The Max Effort Podcast: Recent Episodes
Christian McGahan
My idea behind this podcast was that I wanted it to act as a resource of empowerment and encouragement.One that would speak into your purpose, into your strength, and into the calling you have in your life. I believe that the most powerful thing about this platform is that through conversation, a culture is developed. A culture in which we learn that we all face struggle, we all can overcome, and that success is not limited to those who are worthy, but rather, those who are willing.
In Today’s episode, I reflect on the difficulties I faced in 2023. Battling financial turmoil, feelings of identity crisis, failure, and almost reaching a point of giving up and waiving the white flag. But like any difficult season, there’s opportunity, there’s a solution, and there’s internal breakthrough.
I hope this episode encourages you!
In today’s episode, I share a personal story about growing up, struggling through school, and feeling like I wasn’t “smart enough.” From failing classes and missing graduation— to trusting in myself and forging my own path altogether. All because I learned that intelligence had nothing to do with, but pursuing what I truly loved mattered more than any test I would ever take.
Hope this episode encourages you!
In today’s episode, I reflect on how powerful some of the hardest seasons of my life were. How pushing back against resistance didn’t break me the way I thought it might, but how it actually open doors for some of the best outcomes yet.
I hope this message encourages
In today’s episode— I talk about what it’s been like over the years of chasing down goals in music, writing, training, etc. How I went from always being fearful that those goals may never come to life, to now being more focused on doing the work, above all else.
I hope this message encourages you!
In today’s episode, I reflect on the last 8 years of being a personal trainer— specifically in terms of pursuing after something I feel to be a calling in my life. I share some key points for what’s kept me concrete in that role, despite the many wavering seasons.
Hope this message encourages you!
In today’s episode, I dive into some of the recent challenges I’ve been facing, growing within those experiences, and the unexpected perspective changes that eventually led to powerful insight.
Hope this episode encourages you!
In today’s episode— I share some insight into what it’s like working as a personal trainer, navigating the ins and outs of how individuals view themselves in the face of intimidating fitness goals. I dive into my own personal battles on the topic as well as relay some ideas for how to reframe your approach next time you struggle with shame, guilt, and feelings of failure.
Hope this episode encourages you!
In today’s episode, I dive into what my training in both the gym and in baseball has been like in the last couple months, facing physical and mental battles, and more importantly, some powerful questions to ask yourself when you’re in the guaranteed peaks and valleys in the journey of success.
Hope this message encourages you!
In today’s episode I talk about my unique journey into playing baseball, dealing with performance anxiety, the obsession of getting better, and getting comfortable taking risks.
Part 2 of recent episode “Leaving No Doubt”
I dive into some key moments in my personal training career where I truly believed it was over. And yet— I moved forward anyway.
In today’s episode— I talk about the beginning phase of what it was like losing 130lbs. Knowing full well, it was the biggest risk of my life at the time and why it was the greatest thing I’ve ever done.
Hope this message encourages you!
In today’s episode, I discuss the importance and frankly, life changing process of developing better beliefs about your life.
In today’s episode, I discuss my own experience in battling doubt— with my career, goals, and just about everything else in my life. As well as some powerful ways that helped me overcome it!
I hope this episode encourages you if you’re someone who has been doubting yourself or other areas of life!
A short, but straight to the point episode of asking yourself a powerful question— “Why is today that day?”
This is an episode for anyone battling a difficult season, discouragement, or any feeling of hopelessness about an area of their life.
Hope it encourages you!
In todays episode, I chat about the harsh period of the “backslide”. The part of the journey where we regain the weight back, where we fall out of routine, where we struggle find the spark we once had— if that’s you, I encourage you to take a listen. Because It’s not over yet!
In today’s episode, I touch on some key points I’ve implemented for navigating setbacks I’ve faced in prior years as well a current one I’ve been dealing with the last couple weeks.
How asking the right questions and changing perspectives ultimately impacts the outcome. Hope this episode encourages you!
Doing more research, being a “perfectionist”, waiting for the right time— are all forms of postponing the initial discomfort of just starting. In todays episode, I dive into some of my own personal experiences of just taking the first step and then learning along way. (A lot of it was the hard way) but had I not done that, I may have still been waiting to move in the first place. I owe everything I have to just taking the leap of faith!
Hope this episode sparks something in you and encourages you on your path!
