JJ Virgin is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, health expert, and one of the most trusted voices in nutrition, fitness, and long-term wellness. With over 40 years of experience coaching high performers, from CEOs to elite athletes, she specializes in helping leaders optimize their energy, resilience, and longevity.

She’s been featured on Dr. Phil, The Today Show, and hundreds of major media outlets, and is known for making complex health science simple, practical, and doable for busy entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Chris and JJ explore what entrepreneurs and leaders must do to stay strong, focused, and healthy over the long-haul. From protein and plants to resistance training, sleep, creatine, and VO₂ max, this conversation is packed with simple, actionable strategies to help you perform at your best, without burning out.

Whether you're a midlife entrepreneur or simply want more strength and stamina, JJ’s insights will help you build a stronger, more resilient foundation for the long-term!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why your health is the ultimate business advantage
• The single biggest shift midlife leaders must make in their nutrition
• Sleep as the cornerstone of recovery, energy and mental performance
• The rise of VO₂ max and why it's now a top indicator of lifespan

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 03:48 - JJ Virgin's Health and Wellness Philosophy
• 11:41 - The Importance of Protein and Diet
• 22:22 - Exercise and Movement for Long-Term Health
• 27:57 - Creating a Movement-Friendly Workspace
• 28:29 - Benefits of Post-Meal Walks
• 30:06 - Incorporating Resistance Training
• 31:44 - Overcoming Exercise Barriers
• 34:48 - The Importance of Sleep for Recovery
• 39:18 - The Role of Creatine in Health
• 44:30 - Understanding VO2 Max
• 48:25 - Personal Health Goals

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Check Out JJ’s Website
• Connect with JJ on Instagram

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, marketing consultant, and author of 11 bestselling books including KNOWN, Marketing Rebellion and Belonging to the Brand. Mark has spent decades helping professionals and organizations build authentic brands and meaningful connections.

In this episode, Chris and Mark talk about what happens when success comes at the cost of your health, and how to find contentment on the other side.

After a health scare revealed dangerously high blood pressure, Mark made the courageous decision to pause, re-evaluate, and realign his work and life. The conversation dives deep into the importance of slowing down, creating space for creativity, and redefining what it truly means to be successful in business and in life.

This is an honest, refreshing discussion between two longtime friends about legacy, longevity, and letting go of the endless chase for more.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How a health wake-up call changed the way Mark approaches work and success
• The power of contentment and why it’s Mark’s new singular focus
• Why slowing down can lead to more creativity and impact, not less
• The importance of hobbies, reflection, and time in nature for sustainable success
• How to balance ambition with well-being
• The surprising connection between becoming a grandparent and redefining priorities

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 01:45 - Mark’s Journey and Recent Health Scare
• 02:19 - The Importance of Contentment and Life Changes
• 05:33 - Mark's New Lifestyle and Health Improvements
• 11:14 - Balancing Work, Health, and Hobbies
• 18:00 - Exploring Creativity and Avoiding Burnout
• 19:17 - Scaling Back and Resetting Priorities
• 21:36 - Embracing Contentment Over Hustle
• 25:19 - Financial Insights and Business Growth
• 29:15 - The Impact of Becoming a Grandfather
• 30:42 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
• 31:51 - Reflecting on Sacrifice and Long-Term Success

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Check Out Mark’s Books
• Mark’s Website
• Connect with Mark on Instagram

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Grant Baldwin is the founder and CEO of The Speaker Lab, a coaching and training company that has helped tens of thousands of speakers launch and grow successful speaking businesses.

A dynamic entrepreneur, bestselling author, and seasoned keynote speaker, Grant has delivered nearly 1,000 presentations to over half a million people across 47 states and beyond. Under his leadership, The Speaker Lab has been named to the Inc. 5000 list four years running and has become a trusted industry leader for aspiring and experienced speakers alike.

In this episode, Chris and Grant dive into what it really takes to build a business and a life that lasts. From staying the course and avoiding burnout to finding joy outside of work, Grant shares lessons from over a decade of leading a multi seven-figure company with intention and purpose.

He opens up about the power of consistency, why hobbies matter more than hustle, and how building genuine relationships (not just networking) has shaped his journey.

This conversation is a masterclass in long-term thinking, leadership, and creating a business that supports the life you actually want to live.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• The importance of long-term thinking and staying the course
• How to keep things interesting when you’ve been doing the “same thing” for years
• The value of hobbies, rest, and sabbaticals (including why Grant got his pilot’s license!)
• Building authentic relationships that lead to opportunity
• Why success means creating a business that supports your life, not the other way around

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 04:04 - The Journey of Building a Successful Business
• 06:11 - Maintaining Passion and Avoiding Burnout
• 15:44 - The Importance of Relationships and Personal Mastery
• 19:11 - Building Relationships: From Macro to Micro
• 19:25 - Networking Strategies: The Right and Wrong Approaches
• 20:14 - The Evolution of Social Media Engagement
• 21:14 - Intentional Relationship Building
• 23:58 - Hobbies and Pastimes: Finding Balance
• 30:08 - Living Like a Long-Haul Leader

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• The Speaker Lab
• Connect with Grant on Instagram

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.