#54 - World Record Holder Andy Allan’s Journey of Adversity, Heartache, and Kettlebells (Part 1)

My guest today is HYROX World No. 6 Allana Falconer. We delve into a wide range of topics including her journey through HYROX and how she’s built her fitness without ever using a coach.We talked about her obsession with running, accidentally completing an 84km ultra, and the strength-focused training she’s now prioritising in her training. We also cover mindset, body image in the sport, and how she balances training with a full-time job.It was a fascinating and uplifting chat with a proper hybrid athlete who's not only talented but brings a rare positivity and joy to competition. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Intro Trailer for Allana Falconer 00:00:53 Bio Rundown 00:02:09 Mindset After Competitions & Love of Running 00:04:05 Ultra Running Debut & Back of the Yard Experience 00:08:40 Athletic Background & Lockdown Training 00:12:41 Transition from Lockdown Running to Ultras & Hyrox Goals 00:17:28 Strength Training Journey & Gym Influence 00:20:23 Mindset & Positivity in Sport 00:22:24 Upbringing & Family Background 00:24:50 Mindset Behind Motivation & Smiling Through Racing 00:26:56 Body Image & Hyrox Physique 00:28:53 Thoughts on Coaching & Recent Sponsorships 00:33:05 Structuring Training Without a Coach 00:37:22 Strongest Stations & Ergs in Training 00:40:09 SkiErg & Rowing Improvements 00:44:56 Differences Between Singles & Doubles Strategy 00:49:15 Racing Doubles with Chris Moulam-Jones 00:51:08 Race Nutrition & Avoiding Red Bull 00:52:55 Hydration Habits & Roxzone Strategy 00:53:47 PBs & Race Times 00:57:04 Risks of Pushing Too Hard in Races 01:00:10 Hyrox Timing System & Growth 01:01:32 Impact of New Rep Counter Visuals 01:01:41 Overrated & Underrated: Food 01:04:25 Overrated & Underrated: Exercises 01:06:10 Overrated & Underrated: Supplements 01:10:16 Overrated & Underrated: Habits 01:11:17 Season Goals & Upcoming Races 01:12:54 Where to Follow Allana 01:13:45 Outro & Subscribe Message***LINKS***Allana’s Instagram:https://bit.ly/3FX7128MY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj#hyrox #athlete

31 Mar 1h 14min

My guest today is HYROX Elite 15 athlete Zara Piergianni. We delve into a range of topics including her sporting background and her journey to the elite level of HYROX. We talked about how to assess various station weaknesses and covered lots on training and race tactics and strategies.We also have a section on audience questions – those of you who were kind enough to send in questions for Zara, thank you!It was an inspiring and insightful chat with an incredible athlete who's absolutely smashing it on the HYROX scene. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Note this conversation was recorded in January 2025.Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Trailer for Zara Piergianni 00:00:47 Zara's Bio 00:01:32 Jumper & Swimming Pool Story 00:03:14 Growing Up in a Sporty Household 00:06:43 Parenting & Sport Encouragement 00:09:02 Post-Uni Gap & Travel Years 00:12:16 Farm Work in Australia & Relationship Strength 00:13:48 Future Plans for Children 00:16:16 Discovering CrossFit in Mid-20s 00:18:40 CrossFit as Foundation for HYROX 00:20:37 Off-Season Recovery & Knee Injury Management 00:23:22 Accessory Work & Learning Through Training 00:25:42 Machine Training & Joint Load Management 00:28:16 Assault Bike Benefits & Compromised Training 00:30:22 Struggles Hitting Zone 2 on the Bike 00:33:36 Station Weaknesses: Lunges & Wall Balls 00:38:26 Training Volume & Minimal Effective Dose 00:41:23 Rest Days vs Active Recovery 00:42:45 Intra-Race Fuelling & Gels 00:43:47 Fuelling for Doubles & Relay Events 00:46:15 Audience Q: Exercises for Better Burpees 00:48:35 Audience Q: Time Spent on Mobility 00:49:46 Audience Q: Staying Motivated During Tough Weeks 00:51:56 Quickfire: Overrated & Underrated Round 00:56:16 Competing at Top Level & Imposter Syndrome 00:58:19 2025 Goals & Personal Intentions 01:00:02 Next Race & Coaching Info 01:01:20 Closing Message & Outro***LINKS***Zara’s Instagram:https://bit.ly/4hDb1lSMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj#hyrox #athlete #coach

24 Mar 1h 1min

Hey everyone, welcome back to the podcast! My guest today is Jessie Baynes—a YouTuber, English tutor, and Ayurvedic health consultant. She’s also training as an awareness facilitator, a therapeutic practice that helps people navigate their own healing journeys.We had a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, covering topics like trust, betrayal, heartbreak, and grief. We also explored ideas around non-duality, inadequacy, love, and the challenges of being a content creator.Check out the full chapter list for more details, and I hope you enjoy this episode with Jessie!Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:49 - Jessie's Journey to YouTube 00:03:40 - Slow & Steady Growth on YouTube 00:07:13 - Audience Connection & Transparency 00:10:41 - Vulnerability Online vs Offline 00:13:33 - Awareness Training & Self-Reflection 00:17:44 - Stability in Showing Up Consistently 00:22:13 - Jason's Experience on Naked Attraction 00:27:16 - Public Persona & Potential Partners 00:30:12 - Boundaries with Audience & Negative Feedback 00:36:21 - Feedback from Close Ones & Its Impact 00:41:17 - Authenticity & Changing Perspectives 00:45:40 - Trust, Betrayal & Non-Duality 00:52:00 - Heartbreak & Re-examining Love 00:57:21 - The Complexity of Grief & Processing Loss 01:05:06 - Inadequacy, Proving Oneself & Self-Worth 01:13:09 - Masks, Social Roles & Authenticity 01:18:31 - Returning to Old Social Groups After Growth 01:25:44 - New Age Spirituality & The Alien Experience 01:32:21 - Advice for Starting a YouTube Channel 01:38:31 - The Evolution of Perspectives & Self-Reflection 01:42:17 - Closing Remarks & Future Plans***LINKS***Jessie’s YouTube:https://bit.ly/4iwPfRGMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

