#004 - Andy Allan - Breaking Records, Creativity & Competition (Part 1)

The following conversation completely changed the trajectory of my life. Andy and I went for FOUR hours and therefore I have split the conversation into two episodes.

My guest today is Andy Allan, my cousin and a good friend. For Part 1 of this two-part conversation. We reflect on our band days with New York's Finest Taxi Service, the creative process, Andy's infamous car wash video, academic pursuits, the ins and outs of navigating job opportunities through apprenticeships and solid references, Andy's time playing amateur rugby, his love of competition, and the camaraderie that comes with team sports.

We also talk extensively about the psychological aspects of motivation, functional fitness and Andy's world-record pursuits.

As we wrap up this first part, we touch on the benefits of cold water exposure, establishing a healthy sleep routine, and the Wim Hof breathing method.

In part 2 we'll dive deeper into my journey with quitting alcohol, nutrition, training & The Dynamic Food List.

I hope you take as much from this as I did. Please enjoy my conversation with Andy Allan.

*** UPDATE SINCE RECORDING***

Andy is about to attempt a new world record after the incredibly sad passing of his (and my cousin Phil’s) mother, Sue Allan. You can view all the details via the link below:

Most Weight Lifted by Kettlebell Clean and Press in 1 Hour (World Record Attempt), 18 May 2024 In memory of Susan Allan:

https://bit.ly/4aDuyPZ
***LINKS***

ANDY’S STUFF:

The Carwash Video:

https://bit.ly/3TZbKFo

The Dynamic Foodlist:

https://bit.ly/3xdXkbf

Most Weight Lifted by Kettlebell Clean and Press in 1 Hour (World Record Attempt), 18 May 2024 In memory of Susan Allan:

⁠https://bit.ly/4aDuyPZ
OTHER STUFF:

Cumbria Strength & Conditioning (Matty Green):

https://bit.ly/43F3aPa

New York's Finest Taxi Service (Our Band):

https://bit.ly/3xdX0t3

Andy's Preferred CBD Oil (no affiliation):

https://bit.ly/3U0cvOt

Chris Kresser on Joe Rogan:

https://spoti.fi/4adyI0R

MY STUFF:

Awaken Out Of Context Podcast:

https://bit.ly/3tk8FVv

Follow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):

https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:37 Early Days

04:04 Forming a Band and Playing Music

11:27 Tips for Starting a Band

15:13 The Car Wash Video

27:33 The Value of Attitude and Behaviors

30:25 The Apprenticeship Route

35:32 Recruitment and References

37:18 Reflecting on Rugby Career

40:12 Winning the Barton Townley Final

42:08 The Feeling of Winning

42:58 Perspective and Hedonic Adaptation

44:23 Motivation and Dopamine

47:46 The Importance of Refilling Dopamine

50:05 Mistakes Young Rugby Players Make

51:59 Man Management and Wasted Talent

53:27 Camaraderie and Motivation in Team Sports

56:51 Injuries and the Value of Rugby Experience

01:00:32 The Role of Functional Fitness in Injury Prevention

01:03:20 Functional Fitness and Personal Growth

01:06:38 Motivation and Personal Drive

01:11:25 Motivation and Setting Goals

01:14:43 Pursuing World Records and Personal Achievements

01:17:07 Breaking the World Record

01:18:35 Finding Motivation

01:19:33 The Journey is Everything

01:20:32 Changing Motivation and Enjoying the Process

01:21:24 Mixing Up the Routine

01:23:23 Normalizing Unconventional Training

01:24:48 The Benefits of Cold Water Exposure

01:27:13 Cold Water Journey

01:27:43 Wim Hof Breathing Technique

01:29:42 Nasal Breathing and Evolutionary Basis

01:32:06 Finding What Works for You

01:39:23 The Science Behind Nasal Breathing

01:48:22 The Benefits of Nasal Breathing

01:52:46 Creating a Sleep Routine