Dr. Emily Dow and I discuss the necessary psychological underpinnings of successful body recomposition.

If you care about your physique, if you care about performance, and if you love science, this one's for you.

this episode means a lot to me.

eoin murphy of sika strength and i discuss:

• fatherhood, modern masculinity, and some current issues younger boys are facing - he also gives some actual concrete parenting tips
• emotional availability / what he values in the people closest to him
• stories about weirdly aggressive DMs from dudes on social media / what it's like for him vs. what it's like for me + women
• his own training and how that's evolved (or hasn't) since becoming a father, what it's like working with a friend, and the origin story of sika strength (coming from a biochem background)

...and i also open up a little bit about my own personal struggles and the issues i carry into adulthood. he also gives me feedback on how i could have been a better athlete (because i specifically asked for it pre-interview, btw! it's solicited! lmao )

xxx

I've felt connected to Emily since first coming across her platform, so it's my honor to have her on as my first guest - (how nerve-racking for me! I'm also obsessed with her IG handle, so it's the title).

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In this episode, Emily Dow, (Ph.D(c), CSCS, MS in Performance Nutrition, all the credentials!) and I chat about:

• her research on the gut-brain axis
• her athletic journey from weightlifter to runner
• how to detect fitness/nutrition BS and who to trust
• the confusing, unregulated supplement industry - which do we actually still use?
• peer inspirations
• our shared social media and industry grievances
• her principles and values

... and how her natural curiosity has led her to the best that life has to offer. In this interview, I also ask her "What do you believe you're good at?" - She gives a meaningful answer we can all learn from.

tldr: she's an intelligent, humble, driven gal with a lot to give (and a lot of sick tats).

Here are Emily's trusted recommended health and fitness resources on Instagram:

@doclyssfitness - performance specific

@drstacysims- female specific

@pagethorla - body comp

@dr.adrian.chavez- general nutrition

@coachjohnnoel - body comp dietitian

@biolayne - myth busting/research breakdown

@coachcaseyjo - body comp/behavior change

@drjessicaknurick - prenatal/pregnancy/infant nutrition

@alliehenrie.rd - fat loss dietitian

@jessicathesportsrd - performance dietitian

@the_sportsdietitian - performance dietitian

With gratitude,

Ash

Please give this a listen / watch before diving into the rest of the episodes! My mic quality is improved now and this is the 3rd time I've re-recorded this intro. (funny, but not funny).

In this episode, I introduce my somewhat selfish motives for starting this format, what to expect moving forward, and answer some personal questions and training questions including:

- how to give a better compliment

- training through pain and injuries

- qualities I love about humans

- personal new training objectives & newfound body congruency

- etc.

(and I'm working on my interviewing skills as we speak! I pinky promise!)

With gratitude,

Ash