We kicked the week off with one of life’s greatest mysteries—what happens when you hold in a fart? (Don’t worry, we explored the science behind it!)
From there, we explored everything from gym etiquette to why hating your job is seriously overrated, while breaking down the science of slow vs. fast reps in your workouts. Plus, we introduced a new segment on mental strength that’s as crucial as any bench press.
So grab a seat (or maybe get those slow reps in) and enjoy the highlights from the Lab!
There’s something for everyone.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MORNING LOOP
Farts & Career Transitions
This week kicked off with Keith pondering one of life’s big mysteries:
What happens when you hold in a fart?
Yup — as Keith, Jon, Marty, and Kristina broke down career transitions, the conversation (naturally) took a detour into the science of flatulence.
And why not?
Vulnerability or Bust!
By Tuesday, we went from gas to guts—emotional guts, that is.
Keith laid it down: vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Jon chimed in with his signature tough-love approach, barking out a wake-up call about skipping daylight savings excuses.
“Pull up your panties and eat the hour!”
Guess there’s no hiding in the Lab.
Endurance, Bathroom Breaks, and Real Talk About Relatability
Midweek, we hit the topic of endurance—both mental and physical.
Co-host Rich Ingram dropped in with a jaw-dropping story about a guy who ran over 270 kilometers in 24 hours. Seven minutes was all he took... for some urgent business. If that doesn’t motivate you to push harder, nothing will!
The conversation got even more interesting when the team shifted gears to discuss relatability.
Rich admitted he loves pizza (even during intense training) and still enjoys dipping Copenhagen. He made it clear: even elite athletes aren’t perfect, and having vices doesn’t mean you can’t push hard. The rest of the crew chimed in with their own confessions, from Keith reminiscing about getting sick from chewing snuff as a kid, to Marty’s love for a lazy Sunday brunch.
The point? No matter how disciplined you are, everyone’s got their indulgences. It’s not about perfection—it’s about balance. Being relatable makes the journey feel a lot more achievable.
Key Takeaway: Even top performers have their guilty pleasures. Don’t sweat being perfect; find your balance and keep pushing.
Tunes & Truths: Kristina's Birthday Bash
Thursday was a double whammy—celebrating Kristina’s birthday (with some extremely off-key singing from Keith, Jon, and Marty) and diving deep into mental health.
Keith shared his personal battle with burnout, while Jon reminded everyone that in the lab, every day is “Mental Health Day”—no need to wait for a special holiday.
Tendons, Training, and... Pizza Confessions
We wrapped the week with Jon dropping knowledge about tendon strength and injury prevention. Marty backed it up with consistency tips. But the real Friday gem? Keith confessed to eating pizza earlier in the week, sparking a roast from Jon and Marty.
But hey, at least he washed it down with water, right?
ACCOUNTABILITY CHECK-IN OF THE WEEK
5 Rules for a Fulfilling Life
👉 Follow the Chief Baplete, Keith Bilous, on Substack or LinkedIn for daily accountability check-ins.
CENTER STAGE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Why Hating Your Job is Overrated
This week, Robert Coe challenged the popular mindset that glorifies entrepreneurship and looks down on regular jobs.
Robert, a B2B growth expert, argued that a stable, fulfilling job should be celebrated, not shamed. He pointed out that 90% of startups fail, so the idea that “real job security comes from being your own boss” is a myth.
Key Takeaway: Hating on employment is overrated. If your job brings satisfaction and stability, that’s a win. Success is about finding what works for you—whether it’s a job or running your own business.
FITNESS TIP OF THE WEEK
Slow Reps vs. Fast Reps — What’s Best?
THE DEEP STUFF: KEY TOPICS OF THE WEEK
Building Trust Through Vulnerability
On Tuesday, the crew tackled a topic most leaders avoid: vulnerability.
While many see it as a sign of weakness, research shows the opposite—vulnerable leaders build more trust. Joined by Adam House, CEO of House of Bricks, the crew explored why admitting “I don’t know” is actually a sign of strength.
