a partner, but, like, at the same time, like, I'm always there. Like, no matter what, like, I always want to provide and protect and always be there. And now, like, looking back, like, those are things that were instilled to me. Like, amazing great qualities that were instilled to me from a young age. You know, it's just now learning to grow and be like, okay, I know I can show up every day. I know I can protect and provide and all these things. And now it's like, okay, those are amazing traits, but now, like, let's take it one more. And, like, I feel like as, like, a parent to, like, someday, like, I wanna give my children that, but then be like, okay. But I want you to take it one more as well. Like, I know I can do, like, these five things. Like, I want you to do those five things great. But then, like, add two more tools to your tool and take it even more. For sure. For sure. Do you kind of recall You you had touched on the fact that a few and your friend group did it.

0:18:01
Like, you guys were overly obsessed with one thing. You guys weren't so obsessed with girls or overly obsessed with video games or anything like that. So you guys sound like you guys were balancing what you look to do kind of like for sure, what you almost filled your day to day life with when you're young. So do you Do you remember back then, like, what you thought happiness meant? And, like, what you're like, to what level you're chasing happiness? Because I feel like most kids to some level think that I'm gonna be an adult someday and there's something I'm gonna do. Whether it's I'm gonna become an astronaut, I'm gonna be here. You want something? You know, not really. No.

0:18:30
Like, I to answer that question, I I don't I can't really pinpoint one thing. I mean, just growing up, like, we just did a lot of everything, whether it was like playing sports or like, there's always something new that we're getting into and, like, always trying different things whether it was, like, playing football or playing baseball one day or, like, going hiking the woods or, like, we tried to build, like, go kart one time. Like, all these things, like, we were always, I guess, you could say, exploring and trying to find that next thing that, like, we really enjoyed. I don't know if that's really the answer you're looking for, but nothing's really coming to mind on that one unfortunately. Okay.

0:19:04
Well, so now in your adult life -- Yeah. -- in your late twenties, you've been through a lot, you've seen a lot, you've changed a lot, and have grown into yourself even more. Mhmm. Now what does happiness mean for you? I guess that's kinda like what I'm trying to figure out. Okay.

0:19:19
Because, like so for myself, personally, like, I haven't been one of those people who like, knew what they wanna do with their life. Right? Like, I wasn't like take it for example, Kirk won't to gym. He started training people when he was fourteen years old, his passion is lifting all these things. That's what he wanna do. I truly think he's one of the lucky ones who was put on this earth. He found what he was supposed to do and he was able to do it and do it to the best of his ability. I know other people who are the same thing. Right? It seems like they found their career, and it's not just a career, it's not just a job, it's like what they're passionate about, and it's what they're put here to do.

0:19:52
I think sometimes I put too much pressure on myself because, like, I wanna figure out what that thing is for me. So I guess, like, finding happiness is, like, an ever evolving process for myself. And not that I'm unhappy. It's just, like, really trying to, like, hone in now, like, in my late twenties, like, what are, like, the things that I enjoy? Who do I enjoy doing with? And, like, what really brings me happiness? And, like, exploring those things more. So, like, in your twenties, would you say, because, like so you're trying to figure out what that happiness means now. Mhmm. But was there any other any points where you say you had thought you figured it out and then you realized, nope, that was not I was chasing a wrong thing for happiness. Like, have you had any For sure. Yeah. Definitely. Like through, like, relationships and stuff, like, I feel Sometimes I've tried to be like a chameleon with other people to try and like blend in and like like, please other people to try and, like, be like, well, if they're happy, I'll, of course, be happy.

0:20:52
You know, that kind of thing instead of just staying true to myself. So I think if there's one thing I do need to work on and continue to grow with, it's like staying true to myself and running with that idea. Okay. Where do you like, could you give, like, a little more ask? Like, what like, what's an example where, like, where you thought felt like you weren't being true to yourself. And you have to kind of recognize it and like come back. Is there like a small example you'd be comfortable sharing? You know, I guess even, like, from a professional standpoint. Right?

