Are You Ready to Rethink Everything You Think You Know? (It Starts With Coke…)

Absurd “what ifs” collided with hard-hitting life lessons this week in the Lab. We tackled everything from sugar-coated disasters to skeleton-less existence and even the future of uploading your brain to the cloud.

Spoiler: not every sci-fi scenario ends with superhero abs or digital immortality.

So, grab a coffee (or a water—definitely not eight cans of Coke), and let’s dive into the wacky, wonderful world of curiosity, chaos, and a touch of self-improvement.

What If You Replaced Water with Coca-Cola?

(Spoiler: It’s Not a Good Look)

Let’s paint a picture: It’s Monday morning. You’re feeling fresh (or as fresh as Mondays allow). The coffee’s brewing, and you’re preparing to conquer the day. But instead of water, you decide Coca-Cola is going to be your go-to liquid for hydration today. Sounds crazy, right?

Now imagine doing this forever.

That’s the “what if” scenario we explored last Monday on the show.

The results are as fizzy as a flat soda on a hot day.

Coca-Cola: The Liquid Legend (or a Cautionary Tale?)

First, a moment of reflection.

Coca-Cola isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural phenomenon.

A cold can on a summer day? Perfection.

But let’s not get it twisted—just because it’s a worldwide favorite doesn’t mean it’s meant to replace your daily water intake.

Here’s why:

1. Sugar Overload
   One can of Coke packs 39 grams of sugar. If you’re sticking to your daily recommended fluid intake of 3–4 liters, you’re guzzling eight cans of soda a day. That’s 305 grams of sugar—a bit like eating six chocolate bars every day. And guess what? The result isn’t six-pack abs. It’s more like a six-pack of regret.

2. Dental Disaster
   Every sip of Coke bathes your teeth in sugar, leaving your enamel defenseless. Unless you’re brushing your teeth between every sip, those pearly whites might end up looking like… not so pearly whites.

3. The Caffeine Conundrum
   Caffeine is a natural diuretic. Translation? You’ll spend half your day running to the bathroom. And that’s before we even touch on the caffeine jitters and inevitable crashes.

4. The (Literal) Gut Punch
   High fructose corn syrup, the star of Coke’s sweet show, doesn’t metabolize well in your body. The result? Fatty liver disease, abdominal pain, and fatigue—all wrapped in a sugar-coated bow.

5. The Domino Effect
   From Type 2 diabetes to vitamin deficiencies to fainting spells, the long-term effects of a Coke-only diet aren’t pretty. One woman in Monaco drank only Coca-Cola for 16 years, and while her body eventually bounced back after she quit, the damage along the way was nothing to toast with a Coke bottle.

What’s the Lesson Here?

We all have our vices—whether it’s soda, late-night snacks, or skipping leg day (don’t skip leg day). But moderation is key. A can of Coke every now and then? Go for it. Making it your primary source of hydration? You’re signing up for a one-way ticket to Struggle City.

This coming week, swap one soda for water. Just one. Notice the difference. Maybe your focus improves. Maybe your energy levels don’t crash at 2 p.m. like they usually do. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll start stacking those small wins into big life changes.

What Else Happened on the Show?

• Jonny’s Bag o’ Beef: Bodybuilding legend and co-host of the Lab, Jon Andersen, went viral for eating beef out of a Ziploc bag, and we’re still processing it. Is it weird? Sure. Effective? Apparently. Gross? You decide.

  • ⏰ 8-Minute mark.

• Rodney Lawson Dropping Nuggets: Leadership coach Rodney gave his take on leading with love (yes, even in corporate America) and the art of giving effective feedback. Spoiler: It’s all about meeting people where they are.

  • ⏰ 16-Minute mark.

• Alex’s Epic Transformation: Jon’s mentee and friend, Alex, shared his journey of losing 115 pounds after his D1 football career.

  • ⏰ 35-Minute mark.

• Inflammation Talks: In-house nutrition expert Jorie Janzen got real about what inflammation actually is, how to spot it, and what to do about it. Bloated? Foggy? Tired? This segment is for you.