Jon didn’t hold back, reminding everyone:
"You’ve got to let your shit hang out to really grow."
But it wasn’t all touchy-feely. Adam made a sharp point—vulnerability, when overdone, can lead to decision fatigue or, worse, seem wishy-washy. Leadership is about balance: owning the problem while staying humble enough to admit when you don’t have all the answers.
Key Takeaways:
Vulnerability Builds Trust: Admitting you don’t know strengthens team dynamics.
Balance is Key: Too much vulnerability without decisive action can make you seem weak. Leaders own the problem and find solutions, even if they don’t know the answers upfront.
👉 Check out the full show here.
Mind Games — Is Mental Training Overrated?
Is mental training really necessary, or is success all about physical strength?
With nearly half of athletes believing that mental training is overrated, the conversation got interesting fast. Special guest Robbie Britton argued that many athletes underestimate how much mental strength they naturally build just by showing up every day.
Jon, as always, kept it real:
“If you think you’ve got it all figured out, that’s exactly why you don’t.”
For athletes—or anyone—who want to reach the next level, mental training is essential. Whether it’s through visualization, journaling, or simply grinding through tough workouts, training the mind is just as important as training the body.
Key Takeaways:
Mental Training is Personal: Not every athlete feels they need it, but those who excel often do it without even realizing.
Growth Happens in Discomfort: Mental training is about pushing yourself beyond what’s comfortable—and that’s where the magic happens.
👉 Check out the full show here.
Mental and Physical Fitness Insights to Survive Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship may look glamorous from the outside, but behind the scenes, it’s a battle of mental endurance and physical resilience.
Thursday’s episode dug deep into this struggle, with guest Colby Wegter sharing his personal experience of burnout. From skipping meals to ignoring warning signs, Colby admitted to surviving, not thriving. But what changed? His perspective on fitness and mental health.
The team discussed how staying physically active—whether it’s lifting weights or simply walking the dog—can give entrepreneurs the mental edge they need to handle the stress of building a business. Marty added the importance of rest, reminding everyone that sleep is just as vital as training and nutrition.
Key Takeaways:
Fitness Fuels Success: Even if you hate working out, the discipline builds the mental strength needed to survive long hours and constant stress.
Rest is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of sleep. Sometimes the best way to prevent burnout is to rest before you need it.
👉 Check out the full show here.
The Secrets to Unstoppable Strength
On Friday, the Lab crew dug into the raw power of one of the strongest men in the world, Eddie Hall. Ever wonder how Eddie pulled off world records, lifting 1,100 pounds off the ground? Jon Andersen broke it down—starting with the basics of tendon strength and injury prevention.
“If you think you can compete at that level without getting hurt, think again.”
Eddie’s success comes from a combination of freakish genetics, relentless training, and a willingness to push into new, uncomfortable territory. Jon shared some mind-blowing stories, like how Eddie once lost his eyesight mid-lift from the sheer strain, only to still secure a world record. Talk about next-level dedication!
Key Takeaways:
It’s More Than Muscles: Tendon strength, bone density, and decades of consistent heavy lifting are key to achieving world-class power.
Embrace the Pain: Pioneers like Eddie push through discomfort, breaking new ground in ways most people can’t imagine.
👉 Check out the full show here.
LIFESTYLE TIP OF THE WEEK
The 100% Survival Rate Mindset
THE BEST FROM IN THE GYM WITH JON & MARTY
The Functional Power of Strongman Training
Strongman training isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone looking to build real-world strength. Strongman movements train your body in awkward positions, making you stronger in ways traditional lifts can’t. From lifting awkward stones to carrying heavy loads, strongman training offers functional power that translates to everyday life.
Start small and work with the right equipment. This style of training is not just about brute force—it’s about technique, consistency, and building strength over time. Whether you're playing flag football or just want to stay injury-free, functional movements make all the difference.
