Help Me Understand - podcast cover

Help Me Understand

Help Me Understand is a podcast that explores the context behind the things that we experience from day to day. With topics ranging from personal development, to parenting, to health and fitness, and more; join JK McLeod as he shares his thoughts and hosts conversations that are meant to encourage you to say "Help me understand" in an effort to add perspective to the things we experience in everyday life.
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Episodes

152. Solo: The "functional training" argument.

On today's episode, JK reviews specific arguments against functional training, including: - lacking specificity for athletes - increased risk of injury - limited hypertrophy and aesthetic results - difficult to measure progress ...and more. Listen in as JK shares his perspective on what functional training is, why it is/isn't a better choice than hypertrophy, along with examples of what a combination of the two could look like in one session. Mentioned in today's episode: ⁠Effect of Functional T...

Aug 27, 202446 minEp. 152

151. Solo: Crossfit Games business decisions

In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, host JK McLeod dives into the tough decisions that sports organizations face when tragedy strikes, using the recent events at the 2024 CrossFit Games as a backdrop. JK explores how business interests often play a significant role in whether or not competitions continue, even in the wake of heartbreaking incidents. He also touches on the challenges of balancing fan expectations with the realities of running a sport as a business. Mentioned in tod...

Aug 23, 202427 minEp. 151

150. Solo: Handling comments about your "healthy" choices.

In this episode, JK delves into the often awkward and uncomfortable moments when others comment on your healthy choices. Drawing from personal experience and client stories, JK shares insights on how to navigate these situations with confidence and perspective. Whether you're worried about being judged or just want to stay committed to your goals, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst social pressures. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram:...

Aug 20, 202420 minEp. 150

149. Solo: Habits to support your fitness goals.

On today's episode, JK shares 6 foundational habits that can support your fitness goals. Listen in as he offers his perspective on why these habits matter, and how tracking all (or some) of them can put you in a better position to maximize your training. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Feed Your Habits* appar...

Aug 16, 202439 minEp. 149

148. Solo: Finding Supportive People & Communities

In this episode, JK discusses the importance of finding a supportive community or people when implementing positive habits. He shares his thoughts on the research and science behind sustained success and goal achievement, and explores two strategies for finding a supportive community. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check ...

Aug 12, 202417 minEp. 148

147. Solo: Feedback from listeners

On today's episode, JK is sharing feedback sent in and/or posted from listeners in the month of July, along with a recent win related to the podcast. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here ⁠⁠⁠ Check out Feed Your Habits* apparel ⁠⁠⁠ here ⁠⁠⁠ (code: JKFYH for 10% off) *available in the US only at this time...

Aug 06, 202415 minEp. 147

146. Solo: Should trainers workout with their clients?

In this episode, JK discusses the topic of personal trainers working out with their clients. He shares some context behind his perspective, including his experiences as: -A personal trainer who wanted to motivate and lead by example -A group fitness coach when there is a low class turnout ------ Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here ⁠⁠ Check ou...

Aug 02, 202415 minEp. 146

145. Solo: When men label women as "DEI hires".

In this episode, JK shares his thoughts on the discourse surrounding labeling females as DEI hires and using it as a weak argument in disagreements. He discusses his experiences growing up in diverse environments and his attempts to engage in conversations with people who have shared derogatory posts and comments JK expresses his perspective concerning the disrespectful comments about women and emphasizes the importance of valuing and respecting women's leadership abilities. He concludes by enco...

Jul 27, 20246 minEp. 145

144. Solo: You're not going to get "bulky"...the real reasons why

In this episode, JK discusses the fear of getting bulky and why coaches are not concerned about it when it comes to most lifestyle-based clients. He breaks down three key areas: nutrition, sleep, and training, explaining the level of consistency and structure required to achieve an extremely muscular physique. JK also mentions the importance of understanding monetization and relationships for influencers and competitors. He emphasizes that the majority of people do not have the willingness to ma...

Jul 26, 202430 minEp. 144

143. Solo: Accepting compliments & documenting progress.

In this episode, JK discusses his perspective on the importance of accepting compliments and a non-traditional way of documenting progress in health and fitness. He shares his own struggle with receiving compliments and how he has learned to acknowledge and appreciate them. JK also emphasizes the need to document progress beyond aesthetics, such as physical abilities and achievements. --- TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 07:05 Documenting Progress Beyond Aesthetics 10:56 Creating an ...

