Pursuit of Balance

I'm taking an honest, no-shame look at GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro — what they actually do, the side effects most people aren't talking about (lean muscle loss, bone density, disordered eating, libido), and the non-negotiable mitigation strategies you need whether you're on one, considering one, or trying to get the same results naturally. I'll also get into why the rebound coming off these drugs is the scariest part, and the foundational habits that solve the problem either way.

In Episode 41, Corey gets honest about the difference between formal education and self-education and why the second one matters more than the first. From dropping out of community college to building a gym business through books, mentors, and workshops, this episode is about adopting the "forever student" mindset that fuels growth in every area of your life: work, relationships, health, and beyond. Plus: why most burnout isn't about hours, why we need to be reminded more than taught, and what AI might mean for the future of college.

In Episode 40 of Pursuit of Balance, I break down the new metabolic testing technology coming to Functional Lifestyles in Palo Alto — including resting metabolic rate testing and VO2 max active testing. I cover what each test actually measures, why VO2 max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity we have, and what my own results revealed (including the fact that I'm under-training my aerobic system). We get into metabolic flexibility, VT1 and VT2 thresholds, why most people train in the "dead man zone" without realizing it, and how to use this data to actually optimize your training and nutrition. Whether you're a competitive athlete or just trying to live longer and feel better, this episode will change how you think about cardiovascular training. Testing will be available to both FL members and non-members in the Bay Area. More info coming soon.

Solo episode. 8 things nature has been quietly teaching us about life — seasons, storms, waves, rest, and recovery. Corey breaks down the laws of nature as analogies for business, health, relationships, and mindset. Plus a personal story he's never shared online about getting robbed in his early 20s and the domino effect that followed. This one gets a little hippie. Worth it.

In Episode 37, Corey breaks down his honest take on the AI and robotics revolution — why he's more fascinated than fearful, what it means for the future of work, and how he's already using AI tools to build out coach training, automate operations, and reclaim creative energy in his business. He also gets into the deeper human side of it: what happens when the boring jobs disappear, why creativity and connection are more important than ever, and how social media and remote work are quietly eroding the things humans need most. If you've been curious about AI but haven't known where to start — or you're just trying to figure out what this all means for your career and life — this one's worth a listen.

Is tracking your food helping you — or controlling you? In this episode, Corey breaks down the difference between disciplined eating and disordered eating, shares honest stories from his coaching career and personal life, and offers practical, sustainable strategies for building a better relationship with food. No extreme diets. No shame. Just a real conversation about finding balance.

Episode 35 is a little different. I'm stepping into a new role in life—fatherhood. My wife and I are expecting our first child, and it's made me reflect deeply on purpose, responsibility, and what actually matters. In this episode, I talk through: Why parenting might be the most important job we'll ever have How childhood shapes identity, habits, and behavior The responsibility we have as parents to model—not just teach Why raising good humans is one of the greatest contributions to society This isn't me telling you how to parent. This is me sharing how I'm thinking about it—and why it matters so much.

In this episode, I break down the concept of accountability stacks — the layers and systems that make it easier to stay committed to your goals. From appointments and financial commitment to deadlines, environment, and identity, this is a practical framework for creating real follow-through in fitness, business, and life.

Victim mindset is one of the biggest traps people fall into without even realizing it. In this episode of Pursuit of Balance, we break down the psychology behind victim mentality — how it shows up in health, business, relationships, and mental health — and why it quietly limits your potential. More importantly, we discuss how to shift from a victim mindset to an agency mindset through radical ownership, language awareness, small wins, and environment. Because the moment you stop blaming the world… You start changing your life.

Dieting is hard for one simple reason: hunger. But hunger isn't the enemy. In this episode of Pursuit of Balance, I break down the physiology behind appetite and explain the strategies that make dieting dramatically easier. We cover: • The hormones that control hunger (ghrelin & leptin) • Why protein and fiber help control cravings • High-volume foods that keep you full • Simple appetite suppression tools (caffeine, carbonation, gum, electrolytes) • Why sleep and stress make dieting harder • How to structure meals to control hunger • Why hunger is actually a sign you're doing it right If you've ever struggled with cravings while dieting, this episode will give you practical tools you can use immediately.