Key Tip: Incorporate some strongman training—or any sport with varied movement patterns—into your routine. It’ll serve you massively in both the gym and life.
Mastering Your Gym Routine
Consistency is key.
Whether you’re training three days a week or five, Jon and Marty emphasized that showing up regularly is the foundation of any fitness routine.
As Jon put it, “You’ve got to crawl before you walk.”
Start simple: focus on showing up and getting the work done. Once you’ve nailed that, you can experiment with more complex routines.
Marty added that there’s no “one right way” to train—what works for someone else may not work for you. The goal is to build a routine that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. And don’t forget, sometimes the best progress comes from listening to your body and adapting your training as needed.
Key Tip: Whether you’re working with a three-day or five-day split, remember that progress comes from consistency, not from overcomplicating your routine.
👉 Follow Christopher “CMartyFit” Martin on LinkedIn and Instagram.
👉 Follow Jon Andersen on LinkedIn and Instagram.
BUSINESS & BRANDING WITH KEITH & KRISTINA
This Week’s Standout Episode
Keith took us back to where it all began: working at an independent grocery store in Selkirk, Manitoba. While stocking shelves and cutting steaks might not sound glamorous, Keith shared the powerful lessons he learned from his first boss—lessons that shaped his entire approach to business. From understanding humility and hard work to mastering the art of communication, Keith built a foundation that would later guide his entrepreneurial success.
As Kristina dug deeper into Keith’s journey, we discovered it wasn’t all about convincing people to buy—it was about listening. Whether it was selling business-zone hotel rooms or leading a live show, Keith highlighted the importance of listening and understanding what people truly need. “If you listen well,” he said, “people are ready to eat out of your hand.”
Key Takeaway: Want to become better at business? Start by listening. It’s the most underrated skill in sales and branding, but it’s also the one that builds the most trust.
PERSONAL BRANDING TIP OF THE WEEK
The 7 Questions Every Brand Needs
to Answer to Go from “Meh” to “F**k Yeah”
👉 Follow Kristina with a “K” on LinkedIn for personal branding mastery.
PROTEIN BREAK
(Like a Coffee Break, but Better)
This week, we talked about protein. It’s not just for bodybuilders, but for endurance athletes as well. Jory Jansen, our resident nutrition expert and Lab co-host, explained the importance of fueling the body with the right mix of nutrients for long-lasting performance.
While carbs have traditionally been king for quick energy, Jory emphasized that protein is essential for recovery and sustaining energy during ultra-endurance events. Jon backed this up, noting how protein helps the body rebuild muscle and maintain strength over time.
Key Takeaway: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Find what works best for your body, whether it’s a protein-heavy or carb-focused lifestyle.
MIND FUEL WITH AJ ZEGLEN
This week, we kicked off a brand-new segment—Mind Fuel—with the one and only AJ Zeglen, psychotherapist, performance coach, and co-host of the Lab.
We all know that building a strong body starts in the gym, but AJ is here to remind us that true success begins in the mind.
In this first episode, AJ broke down why mental strength is as crucial as physical training. While athletes get detailed workout plans and nutrition advice, the mental side often gets brushed off with vague phrases like “just let it go.” AJ’s goal? To help you build mental toughness with the same level of intention you put into your physical training.
Key Takeaway: Strengthening your mind is just like building muscle—it takes practice and consistency. The more you train your mind to focus on solutions instead of problems, the faster you’ll hit your goals, both in the gym and in life.
COMMUNITY CORNER
Creator Spotlight of the Week
Jeanine Suah
Ever feel like building community is more fluff than function?
Jeanine Suah is here to prove otherwise.
This week, we celebrated Jeanine, a community-led growth expert who’s turning the traditional idea of community on its head. She doesn’t just talk about making connections—she shows the world how to drive real business growth through it.
Community is more than just a feel-good buzzword. Jeanine demonstrates that when you build it right, it becomes a powerful tool for growth.
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Mental Strength, Muscle Gains, and Fart Science—All in a Week’s Work!