Jul 23, 202418 minEp. 143

142. Solo: Verbal framing for goal achievement

In this episode, JK discusses the concept of verbal framing when it comes to achieving goals. He explains how verbal framing can impact behavior change and shares a study that compares the effectiveness of different types of verbal framing. JK emphasizes the importance of using language like 'I don't' instead of 'I can't' to create a sense of determination and self-empowerment. He also shares his approach to behavior change, which involves adding healthier habits rather than focusing on restrict...

Jul 20, 202423 minEp. 142

141. Solo: 80/20

In this episode, JK discusses the 80-20 rule and its application in various aspects of life, including nutrition and maintaining a positive outlook. He clarifies that the 80-20 rule is often misunderstood, with people focusing on the percentage of time rather than the percentage of intake or consumption. JK talks about how to apply the 80-20 rule to interactions and consumption of content, advocating for a majority of neutral to positive experiences. --- TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Podcas...

Jul 18, 202416 minEp. 141

140. Solo: Making habits portable

This episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast discusses the concept of portable habits, focusing on maintaining habits while traveling or in unfamiliar environments. JK shares tips and strategies for maintaining training, movement, water intake, nutrition, and reading habits while on the road. This episode emphasizes the importance of adapting habits to fit the circumstances and making small adjustments to continue progress. --- TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction: The Concept of Portable Habits 02:...

Jul 15, 202420 minEp. 140

139. Conversation: The transition from 'fit friend' to coach w/Kylie Larson

In this episode, JK welcomes Kylie Larson (owner of Elemental Coaching) back to the podcast to talk about current topics in the nutrition and fitness coaching space. JK and Kylie discuss the differences between a coach and an influencer, as well as the distinction between a fit friend and a coach. They explore the motivations behind the marketing tactics used by influencers targeting women in the perimenopause phase. They also emphasize the importance of discerning between coaches who can provid...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 139

138. Solo: A simple word change to increase results.

In this episode, J.K. discusses the importance of using intentional language to be more productive and achieve goals. He suggests a simple change to increase your ability to follow through when creating to-do lists or discussing plans.

Jul 10, 20246 minEp. 138

137. Solo: Answering the wake up call.

In this episode, JK discusses the concept of treating a wake-up call like a snooze button. He shares a story-based example of what it looks like to get a wake-up call but not follow through with making a permanent change. JK explores the behaviors that indicate treating a wake-up call like a snooze button, such as reaching out for help but not following through and focusing on fixing the immediate problem without addressing the root cause. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the problem a...

Jul 09, 202424 minEp. 137

136. Solo: Invites to the negativity party.

In this episode, JK shares a personal experience that highlights and discusses the importance of not participating in someone else's negativity. He emphasizes the impact of small micro moments on our mood, focus, and mental energy. This episode highlights the significance of making conscious decisions and not accepting every invitation to negativity. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jul 08, 202415 minEp. 136

135. Solo: Trump's "Black jobs" comment.

On today's episode, JK shares his perspective on former President Donald Trump's comment referencing illegal immigrants taking "Black jobs". He shares how he processed the comment, and how he believes a purely emotional reaction may be distracting from a very important, systemic problem. ---- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here...

Jul 07, 202423 minEp. 135

134. Solo: 6 ways to break out of your fitness funk.

On today's episode, JK offers suggestions on what to do when you find yourself feeling unmotivated and disconnected from your training. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here ⁠ --- 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 03:21 Chapter 1: Reconnecting with Your Why 05:41 Chapter 2: Seeking Professional Help 09:00 Chapter 3: Tracking Progress 11:23 Chapter 4: Joining a Community 13:...

Jul 06, 202421 minEp. 134

133. Solo: My intentional daily practice.

On today's episode, JK shares three pieces of his intentional daily practice. They involve gratitude, commitment, and grace. If you're seeking some ideas for ways that you can start each day off with intention, this episode is for you. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here...