0:21:23
Like so now I work for myself so I can always not always, but can kinda configure my lifestyle to make it what I want it to be. Whereas before, like, I've had jobs in the past that just, like, weren't great, toxic people, toxic environment. It just wasn't gonna work. So I think, like, in that sense, like, being able to recognize that and move on and then just find something that I want. Because not what I do, like, with my job now, like, the opportunity is endless. I can do whatever I want. I work for myself, and I can kinda configure that, but, like, I think professionally sometimes, like, getting stuck in those positions, like, where you just feel stuck and trapped would potentially be an example of, like, for myself at least. Okay.

0:22:04
So, like, on a day to day basis like nowadays then, like, what what what what might be something that, like, Like, you know triggers mental health for you. Like because I feel like the older I've gotten, the more I've figured out almost like the boundaries and the parameters I have to set in my life so that almost keep my mental health in check where, like, when I was young, I would do things that whether I was subconsciously aware or a bench became consciously aware that it was actually affecting my mental health later on. I kept doing it. Now as I'm older, it's like I I continue putting all these foundies and parameters and barriers around the mental health because -- Mhmm. -- all of a sudden it became such an important thing to protect. Yeah.

0:22:40
Like like how you know, back in I I when I was at twenty, I remember when I quit drinking for, like, a year while I was in college, and people thought it was crazy. Right. And people were trying to just have a sip of beer. I'm like, nope. I just wanted the gain train to never stop. I wanted every single bit of muscle I have to build -- Mhmm. -- to be built. And I remember, like, I put all these boundaries of parameters to protect my muscle building, and it took me forever to realize that it was way more important to do that for mental health. Sure. So, like, what do you Where does your mental health come in for you on a day to day?

0:23:11
What kind of, like, little things you feel like you've done to -- Yeah. -- keep your health, mental health at bay. So it's funny that you say that, like, talking about, like, your training right I do all these things. Like, whenever I do that, things regress for me. Mentally, physically all these things. Like, I I'm very much an all in or an all out person. And if I'm all in, I've gone all in, my definition of all in. To power the thing where I cut people out of my life, lost relationships, all these things because I'm like, I can't do this because this is what I want. Well, I usually end up progressing physically there and mentally. So, like for me, it's finding that balance. Right?

0:23:49
But, like, my initial instinct when you asked the question was the first thing I popped in my head of social media. I anytime I feel, like, if I catch myself, like, just mindlessly scrolling, I'm like, okay, something's wrong. Like, I gotta go do something. And I've gotten better at, you know, I I know Andrew Huberman talks like to staring at a screen type thing, just like refocus, stuff like that, get outside, go on a walk, just something. Like, clear my mind, turn on a podcast, laugh a little bit, anything. But, yeah, social media for me is like that was the first thing I popped in my head is like, because I'll be looking at Instagram and I'm like, I don't even enjoy half these people, half these things. It's bringing me zero joy, but it's just also, I find myself just, like, every time that it's, like, opening it, looking, just scrolling, not even enjoying it. And so that was the first thing I popped in my head with social media too. It's, like, trying to remove myself from that as much as possible. But obviously with, like, my business, I post on there a lot, so it's finding that balance.

0:24:38
So it's like, you keep hitting on a theme, which is, like, you've been you've you've been pretty good from most of your life about awareness. Yeah. I would say I'm almost probably too aware of sometimes, unfortunately. Like, you get neurotic. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You're aware of this stuff. Do you you found that that's still a biggest like, it's a biggest I mean, I I'm gonna I'm gonna ride myself. Sure. I'm overly aware of it. Hundred percent is an issue. I've gotten better in my twenties and then my thirties now to, like, learn how to deal with it. Mhmm. Do you feel like you're learning that more and more? Yeah. Like, more or less.

0:25:09
I've learned how to use it probably to my advantage over the time, especially, like, from, like, a business aspect of like, for sales and stuff being aware of people's body language on and stuff, but also, like, it can get bad too. Right? Like, because I can be having a conversation with someone and start picking up on their body language and all this stuff. And then, like, I retreat because I'm like, oh, they don't look like they're having this. Like, sometimes I enjoy being able to read the room and then sometimes I'm, like, I wish I just had, like, an ounce of, like, that blind confidence where you can come in and call someone the wrong name and be, like, oh, man, puts whatever. Like, that would, like, internally even to say that makes me like -- Exactly. -- yeah.

