Harder Than Life

In this episode of Harder Than Life, host Kelly Siegel welcomes Matt Reynolds, founder of Barbell Logic and author of the upcoming book, Undoing Urgency. With over 25 years of experience in strength and fitness coaching, Matt dives into his philosophy of voluntary hardship, balancing urgency and importance, and redefining personal training with simplicity, effectiveness, and cutting-edge technology. Matt shares his journey from being a professional strongman and powerlifter to running a global fitness empire. Together, Kelly and Matt explore actionable advice for life, fitness, and business that listeners can implement today.Matt Reynolds is offering a special discount for the listeners of the Harder Than Life Podcast. They can enjoy 50% off their first month of coaching by using the discount code "HARDER" at checkout at barbell-logic.com/harderKey Takeaways:Voluntary Hardship: Choosing difficult, refining experiences prepares us for the inevitable involuntary hardships of life.Simplicity and Focus: Success in fitness and life comes from focusing on what’s important—simple, hard, and effective practices.Undoing Urgency: Matt's book emphasizes identifying core values and aligning actions to live a life that matters.Online Coaching Benefits: How Barbell Logic's innovative model provides freedom and accessibility for both clients and coaches.Actionable Productivity: Tips from Matt’s GAME Plan framework—Goals, Actions, Metrics, Execution."Simplicity, when paired with effort, is the most effective strategy in fitness and in life." – Matt ReynoldsMatt Reynolds’s Links:Website: https://ryanmattreynolds.com/, https://barbell-logic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReynoldsStrong/X: https://x.com/ReynoldsStrongChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Harder Than Life Podcast02:05 - The Concept of Undoing Urgency05:54 - Identifying Core Values09:49 - The Importance of Focus and Efficiency11:46 - Game Plan for Achieving Goals16:05 - Voluntary vs. Involuntary Hardship19:58 - The Philosophy of Voluntary Hardship23:48 - The Benefits of Online Coaching28:04 - Simplicity in Strength Training33:44 - The Evolution of Strength Training37:22 - AI in Coaching: Opportunities and Challenges41:43 - The Shift to Online Coaching48:54 - The Future of Coaching: Authenticity and Connection53:57 - Lessons Learned in Coaching and Business Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDgTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this insightful episode of Harder Than Life, host Kelly Siegel sits down with Rabbi Josh Bennett, spiritual leader at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and host of the Waking Up to Life podcast. Rabbi Josh shares his journey from a Midwest upbringing to becoming a rabbi and social action advocate. Together, Kelly and Rabbi Josh explore deep topics ranging from authenticity and spiritual leadership to charity work and bridging political and religious divides.Key Takeaways:Embracing Authenticity: Authenticity is about honoring your truth while respecting others. It requires self-awareness and balance, especially in roles of leadership and community service.The Power of Social Action: Social action is a core tenet of Reform Judaism and a way to create impactful change. Initiatives like Fresh Pantry demonstrate how helping neighbors in need fosters connection and understanding.Unity Through Understanding: Bridging divides, whether religious or political, starts with finding common ground and recognizing shared values. True progress comes from listening and collaboration.Gratitude and Presence: Practicing gratitude and living in the present are transformative for mental well-being. Slowing down and embracing stillness can help us refocus on what truly matters.Summer Camp as a Growth Catalyst: Summer camps provide a unique opportunity for children to develop independence, leadership, and lifelong friendships. It’s a chance to grow within a supportive community.The Duality of Life: Life is about balancing instincts and aspirations. Recognizing the “good” and “bad” inclinations allows for self-growth and alignment with personal values.The Importance of Community: Communities thrive when people step up to give back. Whether through charity, mentorship, or social action, collective efforts build stronger bonds and improve lives.The Role of Meditation: Regular meditation fosters mindfulness, reduces stress, and enhances clarity. Starting with even a few minutes a day can unlock new levels of self-awareness and peace.Building Bridges Across Faiths: Understanding and respect among different religions are essential. Leaders like Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed all share teachings of unity and morality, demonstrating the universality of compassion.Mistakes as Opportunities: Mistakes, while humbling, are vital learning experiences. They teach us the importance of preparation, presence, and being thoughtful in how we engage with others."Gratitude and presence are the keys to unlocking happiness and peace." Rabbi Josh Bennett’s Links:Podcast: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rabbijoshbennett/X: https://x.com/tirabbijosh Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Rabbi Josh Bennett02:47 - The Journey to Spiritual Leadership06:06 - Social Action and Community Engagement09:00 - Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding11:53 - The Role of Charity in Judaism15:11 - Project Healthy Community and Its Impact17:56 - Authenticity and Self-Discovery20:49 - Living a Life of No Regrets34:59 - The Value of Conversations and Regrets36:57 - Understanding Duality: Good vs. Bad40:48 - Finding Balance in Life Choices46:08 - Parenting and Professional Life Balance48:01 - The Impact of Summer Camp on Growth51:51 - Generational Wealth