Built to Say Yes

Chris Merritt
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Fitness

Most people spend their lives waiting to feel ready. Built to Say Yes is about becoming ready through action. Hosted by Chris Merritt, this podcast explores strength, endurance, adventure, mindset, and the lessons learned from pursuing meaningful challenge. From ultramarathons and training to business, family, and personal growth, each conversation is rooted in a simple belief: Life is better with strength and endurance. If you’re interested in pushing your limits, raising your standards, and building a life that allows you to say yes to more opportunities, more adventures, and more of what matters most—you’re in the right place.

  1. 12/15/2025

    One-Size-Fits-All Nutrition Struggles — and How Tiered Coaching Fixes It | The Beyond Strength Show

    Train with Beyond Strength online: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/ Or, if you're local to northern Virginia, come join us in-person: https://www.bspnova.com In this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt discuss the importance of establishing daily non-negotiables for personal well-being, including habits related to fitness and nutrition. They explore the evolution of their nutrition coaching program, emphasizing the need for quick wins and sustainable habits. The discussion also delves into the use of AI in tracking nutrition and performance, highlighting how technology can simplify the process and enhance results. 00:00 - Daily Non-Negotiables 10:06 - Nutrition Overhaul and Coaching 19:30 - Tiers of Nutrition Coaching27:38 - AI in Nutrition Tracking 28:32 - Exploring Body Composition and Performance Goals 30:05 - Utilizing ChatGPT for Personalized Nutrition Plans 31:43 - Refining Nutritional Strategies Through Data Tracking 34:43 - The Impact of Nutrition on Performance 38:16 - Innovations in Nutrition Tracking and Coaching 42:04 - Personalized Nutrition Approaches for Optimal Performance

    47 min

  2. 03/05/2025

    Rucking Insights, Kettlebell Carries, and The Secret to Happiness

    Train with Beyond Strength online: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/Or, if you're local to northern Virginia, come join us in-person: https://www.bspnova.comIn this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore various themes related to community, aging, fitness, and personal development. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences visiting retirement communities, discuss the importance of maintaining social connections as one ages, and reflect on the changing perspectives that come with age. The discussion also delves into training techniques, particularly focusing on kettlebell carries and rucking, and the upcoming Kettlebell Mile event. They emphasize the significance of running for improving rucking performance and share practical tips for effective training. The conversation concludes with light-hearted banter about personal preferences in shoes and bags (it's not what it sounds like ha).00:00 - Technical Difficulties and Introduction01:15 - Community and Connection in Retirement03:42 - The Importance of Social Connections06:16 - Reflections on Aging and Life Perspectives10:21 - Shifting Perspectives on Age12:01 - Experimenting with Rowing Techniques17:04 - Kettlebell Mile Event Introduction21:54 - Kettlebell Mile Event Details and History28:02 - Food Truck Adventures and Potluck Plans30:06 - Kettlebell Mile Insights31:53 - Rucking Techniques and Strategies36:09 - Weight Management in Rucking39:54 - Training for Heavy Loads40:54 - Choosing the Right Gear for Rucking43:35 - The Importance of Proper Weight Distribution49:05 - Running vs. Rucking: The Efficiency Debate54:01 - Building Aerobic Capacity through Running56:59 - Progressing from Walking to Running

    1h 5m

  3. 02/12/2025

    The Self-Care Lie

    In this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore the concept of self-care, particularly in the context of fitness and personal growth. They discuss the importance of defining one's values and purpose, the need for long-term thinking in achieving fitness goals, and the common misconceptions surrounding self-care. The dialogue emphasizes that true self-care involves making decisions that may not feel good in the moment but are beneficial in the long run. They also highlight the significance of consistency, the role of motivation, and the necessity of understanding one's values to navigate challenges effectively. The Self-Care Lie Article Series: Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4 Chapters 00:00 - The Journey of Self-Care and Fitness 00:59 - Getting back to training after the flu 06:35 - The Self-Care Lie 08:15 - How will you feel in 10? 09:02 - How the self-care article turned into a 4-part series 23:54 - Defining Values and Long-Term Goals 28:49 - The Importance of Showing Up 29:06 - Values and Purpose in Decision Making 30:26 - Choosing the Version of Yourself You Want to Be 32:13 - Taking Action: The Small Steps Matter 33:24 - Understanding Trade-offs and Sacrifices 34:43 - Self-Care and Long-term Goals 36:22 - The Role of Self-Knowledge in Fitness 39:14 - Creating a Supportive Environment 41:09 - Building Habits Beyond Motivation 43:04 - Navigating Short-term vs Long-term Goals 44:34 - The Value of Rest and Recovery 46:46 - Emerging Values and Goals 49:31 - The Miracle Question: Defining Success 52:51 - Integrating Values into Daily Decisions