0:25:45
So, like, I am hyper aware to almost a fault. It does save me a lot, but at the same time, it can it's also really been tough on my mental health at times too. It's so okay. I totally relate to that. So because when I I almost deal with that in this way that, like, I'm so hyper aware that I feel like I'm I'm trying to be too much of a chameleon around people. For sure. And there's like a level that I I don't think it's bad. I don't think it's bad to be aware around people, but you're right. It it it can wear in your mental health where Maybe sometimes you'll choose to not be around people when it might be good for you -- Right. -- to have said be by yourself. But do you So this awareness for you that seems like it's always been there.

0:26:27
Also, I think ties into what I said earlier that I wanna touch on, which you seem to also very much have an ingrained mentality of things can be better and things can improve. I just need to put the effort and work into it. You're not you're not you're not you don't see this a bit somebody who accepts this is the way it is and there's something you can do about it. That's it. Like, I am this way. Like, you're like, I am this way, but I will -- Yeah. -- like, there are things I can do to improve. So do you do you feel like you know where that came from? Do you do you have any idea? Do you see that in your mom or your dad? Do you see that in your family in some way that you I don't know that personality trait. I don't really know where that came from. And maybe this sounds terrible. It's just like not having had a lot of self esteem, but I always felt like I could be better.

0:27:11
I I were you were you a perfectionist when you were young? I wouldn't say a perfectionist. Okay. With with certain things, like, I took, like, my training for soccer very serious. Like, I train my my training for power, things very So, like, there's certain things I definitely hone in on that, I would say, I'm kind of a perfectionist, but far from at the same time. Yeah, I don't really know where that came from.

0:27:33
I guess I've always just felt like there's more to me than what I'm able to give at moments. And it's just like, alright, how do I continue to push? It's like, one thing I really like about myself and I think is like an admirable trait is like, I'm the kind of guy, like, I show up every day. I'm always gonna be here. I'm not gonna miss whatever. Like, the alarm clock goes off. I get up and I go. No matter what. No matter if I don't wanna go, no matter if I have to, you know, I always show up. And I think that's something that like I've been able to instill in myself is just show up every day. Good things will happen, whether that's in the gym, whether that's in relationships, whether that's friendships, you know, professionally all that stuff, like, just show up every day. Good things will happen eventually. So I guess I've always just had that kind of mentality. And, like, kind of, there's part of me that's always like, you're not good enough keep going. You're not good enough keep going. Or that's right or wrong. I think that's kind of where that comes from. So that the last point is separate. Okay.

0:28:27
You had mentioned earlier talk about with your dad, like, he always showed up. He always showed up. So how much do you think that kind of relates to the fact, like, you almost you it sounds like maybe you did get that from him -- Yeah. -- because your dad has seemed like he represented Right. The mentality of you show up no matter what. For sure. You're tired, you still show up because you said you'd be there. Mhmm. So you you obviously got it -- Yeah. -- from your dad. For sure. And then have worked on it your own ways and and have developed it. Yeah. Yeah.

0:28:54
That's I feel like that that that voice is it it can get you so far in life. And it's almost like when I wanna whenever I want to be like motivational in the past, I realize all I'm really doing is telling people to have that voice that I have. Right. That that I know you have. And it's really hard because if you don't have that voice, because, you know, motivation motivation and fades and -- Yeah. -- for sure. -- comes and goes, they can give you five percent. Nothing matters if you're not consistent and consistency for you to be consistent, there has to be that voice that always just tells you, like, get a little bit better, always show up.

0:29:28
And I I don't like how do you think you could teach that to somebody if they didn't already intentionally have it? That's hard because it's like I always joke, like, with starting a business, people will be like, oh, I'd love to start a business on a blah blah blah. Like, I always just joke whether it's right or wrong, like, I'm just too stupid not too. Like, why not? Like, I don't, like, I don't wanna say I don't care, but, like, I was just a dumb one who did it, and now it's worked out. It's, like, I feel like everyone who has any I'm not the most skilled person, but I was just dumb enough to do it and then show up every day.

0:30:03
You know, you touched on motivation too, like, I know every day, I'm not gonna wake up motivated to do everything that I have to do, but I showed up. And so maybe with some days, I only can get in six good hours of work. Still showed up. It's better than done. Like, that's all it is.

0:30:20
To teach that to someone? Man, that's They just like, you have to want it, I guess. You have to just like, I'm routine oriented to a fault. But, like, you just have to start that routine. It doesn't have to be anything crazy. It's like, Alright.