Todays episode is about taking the internally journey. A necessary quest of the growth process, in where we learn about the ins and outs of why something might be holding us back from taking that next step.
Going further than just surface level reasoning and realizing that there may be something deeper that is weighing us down. Hope this episode encourages you!
In the peak of working on a lot of projects and having multiple irons in the fire, I felt todays episode would just work better as somewhat of a “motivational speech”, if you will. To act a message to myself and to any other individual who is in the process getting after it.
So much of the journey of self-improvement is a mental and emotional game.
It’s understanding and learning more about ourselves from the inside out. And how we deal with shame, guilt, and failure ultimately determines whether or not we continually move forward better than before. This episode dives into all of that and more. As always I hope it encourages you!
Working a 9-5 taught me one very important thing about myself... That I don’t ever want to work a 9-5 ever again!
In all seriousness, a good episode for anyone who is struggling at their current job, feeling unhappy happy, lack of fulfillment or not reaching their full potential.
In this episode, I dive into what kick-started the life I live today, why it’s so important to do the things your good at, and how your beliefs about your life play a critical role! Hope it encourages you as always.
It all starts with a vision.
In today’s episode, I dive into some key defining moments for me in my journey of fitness and seeing massive breakthrough, as well as dealing with anxiety, doubt, and the outside perspective of others when chasing the vision.
As always, hope this podcast encourages you!
Finding momentum is hard, keeping momentum is even harder.
This episode is for anyone who feels like they’ve lost steam in their creative projects, in their fitness journey— or whatever other venture you’re choosing to pursue. This game is not easy, but I’m here to remind you why it’s so important that you keep going.
Growth often comes at the cost of painful experiences, but the value and long term gain is worth its weight in gold.
I share some insight based on my own personal experiences of difficult season and how everything I have today, I have as result of just being willing to ask “what am I learning from this”
As always, I hope this episode encourages you!
What are we supposed to do whenever we hit road blocks, feel stuck, feel too tired or just don’t feel like doing it?
We do it anyway.
Todays episode is all about that and I believe it will be a spark for anyone who is currently experiencing the hardest parts of doing something worthwhile.
In todays episode, I talk about the effects of what being in a state of ‘Survival Mode’ does to your life and how impacts many of the most important areas and things you care about. As well as some helpful insight for breaking out of it. Hope this podcast is an encouragement for you today!
Bandmate and friend, Michael Fischer is back on the pod.
We talk in detail about the success of his short film “Up on The Housetop”, what’s next for the film, what he’s been working on, our favorite comic book characters, managing being busy all the time and so much more!
‘No Limits’ has quite literally become the internal motto for me this year.
Having tasted the bitterness of a life where your beliefs work against you, not being fulfilled, not being the best you can be, all in things you’re passionate about— not a taste I ever want to have again.
In this episode, I touch on the impact last year had on my life, overcoming feelings of being unworthy of good things, resiliency and how your beliefs about your life dictate your direction.
The return of the podcast—
A mild recap of the last year of my life and an encouraging message to anyone in a season of doubt for their goals, future, or day to day life.
**2023 for me has started off with some serious momentum in my life. Big ideas and bigger goals.. And a big amount of fear of both..
But I love that. Because I believe that if fear is the only thing holding me back, then it’s probably the most important thing I pursue right now.**
**In this episode I discuss the importance of risk taking, how it changed my life, mental frameworks, and overall just trying to psyche myself for what comes next !
Hope it helps you do the same!**
Find it where you get your podcasts!
New opportunities, while exciting, can also be terrifying and met with hesitation. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, fear of failing(or succeeding), negative self-belief systems, or maybe just fear of taking the first step through the doorway..
Other times, we might feel like opportunity has passed us by, we’re experiencing crippling discouragement and the perception of our desired goals or outcomes feel further away, thus creating a mirage like effect to what it is we want.
I believe both scenarios are an amazing position to be in and I share some insight as to why I believe that!
This is such a special topic for me because of my own journey in pursuing fulfillment in what matters most to me, how the difficulties, setbacks, and rock bottom experiences empowered and ignited so much of who I am today.
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For anyone who feels discouraged, stagnant, or plateaued in any area of importance in your life, whether it’s a fitness/diet related goal, career, creative passion, or just general state of being.
I encourage you to give this episode a listen!
In today's episode, I dive into some of the personal battles I’ve had when it comes to taking ownership in areas I want to succeed in.
