The Any Given Day Podcast

Nate Palin
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Inspiring action by sharing stories from and for military veterans who continue to touch the flame through physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Hosted by former Army Ranger and current Human Performance Coach, Nate Palin.

  1. Episode 22 - Live Ready and Win

    3d ago

    Episode 22 - Live Ready and Win

    OverviewLt. Col. Joe "Coach" Cruz has spent 32 years in uniform and every year of it trying to make the people around him better. This episode covers building meaningful connection and military peer training pipelines that actually work, running a 50-mile ultramarathon at 50 years old, and the three mantras that have guided everything Joe Cruz does. About Joe CruzLt. Col. Joe "Coach" Cruz is an Army officer and human performance leader with more than 32 years of military service, and a concurrent career dedicated to optimizing human performance. He currently serves as the Transformation and Innovation Officer to The Adjutant General for the New Mexico Army National Guard, where he leads initiatives focused on readiness, innovation, and organizational transformation. Coach Cruz has commanded at both the company and battalion levels and deployed twice to the CENTCOM area of operations, serving on Embedded Transition and Military Engagement Teams that advised and assisted Afghan National Army and Jordanian Armed Forces personnel in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Spartan Shield. Before transitioning to the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program in 2020, he spent a decade as a Human Performance Program Manager supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces. He later served as H2F Program Director for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bliss, Texas, and the 165th Infantry Training Brigade at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Coach Cruz is passionate about building systems that improve readiness through leadership, physical preparation, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His mission is to help individuals and organizations live ready and win. Episode TakeawaysLive ready and win — not a slogan, a standard. The commitment to being physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared for whatever comes nextNever out of the fight — keep moving forward regardless of pace, conditions, or how far you have left to goDon't be defined by what you do — be defined by who you are. You don't need a uniform or a title to contribute goodness to the worldAlways improve your fighting position — constant forward motion, constant refinement, constant contributionHire for character and train for skill — emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills are harder to develop than technical competencyThe challenge became the gift — at mile 38 of a 50-mile ultra, Joe wasn't suffering. He was grateful.Reciprocal energy — the best rooms are the ones where energy flows both ways. Build those rooms intentionally.Show up for people — when Coach Uch needed someone, Joe canceled his trips and drove to Arizona. That's the standard.Meaningful connection requires intentionality — the circle gets smaller as life gets busier. Protect it and maximize every overlap.We are contagious — when you live your best life and stay ready, you don't infect people. You inspire them.Episode LinksThe Talent War — by Mike Sarraille and George Randle Armed Forces Series Challenge North Fork 50-miler

    1h 3m
  2. Episode 21 - Always Ask w/ John Mackersie

    Jun 22

    Episode 21 - Always Ask w/ John Mackersie

    OverviewJohn Mackersie called in from a hotel room in Crete — which tells you everything you need to know about him. A former collegiate athlete turned strength coach, John spent nearly seven years living in Europe before heading back stateside with his wife, three boys, and a coaching philosophy built on simplicity, creativity, and showing up consistently regardless of what life looks like that day. This one covers training through busy seasons, why exercise is just play, and the two-word piece of advice that might change everything. About John MackersieFormer collegiate athlete turned strength coach, dedicated family man, and outdoor adventurer. Alongside his amazing wife, he manages a chaotic, fun-filled house of three boys and two dogs. He’s a lover of big adventures, hard workouts, and the great outdoors. Episode TakeawaysAlways ask — everybody has thoughts, everybody is curious. Ask the question. You never know where it's going to lead you.Exercise is just play — it doesn't need to be a ninety minute structured session. Find where people are comfortable and play with them.Make a deal with yourself — if you hit your primary lifts, you've earned the right to walk. Accessories drive primaries, and primaries drive everything.You can never make up for lack of intensity with volume — hit the intensity, and the volume will followYou can never make up for lack of frequency with intensity or volume — consistent touchpoints open the door to ten, twenty, thirty minute sessions that actually move the needleLess is more — quality over quantity, especially as life gets busierThe best lifts often happen with no plan — a buddy's garage, a hotel gym, one kettlebell, twenty minutes. Creativity fills the gap that equipment can't.Consistency over perfection — especially for parents and people in busy seasons. You don't need five hours a week. You need consistent exposure to something that challenges you

