Move The Chains Podcast | Unlocking Your Full Potential with Ryan Munsey

Ryan Munsey | Human Performance Specialist & Podcast Host. The podcast for you high achievers striving for peak performance, and those committed to breaking through mental, physical and emotional barriers in the pursuit of growth and excellence. I sit down with professional athletes, special forces operators, world class leaders, best-selling authors, spies and more to help you discover the keys to overcoming self-doubt, emotional decision-making and excuses in order to to unlock your full potential. Learn the secrets of the world’s highest performers so you can build discipline and consistency, while replacing shortcuts with sustainable habits that enable you to build momentum, resilience, and purpose for a more fulfilling life. #MoveTheChains Listen and Subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts.

MTC 016: TJ Dillashaw | 2x UFC Champ on Winning Mindset, Fear, Flow and Peak Performance 08/18/2025

MTC 015: Solo Episode | Is Carnivore the Optimal Human Diet For Longevity? 08/11/2025

MTC 014: Gary Chupik | Unlocking Elite Mindset and Peak Performance 08/05/2025

MTC 014: Gary Chupik | Unlocking Elite Mindset and Peak Performance In this episode of the Move the Chains podcast, host Ryan Munsey speaks with mental performance coach Gary Chupik about the critical role of self-leadership in achieving high performance in sports and business. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership begins with leading oneself and understanding individual strengths to foster a thriving environment. Ryan Munsey and Gary Chupik delve into the concepts of resilience and anti-fragility, emphasizing the importance of not just returning to baseline after adversity but thriving beyond it. They discuss the importance of motivation, the leadership pyramid, and the need for simplicity in communication. Gary shares insights on crisis management and the significance of continuous coaching for maintaining excellence. They also discuss the significance of pre-determining actions to enhance performance, the necessity of scheduling feelings to maintain focus, and the critical role of language in shaping mindset. The conversation culminates in timeless truths for achieving an elite mindset, highlighting the importance of optimism over mere positivity, and the two key ways to build confidence: preparation and proving oneself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Journey 05:47 The Importance of Self-Leadership 09:41 The Leadership Pyramid Explained 15:22 Organizational Leadership and Vision 19:55 Simplicity in Execution and Goal Setting 22:57 Mental Health and Performance Assessment 28:32 Identifying and Utilizing Strengths 32:02 The Illusion of Choice in Performance 35:51 Emotional Control in High-Pressure Situations 41:20 Focusing on the Present Moment 44:42 The Role of Language in Leadership 50:22 Positivity vs. Optimism in Performance 53:37 Daily Practices for Success Links Connect w/ Gary Chupik Connect with Ryan Munsey Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/37680460

MTC 013: Dr. Jay Wiles | HRV, Recovery and Performance 07/27/2025

MTC 013: Dr. Jay Wiles | HRV, Recovery and Performance Dr. Jay Wiles is an internationally recognized speaker, scientist, clinician, and leading authority on stress physiology, human performance, and health optimization. As a clinical health and performance psychologist, he specializes in heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, psychophysiology, and nervous system resilience, helping individuals master their mental and physiological states to achieve peak performance. In this episode of the Move the Chains podcast, host Ryan Munsey interviews Dr. Jay Wiles, an expert in heart rate variability (HRV) and nervous system resilience. They discuss the importance of HRV as a tool for measuring recovery and adaptability, the role of various devices in tracking HRV, and practical breathing techniques for downregulation. The conversation also covers the impact of heat and cold therapy on recovery, and concludes with advice on achieving consistency in performance and mental health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:52 Understanding Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Basics 06:02 The Importance of HRV in Performance 08:55 Using HRV as a Tool for Resilience 11:58 Practical Applications of HRV in Daily Life 15:02 The Role of Subjective Experience in Data Interpretation 17:56 Choosing the Right Tools for Measuring HRV 20:52 Responding to HRV Readings: When to Adjust Training 23:54 Balancing Objective Data with Subjective Feelings 32:08 Understanding Heart Rate Variability and Injury Prevention 36:18 Optimizing Recovery for Athletes 39:02 Breathing Techniques for Down Regulation 46:12 Resonance Breathing and Its Benefits 50:00 The Role of Heat and Cold Therapy in Recovery 54:12 Wearable Technology for HRV Tracking 59:57 Innovations in Biofeedback Technology 01:04:09 Dr. Jay Wiles's Final Thoughts on Consistency Links Connect w/ Dr. Jay Wiles Connect with Ryan Munsey Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/37568125

