Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

Today’s episode is one of the most powerful I’ve recorded—because it’s so real.

Meet Steve Lutz—first-time podcast guest, fitness coach, and someone who’s walked through fire. At one point, Steve was 381 pounds, drinking heavily every day, and living abroad in deep isolation during the pandemic. Now? He’s a coach helping others change their lives—and living proof that it’s never too late to take your power back.

We talk about:

* The s...

🧱 What can a pixelated video game about punching trees teach us about fitness, mindset, and life momentum?

In this solo episode, I break down surprising parallels between Minecraft and the real-life pursuit of meaningful goals—especially in fitness, health, and career. Whether you’ve never played the game or you’re an everyday adventurer, this episode will help you rethink how momentum, creativity, and connection show up in your da...

In this episode, I reconnect with Dr. Ashley Dwyer to dive into hormone health and its common misconceptions. Dr. Dwyer breaks down the importance of lifestyle choices over quick fixes and provides actionable advice for managing hormones like cortisol and insulin. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity and integrity in the wellness industry, ways to combine scientific evidence with practical advice, and str...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Allan Bacon, fitness coach, industry educator, and founder of Maui Athletics. Known for his calm, no-BS approach to health, Dr. Bacon unpacks the often overwhelming world of fitness advice—and how to navigate it without burning out.

From breaking down creatine myths to managing stress and building realistic habits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s tired of f...

In this special episode, Chris reconnects with longtime friend and fitness coach Alex McBrairty. Over the past four to five years, Chris and Alex have shared numerous conversations, making Alex a vital part of the show's community. Today, they dive deep into the challenges and barriers to change, motivation, and the importance of context in progress. Alex shares insights on combating perfectionism, dealing with weight fluctuations,...

In this episode I'm talking to Jayme Shiarla, a coach dedicated to helping high achievers escape burnout and realign their success with genuine happiness. I connected with her at the Real Coaches Summit I attended a few weeks ago and she had a great down-to-earth energy that really resonated with me. Jayme shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of building a life driven by strength rather than mere survival.

Discover the...

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the critical question of whether it's possible to understand someone you disagree with. Through a personal story from 2010 about my 'Free Hugs' initiative in Edmonton, I share my experiences regarding the importance of human connection, community, and empathy.

This episode reflects on the experiences of bridging differences, learning about others' perspectives, and the value of lifelong learning....

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Mike Howard, a fitness professional, author, and retreat organizer, to explore the power of human connection, travel, and personal growth.

Mike has been leading fitness retreats for years, creating life-changing experiences for participants by combining movement, mindfulness, and adventure in stunning destinations. We talk about how these retreats foster deep, meaningful rela...

In this special solo episode of Chasing Common Ground, I’m celebrating my 33rd birthday by taking a deep dive into my life experiences and answering some thought-provoking questions. I reflect on how my mindset has evolved from my 20s to now, including the shifts in my beliefs about career paths and the limitations I once placed on myself.

I share personal stories about overcoming my initial reluctance to travel, the daily habits th...

In this episode I get to reconnect with someone local to me, known internationally, the one and only Dean Somerset. Dean reflects on his journey since his last appearance on the podcast, noting significant changes driven by the global pandemic—shifting his focus to in-person training and the development of an AI personal training resources. Dean also delves into the launch of his upcoming book, co-authored with Dan Pope, which aims...

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I introduce you to my friend Kyle Folk, a man with many many skills and talents. He's a project manager in the air compressor industry with an additional and seemingly unlimited diverse range of interests and experiences. From managing large-scale industrial equipment to coaching swimming and scuba diving, Kyle's journey is a testament to the power of saying yes to new opportunities. The di...

Welcome back to the Chasing Common Ground podcast! In this special episode, we celebrate our loyal fan, Joan, on her birthday by addressing her questions. We delve deep into topics like choosing the right gym, the effectiveness of landmine set up and using something like a Smith machine for squatting and pressing and deadlifting, the value of static lunges, and creative workouts in small spaces. Go here to get the workouts I talked...

In this episode of the 'Chasing Common Ground' podcast, I welcome industry friend and all around good human, Dustin Lebel, a long-time friend of the show and a dedicated listener. We discuss Dustin's journey through the fitness industry, the ups and downs of building his training business, and his experiences as a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Dustin shares insights into maintaining consistency while managing other life commitments, rebu...

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I share some spontaneous reflections on 2024 while walking on a treadmill. The discussion includes personal achievements, the benefits of living alcohol-free for two years, and an overview of the milestones accomplished. I emphasize the importance of setting clear goals and introduce the concept of writing future letters to oneself for accountability.

Additionally, I share upcom...

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur and friend, Wilson Wong, co-owner of Boa and Hare, to discuss his journey in the worlds of business, real estate, and community revitalization. Wilson shares insights into his background, experiences with opening businesses in Edmonton's Chinatown, and the importance of combining Eastern and Western values. He touches on significant themes like the p...

The Intersection of Fitness, Gratitude, and Coaching: A Conversation with Brian Fitzsimmons

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I welcome a fellow online coach Bryan Fitzsimmons. Bryan, who specializes in helping women over 40 achieve their fitness goals, shares insights about his career journey and how he ended up working with his current demographic. We discuss the importance of making fitness simple and accessib...

Join me for this unique episode of Chasing Common Ground as we explore mental health, social issues, and personal growth while I ride an Echo bike for four and a half miles. Discover strategies for maintaining well-being, the importance of social activism, the impact of technology on our lives, and insights into personal development and productivity. Along the way, I share my experience with cultural diversity and fitness routines....

Join me as I sit down with return guest, Aram Grigorian to dive into what it truly means to invest in yourself, foster real connections in the fitness industry, and take your personal and professional growth to the next level.

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I catch up with Aram—a fitness coach and event organizer—about the game-changing impact of showing up for conferences, breaking down industry stigmas, and using tools ...

In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I’m joined by Justin Jones, owner of Assemble Performance. We talk about the concept of hybrid athletes—individuals training for both strength and endurance—and make it relatable for people who may be tuning in learning about the term for the first time. Justin shares insights from his diverse coaching experience and provides actionable advice for busy parents and professionals ...