Afternoon Snack - podcast cover

Afternoon Snack

Meredith Root and Alex Parkertacticmethod.com
Alex Parker and Meredith Root’s Afternoon Snack Podcast invites you to join in on conversations where science, culture, and philosophy meet practical personal advice and experience that everyone needs to hear. They ask the big and small questions to get you thinking while injecting a hefty amount of personal experience and banter as partners in life, business, and sport. New episodes every Wednesday.
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Episodes

Tactic’s Run Club Raleigh Meet-Up & The U.S. Election

In this episode, Alex and Meredith discuss their recent trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, for their third in-person Tactic meet-up! They share some interesting experiences with their hotel room, including strange noises, accidental injuries, and bizarre dreams. They also discuss the recent U.S. presidential election: Meredith shares how she voted, what the outcome means, and Tactic’s support for the LGBTQ+ community during the upcoming administration. Additionally, they share their personal and p...

Nov 27, 202455 minEp. 185

What’s Next for Tactic Functional Fitness: The Habits Challenge, Zwift Bikes, and Our New Fitness Series!

This episode, catch up with Meredith and Alex on life and what they have in store for Tactic Functional Fitness! They talk about fighting with your spouse and how ridiculous the fights can be, as well as what they have learned from these past arguments. They discuss their 'Tight on Time Series' (TOTS) for busy individuals, and the benefits of using Zwift for virtual biking. They also provide information on this year’s Habits Challenge, including some new updates and when to expect it to go live!...

Nov 20, 202459 minEp. 184

Documentaries, Fans, and Haircuts: Exploring Modern Identity & Internet Culture

This episode Alex and Meredith talk about a documentary on Tegan and Sara, the acclaimed musicians and gay icons from Calgary, who experienced a harrowing case of identity theft and catfishing. They explore the impact of internet culture, the intense parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities, and navigating personal boundaries. — Alex’s Haircut History — Words of Affirmation — Tegan & Sara Documentary — Fan Entitlement and Boundaries — The Concept of 'Stan' and Extreme Fandom — T...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 183

Nutrition and Training Fundamentals for Success

In this episode, Alex and Meredith discuss the basics of nutrition, including the importance of calorie intake, macronutrients, food quality, nutrient timing, and the use of tracking apps. They address common misconceptions about tracking, the purpose behind it, its use as a planning tool rather than an assessment tool, and how you can transition off tracking while maintaining healthy habits. They also provide insight to their personalized coaching approach at Tactic Nutrition and their commitme...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 182

The Delicate Balance of Structure, Creativity, and Adaptability in Your Daily Routine

In this episode, Alex and Meredith dive into the intricacies of morning routines, creativity, time management, and adaptability in daily life. They explore societal expectations and managing time effectively, especially for neurodivergent individuals, as well as the need for sustainable habits, emotional resilience, and practical strategies for maintaining flexibility in the face of life's uncertainties. They also highlight Dr. Alia Crum's research regarding reframing stress and aligning actions...

Oct 30, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 181

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Bikes, Gear, Movies & More!

Get an update on a few of Meredith and Alex’s favorite things! They share their top, unsponsored favorite brands with products ranging from workout gear and skis to espresso machines and non-alcoholic beer. They also discuss their exciting new partnership with Zwift and touch on the movies, music, and shows that they are currently loving! — Brands Letting You Down — Our Favorite Brands! — Wearable Technology — Top Running Shoe & Clothing Recommendations — Ski Gear — Biking Gear — Our Favorit...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 180

Fueling the Mind and Body + Creating Lasting Connections with Ultra Athlete Addie Bracey

In this episode, Alex and Meredith dive into the world of ultra-running with insights from professional athlete Addie Bracey, who shares her journey from road racing to trail and ultra-endurance events. Addie discusses her journey in endurance sports, including the psychological and nutritional demands of events like UTMB. They also discuss mindset, the value of real connection, the importance of creating more opportunities for women in sports, and dealing with comparison. Addie talks about her ...