MTC 012: Joe Coniglio | NFL Coach on Leadership and Building Culture 07/21/2025

MTC 011: Solo Episode | Wedges, Kobe, and Comfort 07/15/2025

MTC 010: Yair Klyman | Unlocking Financial Literacy 07/07/2025

MTC 009: Brian Barney | Winning Mindset & Building A Life Around Your Passion 06/30/2025

MTC 009: Brian Barney | Winning Mindset & Building A Life Around Your Passion My guest on the Move The Chains Podcast this week is my buddy Brian Barney, a professional bowhunter who writes for Eastman’s Hunting Journal and hosts the Eastman’s Elevated Podcast. We discuss Brian's journey of turning his love for hunting into a lifestyle, the importance of self-investment, overcoming fear, and achieving financial freedom. Brian shares insights on developing an unbeatable mindset, mastering skills, maintaining a positive attitude, and the significance of timing and strategy in both hunting and life. He emphasizes the value of consistency (Move The Chains!) and hard work in pursuing your goals, and shares actionable tips for you to improve any and every area of your life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brian Barney and His Journey 03:22 Building a Passion-Driven Career 09:26 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action 13:51 Financial Health and Lifestyle Design 20:24 The Concept of Shrinking Mountains 25:56 Maintaining a Positive Mindset in Adversity 29:10 The Power of Positive Mindset 30:47 Timing and Strategy in Hunting 33:21 Effort vs. Productivity 38:21 Future Goals and Mentorship 41:14 Preparing for Hunts: Mental and Physical 47:41 Sharing the Journey: Podcasts and Films Takeaways Mastering a craft requires dedication and self-investment. Fear of failure should not hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Financial health allows for greater freedom in life choices. Consistency and hard work are key to achieving goals. A positive mindset can help overcome adversity. Timing and strategy are crucial in both hunting and life pursuits. Preparation is essential for success in challenging environments. Visualizing success can enhance performance in high-pressure situations. Life is about finding joy in the journey and pursuing what you love. Links: Connect With Brian Instagram: Weekly Podcast: Biweekly Podcast: YouTube: --> Beyond The Grid Connect with Ryan: Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/37218715

MTC 008: Tim Shields | Leadership, Mastery, and Limited Thinking 06/23/2025

MTC 008: Tim Shields | Leadership, Mastery, and Limited Thinking In this episode of the Move the Chains podcast, Ryan Munsey interviews Tim Shields, a writer and collaborator at the intersection of science and consciousness. They discuss the importance of self-talk, visualization, and the journey of personal growth through something Tim calls dream tethering. Tim shares his experiences with mentors, the significance of discipline in achieving goals, and the role of leadership in fostering an expansive presence for others. The conversation emphasizes the need for internal healing and self-awareness as foundational elements for effective leadership and personal success. In this conversation, Tim Shields and Ryan Munsey explore the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the journey of personal growth. They discuss strategies for identifying limiting beliefs, the significance of manifestation combined with action, and the transformative power of the Hero's Journey as a metaphor for the evolution of consciousness. Tim shares personal insights and practical exercises that have helped him navigate his emotional landscape and achieve mastery over his reactions to external stimuli. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:24 The Power of Self-Talk and Visualization 06:00 Inciting Incidents and the Journey to Writing 10:12 Creating a Blueprint for Success 12:39 Cultivating the Practice of Dream Tethering 16:34 The Role of Leadership in Personal Growth 24:07 Healing from Within and Its Impact on Leadership 30:09 Understanding Emotions and Self-Awareness 37:43 The Power of Manifestation and Action 44:47 The Hero's Journey and Evolution of Consciousness Takeaways Everyone needs big goals, but attack them one step at a time. Self-talk can create self-fulfilling prophecies. Visualization and self-awareness are key to personal growth. Discipline is essential for achieving writing and life goals. Creating a clear mission statement helps guide your actions. You must become the energy of what you want to attract. Surrendering control can lead to unexpected opportunities. Leadership begins with internal change and self-awareness. Healing yourself allows you to better serve others. The journey of personal growth is a never-ending labyrinth. Self-awareness is crucial for understanding emotions. Identifying limiting beliefs can lead to personal growth. Mastery involves controlling reactions to external situations. Manifestation requires action, not just hope. Creating a vision is essential for achieving goals. Emotional healing involves recognizing past traumas. The Hero's Journey reflects the evolution of consciousness. Energy is the foundation of our reality. Movement can enhance creativity and problem-solving. Being still and focused helps clarify desires. LINKS Connect with Tim Shields Podcast: Book: Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Connect with Ryan: Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/37112595

