In this episode of the No Fixed Agenda podcast, Kevin "Houda" McDonald, the race director of the Trans Rockies stage race, joins Jeff and Omar for an insightful conversation. The episode covers a wide range of topics including the logistics and unique experiences of multi-day stage races, Houda's personal stories from years in the racing industry, and a discussion on the Canadian perspective of the American election system.

00:00 Introduction to No Fixed Agenda Podcast

00:24 Meet Kevin Hoda McDonald

02:34 CrossFit and Fitness Talk

05:29 Kevin's Journey to San Diego

05:56 The Concept of Stage Racing

13:34 Challenges and Logistics of Stage Racing

25:28 Funny Stories from Stage Races

31:57 Community and Relationships in Stage Racing

33:36 Pregame Pep Talk and Team Unity

34:13 Challenges Leading to the Final Year

34:39 Cost and Logistics of Stage Races

36:19 The Popularity of Shorter Stage Races

37:26 Creating a Unique Race Experience

38:46 Community and Connection in Racing

44:10 The New York City Marathon Experience

47:37 High Rocks: A New Fitness Challenge

58:38 Canadian Perspective on U.S. Elections

01:03:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Paul Greer, a former Olympic track and field trialist, author, and long-time coach joins the show. Greer shares stories about his athletic journey, including his experience with Olympic trials, the significance of mental and physical training, and his iconic 4-minute mile achievement. He offers insight into his recently published book 'Going the Distance,' which compiles his 250 fitness tips and life lessons. The conversation underscores themes of motivation, resilience, visualization, and the importance of community in sports and personal development.

00:00 Introduction to the No Fixed Agenda Podcast

00:23 Movie Confusion: That'll Do Pig

01:14 Romantic Memes and Call Me Maybe

02:12 Interview with Paul Greer: Running and Sponsorship Stories

08:16 Paul Greer's Background and Family History

18:16 Journey to Breaking the Four-Minute Mile

23:26 Olympic Trials and Sponsorship Challenges

31:51 San Diego Track Club and Coaching Career

32:02 Journey to Presidency

32:15 Creating Running Opportunities

33:36 Unexpected Leadership

35:15 Coaching and Future Plans

36:45 Introduction to 'Going the Distance'

37:39 Writing and Publishing Process

46:23 Visualization and Mental Preparation

54:49 Life Lessons and Coaching Philosophy

01:01:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this engaging episode of the No Fixed Agenda podcast, hosts and their special guest Jen Rutt dive into a collection of wild and unpredictable stories. From an unexpected bird invasion involving 700 birds, a hair-raising job-related scare after rehab, to a near-fatal underwater workout incident, the conversation is full of surprising and intense moments. Jen shares her own captivating near-drowning experience and how it led to an interesting twist in her personal life.

00:00 Introduction to the No Fixed Agenda Podcast

01:18 Random Thoughts and Special Guest Introduction

04:31 Jen's Crazy Story: Near Drowning Experience

07:57 Jeff's Wild Bird Invasion Story

19:33 Omar's Turn: Fresh Out of Rehab

19:42 A Fresh Start After Rehab

20:04 Temp Agency Job at a Military Contract

21:26 Facing Job Insecurity

21:48 A Prayer Answered

23:47 Workplace Tensions and Threats

26:26 Reflecting on Relationships

27:54 A Dark Childhood Memory

28:02 Growing Up in a Tough Environment

29:43 Smuggling and Addiction

32:35 Dealing with Overdoses

33:43 Coping with Trauma

35:55 Wrapping Up with Reflections

Josh Graves, fitness coach and entrepreneur, joins the conversation. They delve into Josh's extensive contribution to the fitness industry, including his role in helping Omar open his gym. They discuss the significance of surrounding oneself with motivational figures, strategies to overcome complacency in business, and balancing professional ambitions with family life. Additionally, Josh shares insights about the Fit Connect, a networking platform aimed at fitness professionals. Listeners also receive a dose of humor through Tinder profiles for business and a touching story about Josh's childhood entrepreneurial spirit.

00:00 Welcome to the No Fixed Agenda Podcast

00:55 Introducing Josh Graves: Coach and Mentor

02:47 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Lions

04:58 Bubs Naturals Sponsorship

05:30 Funny Anecdotes and Personal Stories

07:09 The Journey of Opening a Gym

10:45 The Power of Community and Mentorship

13:07 Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

29:56 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Beginnings

42:51 The Hunger That Drives Success

43:15 The Reality of Starting a Business

44:05 Overcoming Complacency in Business

46:19 The Importance of Continuous Learning

51:06 The Power of Competition

57:15 Balancing Business and Family Life

01:06:14 The Birth of Fit Connect

01:11:01 Future Plans for Fit Connect

01:27:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this heartfelt episode of the No Fixed Agenda podcast, the hosts reflect on acts of kindness, sharing how upbringing shapes values. The episode follows an emotional journey of forming a relay team to participate in a 50K race, originally contemplated as a solo challenge. Through the support of friends, coaches, and community members, a collective effort emerges to support a family in need. Despite injuries and initial skepticism, the team demonstrates resilience and community spirit. This inspiring story captures how simple ideas can lead to profound accomplishments and deeper connections

