I have been listening to this podcast from the beginning and I love the topics and different perspectives that each of the three guys bring. When they announced they would be adding some commercials for certain products, it made sense. Clay has been a great addition and deserves to be paid. However, there seems to be an increase in the number of commercials over the past few weeks for random products, and they pop up in random moments in the show interrupting the flow making it much harder to listen to, hence 4 stars instead of 5. Planned commercial breaks with better editing would be one way to improve the experience with the commercials still present.

The addition of Clay has made a great improvement on reducing the amount of complaints from Steve - usually complaining and insulting Brad. Now if we could just get Clay to reduce his awkward pauses. Other than that, the content is really good

I look forward to a new episode every week. Thought provoking, encouraging and challenging all in one. As a runner and as a human, it always hits. Love love love!

Smokey the bear was everywhere in podcast land and is an important message. 😀

Been listening for a few months and really enjoy the insights, practical advice and real world examples. Approachable for all. Chemistry amongst Steve, Brad and Clay is great too.

Stumbled into this via Steve’s YouTube videos on training and his book Do Hard Things (recommended) and I am so happy that I did! Modern life is hard to navigate and these guys (and their guests) have a perspective that I’ve found to be invaluable. One thing I really appreciate is that they approach the conversations as custodians of wisdom. They aren’t presenting ideas as if they have discovered the fountain of youth, but rather as lessons we can take from those who have living the good life and achieving excellence over time. Just great stuff!

I get a lot out of each episode I listen to. If I’m having a bad day or dragging for whatever reason, there’s usually some tip that will remind me how to get into a better frame of mind. I appreciate the wisdom that these guys share. Keep it up fellas.

I’m leaving this review to help the guys out with the Almighty Algorithm. But honestly, it’s a fantastic show that everybody needs in their life. Listen to it. Read their books. You won’t regret it.

It’s easier for runners and athletes to relate since that’s the origin. But this podcast has so much to offer for everyone as everyone is managing a lot and dealing with the same ambitions, fears, feelings, and juggling act, just in different ways. I love listening on a Sunday evening or Monday morning to prep for the work week.

So much to learn. So many voices, life lessons, and applicability. Highly highly recommended!

The show provides delight and inspiration thanks to the three hosts and their love for making humans have a better lived experience.

I’ve been reading and consuming Brad and Steve for years now, and as others have said, the addition of Clay has made a huge improvement to the quality of the show. I find the episodes I enjoy the most are the ones I didn’t know anything about going into it, those are the ones I tend to skip in the past, now I keep an open mind. Overall this is a can’t miss podcast for me. Really enjoy it. Thanks guys!

I use to learn so much and look forward to hearing Brad and Steve’s podcast. I gave this new iteration many listens to give it a chance. Unfortunately, I’ve stopped listening due to disappointment with the current format with Clay.

I really liked this podcast when it was the Growth Equation but this year it is even better. The addition of Clay, consistent guest interviews and shorter Coach up episodes have been great changes with each episode including helpful and practical nuggets of wisdom, humor and warmth. Thank you!!

One of my top 3 favorite listens. Never have to worry about their intentions or trying to sell me something. Just practical, thoughtful advice and wisdom presented by people I like and trust.

I love this podcast. It’s funny because I am a 60 year old retired grandma who has never been an athlete- although I have walked 3 marathons and numerous half marathons! The information can be applied across all lifestyles. Performance athletes, people in the midst of stressful and busy careers- or grandmas living in the country! The guests and hosts are really knowledgeable and have so much to share. Thanks for all you do! I share your episodes with my friends and family too.

This is still a very good podcast with loads of great content. However, Brad and Steve were the reason I listened, and now that they are on much less, I feel like the podcast has lost a step. No knock on Clay, but this change is a disappointment for me.

I really enjoyed this podcast when it was just Steve and Brad and they presented topics threaded together using themes in their books. Unfortunately, the show really seems to have lost its identity and you never know what you’re going to get. I understand why Clay was added and the move probably seemed like a good idea on paper, but he has made episodes less engaging. As a whole, the podcast has devolved generally into another bro sports talk radio show.