  • ⏰ 50-Minute mark.

Catch the full show here:

What If We Didn’t Have Bones?

(The Perils of a Jelly Fish Life)

Imagine starting your day with your alarm blaring, attempting to rise from bed—except you can’t. Not because you hit snooze for the tenth time (again), but because you’re a blob. Yes, a boneless blob. Forget about standing up, brushing your teeth, or even walking to the kitchen for coffee.

Without bones, you’re as mobile as yesterday’s mashed potatoes.

No Bones, No Glory

Bones are the unsung heroes of the human experience.

They don’t just hold us together physically; they’re also crucial for protecting vital organs, enabling movement, and even helping us feel strong—mentally and physically. Without a ribcage, for instance, your lungs would collapse faster than your favorite football team in overtime.

Need to take a deep breath? Good luck. Without a skeleton, you’d be hooked to a ventilator 24/7, with germs waltzing down your airways like they own the place. As for eating, kiss that jawline goodbye. Your favorite pizza night? Reduced to a feeding tube nightmare.

And then there’s the brain—our control tower. Without the thick, bone helmet we call a skull, even the mildest bump to the head would be catastrophic. A noggin without a protective case is like your phone without a screen protector: destined for disaster.

The Skeleton and Self-Improvement

This whimsical what if reveals a serious truth: our skeletons are everything.

They support us—literally—and help us grow stronger with time. But only if we take care of them. Resistance training, proper nutrition, and movement are the tickets to long-lasting bone health.

Lifting weights isn’t just for bodybuilders. It’s for anyone who wants to age gracefully. Remember, the next time you’re groaning at the thought of hitting the gym, you’re not just building muscle; you’re fortifying the foundation of your existence. Squats might suck, but needing a bar to get off the toilet in old age? That’s worse.

Laughs, Lessons, and Jellyfish Philosophy

From debating whether it’s okay to pee in the shower (no judgment) to pondering life as blobs, this episode was packed with absurdity and insights. But here’s the takeaway: your bones aren’t just there for decoration. They’re the foundation of your mobility, strength, and ability to enjoy life.

What Else Happened on the Show?

• AI for the Win: Guest Kurt Stein broke down the latest in artificial intelligence and why your fax machine might not make it into 2024. Spoiler: Robots are here to stay, and they’re smarter than ever.

  • ⏰ 10-Minute mark.

• Offense vs. Defense: Adam House talked about why you need to stop playing it safe in business—and why inaction is still a choice.

  • ⏰ 25-Minute mark.

• To Pee or Not to Pee: We contemplated a surprisingly divisive question: is it okay to pee in the shower? (Hint: opinions vary wildly.)

  • ⏰ 45-Minute mark.

• Community Corner: Dr. Monica Rysavy shared her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurial freedom and revealed her new community platform, the Systematic AF Club. If you need systems in your life, connect with Dr. Monica.

  • ⏰ 90-Minute mark.

Watch the full show:

What If You Had the Strength of a Superhero?

(No, It’s Not All Lifting Cars and Saving Kittens)

Imagine waking up tomorrow with superhuman strength. You’re flipping cars for fun, crushing your PRs in the gym, and carrying groceries in a single trip—without breaking a sweat. Sounds like the dream, right?

Or is it?

That’s the “what if” we dove into on Wednesday, and let’s just say, superhero strength isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Strength: The Upside

First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: lifting the front end of a car or being the one-man moving crew sounds pretty epic. And as our guest Donnie Raimon, a Navy SEAL turned biomechanics expert, pointed out, strength isn’t just physical—it starts with your mindset. It’s the power to see challenges as opportunities and push through.

But Then There’s the Downside…

Ever thought about what happens when your super strength meets everyday life?

• Door Handles Beware: Normal human force? Not your thing. Ripped-off doorknobs are your new calling card.

• Kitchen Chaos: Grabbing a coffee mug might result in shattered ceramic, and forget about delicate wine glasses.

• Grocery Bills? Sky High: Feeding that strength requires caloric intake that rivals a buffet. Pro tip: Bananas are a great carb source.