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:57 Random Thoughts and Acts of Kindness

01:19 Stupid Shit of the Week

04:01 The 50K Relay Plan

05:17 Community Support and Final Preparations

12:04 Race Day and Acknowledgements

14:38 Planning the Impossible

15:06 Team Dynamics and Preparations

16:37 Race Day Challenges

18:19 Acts of Kindness and Community Support

18:51 First-Time Achievements

20:21 Reflecting on the Experience

21:18 Future Plans and Gratitude

25:48 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

In this episode of the No Fixed Agenda podcast, hosts Jeff Stoner and Omar Hernandez delve into various dimensions of contemporary education. Guests Mike and Joy Francis share their unique perspectives, Joy drawing on her extensive 23-year experience in independent studies, while Mike offers insights from his recent years teaching on a military base. The discussion spans flexible and personalized education models, the evolving role of technology and AI, student behavioral challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 on learning environments. The guests examine practical teaching approaches, innovative curriculums, and the importance of empathy and support in classrooms. They highlight the complexities of managing student behavior post-pandemic, the necessity for smaller class sizes, hands-on learning, and fostering real-world skills. This episode underscores the significance of adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse student needs, the critical role of social-emotional learning, and the transformative power of dedicated educators.

00:00 Welcome to No Fixed Agenda

00:22 Introducing the Hosts

00:58 Diving into Education

02:23 Independent Study Insights

03:29 Mike's Teaching Journey

05:13 Challenges in Modern Education

08:32 The Role of Technology in Learning

11:00 Teaching Beyond the Curriculum

16:32 Addressing Cheating and Integrity

26:32 Different Teaching Environments

33:18 History of Independent Study in Oceanside

33:44 Surfside Educational Academy: A New Era

34:50 Challenges and Benefits of Independent Study

36:38 Student Experiences and Success Stories

40:09 Continuation School vs. Independent Study

44:45 Behavioral Challenges Post-COVID

49:05 Teaching Standards and Curriculum

55:58 Ideal Educational System: Hands-On Learning

01:02:37 Parental Involvement and Support

01:04:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the No Fixed Agenda podcast, co-hosts Omar Hernandez and Jeff Stoner speak with Jim O'Hara, a newcomer to the political scene, who is running for city council in Encinitas, California. Jim, a local business owner and community advocate, shares insights into his candidacy, focusing on the process of entering politics, setting up a campaign, and the hurdles faced by independent candidates. The discussion remains non-partisan, with no focus on right or left political spectrums, and aims to provide an informative guide for others considering a political run. Jim emphasizes his commitment to community involvement and transparency in local government. The episode also highlights Jim's involvement in the local community through initiatives like the 'Kook Run' and the Cardiff 101 program. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the upcoming election, irrespective of their political affiliations.

00:00 Introduction to No Fixed Agenda Podcast

00:28 Guest Introduction: Jim O'Hara

01:25 The Political Journey Begins

01:50 Insights into Running for Office

02:29 Community Involvement and Contributions

10:32 The Kook Run: Reviving a Local Tradition

17:00 Challenges and Rewards of Community Service

24:18 Navigating the Political Landscape

26:52 The Role of a Campaign Manager

27:36 Challenges of Running as an Independent

28:40 Staff and Volunteer Dynamics

30:00 Community Engagement and Support

31:11 The Importance of Moderation in Politics

34:54 Campaign Trail Experiences

38:06 Daily Routine of a Candidate

41:30 Transitioning to City Council

47:20 Highs and Lows of the Campaign

52:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Vote

In this episode of 'No Fixed Agenda', presented by Bubs Naturals, hosts delve into the world of small business startups with special guest Ethan Block, founder of Crybaby Nutrition. Ethan shares his journey into the competitive nutrition and endurance food industry, inspired by his ultra-race experiences and dissatisfaction with existing products. Highlighting the challenges of formulating a real-food based nutritional gel and pioneering a unique packaging process, Ethan discusses the intricacies of manufacturing, product testing, and marketing, while emphasizing the perseverance required in a saturated market. Listeners get a firsthand account of the trials and triumphs in starting a nutrition brand, offering insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction to No Fixed Agenda Podcast

00:22 Introducing Crybaby Nutrition

01:05 Challenges of Small Business Ownership

02:19 The Importance of Quality and Trust in Nutrition

05:16 Ethan's Journey into Endurance Running

06:57 The Birth of Crybaby Nutrition

12:39 Developing and Testing the Product

19:02 Challenges of Launching a New Product

19:31 Realizations and Adjustments in Business

19:52 Early Marketing Efforts and Strategies

20:57 Balancing a Startup with a Full-Time Job

23:33 Entering the Retail Market

26:25 Packaging and Product Development

28:53 Testing and Shelf Life

32:15 Personal Endurance Challenges

34:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans