Redefining Stress & The Stress Recovery Game Plan | Ep. 468 with Derek Clark

Stress. We all feel it in some way…big or small. And it’s not that stress is actually bad. It’s that under-recovered stress is potentially deadly. This week on the IMPACT SHOW, we’re talking about something every single one of us deals with — stress. And not just surface-level stress. I’m talking about the kind that builds quietly over time. The kind that high performers
carry. The kind that can cost you your health if you’re not careful.

My guest today is Derek Clark — performance coach, speaker, and founder of the Stress Recovery Game Plan. Derek’s story will stop you in your tracks. In his 40s, after years of operating at a high level, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure… which led to open-heart surgery… which was followed by a cancer diagnosis. This isn’t theory. This is lived experience.
And what he discovered is something we ALL need to hear — stress isn’t the enemy. Under-recovered stress is.

This episode will challenge you, wake you up, and equip you with tools you can use immediately. In this episode, you’ll hear and learn:

• The difference between strategic, tactical, and responsive stress — and which one is silently draining most high performers.
• Why “chronic stress” is really under-recovered stress — and how to start correcting it.
• Derek’s powerful 4-step Stress Recovery Game Plan to regain balance daily.
• Why mindset and sleep are the two most important levers you can pull starting tonight.
• Practical strategies to improve recovery — from HRV awareness to breathwork to building a better pre-sleep routine.
• The “Flip the Coin” mindset tool to reframe setbacks and turn adversity into fuel.
  Some of the questions inside this week’s IMPACT SHOW include:
• You’ve used the term “stress-oholic.” What do you mean by that—and how did you realize you were living that way?
• Most people think stress is the enemy. You say stress is misunderstood. What do most of us get wrong about stress?
• How do you personally define stress today, and how is that definition different than the typical “stress is bad” narrative?
• Can you walk us through what stress is actually doing in the body—physiologically—when someone feels anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in overdrive?
• At what point did you realize you didn’t need more stress management… you needed a recovery strategy?
• Can you break down the 4 steps of the Stress Recovery Game Plan™ and what each step helps people do?
• What are some of the 7 recovery tactics inside the Stress Recovery Game Plan, and which ones tend to give people the fastest results early on?
• If someone is in a season of life where stress feels nonstop—work, family, health—what’s the first “small win” you’d recommend to start regaining control?
• What do you say to high performers who feel like recovery is “lazy,” “soft,” or something they’ll do later when life slows down?

Here’s the bottom line: you don’t need less ambition. You need better recovery. If you’re building something big — a business, a career, a family, a legacy — stress will be part of the equation. The key is learning how to balance it so it builds you instead of breaking you.

If this episode hits home, share it with someone who needs it. Post it to your story. Text it to your business partner or spouse. And if you’re serious about elevating your health and performance this year, take one action from this episode and implement it TODAY. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. 
IG: @ToddDurkin @derek.r.clark
FB: @ToddDurkinFQ10
#StressRecoveryGamePlan #Ep468

Derek Clark is a stress recovery expert and speaker who helps individuals regain balance, reduce health vulnerabilities, and enhance day-to-day performance. He draws on his own experience navigating two rare health conditions, challenges he attributes in part to the cumulative effects of chronic, unbalanced stress. His story of overcoming adversity led to a
complete reevaluation of how we respond to stress and how we recover from it. Derek is a licensed athletic trainer and master sports performance coach with over 25 years of experience working with athletes and high performers. He is the founder of Grizz Athletic Performance and Recovery, a company focused on physical and mental development, injury
rehabilitation, and sustainable recovery strategies. He also serves as the Director of Athletic Performance and Wellness at the Greater Pittsburgh Sports Complex, where he applies the same principles of stress recovery, performance enhancement, and holistic well-being with athletes, professionals, and teams.

Through his Stress Recovery Game Plan™, a four-step daily framework supported by seven key tactics, Derek empowers individuals to redefine their relationship with stress and build a resilient internal environment—mentally, emotionally, and physically. His approach speaks
to the everyday challenges faced by employees and leaders alike, helping them feel, perform, and live better. He believes everyone is an athlete in the game of life—and his mission is to help them recover like one.

You can contact Derek at www.StressRecoveryGamePlan.com or DM him
on Instagram at @derek.r.clark

 

P.S. #1. JUST ANNOUNCED: Todd Durkin 3.5 Day Mentorship Coming Up May 14-17th …
BIG NEWS out of San Diego. We just announced our 20th 3.5 Day Mentorship (our first one in 7-years!!) coming up May 14-17, 2026.

If you are a fitness business owner or trainer/fitness business owner looking to ignite to your next leve and amplify your results, income, influence, and IMPACT, check out all the DETAILS here. This is not a conference. And it’s not a “retreat” per se.

It’s an intensive experience built to give you clarity, refocus your fire, and help you grow your business in a way that fuels your life instead of draining it.
It’s an absolute game-changer!!

ONLY 20-SPOTS Available!!

[SIGN UP TODAY!]

 

P.S. #2.  TD MASTERMIND – Are You Ready to Level Up?
Are you a fitness pro, coach, or leader who KNOWS you’re capable of more? The TD
Mastermind is where high-performers go to sharpen their leadership, scale their business, and
grow personally. Between live retreats, monthly coaching calls, and deep business & life
strategy sessions, this is where you stop playing small.

Our Platinum Retreat is happening March 26–29 and it’s going to be one for the books!! 
If you’re ready to step into your BEST season yet (and want to be at THIS retreat), go to:
[Schedule a Call Today!]

 

P.S. #3. JOBS AVAILABLE!  IMPACT-X PERFORMANCE – SAN DIEGO IS COMING!
We are launching IXP San Diego in March and we are building something SPECIAL. This is not
just another gym. This is a movement. A lighthouse. A culture of excellence. If you want to train, recover, grow, and be part of a world-class fitness family—stay tuned. Doors are opening soon and we cannot wait to serve this city again.

(If you apply for any of the positions, please share in the Subject Line what role you are applying to):

• Personal Trainer/Coach Positions. While we are not opening until February 2026,
  we are currently accepting applications as we prepare to Build a World-Class Team
  of Trainers starting in January 2026. If you are trainer/S&C coach who is looking for
  a great opportunity to change lives in San Diego, CA, now is your opportunity to be
  part of our team. I will be personally leading this group of coaches who will serve in
  both personal training AND large-group training roles.
  More Details / Apply Now Here!
• Stretch Therapists. We will have our signature hands-on “IMPACT Stretch Flow”
  sessions complimenting our training & recovery services. If you are already certified in FST or other stretch therapy (or you’re a coach who wants to learn hands-on
  manual stretching of our clients/members), APPLY TODAY
• Massage Therapists. Massage therapy has been part of my fitness offerings since
  Day 1 over 25-years ago. And it’s only MORE important now. We WILL have
  incredible Massage Therapy available at IXP-San Diego and we are exciting to
  share the power of touch.
  APPLY TODAY
• Directors of First Impressions. We love our “Directors of First Impressions” as they play a crucial role in setting the culture and offering extreme positivity, encouragement, and support to our clients/members. If you feel you could be a great addition to our San Diego location, please apply.
  APPLY TODAY

Visit this page to get all the information or to APPLY today… HERE!