A relatable episode to anyone who may be struggling!
As always, I hope this is encouraging!
Unfortunately, in the process of doing anything worthwhile, we’re going to lose quite a bit before we start landing the wins. Even worse, the things that beat us are generally just the minor inconveniences of daily life. Small in comparison, but when repeated daily, we find ourselves back at the beginning.
In this episode, I talk about some of the new mental strategies I’ve implemented to help aid in my own journey of fitness, my career in fitness, Virtue, and baseball.
Hope this provides some encouragement!
Sometimes starting from zero is the best thing we can ask for.
Instead of limiting ourselves by what we lack (or perceive we lack) the ignition for greater things starts as soon as you do.
As always, I hope this episode encourages you in this season of your life.
I want this episode to be an encouraging reminder for those facing problems within their relationships, at work, in their finances, physical injuries or other health related issues, etc.
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Like many of the topics that I discuss, they’re often a reflection of my own experiences and what I’ve I learned and continue to learn on how to think differently when up against a problem that feels immovable or unsolvable.
As always, I hope this encourages you in whatever season your in right now!
One of the biggest changes that I’ve made to my routine of continuous self-improvement-
Changing the way that I speak about myself. Meaning, I no longer aim to speak negatively or look to validate areas of struggle or weakness or certain bad habits. But instead, focus on using empowering words of encouragement to reinforce the belief that I can overcome or see it through. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
I hope this encourages anyone who has struggled with negative self-image, been made to feel inadequate or worthless, felt any kind of imposter syndrome, etc.
Remember, YOU are your most worthy investment in your life. It’s time step into that way of thinking.
There are going to be many difficult days in the journey ahead and you won’t always be able to rely on short term resources to keep moving forward.
However, in this episode, I share some personal experiences and insight of why I feel it is so important to define the purpose behind your “why” and how attaching it as your foundation, changes things in powerful ways.
As always, hope you enjoy!
Friend/Bandmate Michael Fischer is back as we discuss and promote his upcoming short film “Up on the Housetop'' as they prepare to start an Indiegogo to help fund the project. As well as other topics such as how surrounding yourself with the right people makes a big impact, lessons learned from the wins and losses, and much more!
You can follow the films Instagram for updates
IG: @Up_on_the_housetop_official
Facebook: Up On The Housetop-Film
Fake Trailer: https://youtu.be/OWopIBL6Uf4
Michael’s IG: @Michaelsfischer | @Mikeyfish_horror
This a love letter to anyone who feels like they’ve had to place their dreams on hold either lately or over the last couple of years.
You have such great gifts of creativity and passion and nothing can change that. Not even the difficulty of whatever season you're in, no matter how hard it tries to.
Hope you enjoy it!
On today’s episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend Alex Christian, who is one of the most genuine, hard working guys I’ve ever met.
In this episode we talk about his journey into his now full time acting and modeling career, the ups and downs that came along with it, and what's to come. A really encouraging episode that reinforces the idea that devotion to yourself and what you want is absolutely possible, despite whatever setback or voice you have coming against you.
Be sure to follow him to keep up with what he has going on! The dude is a literal renaissance man!
IG:@alexchristianfit
Website: alexchristianfit.com
On today’s episode of the podcast I chat with Kyle Woods, who is a writer and a new author that recently self-published his first book.
We talk about that, the challenges faced when sitting down to face a blank sheet of paper, finding your voice as a writer, and more!
Really fun conversation!
Be sure to follow him as well as pick up his book
‘’A Whistle On The Waves”.
Instagram:@kmwoods1
Website:http://www.kmwoodsauthor.com
Uncertainty without hope always assumes the worst.
In today’s episode, I set out to remind and encourage you that even in challenging seasons there’s an opportunity to establish a hopeful and persevering mindset. One that consistently builds upon itself and creates powerful momentum into better outcomes.
Had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my dude Joseph James on this latest episode of the podcast.
Joseph is a Powerlifter, Coach, and founder of Counteract Training Systems, as well as the drummer for Knowsuffer.
**In this episode, we talk about how consistency and growth in the gym has impacted many other areas in our own lives and the lives of our clients. We also talk about our own personal growth as coaches, where we made mistakes early on, and how we learned from them.
Be sure to follow @jayelly12 and check out @knowsuffer and @counteracttraining**
Had a great time chatting with Eliza Grace on this brand new episode of the podcast.