0:30:34
Everyday, I just wake up at six:thirty. Like, just start somewhere. Right? And I think even by accident, something small like that, good things will happen. All of a sudden, you're sitting there and you're like, well, I don't have to go to work for an hour and a half. What am I gonna do? Well, there's at least an opportunity to start a good habit. Right? There's an opportunity to go for a time and a walk in the morning read a book or write or, you know, those are, like, the most common, like, self improvement things, but it could just be, like, hey, I get to relax in the morning. I have a cup of coffee and just, you know, BFPs, watch the news. I think that would probably be somewhere to maybe start, but I don't know.

0:31:06
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who just like that's all I know. Yeah. There's definitely a feeling of, like, lucky to it. That, like, that that voice is there and I can't really help it. On my worst days when I don't even want the voice there, it's so embarrassing. It makes you -- Yeah. -- not make bad decisions to some level. It kinda makes you, like, think about your decisions.

0:31:26
So, like, for me, I've always, like, looked at it, like, there's very so many decisions I've made through my life have kind of compounded into, like, decisions that continually kept being good decisions overall. Have you felt that? Have you felt like from your early twenties and near late twenties into, like, where you are now that, like, you only are where you are now because you've made some good decisions or or possibly other way. Like, maybe you've made some bad decisions and those taught you so much. For sure. I mean, I I could I would say probably both. Right?

0:31:52
Like, you know, being young and being like, okay. Like, I wanna start a side hustle or whatever. Like, it start you know, and not all of a sudden that becomes a business. You know, just being committed to the gym, all of a sudden, you know, it starts at, you know, something small and now become something. Right? But then, like, also the bad is, so you have to learn from two. You know, both professionally and relationships, all these things. You have to be able to, like, look at the bad, accept it, and then move forward.

0:32:17
Like, something I've worked on is try not to have, like, regret and I know it's super cliche, but it's like, except for what it is, it happened the past of the past. You can just keep moving forward. And every day, just take, you know, one more step forward. Accepted for what it is. It happened. It can't change it and just keep moving forward. Learn from that lesson, and then just don't repeat it.

0:32:35
Would you say you've always been like that when it came to a request? So there's there's regrets that you had held on to -- Yeah. -- had the first strike goal. Yeah. That's I mean, that's something like I tried in something more recently that I've really worked on. It's just, like, letting go of those regrets and just, like, reflecting back me, like, okay. Like, without these things happen, I'm not where I'm at now. I'm at peace where I'm at now. So, like, it is what it is. But, no, that's something that, like, I've always struggled with. That's definitely even, you know, like, reflecting back into high school, all these things. It was always like I should've done this. I should've done that. And then, like, working myself up over it or now, it's just kinda like, alright, learn to accept it and move on. It doesn't happen instantly. And it's something that, again, if I don't continue to work on, we'll probably go backwards again, but, like, I'm at least recognizing it now. I know going forward, I know I can work past it again even if it does happen.

0:33:25
Do you feel like there's like some perfect state of mental health that you're you're like looking to reach. I would say no because I would compare it to similar like all the other things we talked about were, like, I always feel like there's, like, a next step. So, like, yep, a next thing. And so, like, I guess mental health would be, like, the same way too. And maybe I just look at it that way because I feel like if I ever I've hit places in my life where, like, I thought I, like, made it or I thought I was there, like, this is it, and all of a sudden it's like, oh, no. Like, you're still way down here. Like, there's all this to go. So, like, I there's part of me that things that, like, there's always something better to be able to do. And maybe partially that's my motivation to keep doing it. And maybe, you know, somewhere in the middle there. Okay. Okay.

0:34:14
Would you say like like what's, like, the the darkest time you've probably been through? Like, where mental health was the worst and you have to, like, make it out of that hole? A couple years back, I went through like a really dark stage. It's one of those things I've spent a lot of time thinking about. And I don't really know where it came from, what triggered it or anything. Like, it played a big factor in a relationship, in professional life, in everything, and to this day, I don't really I still can't figure out what it was. I don't know if it was just kinda like one of those spells, I guess. I don't know.