17 Mar 1h 45min

Welcome back to the podcast! This episode is a special alcohol-related Q&A. Last week, I hit two milestones—I turned 36 and marked two years since I last drank alcohol. Since the previous Q&A episode was such a hit, I asked you to send in your questions again. I hope you find this episode insightful—let me know what you think!Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Intro & Podcast Explanation 00:03:15 Reflecting on Turning 36 & Sobriety Milestone 00:07:40 Describing Sober Self in Three Words 00:10:50 Thoughts on the Sober Community 00:18:25 The Final Straw That Led to Quitting Alcohol 00:26:40 Negative Effects of Quitting Alcohol 00:31:50 Impact of Quitting Alcohol on Fitness & Recovery 00:37:20 Difficult Moments & Social Challenges While Sober 00:42:10 Best Low Alcohol Beverages & Personal Preferences 00:47:35 Unexpected Perks of Being Sober 00:52:10 Socialising While Others Drink & Handling Stag Dos 00:58:20 Dating & Alcohol: Past & Present Perspectives 01:05:45 Stereotypes About Sober People & Personal Experience 01:12:10 Advice for Someone Wanting to Quit Drinking 01:16:40 Identity Shifts Since Quitting Alcohol 01:23:20 Alcohol in British Culture & Thoughts on Relocating 01:26:55 Would You Recommend Everyone Go Sober? 01:30:15 Handling Stress & Difficult Emotions Without Alcohol 01:33:29 Closing ***LINKS***MY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj#twoyearsnobeer #alcoholfree #podcaster

10 Mar 1h 33min

Welcome back to the podcast for part two of my chat with Andy Allan. This time, we dive into the journey of attempting a world record—what it takes, the emotional highs, and the role of dopamine in the process. We also touch on fitness, parenting in the digital age, and personal growth, with plenty of laughs along the way. I hope you enjoy the conversation!Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Intro 00:00:39 Dopamine & Emotional Highs After Achievements00:05:41 Comparing Highs: Barton Townley Final vs. World Record00:13:29 How to Apply & Prepare for a Guinness World Record00:21:11 Documenting & Verifying a Record Attempt00:25:46 Mental Strength & Pushing Through Challenges00:32:40 Fitness, Cold Exposure & Lifestyle Balance00:41:07 Nutrition, Body Image & Seasonal Adjustments00:50:15 Social Media, Technology & Parenting Strategies01:05:22 Personal Growth & Key Learnings Over Two Years01:07:10 Closing Remarks & Reflections***LINKS***Andy’s World Record Mix:https://bit.ly/4btSTJLMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj#howtobreakaworldrecord

3 Mar 1h 8min

Hey guys, welcome back to the podcast! My guest today is Jessica Da Silva she’s an attachment coach, licensed family therapist and a podcaster. This is Jessica’s second time on the podcast, and we recorded it as a joint interview which will be published on both of our platforms. Jess and I delve into a wide range of topics, touching on some of our recent relationships, single life and analysed how things played out through an attachment lens. We also get into some tactful ways to help you identify your attachment style and learn how you can work toward being secure. I hope you enjoy the episode.Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00 Trailer Intro00:58 Vulnerability in Conversations03:36 Lessons from Relationships09:27 Trusting Yourself in Relationships15:36 Judgement & Compassion18:01 Jason's Last Relationship & 'Dynamic Attachment Theory'25:40 Setting Expectations & Knowing What You Want31:03 Casual and Serious Relationships37:12 Confidence & Validation44:58 Exploring New Horizons: Travel and Lifestyle49:20 Running Away or Moving Toward?56:39 Attachment Styles 101: Key Indicators & Advice***LINKS***Jessica’s Instagram:https://bit.ly/3Ssg3I2Jessica’s Website & Links:https://bit.ly/3WFDvUJFree Attachment Style Quiz:https://bit.ly/3ysmNP8MY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj#attachmentstyles

17 Feb 1h 3min

To celebrate reaching 50 episodes I sourced questions from you guys. Thanks for your questions! Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00 Introduction 11:33 Dealing with Setbacks and Stress Relief17:20 Driven vs. Dragged: Motivation Insights27:54 Fears and Insecurities: A Personal Reflection34:58 Poignant Moments and Overwhelm43:13 Starting a Podcast: Insights and Prerequisites50:54 Managing Post-Event Dopamine Drops54:19 Education and Dyslexia: Reflections on Schooling01:00:53 Lessons from the Past: Advice to My Younger Self01:05:07 Starting Over: What Would I Do?01:14:51 Future Skills: Navigating the AI Landscape01:23:09 The Importance of Self-Reflection and LegacyAwaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj#q&a***LINKS***MY STUFF:

10 Feb 1h 46min