This was a really cool opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of her journey into becoming a full time Musician, Entrepreneur, Youtuber, and all around creative powerhouse!
The conversation itself was very relatable, vulnerable, and offered up some powerful insight, that I’m stoked to share with everyone.
And in the true fashion of this podcast, the scope of the discussion goes far beyond what is even listed in the title, as we discussed so many more good topics.
Really enjoyed this episode and I know you will too!
Be sure to follow her, check out her music, and subscribe to her Youtube Channel!
IG: @elizagracemusic
Youtube:Eliza Grace
Had the pleasure of chatting with Andy Atkins of A Plea For Purging on this week's episode of the podcast.
We dove into what he's up to now, the band, food, being a hard worker in all you do, self-improvement, devotion to your craft, touring, and literally SO much more. A really fun conversation with a lot of great advice and insight. Hope you enjoy!
**Be sure to follow him as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel to keep up with the party!
IG:@apleaforandy
Youtube: Party On Forever!**
Podcasting in it’s true form is skype crashing 4 times in the span of an hour and having to piece together the conversation to make an episode. Luckily, I didn’t have to face the hilarity on my own!
That being said- on today’s episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Jake Moix, Co-Host of the Dummy Thicc Gamer Show and Blog writer.
This was a very deep and vulnerable conversation about the ins and outs of coming to terms with the dream(s) you have for your life, going through challenging seasons, dealing with loss, and more! Really stoked on it and as always, I hope you enjoy!
P.s. Jake was the one who saved the episode by recording it on his end and editing it together like a champ!
Had a really great discussion with Sean Mott on this episode of the podcast. Sean is a full time booking agent, freelance graphic designer, and host of the Metalcore Nerds Podcast. In this episode, we dove into a wide array of topics surrounding the(metalcore/hardcore)music industry, primarily in the scope of the business side of things, as well as strategies for growing and succeeding in your band. On top of that, we also touched on small tidbits like eating and training on the road, strategies for combating the post tour mental battles, movies, comics, breaking down the character of Batman, and more!
Like I said, great discussion! A lot great wisdom is shared in this episode and I encourage anyone who is looking to be successful in their musical project to give it a listen. Hope you enjoy!
Having a grand vision and laser focus for your future is a wonderful thing, so long as your present self doesn’t suffer as a result.
In today’s episode I discuss the importance of strengthening your current state, even if it’s not where want to be, but by doing so, it becomes a true investment for today, tomorrow, and the years to come! As always, I hope this encourages you! Thanks for listening. ✊🏻
Today’s episode is short, but it’s just a straight up hype message for those of you looking to move forward into the areas you feel called to. I believe that if you have a greater vision for the present and your future, you owe it to yourself to chase that vision and bring it to life. These things don’t just appear out of meaninglessness, they are gifted in you because you have the capability.
And you are more than deserving of it.
Many of us often reach a point in our creativity, Fitness, business, personal relationships, or even our emotions, where things just aren’t going how we’d like. We feel stuck, apathetic, discouraged or even angry, and the solution is hard to come by.
In today’s episode, I break down some ways as to why we might feel stagnant and how to overcome it!
If you feel this relates to you in any way, I hope it encourages you to get back at it with a fresh insight and a willingness to keep going. ✊🏻
Had a great chat with my man Austin Greco on today’s episode! We talk about the impact that significant weight loss has had in our lives, dealing with insecurity then and now, our favorite fast food orders from the big dog days, and more! I encourage those of you looking to make the same change to check it out and
as always, hope you enjoy!
Really excited to have had my good friend and band mate Michael Fischer on the podcast.
Mikey is a jack of all trades, in that he is an actor, musician, co-host of the YouTube channel Slam n Salmon, and an up and coming filmmaker!
We talk about all of that, our process in becoming better writers, being straight edge and more! A super fun chat that I hope you all enjoy!
Really enjoyed this chat with my dude Brandon Wells about the definite peaks and valleys of being passionate in multiple areas such as music and fitness.
We discuss the emotional cost that comes with being passionate, creative approaches and setbacks, staying devoted to your vision, and balancing passion in relationships as well as your own physical/mental well being.
Give it a listen and be sure to check out Brandon’s music by clicking the link below.https://shor.by/4289
Setbacks, Inconveniences, and Discouragement are never an easy experience. However, the experience often results in a stronger version of the self when it’s all said and done. It’s just tough to see the end, when you’re going through it.