0:34:57
It was right around COVID, like life was changing at the time, like, I just started working for myself. Like, there was a lot of life changes. I was, like, twenty seven twenty six, twenty seven, like, I don't know, it must have just been like a weird age. I wish I had a better answer and be like, oh, it was this side or the other thing. I've still yet to be able to put my finger on what caused it. But yeah, I've definitely gone through that.

0:35:19
But I wasn't prepared to pull myself out of it. So all I knew was to basically, like, internalize and self destruct. We're, like, now I'm realizing, like, when I externalize things, like and I get it out and I have conversations even like this, like, this is, like, therapy for me. Just, like, talking about it. So I'm realizing as a person, like, I have to get it out because when I internalize, like, I just self destruct and I like, just kinda stay within myself and it hurts everyone around me. Yeah. It's like you you try to be a lone wolf. For sure. When in reality, you need a community of guys kinda almost tough to chip on the shoulder type deal. I get to be against everyone instead of, like, being, like, hey, I got amazing people here who care about me, who want to see me succeed, like, lean on them sometimes too.

0:36:01
So would you say you got out of that period almost just like you naturally over time just time healed it? Or did you because with you not necessarily knowing what got you there. I I imagine it must it was hard for you to be like, well, there's this exact thing to fix and it's gonna get me out of it. There wasn't that for you. So what what did you do to kind of feel like you got out of it and whether that was active or almost like an inactive thing you have to do to get out of it?

0:36:24
I mean, I guess at the time, like, within my relationship, I had a partner who was able to be like, hey, like, after the fact of some things happening, like, hey, like, what happened to you? Like, look at these picture like, I would go back and look at pictures. I didn't even look like myself. Like, I was just, like, dead inside and I don't know what it was. But I guess, like, from there, I realized, like, I have prioritize myself and, like, these things. Because, like, without being able to do that, like, it impacts every, like, facet of my life. Mentally, physically, relationship, social, all these things. Like, I didn't wanna do anything. I just wanted to, like, I was so angry at the world. But it's taken me now almost two years later to finally, like, accept that, learn from it, and grow from it. But it's been, like, I didn't know what to do at the time. And looking back now, I feel like I'm more confident, be like, okay, maybe it's time to get back in therapy or, you know, take a medication or talk someone or like any of these things, call a friend just like something.

0:37:23
But at the time, I didn't know what to do for sure. Because, like, you wouldn't have necessarily just come to the gym and talk to Kirk about it. Or if you would have, like, would you have just kinda talked about it surface level? Yeah. Very surface level and that, you know, just I would it would be more of, like, a surface level, and then I would, like, throw out, like, comments and hope that someone would just be, like, hey, are you okay? Like, of those things instead of just like going to a bunny and be like, hey, can like, hey, you wanna go grab a drink? Like, I just need to get some off my chest real quick. We're now much more comfortable doing that, but at the time, wasn't. So it's kinda almost been like a two year journey to pull myself out of that part. But I was able to learn from it and grow from it. So it's kinda, like, accepted for what it is. Yeah.

0:38:02
Because you to really, like, learn about mental health and specifically your own mental health, you, like, have to go through some -- Sure. -- for some period of time. Unfortunately It couldn't have just been bad and you took a pill and it fixed it. Right. Well, if that would happen, you would have lacked some of the growth they haven't gone through now. Mhmm.

0:38:19
And for men especially, I think, you hear this, like, at the age of twenty fives when, like, men's brains finally kind of stopped maturing. So I take that when they say twenty five, that just means middle twenties. Mhmm. And I went through a period where, like, my anxiety got really bad in the middle twenties and I could kind of I didn't I kinda had, you know, stresses and things to explain it, but I couldn't explain how bad it got. Yeah. And there wasn't anything that really worked at the end of the day besides time and acceptance. Yeah. And that you you kind of described a similar situation And that it'll make me curious as I talk to more people.

0:38:52
How many guys almost kinda go through this in their twenties? Yeah. Because when our brain stops growing, we almost have to do this like acceptance We have to do a survey of our life, a survey of reality around us, and either accept it or figure out how we wanna move forward from it. And it's such, I think, such a pivotal time of growth for us -- Mhmm. -- from twenty five to thirty. Right. I think a lot of guys go through that period very isolated. Yeah. And it can feel so lonely and isolated. And even if you make it out at the end of it positively, it didn't have to be that hard or some of that growth could have been even been better for some. And too many of us just don't talk about it. Yeah. And it it or we talk about it really surface level. We never really dig into it. Yeah.

0:39:35
How would you say, like, having the powerful team here, the group of guys, you get, you know, all of the same goal of wanting to get stronger and be bigger. Like, how does that camaraderie play into your mental health? How does it, like, is it, like, a stress reliever to have these days where you get together -- Yeah. -- everybody shooting this shit, having some fun. Can you kind of talk about that? Like that Yeah. I mean, Personally, I think it's good and bad for myself. I think as a whole, it's great and it's good for a lot of people for myself.

0:40:07
Like, I sometimes can get, like, Uber competitive, where sometimes I almost need to, like, pull myself back and be, like, I'm gonna go over here for a little bit because otherwise, like, I almost start attempting people. Because I just, like, for better words, like, I create these stories in my head. I'm, like, alright. I gotta beat this person. It just is what it is. But, like, I'm a competitive person. It's what I'm passionate about. And, like, I don't want anyone to question me. It's just how it goes.

0:40:32
But to know every Sunday morning when we train and you show up like there's gonna be a group of guys or it's for the most part. It's changed over the years, but there's still like a pretty core group of guys to show up every Sunday. Like, there's something special about that, and I appreciate it. And it's like still one of my favorite days and times of the week, which is funny because it's a Sunday morning, and everyone seems to hate Sundays. But, like, show up every Sunday. We do the same thing. We have a good time. Yeah.

0:40:55
I mean, I think that that group mentality, especially in the individual sport, is super important because, like, even when I reflect back, like, when we had a really competitive group of really, really strong guys, like, everyone was stupid strong. And we were doing things that like, if someone told me the things I was doing then, like I'd ever do in my life, if you'd told me that, you know, when I was twenty, that at twenty six, I'd squat eight hundred or whatever. Like, I've been like, there's no way. You know, so it's like it it is like it does bring out the best in people, but I've also been on the art side where I can bring out the worst in myself, but that's also something that I have to work on personally too. So it's funny because, like, both those aspects are things that I've I've kinda like whether it's, like, heard in podcasts or at about lately, one of the first one being like this idea, if you take somebody and you have them do like an iso hold that burns like a motherfucker, you know, they'll hit a minute doing it by themselves.

0:41:48
And they can do a couple workouts and maybe they'll hit a minute thirty doing it by themselves. But you put them in a room full of thirty guys all doing that ice. So everybody's three minutes. Yeah. They're gonna all of a sudden hold it for three minutes. Right. Because so much of this, like, so much of it is, like, mind over matter to limit.

0:42:03
And I can one hundred percent attest to the biggest gains in strength I had was when I train with people stronger for me. Yeah. And I my expectation of reality kept being raised that, like, well, I should be able to do that. So then I would try things I could do. Didn't think I could do it. You would always take one more. Right? Because it was just, like, well, then the thing can do it, I can That is where the strength, that's up for sure. Hey. That's where the difference can really start to come down to. So, like, that's important. I think that's so important, though.

0:42:26
Guys need competitive nature, and then we need, like, this community asked because it can really change the way we process a hundred percent. On the other side of it, like the being overly competitive, I mean, there's definitely research that shows that, like, men need competitive. Yes. And, like, you you need it and desire it to actually almost feel like a man and, like, there's a lot like they like they show with children and play. Like, we'll see them like chimpanzees of, like, this idea of how males interact with each other and competition is like, is how we get along the most, like, this you know, they all like, they women will say men are never vulnerable. But, like, you take a bunch of guys on a football team that just lost a big game -- Right. -- watch them finally cry. Each other's shoulders. They should. Comfort each other because men in competition is when we probably truly feel -- Yeah. -- like we're the most vulnerable. But the other side of that is we can also get overly competitive because we do wanna be better. And you're you're right.

0:43:20
Finding that balance is kind of I think finding that balance is where masculinity starts to, like, kinda we we could talk about this. Right? Yeah. But what is masculine? When masculine isn't just being the strongest, most -- Mhmm. -- like physically impressive guy. Nascalin is this, like, whole attitude that comes with it. Mhmm. Some of that develops from competition -- Yeah. -- but also while holding some humbleness about it. Mhmm.