    58 min
  3. Episode 20 - Let's F*****g Go w/ Vivian Morales Kolb

    Jun 8

    Episode 20 - Let's F*****g Go w/ Vivian Morales Kolb

    OverviewViviana Morales Kolb is a 12-year Army veteran, mom of four boys, and self-described semi-professional manager of chaos who has made a second career out of dragging people back to life. This episode covers community, purpose, endurance challenges nobody asked for, range games, and the one question every veteran needs to answer — not who they used to be, but who they are now. About Viviana Morales KolbViviana Morales Kolb is an old crusty U.S. Army veteran, mom of four boys, community builder with a slightly unhinged relationship with endurance challenges, and believes that every person has value and a reason to keep showing up. After serving 12 years in the military, she found a new mission in helping veterans and others reconnect with purpose, community, and themselves. Through fitness, mentorship, and authentic conversations, she works to remind people that they are stronger than they realize and that their story is far from over. Known for her mix of grit, compassion, humor (her love language is making people laugh); Viviana has a passion for bringing people together and helping them see the value in their existence — especially during seasons when they may struggle to see it themselves. If you have a bad idea that involves miles, minimal sleep, or "just one more rep," she is probably signing up with you. As a semi-professional manager of chaos, who enjoys volunteering in her community, supporting fellow veterans, and raising energetic boys, she believes the greatest measure of success is the impact we have on others while we're still here. When she's not chasing endurance goals or organizing the next community fitness challenge, she's usually running on large doses of caffeine, embracing motherhood, answering approximately 47 questions from her children before 8 a.m., and doing her best to make the most of the time she's been given earthside while helping others do the same. Episode TakeawaysFind the community that speaks to you — there's a VSO, a run club, a range day, or a fly fishing crew for everyone. Find yours and stick to it.Start small and rev up slow — the veteran who's been on the couch for three months doesn't sign up for a marathon on day one. One walk around the block. That's it.Stop asking who you used to be — "I used to be a 14-minute two-miler" is not a plan. What are you now? What's going to make you proud now?Your story is not over — the best chapter doesn't have to be the one in uniformThe greatest measure of success is the impact you have on others while you're still hereTraining to say yes — Viv's whole approach to fitness is staying capable enough to say yes to the next stupid idea someone invites her toCommunity is the prescription — not a supplement, not a nice-to-have. The antidote to isolation is finding people who get it and showing up consistentlyRunning the Marine Corps Marathon with Stop Soldier Suicide — because keeping people alive is the mission that doesn't end at ETSEpisode LinksTeam RWB - teamrwb.org Wounded Warrior Project - woundedwarriorproject.org Marine Corps Marathon — marinemarathon.com Atomic Habits - jamesclear.com

    59 min
  4. Episode 19 - Make Yourself Indispensable w/ Brad Hollingsworth

    Jun 1

    Episode 19 - Make Yourself Indispensable w/ Brad Hollingsworth

    OverviewBrad Hollingsworth spent four and a half years as a Marine Corps infantryman, including time in a sniper platoon he wasn't supposed to be in, before an abrupt exit forced him to rebuild from scratch. What followed was a decade-plus career in human performance built entirely on the same principle that kept him in that sniper platoon: make yourself impossible to cut. This episode covers service, identity, the cost of burning your passion into your profession, and why the best thing a veteran can do after getting out is find something that has nothing to do with work. About Brad HollingsworthBrad Hollingsworth is a business owner, fitness industry professional, and United States Marine Corps veteran with more than 16 years of experience in human performance, fitness operations, tactical strength and conditioning, and wellness program management. Throughout his career, he has combined technical expertise in performance training with hands-on leadership, business development, and operational management experience. Brad is the co-founder of PEAK Athletics, a successful training facility in North Carolina that specialized in athletic development, tactical performance, and strength and conditioning. As a founder and operator, he played a leading role in the planning, financing, development, and day-to-day management of the business, helping grow the organization before ultimately selling his ownership interest when relocating out of state. His experience also includes serving as a Manager and Personal Trainer at O2 Fitness, Tactical Strength & Conditioning Coach at TOPS Athletics, Assistant Contract Manager for the North Carolina National Guard's Fit 2 Serve Program, and Police Wellness Coordinator for the Tempe Police Department in Arizona, where he developed and managed a comprehensive wellness program supporting the physical and mental health of law enforcement personnel. A former Marine Corps infantryman with multiple overseas deployments, Brad brings a disciplined, mission-focused approach to leadership and problem solving. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a Master of Science in Population Health Science from Duke University. He also maintains several professional certifications, including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F). Outside of his professional career, Brad is an avid outdoorsman and lifelong athlete. His interests include hunting, cave diving, strength training, and exploring remote environments that require physical preparedness, technical skill, and disciplined execution. These pursuits reflect the same values that have guided his professional career: resilience, continuous improvement, calculated risk management, and a commitment to excellence. Episode TakeawaysBe indispensableFind work — not a career, not a calling, just the next useful thing you can do better than anyone around youDon't turn your passion into your professionFind something that is not your job — a hobby, an adventure, anything that gives you full presence and zero career pressureBeware the case of the "I used to" — pick up something you dropped and start doing it again. Keep playing — veterans who go all-in on the next mission often forget to keep something in their life that's just theirsA lower ASVAB score than Brad is still a perfectly valid life choice — some of us just wanted infantryCave diving will give you a lower heart rate a hundred feet underwater than standing on land Episode LinksTwo Bravo Training Solutions