In today’s episode I discuss the difficult challenges I faced last year and the impact they had on my life today, as well some insight into re-framing the way we look at hard times. I encourage you to check it out, if you’re going through a period of adversity. Thanks for listening!
Anxiety is a thief of opportunity and personal breakthrough and so many of us tend to struggle with it on a daily basis. However, developing a greater sense of confidence provides a new kind of strength against even the harshest anxiety. In this episode, I discuss some strategies for empowering your own self confidence in areas of struggle.
In today’s episode I discuss some useful insight and strategy to help break the habit of procrastinating when you’re faced with things that need to get done, or even more so- goals you are looking to achieve.
Procrastination is something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember, in ways that were debilitating to some extent. I always had this belief that it was this unchangeable characteristic of who I was and who I was meant to be.
But part of changing for the better is acknowledging, confronting, and aiming to understand areas that need growth, in a way that allows for greater breakthrough and victory.
I really encourage you to check it out, if this is an area you feel you’re struggling with!
As always hope you enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and bandmate Tyler Johnston and talk all about balancing inspiration and comparison in our creative endeavors.
We discuss ways in which we’ve struggled with the negative effects of social media, dealing with our own insecurities, and practices we’ve put in place for developing a healthier approach to our passions.
As always, hope you enjoy!
Note: The Audio is a bit echoey, due to the way we recorded.
-New Podcast Episode-
Oftentimes in our creative, business, or fitness related pursuits we tend to experience a somewhat debilitating form of discouragement. One that challenges our love and our passion for what it is we’re doing, even to a point where we contemplate giving up.
In this episode, I discuss my belief that when you return to the roots of why you started in the first place, there is an opportunity to reignite, renew, and restore your vision!
Hope you enjoy it!
Instagram: @xlifecoachx
This episode was entirely unplanned. So much so that it was recorded in an empty gym, right after a run on the treadmill.
However, the topic was weighing heavily on my mind and felt I should take advantage of it and bring it to light. We are up against a wild time, but hope powers through all seasons. I hope this encourages you and brings about a greater peace of mind!
*FYI- the audio is a little rough, this was unknowingly recorded through the mic of my headphones(I could’ve sworn I turned them off)that were further away from where I placed my phone.
Episode 5 is live! As corny as the old saying “Believe in Yourself” is, actually putting it into practice can truly be life changing. If all I ever did was doubt myself, in an attempt to be better, I would’ve never gotten to where I am today.
What you believe about yourself can influence the perception of your own self worth. If there is self doubt, or a lack of self worth, the result is significant limitation to obtaining a better lifestyle, mental health, relationships, etc.
In today’s episode I discuss ways to help improve your self-belief system in a way that empowers you on a deeper level. Because you deserve to feel better about yourself!
Thanks for listening.
When you’re passionate about something, it’s easy to allow that one thing to dictate all of your time, all of your emotions, and even your livelihood, in a way that it basically becomes your full identity inside and out. It feels like that’s what it takes to be successful.. right? A life devoted to your passion- that sounds nice, but when that passion you have isn’t flourishing, falls apart, or is completely stagnant, it seems like your emotional state tends to follow in its direction. In today’s episode I discuss this in detail about my own personal struggle of giving too “much of myself” to my passions in the past and how my more recent mindset has helped create a healthy balance between my identity and my own passionate investment. This is a topic I feel most can relate to, but more specifically my musician friends. Hope you enjoy!
Facebook- Christian McGahan
Instagram -@xlifecoachx
In today's episode, I sit down with my first guest Melanie Smadi, who works alongside me as a trainer at Anytime Fitness, as well as a fellow online coach. We dive into the topic of balancing ‘’free time’’ when it comes to owning your own business, having passion projects, fitness related goals, or just everyday life.
We feel this is a very relatable topic to most people because free time can often feel like a missed opportunity to be productive. We dive into the guilt surrounding that and how to know when it’s time for play and when it’s time to knock things out. Hope you enjoy!
Be sure to follow us on IG:
Christian - @xlifecoachx
Melanie- @lift_with_heart
In this Episode I discuss in detail my personal journey of losing a 124lbs, the set backs I faced along the way, how I overcame them, and some useful tips for creating better, more sustainable progress and success in your journey.
A quick introduction into the direction of this podcast, what to expect, and what to look forward to! Thank you for taking the time to listen.