PODCAST · health
Afternoon Snack
by Meredith Root and Alex Parker
Alex Parker and Meredith Root’s Afternoon Snack Podcast invites you to join in on conversations where science, culture, and philosophy meet practical personal advice and experience that everyone needs to hear. They ask the big and small questions to get you thinking while injecting a hefty amount of personal experience and banter as partners in life, business, and sport. New episodes every Wednesday.
Episodes
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Introducing Fast Twitch Endurance
In this episode, Alex and Meredith sit down to talk about Fast Twitch Endurance, their new training program for runners and cyclists looking to build both their aerobic capacity and their strength in the gym. Strength training is becoming more popular in endurance sports, not just because it...
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Return of the Snack!
The Afternoon Snack returns after a mid-summer break! In this episode, we share what we've been up to this summer, our fundraising efforts with The Be Good Foundation, Rebecca's Private Idaho, and some new programs dropping this fall. 💪 Train With Us: Get access to expertly designed daily…
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Rebecca Rusch - Motivation, Movement, and the Summer Streak
This is our very first collaborative episode between Afternoon Snack and What's the Rusch, bringing Rebecca Rusch onto the show to launch our Summer Streak Challenge together. Rebecca is one of the most inspiring people on the planet. She is a true leader in sport, performance, mindset, and...
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All About 5/3/1 Strength Training and Why It's Probably Right for You
In this episode, we dive into the 5/3/1 Strength Training Program that has been the backbone of the Tactic Fitness program for almost 12 weeks. It was designed by Jim Wendler, a world class power lifter and renowned coach. But just because the 5/3/1 program was developed by an elite athlete…
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To Grit or to Quit? - On the Courage and Commitment of Letting Go
To Grit or To Quit? That is the question. Quitting is an essential skill. It takes courage and honesty in reflection to be able to see a long view of where you're going and step off of certain paths, even when it is an uncommon or even taboo decision to make. Today's episode talks about the skill...
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Dusty Bandita, Adventures in Idaho, and the Power of Yes!
The summer of bike adventures continues! In this episode, we talk about the Dusty Bandita, bike packing in Idaho with Rebecca Rusch, our all-new Summer Streak challenge, and the power of saying yes (and no). 💪 Train With Us: Get access to expertly designed daily workouts at...
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The Unbound 200 Race Recap: Lessons in Persistence
What a year it was for the most famous gravel race in the world, Unbound. Set in Emporia, Kansas in June, it's not a question of if you will ride in bad weather, it's a question of when. And after two dry years, Unbound was due for a wet one and boy was it ever. The conditions may not have been...
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Race Recap: Calgary Marathon Edition
Alex ran the Calgary marathon for the third time on May 24th which marks her 10th marathon. In this episode, she speaks about her experience leading into the race, how different her race strategy was from her usual approach, how hard it was to stick to that race strategy, and what else goes into...
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Hannah Simms on The Fernie Gravel Grind, Women in Racing, and Where Gravel is Going
Hannah Simms is on the show today! Hannah races gravel and MTB for Kona Bikes and The Easton Overland Team. And as impressive as she is on the bike, she is equally impressive in her work on the events and marketing side of things for Anything Goes Event Series who puts on our hometown race, The...
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Gone Phishing - Taper Tantrums and Sleazy Scammers
With the Calgary marathon and Unbound 200 coming up, we (Alex and Meredith) are both in full on taper mode. Tapering is one of the most effective ways to get the most out of your training leading into a race but it doesn't happen without some mental and sometimes physical difficulty. This episode...
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Concretegate - End of an Era, More Lessons in AI, and Doing Things the Right Way
Today's episode is for the die hards - those people in our community who have been following along with Meredith's concrete court saga. It's the facts versus a completely fabricated AI hypothesis. She serves up justice, hot and ready! But will it be enough to win this small claims case? If you…
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Revisting the Metabolic Toggles
The two biggest inputs we have into our physiology and metabolism are what we eat and what we do for movement and exercise. There are 4 unique metabolic scenarios that emerge when modulating those two inputs and they underlie the process and progress a person makes towards their physical and…
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So, what's the deal with Peptides?