0:43:46
So that, like, that's kind of like I don't -- Yeah. -- sounds like something you've very much experience that have grown with you. For sure. And it's funny because, like, I'll, like, I'll say it. I've heard a lot of people say it on different podcasts, especially, like, strange ones. Like, I was my strongest, probably, like, when my life was my darkest, like, internally, which is always funny. But I know for myself, like, I just like like I said, I'm a very integral I'm all in and all out and I've been all in a lot, at least for what I would define all in. So then, like, I get frustrated that no one's pushing me because, like, I'm like, I'm dedicating everything to this. Like, I'm banged up. I'm still here. Like, I want everyone to give that and, like, push me. So, like, I also know a lot of that is on my self and what I internalize and not necessarily that, like, on the others, if that makes sense.

0:44:28
So prior to power up thing, you obviously had some kind of competitive nature of that -- Yeah. -- in high school from soccer. Going into college and, like, losing say, like, you didn't play soccer in college right now. So, like, you lost that competitive aspect than being part of a team sport. And, you know, obviously, we talked about -- Mhmm. -- you had anxiety come up in college and started seeing the therapist. But do you feel oh, how did that develop through the rest of college till when you graduated college and kinda -- Yeah. -- kinda got more serious in a pilot thing that you, like, built this other comp kind of a sport to get into. What was that transition like between?

0:44:58
I guess, like, so when I stopped playing soccer, like, I felt like I should have had the opportunity to playing college. So I, like, It was kinda like a bad break up. Like, I resented it and I'm like, I can't do this because I didn't wanna give myself that, like, hope of, like, oh, maybe I'll just, like, try and walk on next year, all this stuff. Like, I just totally went the other way, and I just half of the meet a guy, my freshman year at college. He's like, hey, man, you you like lifting weights. You wanna come train with me? He's like, I think I wanna do power to think, I got a buddy who does this, who wanna try it. I'm like, yeah, sure.

0:45:25
Because then there was part of me who was like, alright, I need to get, like, big and strong, so I never even think of the idea of playing soccer again. Like, if I get big, then I can't play soccer. So, like, I was just going the complete opposite way. So I started doing that, and then, you know, I just film. I was a I've always enjoyed weight training even when I was younger, like, I would go to soccer practice and do soccer stuff, but I would go to the gym after and lift weights. But, yeah, I just, like, totally flipped the script the opposite way, and then I was, like, started doing an individual sport because I'm, like, look, I can push myself as hard as I want. I don't have to depend on other people, like, whatever the outcome is is, like, on me, I don't have to depend on, like, a coach liking my style of play or who I am as a person dictating my successor where I go next. So it just kinda happened right away like I was trying to figure out what I wanna do next. I wanna say active. I liked working out. I met a guy next thing you know. Shortly after that. I mean, Kirk, and here we are ten years later. And Yeah.

0:46:17
Was there, like, a mental health, like I'm it sounds like you didn't necessarily have, like, a mental health mole from, like, not having a competitive, like, thing to till you got into the model thing officially. Like, you just that transition, there was probably a lot. Going on in life. Sure. Yeah. I mean, I think I was so busy with, like, such a lifestyle change with, like, college and relationships friendships and all these things, like, there was just so much going on that, like, it allowed me not to become preoccupied with it. But like I said, there was a part of me that took it, like, a break up where it's, like, I resented it. I didn't wanna watch it. I didn't wanna be around. I didn't wanna play it. Like, I didn't want that popping back in my head like, alright, I still got it. Like, we should try and figure out how to do it. So it was like, nope. Draw a line in the sand like it's done, I have to move on and go from there.

0:47:01
As you've gone through this journey of to, like, learn more and more about your mental health. Do you find that you view others differently? Or, like, you'll you'll know as other people's mental health issues more? Like, notice when somebody else is likely hiding mental health issues? Oh. Yeah. I mean, but I think a lot of that comes back to being like overly aware more than anything because you're picking up their body language -- Yeah. -- picking up their tone. And so, like, I can pick up on their body language, their tone, like you said, all those kinds of things would be like, oh, I know, like, I know that feeling. Like, I've I've looked like that before. I've done that before. I've said that before. So then, yeah, I feel like because of that, and my experiences individually like I can pick up on it pretty quick.

0:47:44
How would you define masculinity by your own terms? Where you are in life now. Man, that's really tough. I honestly never even thought about it. To my to me, I think masculinity being a man is being both like physically and emotionally available and vulnerable. Being able to be a protector and a provider on one end, but also being able to be compassionate loving and expressing of their emotions on the other, being able to be true to yourself and open up in all walks of life and just being as confident in in in yourself and like your center as you can be. Yeah. And that's a great that's a great way to kind of define it. I think that is that hits a lot of, like, the main points I think of of what masculine it is. And, obviously, like, masculine it isn't necessarily male or female necessarily you could be a female and have mass an energy and a male male male male male male male, feminine energy. Mhmm.

0:48:48
How do you find that you have you have you found that you've had to balance having that, like, some level of feminine, like, energy would mask on energy in your life? Yeah. Talk about that. It's been like a struggle for sure because, like, as I mentioned earlier, like, I sometimes struggle with being, like, affectionate or vulnerable and, like, talking about my emotions. It's a very new thing for me that I'm trapped. Like, I don't wanna say trying working on developing, you know, growing into. But yeah, I know that's definitely been a struggle of mine.

0:49:19
Throughout my whole life as being able to just be, like, vulnerable with someone. Yeah. Vulnerability is a It's scary. Yeah. It's scary. But The older yeah. The older I get, the more I see the need to not have to not be vulnerable. Like -- Right. -- the need the need to be vulnerable. Mhmm. And how how important it actually is and -- Yeah. -- especially with with guy friends and the fact that how often we feel shit that we relate on than, like, if we just were vulnerable about it, we'd be like, oh, wait. You're going through that too. Or you just went through that last year and you can give me some advice that, you know, how you handle it. Yep. That I think that's just so important. Right. Yeah. I I had a I had a question there. I wanna tangent off of that.

0:50:07
Would you say like you saw your parents play like a masculine and a feminine role growing up that really separated that Yeah. I mean, I think my parents were very traditional in that aspect. My dad went to work every day, all that kind of stuff that my mom stayed at home with my sister and I. So it was very traditional. Like, stay at home make meals, clean the house, do the laundry, take care of the kids, that kind of thing. So there's definitely that, like, traditional, like, male role, female role, and not much in between. And your mom like you said, you both of your sides of your family are are not overly emotionally, like, vulnerable people or, like, very big huggies, but you probably like, did you still see your mom be more vulnerable, emotionally vulnerable than your dad? Yeah. I mean, more probably in for sure. Yeah. But probably more in that traditional, like, feminine way. Yep. Yep. Do you do you, like, you and your sister are only two years apart? Yep. Right? So Yep.

0:51:01
How do you see, like, your sister, like, and how she's grown up compared to you? Do you kinda see any differences? Yeah. I mean, I would say we're very different in a lot of ways. She's much more, like, stern into the point. I don't mean this in a bad way. Maybe, like, a little more heartless. Yeah. She's not afraid to, like, hurt someone's feelings she has to and say it whereas, like, I would always consider what someone sitting on the other side for me would have to say or think about me. Not that she doesn't care, but she's way more she has that ability to just be more straightforward than I am. Like, you like, you'd kinda like, you're a little more empathetic. Yes. For sure. You can see somebody because you're so aware, you'll see somebody else's reaction. You can, like, almost imagine in your own head what they're feeling -- For sure. -- in a moment. She's definitely more, like, tough in that aspect compared to myself. Okay.

0:51:52
So kinda like wrap it up, is there anything that you would is there any recommendations or things that you would say to your younger self in your early twenties that you'd also, you know, be you'd say to other guys struggling with mental health or going through a journey. Yeah. I mean, I think it would just be like, try to be in as open and honest with yourself as you can be and, you know, just kinda like go with what your heart and your gut say. If you like something, don't be afraid to admit it. Try it. Try everything. You know? Don't be afraid to do something just because you're afraid someone else will judge you for you know, take a risk, take a chance, just be open. You know, if you enjoy being with someone, tell me, enjoy being with them. If you don't, get out of there, you know, just be open and work on that every day. That's advice that thing a lot a lot of people could really It's a small easy chain like, thing to work on, but it can work, you know, go leaps and bounds.

0:52:51
Yeah. It's like the idea of simplest things really do get your first. Right. That's how even, like, in fitness, sleep -- Yep. -- and exercise, take you further. We'll trump anything.

0:52:59
Yeah.