Oct 16, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 179

2024 Tour Divide Winner Meaghan Hackinen on Ultra-Cycling, Writing & Adventure

In this episode, Alex and Meredith have author and ultra-endurance cyclist Meaghan Hackinen on the podcast. Meaghan shares her experience in the formidable Tour Divide race, an intense 4,300-kilometer ride from Banff, Alberta to the Mexico border, in which she won the 2024 women’s division. Meaghan shares her journey from bike commuting and roller derby to long-distance cycling, and discusses essential aspects of race preparation including managing sleep, nutrition, and the mental hurdles of ext...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 178

Exploring the Value of Time vs. Money

Alex and Meredith discuss the topic of Time vs. Money, as well as the ability to find balance with health and fitness in your daily life. They touch on the value of a potential four-day work week, the ability to use your extra time to improve on a skill, even if you don’t currently have a lot of money to invest, and ultimately the idea of doing what makes you happy. They also have their second Lesbian Movie Review, where they will talk about the movies Carol and Tár starring Cate Blanchett (Spoi...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 177

What the F*ck is Wrong with People on the Internet?!

In this episode, Meredith and Alex discuss an unexpected and surprising experience Meredith faced with online bullying after a comment she made on Instagram about the CrossFit Games controversy was taken out of context. They talk about the toxic nature of certain online communities, the dangers and repercussions of misinformation online, and how these dynamics can impact mental health, as well as why it’s important to set boundaries with social media. — Champagne Problems: TV Edition — Movies &a...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 176

Riding through Rebecca's Private Idaho: A Weekend of Gravel, Growth, and Connection

Meredith and Alex recap their experiences at Rebecca's Private Idaho, a three-day gravel bike race and community event in Sun Valley, Idaho. They discuss the unique atmosphere of inclusivity and connection that sets this event apart from other gravel races, dive into the challenges and personal growth they encountered during the 100-mile ride, and reflect on community and friendships that they made along the way. They also highlight the event's significant fundraising efforts for the Be Good Fou...

Sep 18, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 175

Changing the Narrative on Menopause and Fitness with Selene Yeager

Meredith and Alex have accomplished health and fitness author and Feisty Menopause content manager, Selene Yeager on the show to discuss the challenges, transitions, and empowerment associated with menopause, as well as her upcoming course, Navigating Menopause, going live September 18th. Selene emphasizes the need to understand physiological changes, the benefits of strength training, and the power of community support. Selene demystifies menopause and highlights the importance of perseverance ...

Sep 11, 20241 hrEp. 174

The Realities of High Altitude Training + Leadville 100 Recap!

In this episode, Alex and Meredith recount their recent experience at the Leadville 100. They discuss the impact of altitude on the race and many participants; delving into the challenges and nuances of high-altitude living, training, and adaptation. They break down the physiological effects of altitude, as well as explore various training methods, addressing that what works for one person may not work for another. They also highlight the major question of whether altitude training should be put...

Sep 04, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 172

Balancing Motherhood, Medicine, and Fitness with Dr. Kerry Smith

Dr. Kerry Smith is a graduate of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, currently serving on the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee as well as the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee in Nashville, TN. She completed her residency in Tacoma, WA at Community Health Care with an emphasis on underserved communities. She is a board certified physician and has worked as a hospitalist for 6 years since her fellowship. Meredith has Kerry on the podcast to discuss the challenges of working in ...

Aug 28, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 171

Adventure, Endurance, and Giving Back with The Queen of Pain: Rebecca Rusch

In this episode, Alex and Meredith have the Queen of Pain herself, Rebecca Rusch, on the podcast to share her remarkable journey through endurance sports; from breaking rock climbing records on El Capitan to tackling grueling cycling events like Leadville and Unbound. She discusses the critical role of curiosity and resilience in overcoming mental and physical obstacles and reflects on her recovery from a concussion in 2021. Rebecca emphasizes her commitment to promoting diversity in the outdoor...