and Breaking Cycles54:11 - Creative Pursuits and Personal Growth57:02 - The Role of Law and Justice in Society59:55 - Dinner with Historical Figures: A Theological Discussion01:01:50 - Meditation and the Importance of Quietude01:06:02 - Finding Unity in a Fractured World Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDgTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this vibrant episode of Harder Than Life, host Kelly Siegel sits down with the multifaceted Nikki Jacobs—a natural connector, actress, singer, dancer, and cannabis industry broker. Nikki shares her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the art of building meaningful relationships. Whether navigating the cannabis business, her creative pursuits, or life’s challenges, Nikki's story is packed with wisdom and inspiration.Key Takeaways:The Power of ConnectionBeing a connector means prioritizing relationships over transactions.Trust and honesty are the foundations of meaningful relationships.Resilience Through ChangeMajor life shifts can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.Grieving requires both emotional space and active steps toward healing.The Importance of Self-CareA morning routine rooted in stillness and intention can set the tone for the day.Practices like journaling, movement, and meditation help cultivate inner peace.Eastern Philosophy and Personal GrowthMartial arts emphasize surrender, discipline, and respect—principles that apply to daily life.Learning to let go of control can open doors to growth and connection.Authenticity and VulnerabilityShowing up as your authentic self builds trust and deepens connections.Failure is not the end but a chance to pivot and learn."Failure is feedback—an opportunity to pivot, learn, and keep moving forward." Nikki Jacobs’s Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkifayne/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.fayne/ Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:07 - Meet Nikki Jacobs02:29 - The Art of Connection04:50 - Journey into the Cannabis Industry16:44 - Coping with Loss Through Movement Therapy28:30 - Lessons from Martial Arts38:03 - Nikki’s Morning Routine45:05 - "All the World’s a Stage"52:15 - Musical Inspiration and Jazz Hands58:56 - Final Reflections01:01:36 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDgTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

In this episode of Harder Than Life, host Kelly Siegel sits down with Emily Rivera Andrews, known as The Angel Coach. Emily has dedicated her life to guiding people toward clarity and purpose by connecting them with their higher selves and spiritual intuition. The conversation dives deep into personal transformation, spiritual awakening, and using one's gifts for greater impact. Emily shares powerful stories, including life-changing moments of divine intervention, her journey through immense personal loss, and how she helps clients transcend self-doubt and embody their true potential. Together, Kelly and Emily explore the importance of surrender, play, and embracing life's challenges as catalysts for growth and spiritual awakening.Key Takeaways: Embracing Divine Guidance: Emily shares her journey to becoming The Angel Coach and how listening to divine guidance has shaped her life and work. The Power of Surrender: Emily and Kelly discuss the transformative power of surrendering to grace and trusting in divine timing to help navigate life's challenges. The Importance of Play & Joy: Discover why play, joy, and laughter are essential components of personal and spiritual development. Awakening to Your Gifts: Emily emphasizes the significance of embracing your gifts and leaning into your anointing to create meaningful impact. Navigating Self-Doubt: Practical advice on identifying, listening to, and transcending self-doubt to step into your higher self."If it’s been seeded, it’s been given. Your vision wasn’t meant to tease you. It’s meant to show you what’s already possible.” Emily Andrew’s Links:Website: https://theangelcoach.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelcoachFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyTheAngelCoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theangelcoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-rivera-49456130/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTtE1R0sBADQo0e46KrrOsg Chapters:[00:00] - Introduction: Self-Love and Spiritual Awakening[02:30] - Emily Rivera's Journey to Becoming The Angel Coach[04:50] - Exploring Intuition and Divine Guidance[09:00] - Beyond the Physical: Understanding Spiritual Realities[15:20] - Forgetting and Remembering: The Role of Grace[23:00] - Embracing Your Gifts and Overcoming Challenges[30:00] - The Power of Surrender and Change[40:00] - Navigating Self-Doubt and Identity Transformation[45:00] - Creating Joy and Play in Life’s Journey[53:00] - Practical Steps to Connect with Your Higher Self[1:00:00] - Kelly’s Personal Transformative Experiences[1:07:30] - The Importance of Shifting Environments for Growth[1:15:00] - Audience Q&A: Personal and Spiritual Insights[1:20:00] - Receiving Divine Guidance in Everyday Life[1:25:00] - Final Thoughts and Embracing Spiritual Growth Harder than Life Website: https://www.harderthanlife.com/Shop HTL merch: https://harderthanlifeshop.com/Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-than-Life-Overcoming-Addiction/dp/1544539126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9ID7MLAX3XX&keywords=harder+than+life+kelly+siegel&qid=1673314631&sprefix=harder+than+life%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1Business Website: https://www.trustntm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harderthanlife.pod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDgTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71