Leadership isn't a title — it's influence. In this episode, I break down 10 traits that great leaders consistently embody: going first, creating safety, setting clarity, developing people, regulating emotions, staying consistent, asking better questions, leading through service, and staying coachable. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or yourself — these principles transfer everywhere.

In Episode 30 of Pursuit of Balance, we breakdown the 7 most common reasons people never see results in the gym. It's not your metabolism. It's not your genetics. And it's not your age. From lack of intensity and low training frequency to poor nutrition, high stress, and missing accountability systems — this episode dives deep into what actually drives progress. If you've ever asked, “Why am I not seeing results?” — this episode will give you clarity and direction. Topics Covered: How hard you should actually be training (RPE & reps in reserve) Why training 1–2x per week isn't enough The importance of progressive overload Why step count and VO₂ max matter more than you think The simple nutrition metrics that matter most How stress and sleep sabotage progress Why identity shift is the real key to long-term change This isn't a seasonal goal. It's a lifestyle shift.

All human behavior is driven by needs — not logic. In Episode 29, I unpack Tony Robbins' Six Human Needs and how they influence the decisions you make every day: certainty, variety, significance, love/connection, growth, and contribution. We'll also hit the difference between achievement vs fulfillment, why comfort can become a trap, and a simple reflection drill to identify what's actually running your life.

In this episode, I break down the core ideas from Die With Zero by Bill Perkins and why saving for “someday” can turn into delaying life entirely. We talk about how experiences expire, memories compound, and why investing in yourself and your people might be the best ROI you'll ever get.

Episode 27 takes a turn into spirituality, purpose, and what we can learn from religion and philosophy without needing to subscribe to any single label. Corey breaks down 9 universal lessons—discipline, integrity, service, presence, and more—and how they connect directly to health, happiness, leadership, and longevity.

In this episode of Pursuit of Balance, I break down what I believe is the most important skill anyone can develop: communication. Not just for sales or marketing — but for your relationships, your career, leadership, parenting, and your ability to influence outcomes in every part of life. We talk about: Why people make decisions emotionally (and justify them with logic later) The difference between influence vs manipulation (hint: it's intent) How trust is built in the first 7–30 seconds The communication stack: body language, tone, and words Therapist frameworks you can steal: empathy, validation, reflective listening, and asking better questions Why the best communicators don't convince — they create conditions where people convince themselves If you want to become a better leader, partner, coach, or human… this episode will give you a framework you can start using today.

In this episode, I dive into the fundamentals that actually drive progress: proper structure, progressive overload, intensity, deloading, recovery, mobility, and aerobic work. If you've been training consistently but feel stuck, plateaued, or beat up, this is the episode you need.

In this episode of Pursuit of Balance, we break down how to actually guarantee progress in 2026 — and why most New Year's resolutions fail. The truth: motivation isn't the answer. Environment, systems, and identity are. We cover SMART goals, reverse-engineering your plan, accountability systems (partners, investing in yourself, tracking, public accountability), and how to design your environment so the right choices become automatic.

In Episode 22 of Pursuit of Balance, we break down why tracking is one of the most underutilized tools in health, performance, and lifestyle—and why tracking without action can create anxiety instead of progress. We cover what to track (and what not to), how wearables like Whoop/Oura can help you improve sleep and recovery, why objective assessments drive motivation, and the 3 categories we use at Functional Lifestyles: body comp, performance, and movement. Key topics: HRV, resting heart rate, sleep consistency, Zone 2 cardio, progressive overload, mobility screens, nutrition tracking, blood work.

In Episode 23 of Pursuit of Balance, I break down the three cornerstones every fitness program needs: health, aesthetics, and performance—and why most people are training in a way that sacrifices longevity. We dive into cardio zones, VO₂ max, functional strength, and how to actually balance it all.