The story arch of the current peptide craze is mind bogglingly illogical. It is one of the most common things we get asked about which is kind of nuts because... we aren't doctors. This week, we dive into how this genuine (and not new) scientific revolution has been laundered into the latest...
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You want me to Theragun what? A spring endurance training update
With the Calgary Marathon coming up for Alex and Unbound 200 for Meredith, spring training is in full swing and along with it all of the aches and pains that can be expected when volume is high! New this year, the concurrent self work that is somatic based therapy. In this episode, we dive into…
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Deb Armstrong on New Challenges, Giving Back, and Living Young
Deb Armstrong is truly one of a kind. She is an Olympic gold medalist but as you will learn quickly in this episode, that accomplishment doesn't define who she is. After retiring from a successful World Cup racing career, Deb went on to get her degree in history from the University of New Mexico...
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Raising the Floor - The Dos and Don'ts of Improving Aerobic (and Life) Capacity
Alex and Meredith Dive into aerobic development, the 2 ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2), zone 2 training, field testing for everyday athletes, the downsides to intensity training, and how the same concepts that are fundamental to aerobic training are also present in strength training, skill...
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The Power of Yes
Can one word change your life? Yes. Pun intended. Yes embodies a way of being and making decisions that can sometimes feel against the grain, scary, and add odds with a felt sense of safety and comfort. But often that area of discomfort, if leaned into, precipitates tremendous growth. In this...
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Adventures in Artificial Intelligence - Part 1
Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly here to stay but the way people choose to use it has implications beyond the obvious. Join us as we discuss AI use in the coaching and creative spaces and how coming face to face with a moral and monetary dilemma has forced us to grapple with the very real...
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Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes! Alex's New Approach (and Coach) for Hybrid Training
If you know Alex, you know that she struggles with change. Especially big ones. And you also probably know how seriously she takes her training for running, strength, and triathlon. Which makes changing coaches and training programs probably the biggest and most impactful change that she's made...
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Joy is not Resistance (but it still matters) - a Solo Show from Meredith
In my first solo episode, I (Meredith) step behind the mic to reflect on the tension between joy, guilt, and real resistance. This show dives into the nuance of emotional substitution and how feel-good phrases like “Joy is Resistance” can unintentionally bypass the real work of activism. We will...
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Research Round Up! Autophagy, Reps in Reserve, and Sugar Cravings
This episode is a research round up! We are discussing three new (ish) studies and reviews on nutrition, strength training, and a study that helped us change our mind! Nutrition: The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature Strength Training:...
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Kristi Mohn: 20 Years of Unbound, Women in Gravel, and Training Grounds AZ
In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Mohn to talk about the 20 year anniversary of Unbound Gravel, the impact of community and local flavor on race longevity, and why the work for women and diversity is always worth doing. We talk about leadership in every day life and the power of subtle...
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Stay in Your Lane? Not a Chance! - Leadership and Activism in the Age of the Internet
When public figures, athletes, celebrities, and most especially - women, speak out after political or social crises, they're often met with the same tired command: “Stay in your lane.” In this episode, we unpack why that phrase is more than just dismissive, it’s a tool of patriarchal control.…
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Dear Insecurity - What Your Coping Mechanisms are Trying to Tell You
In this episode, we are diving headfirst into coping mechanisms. Aka adapted survival skills. They develop for a reason and yet we judge ourselves so harshly for using them. And while it's tempting to think that they are what keep us stuck, we'd challenge you to consider how embracing them may be...
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The Lessons of 2025
Some years offer more than others from a learning standpoint and we can both say that 2025 was probably our biggest learning year to date. Learning is not always easy, it is often uncomfortable, and the lessons almost always come at very bad times. But we are grateful to learn them, grow from…
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Get on Your Bikes and Ride! - HTT Bike Club & We Ride
Our last episode of 2025 is a bonus episode and we are using it to highlight our brand new official bike club and spring training program. We've had folks asking for a bike club for a long time and we're excited to finally launch it. It is a totally new program with a totally new feel and we're...