But the real kicker? Society isn’t built for superheroes. Your force-to-area ratio could make sidewalks crumble beneath you. Fancy new super boots might be in order.

What’s the Lesson Here?

True strength isn’t about flipping cars or breaking PRs—it’s about consistency and mindset. As Jon Andersen said, “Strength is about doing what others won’t, every day.”

What’s one habit you can adopt today to build your strength—physically or mentally? Whether it’s hitting the gym, skipping the snooze button, or just sticking to your commitments, start small and watch it grow.

What Else Happened on the Show?

• Donnie’s Mental Toughness Secrets: Navy SEAL and biomechanics expert Donnie Raimon revealed how cold-water torture (yes, really) and high-stakes missions taught him the power of mental resilience. His advice? Lean into discomfort to train your mind as much as your body.

  • ⏰ 10-Minute mark.

• Richie’s Endurance Mindset: Co-host and endurance athlete Rich Ingram shared how he tackles ultramarathons and adaptive cycling with grit, discipline, and relentless focus. His training hacks will make you rethink how far you can push yourself—literally and figuratively.

  • ⏰ 20-Minute mark.

• Deeper Dive into Inflammation: Jorie Janzen broke down the sneaky culprits of inflammation (looking at you, sugar) and how to fight back. Blueberries, salmon, and proper recovery were the stars of this segment. Feeling foggy or fatigued? Jorie has your solution.

  • ⏰ 40-Minute mark.

Here’s the full show:

What If You Could Upload Your Brain?

(Spoiler: It’s a Double-Edged Server)

Imagine this: Your memories, thoughts, and knowledge stored forever, retrievable on demand. This isn’t sci-fi anymore. With advances in AI and neural tech like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, we’re closer to this reality than you might think.

The Digital You: Marvel or Madness?

Uploading your brain sounds like something out of The Matrix, but tech is already laying the groundwork. Neuralink, AI-driven personalization, and even ChatGPT are giving us a glimpse of what this could mean.

Imagine interacting with an AI version of yourself—a digital twin that carries your insights, quirks, and even your bad dad jokes.

Sounds great, right?

Except for the part where it sparks existential questions.

• What does it mean to be human? If your consciousness lives digitally, are you still “you”?

• Who owns the tech? Is your digital self another product of Big Tech, monetized like your data?

• Would you still have privacy? Or would your uploaded brain become the ultimate open book for corporations?

The Pros: Living Forever Has Its Perks

Let’s not downplay the potential upsides:

1. Legacy Preservation: Your great-grandkids could hear your stories straight from the source—whether it’s your advice on career success or that legendary road trip story.

2. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Imagine consulting with “Past You” for insights from decades ago. A personal time capsule at your fingertips.

3. Breaking Physical Limits: A digital consciousness doesn’t tire, age, or suffer the hangover of one-too-many Thanksgiving cocktails. Performance unlocked!

The Cons: Glitches in the Matrix

Of course, there’s a dark side. Because where there’s tech, there’s trouble:

1. Bias Gone Wild: AI systems inherit the biases of their creators. Imagine your digital self reflecting not only your quirks but every unconscious bias in your mind. Yikes.

2. Loss of Humanity: If everyone’s uploading their brains, what happens to face-to-face connection? Are we slowly trading hugs for holograms?

3. Tech Takeover: There’s a thin line between assistance and dependency. If AI starts running the show, where does human creativity fit in?

So, Should We?

For now, this all sits in the “what if” camp, but it’s no longer a distant fantasy.

We’re already uploading pieces of ourselves daily—through social media, emails, and even how we interact with AI tools. This might not look like uploading your brain wholesale, but it’s the first steps toward a digital existence.

Here’s the big takeaway: It’s not about whether this tech becomes available—it’s about how we choose to use it. Just like any tool, it could amplify our lives or complicate them beyond belief.

Start noticing how much of yourself you already “upload.” Are you mindful of it? Do you think about the legacy you’re building with your digital footprint? And, perhaps most importantly, is the future you’re crafting the one you’d want to live in?

