The Max Effort Podcast
The Max Effort Podcast
Christian McGahan
Hosted by Christian McGahan (Personal Trainer, Writer and Frontman of Virtue)The idea behind this podcast is to act as an ongoing resource of encouragement for anyone embarking on the path of self improvement, fitness, music and entrepreneurship.  
Moving An Internal Mountain
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!
May 13
16 min
The Burden Of Passion
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!
Apr 10
10 min
Resistance Changed Everything
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
Apr 2
9 min
There’s Still Time
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!
Mar 24
11 min
What Will It Take To Get There?
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!
Mar 17
7 min
Conquering The Low Points
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!
Mar 10
8 min
Give Yourself Permission To Succeed
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!
Mar 3
9 min
What Will It Look Like If You See It Through?
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!
Feb 24
9 min
Be Willing To Bet On Yourself
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.
Sep 17, 2025
14 min
The Intersection Of Doubt And Moving Forward Anyway
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.
Sep 3, 2025
12 min
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