Aug 21, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 169

What We’ve Been Up To: Our New Home, Gravel Rides & Dealing With Regret and Comparison

Catch up with Alex and Meredith on some major life updates! They talk about their recent move to a new house, their new podcast nook, and how it went for them to take a week off of training during their move. They dive into their gravel riding adventures and discuss the challenges and excitement of embracing endurance sports over CrossFit. They will also get into the topic of making decisions without the fear of regret, the challenges of comparison in fitness, especially in CrossFit, and the val...

Aug 14, 202455 minEp. 168

The Tragic Loss of Lazar Đukić at the '24 CrossFit Games and a Call for Change

Lazar Ðukić died during the CrossFit Games. It was a tragedy that follows a history of negligence on behalf of CrossFit, and Alex and Meredith sit down to reflect back on their experience as CrossFit athletes as well as previous occurences where athletes put their lives on the lines for points. They delve into the emotional impact on the community, safety concerns, and the controversial decision to continue the games. This episode not only honors Lazar by shining a light on the way he passed awa...

Aug 13, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 170

Is Good Nutrition Attainable in the Summertime?

In this episode, Alex and Meredith discuss the difficulties of maintaining good nutrition during the summer. They cover the four common challenges of maintaining summer nutrition, such as eating out, alcohol consumption, vacations, and peer pressure. They will talk about the importance of flexibility, mindful eating, and listening to our bodies, and ultimately finding balance so that you are able to still enjoy your summer while continuing to meet your nutrition goals! — Fernie Gravel Grind Bike...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 167

In Honour of Abi Moore: A Conversation on Grief

The Fernie and trail running community of western Canada lost an incredible human, leader, and mentor on July 17th. Abi Moore was a pillar in the Fernie and trail running community and her loss is being felt deeply. We were honored to know her, even if only for a short time and will continue to be inspired by her enthusiasm and joy for life, mountains, dogs, and her community here in the Rockies. Rest easy, Abi. — Loss of a Community Member — Personal Reflections on Loss — Memories of Abi — Proc...

Jul 31, 202434 minEp. 166

Embracing Ambitions Over Goals: Alex’s 10k Recap, Dealing with Setbacks & Heading to Ironman!

Alex and Meredith discuss Alex’s recent 10k results and how she is working through her feelings of disappointment that she didn’t reach her goal. They talk about how to address and work through feelings of failure, ambition vs. goals, and validation and the right and wrong things to say to someone who is struggling. They also share the exciting news that Alex's next endeavor will be training for her first Ironman! — What’s Alex Dreaming About? — Puppy > Meredith — Prep to Run a 10k — 10k Outc...

Jul 24, 202454 minEp. 165

Empowering Women in Sports: Building Community and Overcoming Barriers with Ashley Burrill

In this episode, Alex and Meredith have Alex’s cousin, Ashley Burrill, on to talk about the world of women in sports. They discuss the importance of community and support systems, the role of women in sports development, and the disparities between men's and women's sports. They explore Ashley's journey in hockey, her experiences coaching and what she is doing to accommodate her female clients so they are able to balance being involved in a sport alongside their busy day-to-day schedules. They a...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 164

All About the CrossFit Games Semifinals with Tactic Coach Lynsey Martin

In this episode, Alex and Meredith have head Tactic coach Lynsey Martin on to talk about her experience at the 2024 CrossFit Games Semifinals. Lindsay reflects on the anxiety of competition and the rigorous training that got her to semifinals. She shares her mindset shift from last year's challenges to this year's resilience. They discuss the unpredictable nature of CrossFit, judging challenges, and the importance of focusing on effort over outcome. They also touch on Lindsay's nutrition and rec...

Jul 10, 202458 minEp. 163

Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Wins at Unbound Gravel!