MTC 007: Dena Ali | The Surprising Power of Environment on Mental Health 06/16/2025

MTC 007: Dena Ali | The Surprising Power of Environment on Mental Health In this episode of the Move the Chains Podcast, Ryan Munsey speaks with Dena Ali, a battalion chief with the Raleigh (NC) Fire Department and mental wellness advocate for first responders. Dena is also the Program Manager for Behavioral Health for the First Responder Center For Excellence, and the author of the Fire Engineering bestselling book Hope out of Darkness ~ A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness. They discuss the importance of understanding mental health struggles through the lens of environmental factors rather than personal blame. The conversation emphasizes the significance of patience, emotional intelligence, and the need to address root causes of mental health issues rather than just treating symptoms. In this conversation, Dena Ali discusses the importance of shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in mental health, particularly for first responders. She emphasizes building resilience through adversity, the power of gratitude, and the significance of humor in coping with stress. Dena also highlights the critical role of sleep in maintaining mental and physical health, and the need for first responders to have tools and strategies - including play - to manage their mental wellness effectively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Wellness in First Responders 02:01 Understanding Struggles and Environment 03:22 Personal Journey to Mental Wellness 08:54 The Role of Adversity in Growth 11:58 From Research to Action: A Turning Point 18:09 The Impact of Sharing Experiences 22:02 Courage and Emotional Intelligence in Advocacy 24:33 Patience and the Long Road to Change 28:48 Getting Upstream: Addressing Root Causes 29:13 From Reaction to Prevention: A Shift in Perspective 30:25 Building Resilience: The Power of Adversity 31:55 The Importance of Gratitude in Challenging Times 34:49 Managing Stress: The Stress Bucket Analogy 36:58 The Role of Humor in First Responder Culture 41:11 Understanding Sleep: A Critical Component of Health 52:19 Empowering First Responders: Tools for Mental Wellness 54:08 The Balance of Play and Work Links Connect with Dena: LinkedIn: Instagram: Website: Get Dena's Book: Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings Connect with Ryan: Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/37025300

MTC 006: Brant Menswar | Creating Momentum And Changing The Way You Think 06/09/2025