Sleep isn't just about feeling rested—it's the foundation for energy, recovery, hormones, cravings, and long-term health. In this episode, I break down what sleep deprivation does to your body (including hunger hormones and insulin sensitivity), why poor sleep makes nutrition and training feel impossible, and the most effective habits to upgrade your sleep—especially during winter and daylight savings changes.

In this episode of Pursuit of Balance, we dive into the two biggest stressors almost everyone faces: work and family. I break down why stress is more about perception than circumstance, how to reframe the pressure you feel, and practical ways to protect your energy, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the life you're working so hard to build. If you've been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or like you're always “on,” this one's for you.

I dive into the idea of modern bread & circuses and how our favorite distractions numb our potential. Learn how to reclaim your focus, stay present, and make the process itself the goal.

Your brain takes shortcuts… and those shortcuts might be stopping you from leveling up. Let's break down the most common biases and how to overcome them.

Light and seasons change our biology, todays episode is going over the things we should adjust in our routines during the winter months.

We hear so much talk around longevity, but we don't hear as much around vitality. The question we need to ask is are we wanting to add more years to our lives or add more life to our years?

16 days in a different country gave me a new outlook on how we can optimize our lifestyles here in America. Then understanding the power of vacations for your mental health.

This episode goes into the realities of work-life balance. Is balance actually possible, while having success in both work and life?

Knowing that we need cardio in our routine is one thing, but how to structure Zone 2 work vs Zone 4-5. The balance between the both is where the magic lies.

This episode talks about the frameworks and principles to addressing all your mobility needs.

This episode goes into the prerequisites that any aspiring entrepreneur should think about.

This episode covers the concept of being open vs closed minded and how it can drastically change your life.

Today we talk about how solitude & social connection can be complete opposites, but still influence each other in a positive way.

Living a badass life= living intentionally, courageously, and joyfully while leaving the world better than you found it. I break down 8 areas to focus on, to get the most out of your life!

Gettting the information needed to make change is the easy part, making the behavior change is the hard part. Todays episode, we talk about why we do this and how to make it easier to actually take the action towards change.

Weight loss can be difficult on knowing how to best navigate the way you control your calories. Deficits create weight loss, but when done for too long you adapt and plateau. This episode will answer all your questions on how to properly structure your calories for weight loss.

This episode is about why most don't like their jobs, what fulfilling work actually looks like and how to rebuild a better relationship with work

This episode I go into the sad reality of what happens to humans from the ages of 25-55 years old. The rat race, the desire for status, the stress of adulting, etc. I dive deeper into what we can learn from kids and our elders.

Todays episode covers all things sunlight. What is sunlight, what sunlight does for us and how low Vitamin D affects our health

Today we cover the 4 supplements I think every single person should have apart of their routine. I also share supplements that I take on top of those, that most of everyone woudl benefit from.

Today we cover a little background on myself, Functional Lifestyles and 'Pursuit of Balance' the show! We cover where all of these are heading and what the overall mission is for this platform. Sharing the new ideas for the show itself and how we are going to start bringing guest on as well. '

Today we cover the best protocol to keep up with your health & firtness, while traveling during the holidays. How to best prep, enjoy and recover from it all!

Today we cover the not so glamorous parts of owning and operating a business. If you are looking to start your own, or even manage internally, this episode will give you the insights to be able to weather the parts that most won't talk about.

Today we talk about stress and its impact on your physical and mental health

Today we cover the importance of critical thinking and how being open minded with decision making can allow you to reach your most authentic self

Today we cover the difference between exercise and movement. How we can best implement both in term of frequency and intensity.

Today we discuss the qualities of high achievers and how you best adopt these qualities.

Today we talk about a lot of things, but most importntly the importnace of having deep, quality relationships

Today we talk about doing the foundational work always, and why this will set you up for success

Today we discuss the most effective way to maintain a caloric deficit. Dieting is hard when you are fighting hunger all the time, so this episode will give you the information you need to prevent that from happening.