    59 min
  5. Episode 18 - Attack Your Weakness in Honor of Rob Wadleigh

    May 18

    Episode 18 - Attack Your Weakness in Honor of Rob Wadleigh

    OverviewThis one is dedicated to Rob Wadleigh — Senior Enlisted Leader within 1st Special Forces Group, AGD Master of None team member, and by all accounts the Green Beret everyone else was trying to be. Nate reflects on Rob's life, his approach to training, and the philosophy that defined both.. Episode TakeawaysAttack your weakness — find something you're genuinely bad at and throw yourself at it with humility and aggressionDiscipline over motivation gets you started. Curiosity and trust keep you going.Rob hated a program, stuck with it, and ended up loving it.Mastery is a pursuit, not a state of being — the moment you think you've arrived, you've stopped becomingTrue masters don't think of themselves as masters — they have enough humility to keep advancing their craftGenetic weakness is not an excuse — it's a starting point. Get from shit to sucks — progress doesn't require perfection as a destination, just honest effort as a practiceYou can't take anything with you. Play your cards now.Touching the flame is relative — what makes you feel alive doesn't have to look like anyone else's version of itKeep the fire going where it's already lit — but don't be afraid to rub two sticks together until your hands turn to hamburger meatEpisode LinksEpisode 13 - Build Something w/ JD Mata

    28 min
  6. Episode 17 - You Didn't Die w/ Andy Holmes

    May 11

    Episode 17 - You Didn't Die w/ Andy Holmes

    OverviewAndy Holmes is a Marine veteran turned collegiate soccer strength and conditioning coach who brings a rare blend of military leadership, athletic performance, and self-aware humor to everything he does. This episode covers coaching philosophy, vulnerability, the role of sport in combating apathy, the value of the near-miss, and why it's okay to not be okay. About Andy HolmesA wellspring of curiosity, Andy has studied international politics, worked as a communications officer in the United States Marine Corps, and has spent the last seven years as a strength and conditioning coach across a wide range of sports, schools and professions. With stops at Georgetown University, The University of Texas at Austin, and 58th Special Operations Wing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Andy has worked to help develop athletes physically, he's worked just as hard on his own professional, mental, and emotional development. Currently, Andy works as an assistant sports performance coach at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado where he directly leads physical development for the Women's and Men's soccer programs. Outside of a job that he thoroughly enjoys, Andy is incredibly lucky to have a brilliant and beautiful partner in adventure and relaxation, Arielle. Together they live in South Denver with their two dogs River and Bowie. Episode TakeawaysEmbrace the near-miss — almost making the lift, just missing the cutoff is nine times out of ten more valuable than the make. The world didn't end. You get to do it again.Create problems for your athletes to solve — coaching isn't about giving answers, it's about building the conditions for aha momentsFind something you care enough about to be disappointed by — apathy is the real enemy, and sport is one of the best antidotes we haveBe willing to fail if that's what it takes to win — two different things that are actually the same thingMake it undeniable and inevitable — keep attacking, stay relentless, and trust that it's comingGive people permission to not be okay — especially those who are always expected to be strong, capable, and fineIt's okay to not be okay — and saying so out loud is often the first stepThe fear of putting people out keeps veterans silent — communicate anyway, because the people around you want to know and they want to helpEpisode LinksUniversity of Denver Sports Performance Joshua Tree Coffee Veterans Crisis Line — 988, Press 1

