this episode means a lot to me.

eoin murphy of sika strength and i discuss:

• fatherhood, modern masculinity, and some current issues younger boys are facing - he also gives some actual concrete parenting tips
• emotional availability / what he values in the people closest to him
• stories about weirdly aggressive DMs from dudes on social media / what it's like for him vs. what it's like for me + women
• his own training and how that's evolved (or hasn't) since becoming a father, what it's like working with a friend, and the origin story of sika strength (coming from a biochem background)

...and i also open up a little bit about my own personal struggles and the issues i carry into adulthood. he also gives me feedback on how i could have been a better athlete (because i specifically asked for it pre-interview, btw! it's solicited! lmao )

xxx

I've felt connected to Emily since first coming across her platform, so it's my honor to have her on as my first guest - (how nerve-racking for me! I'm also obsessed with her IG handle, so it's the title).

-

In this episode, Emily Dow, (Ph.D(c), CSCS, MS in Performance Nutrition, all the credentials!) and I chat about:

• her research on the gut-brain axis
• her athletic journey from weightlifter to runner
• how to detect fitness/nutrition BS and who to trust
• the confusing, unregulated supplement industry - which do we actually still use?
• peer inspirations
• our shared social media and industry grievances
• her principles and values

... and how her natural curiosity has led her to the best that life has to offer. In this interview, I also ask her "What do you believe you're good at?" - She gives a meaningful answer we can all learn from.

tldr: she's an intelligent, humble, driven gal with a lot to give (and a lot of sick tats).

Here are Emily's trusted recommended health and fitness resources on Instagram:

@doclyssfitness - performance specific

@drstacysims- female specific

@pagethorla - body comp

@dr.adrian.chavez- general nutrition

@coachjohnnoel - body comp dietitian

@biolayne - myth busting/research breakdown

@coachcaseyjo - body comp/behavior change

@drjessicaknurick - prenatal/pregnancy/infant nutrition

@alliehenrie.rd - fat loss dietitian

@jessicathesportsrd - performance dietitian

@the_sportsdietitian - performance dietitian

With gratitude,

Ash

Please give this a listen / watch before diving into the rest of the episodes! My mic quality is improved now and this is the 3rd time I've re-recorded this intro. (funny, but not funny).

In this episode, I introduce my somewhat selfish motives for starting this format, what to expect moving forward, and answer some personal questions and training questions including:

- how to give a better compliment

- training through pain and injuries

- qualities I love about humans

- personal new training objectives & newfound body congruency

- etc.

(and I'm working on my interviewing skills as we speak! I pinky promise!)

With gratitude,

Ash