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Our Goal Setting Fallacy: Why your goals may be setting you up to fail
We came up with the Goal / Result / Timeline Fallacy a number of years ago when we saw people consistently setting goals that ended up frustrating them and leading them toward failure. It wasn't that the goal itself was inappropriate, it was the timeline or result attached to it. In most cases it...
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Therapy Smerapy - A Couples Counselling Adventure
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unpredictable waters of relationship therapy—armed with, well... nothing. Because that's the thing about therapy, it takes away all your armour (and coping mechanisms). Relationship work is a trip and honestly, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from...
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Growing Pains: When Grassroots Goes Mainstream
How do you embrace progress without losing the soul that made a sport special in the first place? That's the question we toy with in this episode. We are experiencing a strange déjà vu as athletes in two niche sports going mainstream. CrossFit exploded during the 2014-2018 years, which were also...
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Your Brain on Habits: The Science of Daily Routines
If you've ever felt curious about how some things become SO automatic, this episode is for you! Habits are an evolved tool that free up brain space and resources for more mentally demanding tasks. But the same mechanism that makes useful habits mindless can also unlock some bad habits too. We…
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Life Lately: An Unfiltered Update
This one's for The Mollys! In this episode, we give you the low down on what we've been up to and what we are working hard on personally, professionally, and athletically. At the top of that list is a very small, very needy little fur ball. 💪 Train With Us: Get access to expertly designed daily...
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Back to Basics: Nutrition Basics for Everyday Athletes
Whether you lift weights, run, bike, or do all of the above, your body needs the right fuel. In this episode, we are breaking down the core nutrition principles every active person should know. What you’ll learn: How to balance carbs, protein, and fats for performance What and when to eat around...
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Social Media Blast from the Past - Regrets and Redos
In this episode, we take a very cringy walk down memory lane as we reflect on our social media presence and posts from yester-year and how we have grown and evolved to our stances on similar topics today. You can find the mentioned social media posts in order here:...
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The Road to Wilmington 70.3 - Training Reflections and Tri Prep Tips
In this episode, we dive deep into Alex's training and prep for her second Half-Ironman. Wilmington 70.3 comes almost a year after Indian Wells 70.3 and offers an enormous opportunity for improvement. Some of the topics we discuss: Sustainability in training for long events Overcoming setbacks in...
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Alexis Croucher on Mental Work, Rewiring Old Patterns, and Aging Authentically
This week we are joined by long time Tactic community member, Alexis Croucher, who has an incredible story of self discovery and evolution throughout her adult years. She's a Gen X lez who came out late in life due to... well, the times. And Catholic school. There is a repeating story line in…
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Back to Basics: Strength and Conditioning Training
In this episode of The Afternoon Snack Podcast, we are going back to the basics with training. Specifically strength and conditioning training. From the core pillars of strength training to the fundamentals of aerobic conditioning, this episode has it all. We bust some myths along the way and…
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20 Years of Progress and Bickering in Women’s Fitness Research
Over the last two decades, women’s fitness research has evolved from being an afterthought to a growing field of interest. In this episode, we explore how science is finally catching up with the female body, the double-edged sword of social media, the legacy of early contributors, and what gaps...
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Behind the Finish Line: Competition, Conflict, and Connection in Relationships
In this deeply honest anniversary episode, we pull back the curtain on our relationship, sharing the real challenges and triumphs that come with loving, living, and competing together. From the highs of competing side by side to the lows of conflict and self-doubt, we explore how identity,...
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The Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and Pedaling Through the Double Standard
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's win at the 2025 Tour de France Femme was an incredible display of cycling prowess and dominance but also put women's bodies, health, and sporting double standards back under the microscope. Can women just be athletes? Or do they have to always been an athlete AND a model…
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Comments Section: AI or nah? Misgendering, Social Media Slow Burns, and Community Wins
Live from our studio, it's a comments section podcast! We are taking today to reflect on, unpack, and unload about rude comments, weird comments, and uplifting feedback from our very own Tactic community. And really, how do we tell if a video is AI? And do we even care? You can support us on...