    57 min
  7. Episode 16 - Stay Connected w/ Mark Christiani

    May 4

    Episode 16 - Stay Connected w/ Mark Christiani

    OverviewMark Christiani has coached at every level — D1 collegiate, Army H2F at Fort Bragg, Army Reserve, and now human performance management with O2X. This episode is a wide-ranging coaching conversation covering training variation, programming philosophy, the tactical human performance landscape, and what it actually takes to build culture inside large organizations. About Mark ChristianiMark Christiani is the East Coast Human Performance Integration Manager for O2X Human Performance. He previously served as an On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the U.S. Army Reserve 81st Readiness Division and as Brigade Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Army's H2F Program at Fort Bragg. Mark's background also includes collegiate strength and conditioning experience and time as a competitive powerlifter. Episode TakeawaysEmbrace training variation across full cycles — the body craves movement diversity and narrow training eventually produces overuse injuries and mental stalenessA training framework with choices beats a rigid program — give yourself a list of things to hit and create variation through order, fatigue state, and exercise selectionGetting better at variations improves the primary lift — the conjugate principle applied broadly across athleticism, not just powerliftingKnow when you've met your goals and be willing to pivot — chasing numbers past the point of diminishing returns turns training into your whole personalityThe best tactical coaches are creative because they had to be — D2 and D3 coaches and early-career tactical coaches often outperform high D1 coaches in adaptive environmentsCulture change in large organizations takes decades — think of yourself as a plank holder and influence what you can, when you canInfluence the junior leaders now — the E4s, E5s, and O2s you reach today are the battalion commanders of tomorrowPolice and fire departments are ahead of the military in some human performance areas — less turnover, smaller scale, longer staff tenureStay connected — to your veteran community, to a run club, to something. Community is a longevity variable. Isolation is the enemy.Don't wait for command to lead — coaches can build culture from the bottom up without permissionEpisode LinksO2X Human Performance — o2x.com Soldiers to Sidelines — soldierstosidelines.org Team RWB — teamrwb.org NSCA TSAC — nsca.com/tsac Westside Barbell / Conjugate Method — westside-barbell.com

    55 min
  8. Episode 15 - Don't Take "No" for an Answer w/ Nick Umble

    Apr 27

    Episode 15 - Don't Take "No" for an Answer w/ Nick Umble

    OverviewNick Umble spent 20 years in Special Forces before walking off a military base and onto a college football field. Now he's competing at the national level in strongman — including top-ten finishes at Masters Nationals and the Arnold Masters Strongman World Championships — and building Sentinel Strength. This episode covers nutrition, identity, competition, coaching culture, and what happens when someone tells a Special Forces veteran he can't do something. About Nick UmbleNick Umble is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with a 20-year military career, including 14 years in 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Throughout his service, he led teams and supported high-risk operations in complex and demanding environments. After leaving the military, Nick pursued college football before transitioning into government contracting. Over the past five years, he has focused on competitive strongman, qualifying for national-level competitions multiple times and earning top-ten finishes at Masters Nationals and the Arnold Masters Strongman World Championships. He is the founder of Sentinel Strength, where he applies lessons from Special Operations, athletics, and competition to performance, discipline, and resilience. Episode TakeawaysUnderstand that "I eat pretty clean" is almost never true — if the results aren't there, the diet isn't what you think it isHire professionals for what you don't know — a nutritionist found what Nick couldn't find on his own, and it changed everythingKnow your constraints and variables — influence the variables relentlessly, accept what you can't changeDon't wait for command to be the difference — coaches and leaders at every level can build culture from the bottom upPlay the long game — cultural change in large organizations takes decades, not months. Think of yourself as a plank holder.Compete at something — structured competition gives purpose, identity, and a reason to train that transcends the gymWhen someone tells you that you can't, let "watch me" be the answer — the human body and psyche are capable of far more than others project onto youStrongman is more accessible than it looks — if you can squat, deadlift, and carry heavy things, you have a starting pointCommunity matters in training — the culture Nate and the Thor staff built left a mark that Nick still talks about years laterEpisode LinksSentinel Strength - https://www.youtube.com/@SentinelStrength Spiceology Derek Wolf Maple Bourbon seasoning — spiceology.com Arnold Masters Strongman World Championships - https://strength.events/2026-arnold-masters/ UHP (University of Human Performance) - https://uhp.com

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Inspiring action by sharing stories from and for military veterans who continue to touch the flame through physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Hosted by former Army Ranger and current Human Performance Coach, Nate Palin.

Information

  • Creator
    Nate Palin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nate Palin
  • Show Website
    The Any Given Day Podcast

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