Farewell is my favorite show for achieving high performance. The toxic culture usually found with podcasts like this is not present in Farewell episodes. I feel encouraged and excited to perform at my best! Thanks all!

Love this new format. I felt like there were bits and pieces of this in The Growth Equation, but it wasn’t consistent, so I canceled my Patreon membership. I’m going to rejoin now. You started the year with two excellent podcasts-Courtney Dauwalter and goal setting. Thank you for listening to our feedback!

I initially liked this podcast until I began to hear the political opinions of the hosts unnecessarily introduced into the conversation, including the idea that someone who questions vaccines doesn’t “trust the science”. So someone still believes that? Wow. Cross these guys off the list. There are far better podcasts out there without the politics and arrogance.

One of my favorite podcasts. Well researched, thoughtful, and relevant.

Brad and Steve present simple, clear, and actionable ideas from a nice balance of research and personal experience. The hosts are playing “the long game” and bringing their community along in a positive way.

that at the start of the show Steve is always really interested in knowing what’s going on in Brad’s world but Brad never acknowledges the question. Steve: “Brad, what’s going on my man?” Brad: “Not so much.” I tune in each week to see if Brad will finally acknowledge Steve’s question.

Frustrating to tune in and hear trivial political comments which have nothing to do with the topic of the podcast. These guys are clearly saying that if you don’t align with their view politically, then you must not be interested in ‘growth’. The episodes I listened to also had poor sound quality, a ton of background noise like tapping and/or paper shuffling, coughing and sniffling. Both voices (tone of voice is shaky and nasally) are not great for podcasting. It is also evident that these guys have too much going on to adequately prepare for this show. Very basic ‘prep’ like taking a quote from ESPN and talking about what that quote means.

The content is helpful and applicable to my dual professions of teaching and performing, and to my recreational running. But: do you ever listen to your own podcast? Steve, you're constantly banging loudly (or something) on your mic, and often sneezing/coughing and not muting yourself or editing those out. (And Brad, you're often overloading your mic.) I'm sure someone in your wide circles of friends and colleagues would happily spend an hour remotely with you guys, to teach you how to use your mics and to check your settings. That banging--yikes!

Whether in podcast or book these two have a wealth of information that matches their experiences.

The information is fantastic, but the presentation is atrocious. This podcast is the epitome of self-righteousness and self-aggrandizement. If you want all the right answers, these guys (mostly Brad Stahlberg) will be sure to let you know they have them. I’ve been choking my way through the episodes, but the episode on 2/16/22, when Brad said the suffering an Olympic athlete feels when they fail is like literally losing a child, pushed me over the edge. Falling during a downhill slalom equals the death of a child? Not landing a triple axel equals the death of a child? Get some perspective and learn a little humility and maybe I’ll buy a book your constantly pushing. For now, I can get this information from people who know they don’t know everything.

Practical Wisdom

I always get a nugget of insight or a new book suggestion each podcast! Great supplement to their books!

Good content. Brad, please get a better quality mic.

Another great episode! Would love to hear a brief follow up on blood flow restriction therapy. There’s definitely a theory and arguably some empirical research from my mini lit review, but I’m not convinced. I know there is no silver bullet for building muscle and nothing replaces a solid support system and consistent training, but if BFR is accessible to you is it worth it? Thanks for the thoughtful show!

Steve and Brad have a natural partnership that makes for an engaging listen each episode. They often deconstruct widely accepted beliefs, whether in athletics or in society, and reveal the errors or downfalls in those ideas. Where Growth EQ goes a step above, is by always leading the listener to a positive or alternative way of thinking. This show has really helped me let go of some ways that I operate that actually weren’t helping me. Thanks Steve & Brad.

I learned of this podcast when Brad was a guest on Cal Newport’s show. Intrigued by his life perspective and career background, I started to listen. I am a full nerd with my obsession of cal Newport and can see why they are friends. Excellent insights for anyone serious about life and career satisfaction without the fluff - will also resonate especially for athletes and execs. Brad and Steve have a good balance of science and emotion.

