Bending Pink Steel Podcast

Since day 1, the goal of Bending Pink Steel has been to help men become mentally fit. In our first workshop, we answered what becoming “mentally fit” actually meant. In this one, we answer how. In 17 short minutes, I’ll introduce you to the science of changing your brain, show you why a simple journaling practice can produce monumental results, and hand you the step-by-step process you can begin using today to upgrade your thinking. ArticlesExerciseThomas AG, Dennis A, Bandettini PA, Johansen-Berg H. The effects of aerobic activity on brain structure. Front Psychol. 2012 Mar 23;3:86. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00086. PMID: 22470361; PMCID: PMC3311131.Liang Z, Zhang Z, Qi S, Yu J, Wei Z. Effects of a Single Bout of Endurance Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Biology. 2023; 12(1):126. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12010126Knaepen, K., Goekint, M., Heyman, E.M. et al. Neuroplasticity — Exercise-Induced Response of Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Sports Med 40, 765–801 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11534530-000000000-00000Berbert-Gomes, C., Ramos, J.S., Silveira-Rodrigues, J.G. et al. An acute bout of resistance exercise increases BDNF in hippocampus and restores the long-term memory of insulin-resistant rats. Exp Brain Res 242, 901–912 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-024-06795-xCurtis, R., Blades, A., Moris, J.M. et al. Changes in brain-derived neurotropic factor following aerobic exercise. Sport Sci Health 20, 1153–1167 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-024-01244-2Mandolesi L, Polverino A, Montuori S, Foti F, Ferraioli G, Sorrentino P and Sorrentino G (2018) Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing: Biological and Psychological Benefits. Front. Psychol. 9:509. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00509American Psychological Association. (2020, March 4). Working out boosts brain health. https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stressHarvard Health Publishing. (2014, April 9). Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110Ramos, D. (2024, August 26). The sweaty genius method to rebuilding your brain. Bending Pink Steel. https://www.bendingpinksteel.com/p/exerciseJournalingVine, V., Boyd, R.L. & Pennebaker, J.W. Natural emotion vocabularies as windows on distress and well-being. Nat Commun 11, 4525 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18349-0Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Putting Feelings Into Words. 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Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13, 589299. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.589299Xiao Y, Yang T, Shang H. The Impact of Motor-Cognitive Dual-Task Training on Physical and Cognitive Functions in Parkinson's Disease. Brain Sci. 2023 Mar 3;13(3):437. doi: 10.3390/brainsci13030437. PMID: 36979247; PMCID: PMC10046387.Parvin E, Mohammadian F, Amani-Shalamzari S, Bayati M, Tazesh B. Dual-Task Training Affect Cognitive and Physical Performances and Brain Oscillation Ratio of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020 Dec 22;12:605317. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.605317. PMID: 33424581; PMCID: PMC7787183.Nature editor. (2023, November 8). Brain and body are more intertwined than we knew. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-03435-2Castellote-Caballero Y, Carcelén Fraile MDC, Aibar-Almazán A, Afanador-Restrepo DF, González-Martín AM. Effect of combined physical-cognitive training on the functional and cognitive capacity of older people with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Med. 2024 Jul 8;22(1):281. doi: 10.1186/s12916-024-03469-x. PMID: 38972988; PMCID: PMC11229192.Gavelin HM, Dong C, Minkov R, Bahar-Fuchs A, Ellis KA, Lautenschlager NT, Mellow ML, Wade AT, Smith AE, Finke C, Krohn S, Lampit A. Combined physical and cognitive training for older adults with and without cognitive impairment: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ageing Res Rev. 2021 Mar;66:101232. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101232. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33249177. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bendingpinksteel.com

Big thank you to Curtis for coming back on the pod to wrap this series up! We talk about how it challenged us to move from “body stupid” to “body smart” — along with the personal and professional benefits that resulted once we did. Linked Mentioned* Curtis Carnes Coaching website* His book: Breakthroughs Are Everywhere* The Body Body Body Series intro* The Body Body Body Series finale (with individual links to each article)* ✨ Coming soon BPS YouTube ChannelPlus, you can always find the latest series I’m working on here.-DRPS: Sorry for the audio on my end! I will be sticking to the mic & not AirPods next time around. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bendingpinksteel.com

