Countdown To: Podcast

Drew Starks and Leighton Starks

In Countdown To: podcast, we'll join two brothers who made a health transformation as they aged, managing fibromyalgia and battling depression. You'll also hear real stories from people who embraced fitness later in life. We’ll explore common barriers—like the fear of not being "good enough" or feeling self-conscious at the gym—and discuss how to overcome them, as well as the importance of building a supportive community. Additionally, we’ll share insights into what worked for us in setting goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and keeping them within reach. Whether it's finding a workout that complements a hobby like mountain biking, creating a strong support network, or understanding that progress isn’t always linear or measured by “scale victories,” we’ll guide you through the process. Journey with us as we debunk common misconceptions and show you how to stay committed, even when life gets in the way and fitting in one more thing or spending one more dollar feels impossible.  

  1. Ep. 47 with Abby Gallegos, 2023 Conquer Fitness Winner

    4D AGO

    Ep. 47 with Abby Gallegos, 2023 Conquer Fitness Winner

    countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com pendulumthreads.com code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ - Donate to Mt. Konocti MTB Trails In this episode of Countdown To: Podcast, Leighton and Drew sit down with Abby Gallegos, the 2023 Conquer Challenge winner, to speak directly to listeners who are currently in Week 4 of their own challenge — the point where motivation starts to fade and discipline has to take over. Abby opens up about what life looked like when she began her challenge — just five months postpartum, juggling a newborn, running a business, and navigating the physical and emotional reality of becoming a first-time mom. Rather than waiting for the “perfect routine,” she learned to build her training and habits around real life — often strapping her baby to her chest and working out that way. A major theme of the conversation centers on why Week 4 is a turning point. Abby explains that once she committed to showing up for just one month, everything shifted. The routine became possible, the mental resistance softened, and she realized she could actually finish what she started. The heart of the episode focuses on mindset — especially for women and mothers. Abby shares that the biggest difference between quitting early and finishing strong came from a powerful internal shift: realizing that after carrying and giving birth to a child, she had already proven she could do hard things. She stopped treating the challenge as optional and began treating it as a non-negotiable commitment to herself. The conversation also highlights the importance of community and vulnerability. Abby explains how posting honestly in the challenge Facebook group — including postpartum photo's— felt uncomfortable at first, but ultimately became one of the most powerful parts of her journey. By being open, she found support, connection, and long-term relationships that extended far beyond the challenge itself. Leighton and Drew dive deeper into how monthly check-ins and progress photos helped participants reflect on mental, physical, and spiritual growth, and Abby encourages the community to keep creating those moments of reflection, even when they aren’t formally required. Abby also reflects on what the challenge taught her long term: real change doesn’t come from finding more time — it comes from clarifying priorities and integrating healthy habits into everyday life in a sustainable way. As the episode closes, Abby delivers a powerful message to anyone currently in Week 4: stop comparing yourself to others, stop chasing perfection, and focus instead on becoming a better version of yourself each day. The real win, she says, isn’t finishing the challenge — it’s becoming someone who knows they can show up for themselves long after it ends. This episode is a reminder that progress isn’t built in ideal conditions — it’s built in real life, with kids, work, fatigue, setbacks, and grace.

    57 min
  2. Ep. 46 - Dan Kaech, 2025 C90 Runner-Up

    FEB 3

    Ep. 46 - Dan Kaech, 2025 C90 Runner-Up

    countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com pendulumthreads.com code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off https://trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ - Donate to Mt. Konocti MTB Trails instagram.com/momentumfitnesscoaching instagram.com/kelsieendreson https://www.seedoilscout.com/ In this episode, Leighton and Drew sit down with Dan Kaech—known in the MTN OPS community as “Dan the Pull-Up Man” —to talk about what real, lasting transformation looks like during and beyond the Conquer 90 challenge. Dan shares how he went into Conquer 90 during a heavy season of life—traveling constantly for work, raising three young boys, and processing the loss of his mother. What started as a fitness challenge quickly became a way to reset his priorities, rebuild consistency, and refocus his life around faith, family, and personal ownership. He opens up about hitting a breaking point early in the challenge—getting sick, losing weight unexpectedly, and struggling to find routines while traveling—and how that moment forced him to decide whether he would quit or take responsibility for what he could control. Dan explains how creating non-negotiable training time, even on the road, became a turning point in staying consistent. Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes that Conquer 90 is not about crash dieting or short-term motivation, but about building habits that last: - shifting his relationship with food toward real, simple fuel - learning to stop judging progress by the scale alone - using small, realistic goals to stay focused - leaning on community and coaching for accountability - and learning to “own” his time, energy, and preparation in every area of life Dan also shares how a powerful moment of forgiveness and spiritual reflection helped him release emotional weight he had been carrying, and how that internal shift directly impacted his discipline, mindset, and performance. From practical training advice like using the FITT principle (frequency, intensity, type, and time), to simple daily habits such as short bodyweight routines at home and even workouts in an airport during a delayed flight, Dan shows that consistency—not perfection—is what creates real change. The big takeaway: There is a better version of you on the other side of the work—but you have to take ownership, stay consistent when motivation fades, and be willing to keep going even when progress feels slow. This episode is a reminder that Conquer 90 isn’t just about getting leaner—it’s about becoming more disciplined, more present, and more intentional in every part of life.

