Discomfort Required

Trent Williamson

Discomfort Required is for people who refuse to settle for average. Athletes. Entrepreneurs. Coaches. High performers. Real people having real conversations about success, failure, discipline, sacrifice, mindset, and the shit that happens when nobody's watching. No b******t. No highlight reels. No pretending we have it all figured out. Just honest conversations with people willing to embrace discomfort and keep getting better.

Episodes

  1. 2 days ago

    Want To Be A Better Coach? | El Senouvor from Brute Strength Training

    This week on Discomfort Required, I sit down with El Senouvor from Brute Strength Training for a conversation about coaching, mentorship, building athletes, and what it actually takes to get better at this shit. El has been a huge mentor in my own coaching journey, so this one gets pretty real. We talk about everything from his evolution as a coach and the early days of writing programming in notebooks to working with high-level CrossFit athletes and developing the next generation of coaches. We get into why nutrition can be the difference between making Quarterfinals and breaking through to Semifinals, why fundamentals still matter in a sport that is constantly changing, and why consistency will beat a massive training push every single time. We also talk about something that has had a huge impact on my own business: cold calling. El challenged me to call six people every week, and that simple assignment ended up changing the way I approached business, rejection, and putting myself out there. And underneath all of it is the same idea that drives this podcast: If you want something meaningful, discomfort is part of the deal. We talk rejection, mentorship, athlete development, coaching business, CrossFit, fundamentals, AI, and a whole lot of shit in between. Real coaches. Real experiences. Real conversations. Discomfort Required. What we get into: How El's coaching philosophy has evolved over the yearsWhy Brute is moving back toward a cohort-style mentorship modelThe cold-calling challenge that changed my approach to businessWhy rejection isn't something you should take personallyNutrition and the difference between Quarterfinal and Semifinal athletesHow El got into CrossFit in the first placeGoing from coaching classes to writing programming for individual athletesBuilding a coaching business through referrals and relationshipsWhy finding the right athlete-coach fit mattersWhat has changed about coaching elite CrossFit athletesWhy fundamentals still matter more than chasing every competition movementWhy consistency is probably the biggest missing piece for intermediate athletesCaring about the human before worrying about the performanceBuilding better coaches and improving the coaching industry Brute Coaching Mentorship Click here

    Want To Be A Better Coach? | El Senouvor from Brute Strength Training
  2. 2 Sept

    Want to Prep for Tactical Games Nationals? Start Here. | Jen Libby

    What does it actually take to show up to Tactical Games Nationals ready to perform? In this episode, Jen Libby breaks down exactly how she approaches the final weeks before a big event—from tapering training and confirming her zeros to recovery, mindset, pacing, and keeping her head right when it’s time to compete. We get into the shit that actually matters when the event gets close: doing less instead of more, trusting your fundamentals, managing your heart rate, and not doing anything stupid just because competition is right around the corner. Jen also breaks down how she approaches dry fire, why competitors tend to overlook the basics, how she chooses which Tactical Games events to compete in, and what her routine looks like once she gets to Nationals. And we go deep on the mental side of competition—because you can have all the fitness and shooting ability in the world, but if your head isn't in the right place, none of that matters. If you're training for Tactical Games, thinking about competing, or just want to know what high-level preparation actually looks like, this one is for you. 🧠 The Big Takeaways1. Build confidence before competitionYour final sessions shouldn't leave you questioning everything. Do the work, sharpen the skills, and get the fuck out. 2. Fundamentals winGrip. Stance. Reloads. Weapon manipulation. Positions. The boring shit is usually the shit that saves you when everything gets chaotic. 3. Practice with intentionYou don't need to hammer the same weakness for three hours because you had one shitty rep. Know when to step away, reset, and come back later. 4. Keep your routine normalFood. Sleep. Warm-up. Schedule. Recovery. The closer you can keep competition week to your normal routine, the less unnecessary b******t you're dealing with. 5. Stop hoping. Start believing.There's a massive difference between “I hope I finish top five” and “I'm going to finish top five.” You don't get to control every outcome—but you absolutely control what you're telling yourself when you step onto that stage. Find Jen @Jen__Libby Find all the episodes on   @discomfortrequired #TacticalGames #CrossFit #MentalToughness #CompetitionMindset #TacticalAthlete #ShootingSports #CrossFitCoach #DiscomfortRequired #JenLibby #HighPerformance #makeyourownluck #showup #workhard #stayhumble

    Want to Prep for Tactical Games Nationals? Start Here. | Jen Libby
  3. 28 Aug

    You Failed, Now What? Why You Don't Get To Just Quit | Stacy Terry

    Failure sucks. Nobody likes it. Nobody wakes up excited to fuck something up, miss the goal, fail the test, or realize they weren’t as prepared as they thought they were. But failure is also part of the deal. In this episode of Discomfort Required, I sit down with Stacy for a conversation about failure, discipline, accountability, and what it actually looks like to keep showing up when shit doesn’t go your way. Stacy has a pretty unique perspective on this. Between aviation, the military, school, parenting, and eventually making his way to his dream job at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, he’s had plenty of opportunities to learn that failure isn’t something you can avoid. Sometimes it’s literally built into the process. We talk about failed tests, shitty weather, bad landings, the possibility of washing out, and the years of sacrifice it took to get where he wanted to go. And honestly, that’s where the conversation gets really good. Because the question isn’t “Did you fail?” You will. The question is “What  are you going to do about it?” We get into why discomfort isn’t always physical. Sometimes discomfort is studying when you’d rather go out. Sometimes it’s admitting you screwed up. Sometimes it’s having a hard conversation with yourself and figuring out where you went wrong instead of blaming everyone else. We talk about the difference between failing and quitting, how ego can completely derail your response to failure, and why throwing a tantrum because you missed a lift or didn’t hit a goal isn’t going to get you any closer to the next one. Stacy also tells the legendary “sprinkles are for winners” story from his Air Force days, which somehow turns into a pretty damn good lesson about winning, losing, and moving on. Then we get into parenting. Stacy talks about how he coaches his kids through running and baseball—using video, technical feedback, accountability, and a whole lot of making them actually look at what happened instead of just telling them they're good. And that's really where we land: You don't get to quit at life. You might need to change the goal. You might need to change the plan. You might need to admit you f****d something up and start over. But you don't get to quit. Failure isn't the opposite of progress. It's part of it. So shut up, get quiet, figure out what happened, learn from it, and get back to work. That's what we do when we fail. ✅ Subsribe to the channel ✅ Leave a 5-star review ✅ Share this episode with someone who's ready to stop chasing comfort and start building the life they actually want. Remember... Growth isn't comfortable. It's required.

    You Failed, Now What? Why You Don't Get To Just Quit | Stacy Terry
  4. 28 Jul

    What Does It Mean To Actually Endure Hard Things | Adam Everett

    Comfort is expensive. Growth costs something. Every week on Discomfort Required, we sit down with people who've chosen growth over comfort and unpack the lessons that helped shape who they are today. What does it really mean to endure? This week, I sat down with Adam Everett for one of my favorite conversations yet. We dive into what it takes to become the kind of person who doesn't run from adversity—but grows because of it. We talk about faith, leadership, mental health, business, community, and why real high performance starts long before anyone sees the results. Adam shares the lessons he's learned building Desert City CrossFit, creating the Endure Project, and helping people become stronger from the inside out. If you're chasing growth, purpose, and becoming a better leader, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover:Why discomfort is required for real growthThe difference between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual toughnessHow faith and daily discipline shape high performersBuilding strong communities through shared challengesWhy self-awareness is one of the most underrated performance toolsThe story behind Desert City CrossFit Competition and its explosive growthLeadership lessons learned through failure, risk, and resilienceHow internal health impacts every area of your life and businessWhy brotherhood and accountability matter more than everWhat it truly means to endure when life gets hardConnect with Adam📲 Instagram: @adameverett 🏜️ Ndure Project: @thendureproject 🏋️ Desert City Classic @desertcityclassic If this episode challenged you or gave you a new perspective, do me a favor—share it with someone who's committed to becoming a better husband, leader, athlete, or human. Comfort is easy. Growth is earned. Discomfort Required.