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Meredith Root | Leadville Trail 100 Recap: The Mayhem, Magic, and Mistakes That Go into a Monster MTB Race
Meredith JUST completed the Leadville Trail 100 MTB 104 mile mountain bike race in Leadville Colorado. If you think this is a story of success and the power of planning, think again. Leadville is known for its... unknowns. And there were plenty of those. This conversation explores the entire...
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Our Definitive Guide to Not Fasting
Ever find yourself feeling diet-curious because of the latest IG trend, biohacking bro, or promise of fast results? We're going to help you untangle truth from myth and understand what drives interest in trendy diets while adopting a more practical approach to eating. Research mentioned in this...
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Milestones and Menopause
Sometimes the internet can be so helpful with sharing and creating dialogue but when it comes to health, fitness, and topics like menopause, it doesn't take much for the dialogue to shift into a less-than-helpful space where fear mongering and grifting create confusion and concern. So today…
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Finding Balance: Giving Yourself Grace vs Letting Yourself Off The Hook
In this episode, Alex and Meredith dive deep into answering the question - Am I giving myself grace that I need? Or am I letting myself off the hook? They explore the concepts of victim mentality, the importance of self-compassion, and how language and visualization can play a crucial role in...
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Did Meredith Quit Her Job?
On this episode of the Afternoon Snack Podcast, Meredith discusses her decision to retire from 1:1 coaching after 8+ years. If you have ever struggled or are currently struggling to make a change, even one that you know will be very positive, there is a lot to take away from this episode. There…
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Expectations vs. Reality: The Calgary Marathon, Dusty Bandita, and Truck Camping
In this episode, Alex and Meredith discuss the challenges and learnings from their recent endurance endeavours including the Calgary Marathon and The Dusty Bandita. They dive into the importance of managing expectations, the experience of balancing multiple sports, and the lessons learned from…
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Unbound Gravel 2025: Conquering the 200-Mile Race
In this episode, Meredith shares her firsthand experience racing the Unbound 200, the biggest gravel race in the world. From unexpected mechanical issues to the mental grit required to push through the miles, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to finish a race of...
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All About Build: Our Hypertrophy Program with Tactic Coach Lynsey Martin
In this episode, Alex and Meredith have Tactic coach Lynsey Martin back on the podcast to discuss the nuances of strength and hypertrophy training, and their new program Build. They talk about the science of muscle growth, the importance of training to failure, and the benefits of specialized...
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Navigating Recovery: Tactic Coach Jess Reimche on Life and Fitness Post-Surgery
In this episode of Afternoon Snack, Meredith and Alex welcome back Tactic Nutrition Coach, Jess Reimche to the podcast. Jess shares her recent experiences with hip surgery, recovery, and its impact on her daily life. They cover the psychological and physical challenges of recovery, maintaining a...
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The Art of Recovery: Techniques for Better Training
In this episode, Meredith and Alex discuss personal DIY projects to essential recovery strategies for optimal performance. They explore the importance of nutrition, sleep, and strategic rest, debunk common myths around 'active recovery,' and assess the value of popular recovery tools like cold...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Alex Parker and Meredith Root’s Afternoon Snack Podcast invites you to join in on conversations where science, culture, and philosophy meet practical personal advice and experience that everyone needs to hear. They ask the big and small questions to get you thinking while injecting a hefty amount of personal experience and banter as partners in life, business, and sport. New episodes every Wednesday.
HOSTED BY
Meredith Root and Alex Parker
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Afternoon Snack have?
Afternoon Snack currently has 260 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Afternoon Snack about?
Alex Parker and Meredith Root’s Afternoon Snack Podcast invites you to join in on conversations where science, culture, and philosophy meet practical personal advice and experience that everyone needs to hear. They ask the big and small questions to get you thinking while injecting a hefty amount...
How often does Afternoon Snack release new episodes?
Afternoon Snack publishes regularly with 260 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Afternoon Snack?
You can listen to Afternoon Snack on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Afternoon Snack?
Afternoon Snack is created and hosted by Meredith Root and Alex Parker.
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