MTC 006: Brant Menswar | Creating Momentum And Changing The Way You Think Brant Menswar is a former rock-star turned best-selling author who has been named one of the country's top speakers. He seamlessly fuses proprietary research, personal growth principles, and cutting-edge leadership strategies to forge unbreakable, high-performing cultures while inspiring companies to crush their BIG goals. In this episode of Move the Chains, Ryan Munsey and Brant Menswar explore the importance of prioritizing people and processes over tools in achieving success. They discuss Brant's journey from being a rock star to a keynote speaker, emphasizing the significance of creating engaging experiences for audiences. The conversation also touches on the transition to corporate speaking, the power of core values, and the innovative strategies that can lead to success in various fields. In this conversation, Brant Menswar discusses the importance of living with deliberate intention through values, the process of overcoming grief and building momentum in life, and the concept of 'moment momentum' which emphasizes focusing on the present. He introduces the OGRE concept, which stands for an overwhelming gut reaction of emotion, and explains how to channel emotional energy into positive actions. Brant also highlights the significance of identifying personal values to navigate challenges and shares his initiative of using challenge coins to create momentum for others, ultimately emphasizing the idea that legacy is about helping others move forward. Chapters 00:00 People and Processes Over Tools 02:50 From Rock Star to Keynote Speaker 09:51 The Transition to Corporate Speaking 18:17 Creating Engaging Experiences 25:44 The Power of Core Values 26:11 Finding Purpose Through Values 28:04 Overcoming Grief and Building Momentum 29:57 Moment Momentum: Living in the Present 34:55 Harnessing Emotional Energy: The OGRE Concept 39:36 Channeling Emotions for Positive Action 42:14 Identifying Values to Navigate Challenges 46:34 Creating Momentum for Others: The Challenge Coin 49:52 Final Thoughts: Living Moment to Moment Links: Connect with Brant Menswar: Brant's Books: Books Mentioned: by Tamswen Webster Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings (ON SALE THIS MONTH!) Connect with Ryan: Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/36906485

MTC 005: Jeff Nichols and Katherine Grimm | Building Peaceful Warriors 06/02/2025

MTC 005: Jeff Nichols and Katherine Grimm | Building Peaceful Warriors My friends Jeff Nichols and Katherine Grimm join me on this episode of the Move The Chains Podcast to discuss the impact of mindfulness, self-awareness and energy management on optimal performance. Retired Navy SEAL Jeff Nichols and meditation coach Katherine Grimm own and run Performance First, where they equip the next generation of warriors with physical, mental and emotional tools to enhace their performance and well-being. Jeff and Katherine share proven strategies for high achievers to navigate the demands of high-pressure environments and manage your performance. This is a great converstion about the need for self-reflection and patience on the continuous journey of personal development, while also touching on the importance of community and future plans for growth. Chapters 00:00 Optimizing Performance for High Achievers 03:00 The Importance of Bandwidth Management 06:02 Down Regulation: Finding Balance 08:58 Tools for Mental Resilience 11:53 The Role of Awareness in Performance 15:10 Building a Toolbox for Success 18:12 Equipping the Next Generation 21:09 The Impact of Self-Awareness on Performance 30:06 The Power of Coaching and Connection 32:52 Mind-Body Connection and Down Regulation Tools 34:59 Success in Training: The Role of Authenticity 39:00 Building a Supportive Community in Training 42:10 The Importance of Mentorship and Generosity 43:59 The Art of Performing a Rep 47:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 50:01 Creating a Thriving Environment for Growth 53:02 Building Trust and Consistency in Training 01:05:20 The Importance of Action and Education 01:06:53 Connecting Through Music and Experiences 01:08:46 Finding Purpose and Community 01:10:14 Managing Expectations and Impressions 01:11:25 Practicing Patience and Self-Reflection 01:12:25 Behavior Change and Emotional Triggers 01:15:52 The Challenge of Control and Driving 01:18:30 Unpacking Reactions and Emotional Responses 01:21:50 Harnessing Emotions and Down Regulation 01:24:42 Exploring New Avenues for Growth 01:25:17 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans Links: Connect with Jeff and Katherine: Website: YouTube: Instagram: | Books Mentioned: Get Your Copy of F*ck Your Feelings (ON SALE THIS MONTH!) Connect with Ryan: Follow Ryan on Subscribe to Ryan's Connect with Ryan on Save 10% on your first melin hat, the world's best hats: Use the code MoveTheChains10 at /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/36820740

MTC 004: Karl "Gus" Gustavson | How Navy SEALs Embrace Adversity 05/26/2025

MTC 003: Cris Edmonds | Unwavering Standards, Accountability, & Commitment 05/19/2025