Creating something new is messy. But I’ve found that other people (myself included) tend to find those messes interesting. 😅 And outsiders uncover excellent insights that the people building might be too close to see. In this short episode, I pull the curtain back to invite you in and highlight everything we’re doing now to set this project up for success in 2025. Here are the links mentioned in the episode:* PDF of new membership options.* The YouTube channel.👉 One thing I forgot to mention in the episode — we will be completing the Body Body Body series in October. The easiest way to find the final entries will be by navigating to the Series tab on the navigation bar.Thank you! Now, it's time to get back to writing.-DR This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bendingpinksteel.com

On today's podcast, we talk with Austin Schlessinger — a man who's learned what it takes to be successful inside and outside the gym. We dive into Austin's fitness journey, break down his career success, and unravel why his mindset has allowed him to win in so many different areas in life. Links Mentioned* Austin’s Analects* CrossFit Athlete page* https://x.com/austinschless * Primary Aim * His "Now" Page * Mental Fitness Framework Chapters* 00:00 Intro * 00:38 From dream physique to athlete * 04:40 Mental Fitness is multifaceted * 05:25 Why inputs determine your life * 06:30 How to find the right inputs * 09:45 The best lives come from balanced brains * 11:40 Choosing a primary aim * 15:20 How to time your goals * 17:50 Are you creating or being created * 20:17 How to fuel an agency mindset * 22:14 Quickest way to get out of a rut * 23:44 Forget comparison, focus on compounding * 25:30 Favorite cheat meal * 26:55 Proudest PR * 27:48 Current goal Liked this episode? Here are 3 ways to support my work:* Subscribe. You’ll get a new article or interview to support your mental fitness every Monday morning.* Share. Who are you rooting for to crush their goals? Send them a link to BPS.* Upgrade. Paying for something holds you accountable. So, if you’re serious about bettering your brain and want to keep BPS in the world, use this link to choose your plan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bendingpinksteel.com

This week, I had the honor of interviewing John Wooley, a man who's as dedicated to the craft of humor as he is fitness! We cover everything from his history in the sport of CrossFit, to his own practices around mental health, to where his focus is going next. Links Mentioned* His CrossFit Athlete page* YouTube video interview* John’s YouTube, Podcast, and IG* Article series mentionedChapters* 00:00 Intro * 00:28 How he started CrossFit* 02:40 Why mastery requires community * 05:00 Where the humor & logic come from * 07:15 You have to choose who you want to be * 08:55 The benefits of ADHD * 13:20 Why mental fitness is personal * 14:05 Scott Panchik’s mindset * 16:20 Exercise + anxiety * 17:34 The #1 mental health trigger * 19:50 Realizing you can build your brain * 22:00 Best advice for younger men * 25:15 Favorite cheat meal * 26:00 Favorite PR * 28:19 Current goal Liked this episode? Here are 3 ways to support my work:* Subscribe! You’ll get a new article or interview to support your mental fitness every Monday morning.* Share! Who are you rooting for to crush their goals? Send them a link to BPS.* Upgrade! Paying for something holds you accountable. So, if you’re serious about bettering your brain and want to keep BPS in the world, use this link to choose your plan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bendingpinksteel.com

What does it mean to be a good man in today's world? Listen as I talk with executive coach Curtis Carnes ‪about this topic, as we wind our way through the recent F-Words series, his latest book, and some of the wild experiences that made us who we are today. Links Mentioned* Specific Articles * F-Words * The Last Conspiracy* Schedule a free discovery call with Curtis* His book: Breakthroughs Are EverywhereChapters * Intro* (1:00) How Steel is Bent (What is BPS?)* (5:30) Definition of a Good Man* (8:00)The Bad Elephants Story* (10:00) Good Men Need to be Louder* (14:30) People Want Connection without Commitment* (18:16) 3 Identity Myths Men Fall For* (21:50) Toxic Masculinity in 4 Words* (23:05) Pain and Power* (33:30) What Successful Men Do Differently* (39:55) Tipping Point of Real Change* (42:35) The Most Powerful Way a Man Can Influence* (44:32) Our Next Series This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bendingpinksteel.com