What Else Happened on the Show?

• Kayfabe in Modern Culture: A deep dive into how the concept of kayfabe (the blurring of reality and performance) is playing out in modern media, including the ongoing "feud" between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

  • ⏰ 27-Minute mark

• Travel Tips with AJ Zeglen: Stress-free travel during hectic holiday seasons, featuring AJ’s insights on sleep, empathy, and staying present during the chaos

  • ⏰ 47-Minute mark

• Ethics of AI and Human Connection: A heated discussion between Kristina Flynn and Rich Ingram about whether AI could or should replace human emotional bonds, including the dangers of bias in AI systems.

  • ⏰ 41-Minute mark

Catch the full show here:

What If We Never Aged?

(It’s Not All Wrinkle-Free Roses)

You’re 35 forever.

No wrinkles, no aches, no need for your morning coffee to feel like a functioning human. No crow’s feet, no decline, no "senior discounts." Just endless youth.

Sounds like the setup for an Oscar-winning sci-fi flick—or a utopia. Until you realize there’s a dark side lurking in the Botox.

The Upside of Staying Young Forever

No more “where’s the ibuprofen?” mornings. No forgetting names or losing your keys (probably). Your mind and body stay sharp, and you’ve got the energy to tackle that bucket list in style.

As guest Greg Walls pointed out, “At 45, I’ve learned how to turn life’s failures into growth. If I froze at my peak, I could take that knowledge and crush life endlessly.”

Endless health and energy? Yes, please.

But Here’s the Downside…

Living forever young comes with baggage—tons of it.

Population Overload

If no one ages, and we keep having babies, the planet would feel like the world’s most overcrowded subway. Food shortages, housing crises, and resource depletion would spiral out of control.

Eternal Learning Curve

If you’re stuck at 28, you might never learn what 45-year-old Greg did. That wisdom comes from messing up, growing, and getting better. Aging doesn’t just grow wrinkles—it grows perspective.

The Relationship Rollercoaster

Staying young while everyone else grows old means saying goodbye. A lot. You’ll lose friends, mentors, and loved ones while you’re stuck in the same time loop.

As Jon Andersen put it: “Aging is what makes life better. It’s where you learn, grow, and find purpose. Take that away, and what’s left?”

What’s the Real Lesson Here?

Aging isn’t the enemy. It’s the engine of growth—personally and as a society. Sure, we all want to live better and longer. But chasing eternal youth? That’s missing the point.

The next time you notice a wrinkle or groan after standing too quickly, think of it as proof you’re leveling up. Age is your badge of wisdom, strength, and resilience. Wear it proudly.

What Else Happened on the Show?

• Greg’s Transformation Journey: Greg Walls shared his evolution from a D1 athlete to a mentor and coach, highlighting how setbacks shape resilience. His insights into embracing challenges offered plenty of inspiration for personal growth.

  • ⏰ 12-Minute mark.

• Jon’s Take on Aging: Jon Andersen emphasized how aging isn’t just about gray hairs—it’s about gaining clarity and perspective. His reflections showed how each year can make you sharper and stronger, mentally and emotionally.

  • ⏰ 25-Minute mark.

• The Case for Kale and Eternal Youth: The panel explored whether living forever would mean giving up life’s little indulgences—like pizza—and how that trade-off might not be worth it. (Also, a fax machine made a surprising cameo in the discussion.)

  • ⏰ 50-Minute mark.

Watch the full show:

Here’s the thing about all these “what ifs”: They might seem silly at first glance, but they all lead to one big question—what’s really worth optimizing in our lives?

Whether it’s trading soda for water, showing up consistently for your body (bones and all), or considering how much of yourself you’re already uploading to the digital world, the message is clear: small, intentional choices today shape your tomorrow.

So, what’s your next move? Will you hydrate, lift, or embrace aging like the battle-tested business athlete you are? Your “what if” is waiting—time to write the next chapter.

Want more from the Lab? Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn for daily check-ins, actionable tips, and strategies to help you stay on track and hit your goals.

Thanks for reading the Mornings in the Lab Weekly Recap. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.