    What Does It Mean To Actually Endure Hard Things | Adam Everett
  5. 16 Jul

    Thinking About The Tactical Games? Watch This First | Kelly & Jon Urwiler

    What happens when you stop chasing comfort and start chasing growth? In this episode of Discomfort Required, I sit down with Kelly and Jon Urwiler to talk about what it really takes to compete at a high level in the tactical world. We dive into their journey into The Tactical Games, what they've learned competing across the U.S. and internationally, and why the community around this sport is unlike anything else. This isn't just a conversation about fitness or shooting—it's about becoming someone who's willing to do hard things, learn from failure, and show up for the people around you. Whether you're thinking about signing up for your first Tactical Games, looking to level up your mindset, or just need a reminder that growth lives on the other side of discomfort, this episode is for you. In This EpisodeWhy discomfort is the price of growthHow Kelly and Jon train for Tactical Games competitionBalancing strength, endurance, shooting, and recoveryWhy the Tactical Games community is differentLearning from failure and competing under pressureThe mindset required to perform when it matters mostWhat competing internationally taught themThe differences between U.S. and overseas competitionsPractical advice for first-time competitorsGear recommendations, safety, and dry-fire trainingUpcoming events, including the Total Operator ChallengeWhy helping others become better competitors makes everyone stronger✅ Leave a 5-star review ✅ Share this episode with someone who's ready to stop chasing comfort and start building the life they actually want. Remember... Growth isn't comfortable. It's required.

    Thinking About The Tactical Games? Watch This First | Kelly & Jon Urwiler
  6. 24 Jun

    Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck | Chase Tolleson on Mindset, Business & Rewriting Your Reality

    In this episode of Discomfort Required, I sit down with business coach, entrepreneur, and mindset expert Chase Tolleson for a conversation that goes way beyond business strategy. We dive into the stories we tell ourselves, how those stories shape our reality, and why so many people stay stuck chasing success without ever feeling fulfilled. Chase shares his journey from serving in the Navy to building a CrossFit gym, transitioning into online coaching, and eventually helping entrepreneurs break through the mindset barriers holding them back. We talk about the role discomfort plays in growth, why ownership is the foundation of success, and how self-awareness can completely change the trajectory of your life and business. This conversation covers everything from sales and coaching to fatherhood, personal growth, and what it actually means to become a high performer. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you're capable of more than what you're currently experiencing, this episode is for you. In This Episode🔥 Chase's journey from the Navy to entrepreneurship 🔥 Why mindset matters more than tactics 🔥 The power of ownership and taking responsibility for your reality 🔥 How to build trust and create authentic relationships with clients 🔥 Why manipulative sales tactics eventually fail 🔥 The connection between success, fulfillment, and self-awareness 🔥 Practical goal-setting strategies that actually work 🔥 How high performers think differently 🔥 Balancing business, family, and personal growth 🔥 Rewriting the stories that keep you stuck 🔥 The mindset shifts that come with becoming a father 🔥 Why discomfort is often the path to clarity and growth One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Chase's perspective on success. Too many people chase more money, more clients, or more achievements without ever asking whether they're building a life they actually want. Chase breaks down how self-awareness, intentionality, and personal responsibility can help create both business success and a meaningful life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, coach, business owner, or someone looking to level up in life, you'll walk away from this episode with practical takeaways and a new perspective on what's possible. Enjoy the episode. And remember... Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Connect with Chase: 📱 Instagram: @coach_chase_tolleson 🎥 YouTube: Chase Tolleson YouTube Channel 🌐 Website: ChaseTolleson.com Find all the episodes on    / @discomfortrequired Follow along on https://www.instagram.com/rawrathletics/ #DiscomfortRequired #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #MindsetPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #HighPerformance #Entrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #BusinessCoach #SmallBusiness #OnlineBusiness #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset #GrowthMindset #MentalToughness #SelfAwareness #Discipline #PersonalGrowth #HighPerformanceHabits

    Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck | Chase Tolleson on Mindset, Business & Rewriting Your Reality
  7. 13 Jun

    How To Dominate The Tactical Games | Jen Libby

    What does it take to compete at a high level in The Tactical Games? In this episode of Discomfort Required, I sit down with Jen Libby—CrossFit Level 3 Coach, Tactical Games competitor, and one of the toughest athletes you'll meet. Before she was competing for podium spots and qualifying for Nationals, Jen spent years in the equestrian world. We dive into how working with horses taught her discipline, grit, and the ability to stay committed when things get uncomfortable—lessons that still show up in her training and competition today. We talk about her journey from horse shows to CrossFit, how she found The Tactical Games, and what it really takes to perform in a sport that demands strength, endurance, shooting ability, and mental toughness. Jen also shares lessons learned from injuries, setbacks, and failures along the way, plus the mindset shifts that helped her go from simply showing up to competing at the highest level. If you're interested in The Tactical Games, becoming a better athlete, building mental toughness, or learning how high performers handle adversity, this conversation is packed with value. In This Episode🔥 From horses to The Tactical Games 🔥 How CrossFit prepared Jen for competition 🔥 What makes The Tactical Games so challenging 🔥 Building strength, endurance, and shooting skills at the same time 🔥 Overcoming injuries and setbacks 🔥 The mindset required to compete for podium finishes 🔥 Coaching athletes while continuing to compete 🔥 Advice for first-time Tactical Games competitors 🔥 How to train smarter when time and resources are limited 🔥 Why grit, consistency, and embracing discomfort always win Whether you're preparing for your first Tactical Games event, chasing a podium finish, or simply looking for motivation to do hard things, Jen delivers a ton of practical advice and hard-earned wisdom in this episode. Enjoy the conversation. And remember... Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Find Jen @Jen__Libby Find all the episodes on   @discomfortrequired Follow along on https://www.instagram.com/rawrathletics/ #TacticalGames #CrossFit #MentalToughness #CompetitionMindset #TacticalAthlete #ShootingSports #CrossFitCoach #DiscomfortRequired #JenLibby #HighPerformance #makeyourownluck #showup #workhard #stayhumble

    How To Dominate The Tactical Games | Jen Libby
  8. 13 May

    Discomfort Required Podcast: Nikki Lobach| Built Different, Being Tactical And Crushing Life

    Discover how Nikki Lobach balances a demanding firefighting career, competitive sports, and personal growth through mindset shifts, discipline, and community support. This episode explores the importance of discomfort, mental toughness, boundaries, and intentional living to unlock your full potential. In this episode: Nikki shares her journey from ordinary beginnings to firefighting and tactical competition (00:34)The role of mental toughness and visualization in high performance (08:42)How embracing discomfort drives personal and athletic growth (07:05)Strategies for balancing family life, career, and fitness routines (47:36)Insights on building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome (31:56)The impact of community, mentorship, and supporting women in fire and fitness (16:16)Tactical training tips: dry fire, equipment, and event preparation (75:13)Perspectives on life urgency and living intentionally (62:13)The importance of boundaries and protecting your energy (57:12)Nikki’s upcoming competitions and plans for continued growth (69:22)Timestamps:  00:00 - Episode introduction and guest overview 00:34 - Nikki’s origins and journey into firefighting 08:42 - Mental strategies for high performance and visualization 07:05 - Why discomfort is essential for growth 16:16 - Mentorship and supporting women in fire and sports 31:56 - Managing imposter syndrome and self-doubt in competition 47:36 - Balancing family, career, and fitness discipline 62:13 - Life perspectives from a first responder’s view 69:22 - Upcoming competitions and training plans 75:13 - Tactical gear, dry fire training, and event preparation 78:25 - Optimizing training with tools like Mantis and equipment 57:12 - Setting boundaries and protecting mental energyResources & Links: MantisX Shooting & Dry Fire Training Tactical GamesWomen Firefighter Mentorship ProgramsConnect with Nikki Lobach: InstagramEnjoy this inspiring conversation on pushing limits, building resilience, and living intentionally! Find more Discomfort Required Episodes on @discomfortrequired and Spotify Follow Discomfort Required and RAWR Athletics on instagram

    Discomfort Required Podcast: Nikki Lobach| Built Different, Being Tactical And Crushing Life
  9. 11 May

    How To Be The Best At Physical Therapy | Dr. Kaytlyn Wells

    Most people underestimate the power of discomfort in unlocking exponential growth. Kaytlyn Wells, a doctor of physical therapy and relentless high performer, reveals how embracing the suck can make you stronger, smarter, and more impactful — both personally and professionally. In this candid conversation, she shares her winding journey from college athlete to successful online entrepreneur, highlighting how setbacks, injuries, and even grief fueled her resilience and clarity of purpose. You’ll discover how Kaytlyn’s experiences with shoulder injuries transformed her approach to physical therapy, turning her into a specialist for lifters and those with stubborn pain. She breaks down her proven framework for high performers: controlling the controllables, crushing limiting beliefs, and harnessing mindset shifts like moving from scarcity to abundance. Plus, Kaytlyn’s honest takes on building a thriving community while battling doubt and typical industry frustration will inspire you to keep pushing through your own hurdles. This episode isn’t just about health or business — it’s about reclaiming your power when life throws curveballs. Kaytlyn shares her no-BS advice for thriving amid chaos, including how gratitude and perspective turned her toughest seasons into fuel for growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or anyone aiming to elevate, you’ll walk away with practical mindset hacks and a fresh perspective on why discomfort is the secret weapon for transformation. If you’re ready to embrace the challenge and build resilience that lasts, this episode is your blueprint. Perfect for high performers hungry for impact, entrepreneurs chasing growth, or anyone committed to showing up better every day — tune in and learn how to turn pain into progress. Find Kaytlyn @beyondrecoveryprs Find more Discomfort Required Episodes on @discomfortrequired and Spotify Follow Discomfort Required and RAWR Athletics on instagram

    How To Be The Best At  Physical Therapy | Dr. Kaytlyn Wells
  10. 8 May

    Discomfort Required Podcast: Shane Ramer | Growth, Discomfort and Purpose

    The conversation between Trent and Shane Ramer covers topics such as sobriety, discomfort, high performance, mindset, and personal growth. Shane shares insights on the importance of discomfort, mindset, and the impact of failure on personal growth. Trent discusses his journey to sobriety and the significance of addressing mental health issues. The conversation also delves into the challenges of high performance and the importance of being present in life. The conversation delves into the theme of presence and staying grounded, the impact of fear and the pursuit of passion. It also explores the challenges of alcoholism and the journey to sobriety, as well as the importance of mindset and personal growth. Takeaways Sobriety as a catalyst for personal growthThe significance of discomfort and mindset in achieving high performance Presence and staying groundedThe impact of fear and the pursuit of passionChapters 00:00 The Power of Presence21:26 Dealing with Challenges and Staying Present29:32 Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Growth36:09 Promoting the Book and Conclusion That Sober Guy - Shane’s website and community That Sober Guy Book - How Do I? Real Answers for Men Who Want to Quit Drinking, Lead Strong, and Win at Life Connect with Shane Ramer: InstagramFacebookPodcast: The Sober Guy Additional:Shane’s free men's community: Victory Circle Shane’s book on Amazon (currently available for $7.99) - How Do I? Find more Discomfort Required Episodes on @discomfortrequired and Spotify Follow Discomfort Required and RAWR Athletics on instagram

    Discomfort Required Podcast: Shane Ramer | Growth, Discomfort and Purpose
  11. 2 May

    What It's Like To Race A Sailboat Around The World | Hannah Jenner

    Most of us instinctively chase comfort—yet real growth happens exactly where we’re uncomfortable. In this episode, Hannah Jenner shares how embracing discomfort transformed her from a shy UK teen battling an eating disorder into an elite sailor who navigated around the world and triumphed over the odds. Her story challenges the myth that we should avoid hardship; instead, she reveals that adversity is the most reliable path to resilience, creativity, and success. Discover the mindset shifts that allowed Hannah to go from nearly quitting sailing to racing around the world in record time. We break down her fearless approach to pushing past mental and physical barriers, and how she harnessed discomfort to develop grit and unwavering focus in extreme conditions—from battling storms in the Atlantic to enduring months at sea with no escape. Her journey is a masterclass in mental toughness, perseverance, and the power of refusing to settle for comfort. You'll learn concrete lessons like how to reframe challenges as opportunities, the importance of developing a “long suffer” mindset for endurance, and how to stay laser-focused on your biggest goals despite distractions. Hannah shares her secret weapon for fighting imposter syndrome, her strategies for managing burnout after 15 years of adventure, and why she’s now chasing new feats that scare her—like ultra-running and Masters competitions—just to keep the fire alive.This episode underscores a powerful truth: the greatest growth often comes when we willingly choose to be uncomfortable. Whether you're seeking a new career, overcoming personal obstacles, or craving the resilience to face future storms, Hannah’s story is a blueprint for turning adversity into your greatest strength.Perfect for high performers, athletes, entrepreneurs, or anyone ready to reframe discomfort as an essential ingredient for success. If you’re tired of playing it safe and ready to unlock your full potential, this episode is your wake-up call. Dive into a journey of relentless grit, unshakable focus, and the courage to thrive in chaos. Find more Discomfort Required Episodes on @discomfortrequired and Spotify Follow Discomfort Required and RAWR Athletics on instagram

    What It's Like To Race A Sailboat Around The World | Hannah Jenner

About

Discomfort Required is for people who refuse to settle for average. Athletes. Entrepreneurs. Coaches. High performers. Real people having real conversations about success, failure, discipline, sacrifice, mindset, and the shit that happens when nobody's watching. No b******t. No highlight reels. No pretending we have it all figured out. Just honest conversations with people willing to embrace discomfort and keep getting better.

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