In this episode Meredith and Alex recap the successful Unbound Gravel Race in Emporia, Kansas. They talk about Meredith’s race-day preparations for the 100-mile category, some changes she made in her nutrition after Bootlegger 100 that led to her success, and her strategy that she used throughout the race. Additionally, they discuss the growing significance of women's participation in gravel racing, and the continuous efforts to improve the competitive environment for female athletes! — Bathtub ...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 162

Staying Curious: The Power of Curiosity in Unlocking Success in Nutrition, Fitness, and Life

This episode, Alex and Meredith discuss the topic of curiosity and its pivotal role in achieving success in both personal and professional life. They explore how curiosity enhances coaching, improves relationships, and fosters resilience. Whether discussing their own relationship, the world of nutrition and fitness, or the broader applications of curiosity in our daily lives, Alex and Meredith provide insights that are great for anyone looking to cultivate curiosity and embrace a more thoughtful...

Jun 26, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 161

Fueling Your Fitness: The Essentials of Nutrient Timing + Performance Nutrition

Alex and Meredith dive deep into the topic of nutrient timing and nutrition for performance. They discuss pre and post workout nutrition and share strategies to help you best prepare for your workout depending on the time of day. They also talk about benefits of big breakfasts, managing diet patterns, and balancing macros, as well as highlighting where your focus can yield the most significant results. — Grocery Store Struggles — Nutrient Timing — Baseline Eating Patterns — Benefits of Big Break...

Jun 19, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 160

Calgary Marathon + Second Run Club Meetup Recap!

Catch up with Alex and Meredith as they reflect on their experiences at the Calgary Marathon and the second Run Club meetup! They will talk about the importance of mindset and self-acceptance, and how that assisted Alex in achieving a personal record in the marathon. They also announce their next in-person event in Raleigh, North Carolina for the City of Oaks Marathon on November 3rd. Stay-tuned for more information to come! — We’re Back! + Van Life Isn’t For Us — Feeling Comfortable and Confide...

Jun 12, 202447 minEp. 159

Competitions, Injuries, and Recognizing Progress: Our Biggest Fitness Lessons

In this episode, Alex and Meredith deep dive into some of their biggest fitness lessons they’ve learned over the years. They will talk about the importance of understanding the difference between performance progress and simply just aesthetic changes, how comparison doesn’t necessarily have to be negative, and that hard work might not pay off in the way that you expect it to. They also discuss the impact of consistent effort, the need for a growth mindset, and the importance of proper nutrition ...

Jun 05, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 158

BONUS: WTF is Going on in Our Business?! (Tactic Functional Fitness: Alex and Meredith’s Version)

Alex and Meredith are here to provide the update you’ve been waiting for: some of you may have listened to the accidental episode a few weeks ago about the status of the Tactic Functional Fitness website, and some challenges Alex and Meredith were having when dealing with the web developers. They are now able to fully discuss the recent trials they've faced, from web development hurdles to strategizing the future of Tactic Functional Fitness. They will also share important updates and exciting n...

Jun 04, 202454 min

Nashville Adventures: Shopping, Music, and a Puppy?!

Join Alex and Meredith as they unpack their recent trip to Nashville and provide an exciting update about their new puppy, Jo! They talk about their positive experience shopping in Nashville at Imogen + Willie, their decision to get a new puppy, and some music that they are currently loving. They also discuss what a work-life balance looks like for them, reflect on past decisions, and if there is ever a perfect time to do something in life. — Our Favorite Songs Right Now — Feeling Like You Need ...

May 29, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 157

And We’re Live!… From The Comments Section

Join Meredith and Alex for the first episode of their recurring segment where they discuss the 'comment section' of their social media posts. They explore various comments from followers on different topics such as women's health and menopause, effort vs. outcome, and perceptions of body image and cellulite. They share context behind specific posts and encourage followers to continue to take part in the discussion! — First Ever Comments Section Episode! — Are You An Instagram Commentator? — Conf...

May 22, 202451 minEp. 156
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