    54 min

  4. 01/15/2025

    Truth Over Comfort | Building Strength Capacity for HYROX

    Train with Beyond Strength: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/ In this conversation, Chris Merritt and Todd Bumgardner delve into philosophical questions about reality and truth, exploring the implications of living in a simulation versus facing the harsh realities of life. They discuss the importance of purpose in modern life, the challenges of finding meaning, and the role of voluntary hardships in building resilience. The dialogue transitions into practical applications in fitness preparation for HYROX, focusing on program design, training methodologies, and the significance of high-intensity continuous training. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of coaching on individual development. 00:00 Exploring Reality and Illusion 02:43 The Nature of Truth and Meaning 05:31 The Search for Purpose in Modern Life 08:50 Voluntary Hardships and Resilience 11:41 The Impact of Kindness and Service 16:45 Program Design and Coaching Insights 28:07 Neural Charge Training Explained 30:06 Strength Training Volume and Intensity 32:35 Training Frequency and Adaptation 33:38 Revising Conditioning and Strength Workouts 35:25 Weekly Training Structure and Goals 39:08 HYROX Preparation and Aerobic Development 42:20 Dynamic Control and Breathing Techniques 51:45 Volume Management and Training Adaptations

    1h 1m

  5. 12/19/2024

    Purpose, Pressure, and Progress: Balancing Tension in Life

    In this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore the themes of creativity, action, and the importance of understanding client archetypes in achieving personal and professional goals. They discuss the significance of having stakes in one's pursuits, the balance between purpose and pressure, and the role of accountability in driving action. The conversation also delves into defining values, planning for the future, and utilizing technology for personal growth. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for reflection and adaptation in the journey of self-discovery and goal achievement. Takeaways Creativity requires consistent practice, much like fitness. Understanding client archetypes can enhance coaching effectiveness. Having clear stakes can drive motivation and action. Balance between purpose and pressure is essential for growth. Accountability can help maintain focus and direction. Defining personal values is crucial for finding purpose. Technology can aid in planning and personal development. Reflection allows for adaptation and growth in goals. Embracing challenges can lead to personal growth. Openness to exploration is key to making progress. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Creativity and Action 02:35 Understanding Client Archetypes: What, Why, and How 05:23 The Importance of Action and Accountability 08:27 Finding Balance: Purpose and Pressure 11:16 Defining Values and True Self-Care 14:08 Emergent Growth: The Role of Action in Self-Discovery 24:59 Setting Goals and Overcoming Nerves 28:56 The Importance of Stakes in Life 31:20 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth 34:21 Planning for the Future with Family 43:42 Utilizing Technology for Effective Planning

    45 min

  6. 11/27/2024

    2024 Program Design Review: What Worked and What’s Next

    Sign up for the Hybrid Tips Email Series here: https://mailchi.mp/1626d07dec43/becoming-a-hybrid-athlete

    1h 7m

  7. 11/23/2024

    We're back! Let's catch up.

    It has been a MINUTE! But that's because a lot of change has gone down in the last 5 months. Let's catch up today and we'll be back with regular episodes going forward.

    55 min
  8. DOES YOUR TRAINING MAKE YOU A LIABILITY?

    06/29/2024

    DOES YOUR TRAINING MAKE YOU A LIABILITY?

    Access Hybrid Performance Training Tips (FREE!!) here: https://mailchi.mp/1626d07dec43/becoming-a-hybrid-athlete Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠ 🎁 Talk soon!

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Most people spend their lives waiting to feel ready. Built to Say Yes is about becoming ready through action. Hosted by Chris Merritt, this podcast explores strength, endurance, adventure, mindset, and the lessons learned from pursuing meaningful challenge. From ultramarathons and training to business, family, and personal growth, each conversation is rooted in a simple belief: Life is better with strength and endurance. If you’re interested in pushing your limits, raising your standards, and building a life that allows you to say yes to more opportunities, more adventures, and more of what matters most—you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Merritt
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chris Merritt
  • Show Website
    Built to Say Yes