We’re closing out our 10-part Wellness Series with a conversation that couldn’t feel more fitting. Today’s guest is my friend Brad Stulberg, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World. I read this book over the past couple of months and finished it on the plane heading to a busy week of interviews at the running event, and I genuinely felt more grounded and prepared because of it. Brad has been on the show many times, and I always leave our conversations with tangible takeaways for how to live and lead better. He’s the author of The Practice of Groundedness, Master of Change, Peak Performance, and The Passion Paradox, and he brings such a thoughtful, practical lens to ambition, growth, and fulfillment. In this episode, we talk about caring deeply, the inevitability of failure, and why caring, even when it opens us up to heartbreak, is still worth it. We also touch on goal setting as we head into a new year and how to think about excellence in a way that’s sustainable and meaningful. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did and that it leaves you feeling encouraged as we wrap up this series.

Check out Brad’s work and pre order his newest book at BradStulberg.com

What we talked about:

• December as a natural season for reflection, and the tension of “ramping down” while launching something big
• The Way of Excellence and how excellence can be a mindset you practice, not just an outcome you achieve
• “Brave New World” as a fear-to-curiosity reframe for big moments (races, interviews, parenting, hard lifts)
• Curiosity vs fear, and why curiosity helps you perform better (and feel better) under pressure
• Caring deeply as the cost of stepping into the arena, and why “too cool to care” is actually insecurity
• Excellence as heartfelt (not robotic) and a critique of “pseudo excellence” culture and optimization obsession
• Cold plunges and “hacks”: what’s legit, what’s hype, and when hard things are useful vs unnecessary
• Identity and the “house with rooms” metaphor (runner, parent, creative, partner) so one setback doesn’t collapse your whole sense of self
• Reading vs short-form video for attention, cognition, and emotional health, plus habits that support focus
• New Year goals: why resolutions fail, and how values-based goal setting helps you climb the right mountain

Sponsors:

Eternal
This entire Wellness Series has been made possible by Eternal, a science-backed preventative health company for people who take their health and training seriously. Eternal offers comprehensive, integrated primary care, advanced testing, and personalized health planning. They go beyond biomarkers to provide real answers, proactive care, and support for athletes and active humans alike. Learn more and become a member at https://eternal.co.

Lagoon Sleep
If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout.

Lindsey Hein Coaching & Training Plans
I’ve been coaching runners since 2013 and currently have space for a few one-on-one athletes. If you’re training for your first half or marathon, chasing a PR, or aiming to qualify for Boston, I take a holistic, week-by-week approach to coaching. I also offer half marathon and marathon training plans for beginner through advanced runners, designed with conservative mileage progression and simple strength and mobility work. Visit https://lindseyhein.com and use the code DECEMBER2025 to get $10 off training plans through the end of the year. If you’re interested in one-on-one coaching, email me at lindsey@sandyboyproductions.com.

Brad’s new book, The Way of Excellence, is linked here. Thanks so much for being here and for supporting the Wellness Series.