    57 min
  3. Ep. 45 - Ethan McCabe, Ambassador C90

    JAN 27

    Ep. 45 - Ethan McCabe, Ambassador C90

    countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com pendulumthreads.com code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off https://trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ - Donate to Mt. Konocti MTB Trails In this episode of Countdown To: Podcast, Leighton and Drew sit down with Ethan McCabe, a Conquer 90 athlete whose transformation goes far beyond the scale. What starts as a lighthearted, brotherly conversation quickly turns into a powerful discussion about discipline, fatherhood, identity, and doing the hard work when no one is watching. Ethan opens up about where he was before starting Conquer 90 — feeling run down, putting everyone else first, and neglecting his own health. Through honest reflection, he shares how a conversation with his wife became the catalyst for change, pushing him to finally prioritize himself so he could show up better as a husband, father, and leader. Throughout the episode, Ethan walks through: ● His physical transformation (losing over 30 pounds the healthy way) ● The mental shift from using food as comfort to using it as fuel ● Why community and accountability were the biggest drivers of consistency ● How Conquer 90 reshaped his mindset around stress, control, and daily habits ● The importance of realistic goals, reverse-engineering success, and focusing on 1% improvements. The conversation also dives into overlapping challenges like 75 Hard, early mornings, parenting through fatigue, and modeling healthy behavior for kids — not through perfection, but through consistency and course correction. This episode is a reminder that transformation isn’t linear. It’s messy, humbling, and deeply human — and that real progress happens when you commit to showing up daily, even when motivation fades. If you’re in the middle of Conquer 90, thinking about starting, or struggling to stay consistent, Ethan’s story is proof that change is possible when you stop trying to do everything at once — and start taking the next right step.

    1h 9m
  4. Ep. 44 - James Stone 2023 C90 Winner

    JAN 20

    Ep. 44 - James Stone 2023 C90 Winner

    countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com pendulumthreads.com code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off https://trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ - Donate to Mt. Konocti MTB Trails He’s Back! In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Countdown To: Podcast, Leighton and Drew sit down with returning guest James Stone, Mountain Ops Ambassador and winner of the 2023 Conquer 90 Challenge, to go far beyond fitness results and into the heart of true transformation. James shares what life really looked like before Conquer 90—25 years of alcohol addiction, destructive habits, and believing the lie that change was impossible. He opens up about the pivotal moments leading into the challenge, including the internal battle, the spiritual surrender, and the realization that his life couldn’t continue the way it was. Rather than focusing on the finish line, this conversation centers on the process—the daily grind, the mental resistance, and the small choices that compound into lasting change. As the episode aligns with Day 9 of Conquer 90, James reflects on how momentum begins to shift when habits start to take root. He explains how staying relentlessly busy, embracing discomfort, and replacing destructive patterns with purpose-driven routines helped silence the voice that once told him he could never quit. The conversation dives deep into faith, identity, and surrender—highlighting how James leaned on God when discipline alone wasn’t enough and how that surrender reshaped his sense of worth, not just his body. James also speaks candidly about rebuilding his relationship with food, movement, and self-respect, as well as the emotional weight of redemption as a father—showing his kids that no one is ever too far gone to change. This episode is raw, encouraging, and grounded in the truth that freedom isn’t found in perfection, but in consistency, humility, and staying the course. If you’re in the middle of a hard season, questioning whether the work is worth it, or feeling stuck in old patterns—this episode is a reminder that transformation is possible, momentum is built one day at a time, and the real win is becoming who you were meant to be.

    1h 5m
  5. Ep. 43 - The Comfort Zone Lie

    JAN 12

    Ep. 43 - The Comfort Zone Lie

    countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com Pendulumthreads.com code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off https://trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ - Donate to Mt. Konocti MTB Trails If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for confidential support, 24/7. In this episode of Countdown To: Podcast, brothers Drew and Leighton dive into a raw and honest conversation about “The Comfort Zone Lie” —the dangerous belief that staying comfortable means staying safe. As they kick off two major countdowns—YETI Gathering 2026 and the Mountain Ops Conquer 90 Challenge—the brothers reflect on how stagnation quietly erodes health, confidence, relationships, and purpose. They unpack why comfort isn’t neutral, why “I’m fine” can be one of the most destructive lies we tell ourselves, and how choosing not to act is often a slow decline rather than stability. Leighton shares personal reflections on avoidance, missed opportunities, and how comfort masked deeper struggles in his past, while Drew opens up about quiet decline, anger, physical pain, and how neglecting health can ripple into marriage, parenting, and identity. Together, they explore how physical fitness, mental resilience, emotional regulation, and spiritual growth are deeply connected—and why neglecting one eventually drags down the others. This episode also introduces their upcoming 90-day interview series with Mountain Ops athletes, winners, and ambassadors—real people who chose discomfort and experienced life-changing growth. The message is clear: change doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures—just the willingness to take the next right step. If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll start later, ” this episode is a wake-up call. Comfort might feel safe, but it’s often where momentum, confidence, and joy quietly die. Growth starts today.

    1h 8m
  6. Ep. 41 - End of Year Reflection: Looking Back, Moving Forward

    12/30/2025

    Ep. 41 - End of Year Reflection: Looking Back, Moving Forward

    Mtn Ops: Conquer 90 - https://mtnops.com/pages/conquer-90-challengesrsltid=AfmBOopiAGP3XT73ky2FTkyex7ktOP6Rlfn64XHYzYLDyiX4m8ASS2Ll Countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com pendulumthreads.com Code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off https://trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ In this reflective year-end episode of Countdown To: Podcast, brothers Drew and Leighton look back on a year that didn’t look “big” on paper—but turned out to be one of the most meaningful of their lives. With plenty of humor, honesty, and brotherly banter, they unpack what real progress actually looks like when you stop chasing external validation and start building from the inside out Rather than measuring success by money, travel, or accolades, the conversation centers on consistency, vulnerability, and choosing to show up week after week. Starting the podcast itself became the catalyst—creating structure, accountability, and a shared mission that helped both brothers confront mental health struggles, redefine goals, and rebuild their relationship. Drew shares how the Mountain Ops Conquer 90 Challenge played a major role in jump-starting his year, not just physically but mentally—while also opening up about his ongoing back injury and the decision to prioritize long-term healing over quick fixes. Instead of relying on injections or shortcuts, he reflects on the discipline of doing the slow, unglamorous work that actually leads to real health. Leighton reflects on massive internal shifts: overcoming codependency, learning how to be whole without tying his identity to a partner, and finding fulfillment without needing “big wins.” From starting a stable home life, committing to the podcast, handling a collarbone injury with resilience, and rediscovering joy through mountain biking, the year marked a turning point in how he approaches life, relationships, and self-worth. Together, they revisit past struggles—including dark seasons, brokenness, and moments that could have ended very differently—and contrast them with the trajectory they’re now on. The episode closes with encouragement for listeners heading into a new year: you don’t need a perfect plan or massive momentum—just one small, intentional step forward and the right people around you. This episode isn’t about hype or resolutions—it’s about building a foundation that lasts.

    47 min
  7. Ep. 40 - Why Failing Resolutions Isn’t That Bad

    12/22/2025

    Ep. 40 - Why Failing Resolutions Isn’t That Bad

    countdowntopodcast.com mtnops.com pendulumthreads.com code: COUNTDOWNTO for 15% off https://trailsalliance.org/donate-join/ - Donate to Mt. Konocti MTB Trails Leighton and Drew dig into the question most people avoid every January: Are failed New Year’s resolutions actually a bad thing? Instead of piling on guilt or recycled motivation clichés, they reframe “failure” as a necessary part of growth, habit-building, and long-term transformation. The brothers unpack why most resolutions fall apart—not because people are lazy or weak, but because real life shows up. Schedules change, bodies get sore or injured, motivation dips, and discipline hasn’t fully formed yet. They argue that starting, stopping, and restarting isn’t failure—it’s data. Each attempt reveals what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change next time. From there, the conversation centers on progress over perfection and the power of small, repeatable habits. Rather than all-or-nothing goals, Leighton and Drew emphasize identity-based thinking—becoming someone who values health physically, mentally, and spiritually—so progress can still be made even when life disrupts the plan. They share personal examples of navigating injuries, missed workouts, busy schedules, and mental fatigue, highlighting how adaptability—not motivation—is what keeps momentum alive. Setbacks don’t erase progress; quitting does. The goal isn’t a perfect January, but a resilient mindset that keeps you coming back. Episode 40 is equal parts real talk and brotherly chaos, reminding listeners that transformation isn’t about never failing—it’s about refusing to stop trying. Because every restart still count

    1h 3m
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

In Countdown To: podcast, we'll join two brothers who made a health transformation as they aged, managing fibromyalgia and battling depression. You'll also hear real stories from people who embraced fitness later in life. We’ll explore common barriers—like the fear of not being "good enough" or feeling self-conscious at the gym—and discuss how to overcome them, as well as the importance of building a supportive community. Additionally, we’ll share insights into what worked for us in setting goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and keeping them within reach. Whether it's finding a workout that complements a hobby like mountain biking, creating a strong support network, or understanding that progress isn’t always linear or measured by “scale victories,” we’ll guide you through the process. Journey with us as we debunk common misconceptions and show you how to stay committed, even when life gets in the way and fitting in one more thing or spending one more dollar feels impossible.