Jul 05, 202418 minEp. 133

132. Conversation: What it's like to play youth sports (with Mason McLeod, 11 years old)

Today's episode is a re-airing of a conversation that JK had with his son Mason on his (Mason's) podcast called Kids Talk Sports. Mason is interviewed by his dad about what it's like to be an athlete on game day. They discuss the sports Mason plays, which one he likes the most, and why. The answer might surprise you! They also talk about how parents can make sports more fun for their kids, including the role of coaching on the sidelines/in the dugout, and cheering from the stands. Mason shares h...

Jul 04, 202416 minEp. 132

131. Solo: A real life interaction that inspired me.

In this episode, JK shares a recent interaction that reminded him of the importance of self-care and the impact of social media on our perception of the world. The conversation serves as a reminder that there are people out there who prioritize their well-being and engage in self-care activities without seeking attention or validation. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here...

Jul 02, 202414 minEp. 131

130. Solo: Taking ownership over your decisions.

On today's episode, JK talks about the importance of owning your decisions. He offers a tactical way to reflect on past decisions and take intentional action to improve future self-accountability. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here...

Jul 02, 20249 minEp. 130

129. Solo: Two ways to approach fitness & nutrition challenge programs (LRL clip)

Today's episode is a clip from JK on the Lifting, Running, & Living Podcast, co-hosted with @coachingklutz In this clip, JK shares some context behind a recent post he made about two different ways to approach fitness challenges. If you'd like to check out the full episode, you can find that here: LRL Episode 28 - Competing Goals and the Fear of Prioritization --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ...

Jun 29, 202418 minEp. 129

128. Solo: The irony of advice to "Play it safe".

In this episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast, JK shares his thoughts on the concept of having something to fall back on (inspired by a commencement speech from Denzel Washington) . He reflects on the common advice of choosing a stable career and questions the assumption that the people creating those stable careers didn't take risks themselves. JK encourages listeners to consider the perspective of those who innovate and take risks to create opportunities for others. --- Connect with JK on ...

Jun 14, 20246 minEp. 128

127. Solo: Progress Outside The Numbers

In this episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast, JK is putting on his coaching cap to share some insight on identifying progress milestones on your way to reaching your goal. Plot twist: It's not going to be based on how much you weigh, how much you lift, or how you look. --- Connect with JK on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @coachjkmcleod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email JK: jk@themusclefeed.com Join JK's weekly email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe here...

May 22, 202417 minEp. 127

126. Solo: Put Yourself On The Hook

On this episode, JK discusses the importance of putting yourself on the hook to maintain consistency in fitness and other areas of life. JK shares his experience with signing up for gym slots and how it instilled a sense of responsibility and accountability. He also explores the concept of finding accountability partners and creating systems to ensure follow-through. This episode emphasizes the value of scheduling and finding ways to hold oneself accountable to achieve goals. --- Connect with JK...

May 10, 202421 minEp. 126

125. Solo: Oprah's Weight Loss Special, Quick Fixes, and more...

On today's Friday Four episode of the podcast, JK covers four topics that are front of mind. JK provides a life update on his recent travels to the Arnold Fitness Expo in Ohio, the Real Coaches Summit in Las Vegas, and a reflection from both trips. He then shares his perspective on Oprah's special, 'Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution.' JK discusses the framing of the special and the divide he believes it creates. He also explores the concept of quick fixes and how even experienced indi...

Mar 29, 202440 minEp. 125

124. Solo: The Time I Got Fired and Found My Fitness Consistency

In this episode, JK reflects on a recent Facebook reminder that marked a turning point in his life. He shares how losing his job became the catalyst for gaining consistency with his fitness routine. JK discusses the impact on his family and how he managed to juggle a part-time job while searching for new opportunities. He explains how he started going to the gym and the importance of creating a daily routine. JK also talks about seeking nutrition advice and buying supplements to support his fitn...

Feb 28, 202427 minEp. 124

123. Solo: Question Your "Consistency"

In this Solo episode, JK shares a classic story from Zig Ziglar to illustrate the importance of questioning our actions and habits. He emphasizes that doing the same thing over and over again without questioning can lead to missed opportunities and suboptimal results. JK also discusses the idea that just as insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result...doing the same thing and expecting the same results could potentially have you missing out on better outcomes. He provides ...

Feb 21, 202419 minEp. 123
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