This podcast is an incredible resource for those who want to stay on the cutting edge of the most recent, relevant research on a variety of topics. Coaches in every field should tune into this show, as the practices and principles discussed are applicable in all aspects of life. The title says it all, as this is first and foremost a “development-based” podcast for not just coaches and athletes, but individuals striving for “Peak Performance.” Brad and Steve exhibit both a comprehensive understanding of the subject material and a willingness to get into the weeds and ask the hard, thought-experiment type questions that facilitate high-level discussion. The topics are varied and refreshing, and the delivery style is engaging and informative. This is a well-produced and expertly-crafted podcast from the best in the game, and you would do yourself a favor by downloading/subscribing. And buy the books!!

This is a good podcast.

This has been a breath of fresh air in a crazy year. The topics are relevant and the advice is actionable. The best part is the consistency of emphasizing to move your body and eat real food. It’s not flashy or a ‘life hack’ to get clicks. Brad & Steve give genuine responses and make it worth listening each week and applying the practices as much as possible.

Great podcast to make you think outside the box. Please keep this unedited ... it’s what makes podcasts “real”. I enjoy the rants and tangents!

Although I strongly disagree with most of their political viewpoints, it is still one of my favorite podcasts each week. This is because it makes me challenge my own beliefs and because I will always learn something or at least try to think differently on their variety of topics. Love the range of guests. Runners make sure to listen to Steve’s running pod as well.

The Growth Equation is a potpourri of contemporary ideas and observations. From the mental and physical aspects of running to the growing paucity of good writing and equitable debate. It is fun to tune in each week and feel engaged with a meaningful conversation.

This is an excellent podcast that takes an unbiased look at the topics that we face today. Brad and Steve are well spoken and insightful on the chosen topics. As a distance runner and athletic administrator, I enjoy the perspectives that they offer. Well done!

Brad and Steve walk the line perfectly between high-level professionalism and intimate personal takes as they explore the real issues behind achievement and performance. From Steve’s “I relate everything to running,” to Brad’s philosophical musings, these guys complement each other well and I truly enjoy listening to their thoughtful, well-researched deep dives into the challenges and joys of top-of-their-game individuals. I love the AMA episodes as well as their guest interviews, but even the simple banter between the two of them is both entertaining and highly informative. Add this to your pod rotation!

Superb commentary, your podcast has become part of my weekly ritual! Thank you and keep up the great work!

Steve, Brad and guests make your crazy feel normal. Passion Paradox changed my life by helping me understand myself. I love listening to superstar guests share successes, challenges, transitions and insights in authentic, relatable conversations.

This has all of the great insights of their books in an uncut format that shows the thoughts that bring their ideas to life. It is binge worthy if you haven’t started and worth subscribing to get the weekly wisdom in your inbox. I recommend this to everyone I talk to because I know there isn’t someone that wouldn’t benefit from listening.

I love these guy’s writings, but Steve has possibly the worst voice to listen to on podcast.

I can’t listen to this podcast in my car because I have to stop and write down so much of what I learn on this podcast. Brad and Steve are so knowledgeable and they bring so much each week. It has really changed how I live and approach my craft. Thank you both so much!

I am an avid runner and coach, and have always enjoyed reading Brad and Steve’s books and articles. Like their publications, each episode is filled with practical advice on how to approach life’s challenges. I look forward to each episode and have found their tips extremely useful in my coaching and parenting.

I’m a newsletter subscriber, and I read outside magazine, so I’m pretty familiar with both of these guy’s writings and I figured the podcast would be a good listen. I really enjoy this podcast so far, it’s a good way to learn about ways to tackle stress and growth during stress. Many of their topics apply to more than just sports, like focus - it’s good to hear about other’s struggles and tactics for working in the midst of all the possible distractions that can take you out of the moment. I have many more episodes to listen to, for sure. There’s one thing I’d like to hear more of in this podcast tho - aren’t there any women in sports that have opinions on the topics you cover? Just a suggestion.

Steve and Brad have a really engaging way of presenting topics and concepts that help anyone- an athlete at any level, a professional in any field- think about how to become your best self. I find myself revisiting the themes in their podcasts long after I listen, and often listen again!