MTC 002: How To Be More Disciplined and Improve Consistency 05/12/2025

MTC 001: Unlock Your Potential with Move the Chains 05/05/2025

BHP 117: Jennifer Martineau | Feedback, Behavior Change, & Networking 12/01/2022

BHP Takeaways | Jennifer Martineau - Ep. #117 11/30/2022

BHP Takeaways | Dr. Mark Cheng - Ep. #116 11/17/2022

BHP 116: Dr. Mark Cheng | Move, Feel, Think and Live Better 11/17/2022

BHP 116: Dr. Mark Cheng | Move, Feel, Think and Live Better When it comes to understanding how our minds and bodies perform, very few people know as much as Dr. Mark Cheng. He’s a licensed acupuncturist, the creator of Beachbody’s #TaiCheng workout program, the creator of K3 Combat systems, and he’s a Master Instructor for StrongFirst (the leading Kettlebell training system) - and that’s not even his full resume! Through a lifetime of passion, learning, honing, refining, and distilling methods and practices of both the western and eastern world, Dr. Mark Cheng has developed a system that helps everyone from the office jock to top performing athletes and c-suite executives to move better, perform better, feel better with less pain, while achieving faster and shorter recovery times, and at the end of the day living better lives. This is a great episode of the Better Human Project podcast and, you will find it loaded with strategies and tools to empower you to move to feel & live better. (Some of) What you’ll hear: Why everyone should have a roadmap for how to conduct themselves Dr. Mark's 3 questions that guide his decision making processes Can every rep really be rehabilitative? Why you MUST understand the difference between Training and Testing Stop doing the same thing all the time! (And how to properly rotate your activities) Push the envelope - but don't tear it The relationship between tension and strength - and the importance of learning to master it The importance of developing a depth of self-knowledge Dr. Mark Cheng's Top Tips to BE Better DO Better PRESS PLAY to TUNE IN to this great episode. Links & Resources Follow Dr. Mark Cheng | | | | Follow Ryan & The BHP Ryan Munsey | | Get Ryan's newsletter, Read or listen to Ryan's book, F*ck Your Feelings on or Fuel The Pursuit: | BHP Supporters & Discount Links (One of my favorite snacks: Almond Butter + Coconut Oil & Electrolytes) /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/25039095

BHP 115: Oscar Trimboli | The Hidden Key to Better Communication and Leadership 11/08/2022

BHP 115: Oscar Trimboli | The Hidden Key to Better Communication and Leadership Oscar Trimboli is a 30 year veteran of the marketing and technology industries. A former Marketing Director for Microsoft, he is now a leading authority on listening, making him a highly sought after consultant for the likes of Google, PayPal, Reebok, HSBC and others. A writer, speaker, and host of an award-winning podcast, Oscar is passionate about using the gift of listening to bring positive change in homes, workplaces and cultures around the world. His research on listening includes work with chairs, boards of directors, executive teams, and global organization and has over 14,000 data points from around the world. Oscar's work - and the information he shares in this podcast - helps leaders of all kinds focus their attention and their listening on building organizations that have impact and create powerful legacies for the people they serve. What you’ll hear: The neuroscience of listening Barriers to listening at work The Five Levels of Listening The Art and Science of Listening What Oscar and his team of researchers have learned from over 10,000 workplace listeners Why we ALL get distracted when we listen (The 125/400 Rule) How to help the speaker verbalize their thoughts Why we need to get better at noticing what is NOT said How to have better - and shorter - meetings How to manage others' states of mind Oscar Trimboli's Top Tips to BE Better DO Better And much more! PRESS PLAY to TUNE IN to this great episode. Links & Resources Follow Oscar Trimboli | | | Use this code 2022TBHP at or this link to receive the 5 page report normally $20 for free Follow Ryan & The BHP Ryan Munsey | | Get Ryan's newsletter, Read or listen to Ryan's book, F*ck Your Feelings on or Fuel The Pursuit: | BHP Supporters & Discount Links (One of my favorite snacks: Almond Butter + Coconut Oil & Electrolytes) /episode/index/show/betterhumanproject/id/24909549