Leave Your Mark

Send us a textThis week, I want to explore a simple idea that sits underneath almost everything we do in movement, rehab, performance, and learning:The body can’t access what it doesn’t know.The nervous system won’t use what it doesn’t recognize as available, safe, or trustworthy. And when pain, injury, fear, or perceived threat enters the picture, entire movement strategies can quietly disappear—not because the body is broken, but because the brain no longer sees those options as viable.In this episode, we’ll talk about self-organization, ecological dynamics, and why movement doesn’t emerge from instruction alone. It emerges from perception. We’ll explore how constraints shape behavior, why safety always comes before efficiency, and why so many well-intentioned rehab and training approaches fail to create lasting change.If you’ve ever wondered why someone “has the range” but can’t use it, or why strength and mobility don’t always translate to better movement or less pain, this conversation will help connect

Send us a textOn this episode of Leave Your Mark, I’m pleased to welcome Greg Lothian—a man whose life’s work has been defined by service, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.For nearly three decades, Greg has walked three parallel paths. As an Athletic Therapist and Vitality Coach, he’s helped people overcome physical challenges and reclaim their health since 1996. As a firefighter, with 25 years of volunteer and career service, he’s shown up for people in moments of real crisis—when presence, courage, and calm matter most. And as a mentor, he supports his children, his clients, and fellow practitioners as they navigate the complexities of work, purpose, and life.Greg is deeply principled. He believes in standing up for what’s right—even when the status quo has lost its moral compass—and he holds a clear, grounded view on value: that being compensated well is not only acceptable, but appropriate when it reflects the impact you bring to people’s lives.Naturally curious and systems-o

Send us a textThis week, I’m joined by Bob Alejo—one of the true pioneers of modern athletic performance.With more than 40 years in the field, Bob’s career spans NCAA Division I athletics, Major League Baseball, and the Olympic Games. He has worked at institutions such as UCLA, North Carolina State, UC Santa Barbara, and Cal State Northridge, and spent time with the Oakland A’s during the Moneyball era, and later again in the mid-2000s. Along the way, he’s been associated with over 20 NCAA National Championships, MLB postseason success, and a U.S. Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Games, with continued involvement through London in 2012.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore the evolution of strength and conditioning, the importance of understanding sport culture—not just sport science—and how trust, adaptability, and mentorship shape long-term success. Bob reflects on lessons learned from elite athletes and coaches, his experiences navigating major shifts in professional sport, and the responsibility

Send us a textThis week on Leave Your Mark, I’m joined by Max Lapierre.Max played 11 full seasons in the NHL, spending time with the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins, with additional years in the AHL and European professional hockey. Drafted by the Canadiens in 2003, Max carved out a career built not on hype but on work ethic, competitiveness, and an edge he had to earn every single day.But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t just the resume.It’s the honesty.Max shares what it was like growing up in a small town, betting on himself early, navigating trades that shook his identity, and living with labels that didn’t always reflect his true capacity. We talk about pressure, confidence, being misunderstood as a player, and how certain environments can either limit you—or unlock you.We also dive into his post-playing transition. Just before retirement, Max co-founded the podcast La Poche Bleue with Guillaume Latendresse—what started as somethin

Send us a textThis week, I sit down with Chris Gaurin.  Chris is a San Diego–based performance therapist whose unique journey blends athletic performance, rehabilitation, education, and artistic storytelling. Growing up in a deeply creative family of musicians and writers, Chris sees movement as a universal language—an expression of human potential.After developing an early passion for training during his high-school football years, Chris spent over a decade navigating the fitness and performance world. His path included mentorship from industry leaders, immersion in corporate wellness environments, and hands-on experience collaborating with speed and performance specialists.As a Director of Education, Chris has taught and mentored practitioners at multiple levels, and has spoken for organizations including Google, where he makes complex performance principles accessible and actionable.His evolution from fitness coach to integrative therapist led him into the clinical setting as a San Diego referral for the P

Send us a textThis week on the Leave Your Mark podcast, I sit down with someone whose influence on our industry is truly profound — Dr. Trevor Cottrell.Recently retired and now serving as a Professor of Instruction in Physiology at Texas State University, Trevor brings more than three decades of wisdom, research, and applied practice to this conversation.For 21 years, he helped shape the future of Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy, and Osteopathy as a Professor and Program Coordinator at Sheridan College. His research spans the entire spectrum of human physiology — from cellular biochemistry to applied human performance — with a unique specialization in how warm-up strategies can directly manipulate and elevate power output.Beyond academia, Trevor spent over 30 years coaching in professional, Olympic, and collegiate environments and was a co-founder of the Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association. He built and ran a successful private performance facility, coached thousands of athletes, and became a sought-

Send us a textIn this episode of Leave Your Mark, I’m honoured to welcome one of the most iconic defenders in NHL history — Zdeno Chara.Zdeno, born in Slovakia, played 24 seasons in the National Hockey League with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals. Standing at 6'9", “Big Zee” is the tallest player ever to compete in the league — but his impact stretched far beyond physical stature.As Captain of the Boston Bruins for 14 seasons, Zdeno led with humility, discipline, and purpose. He won the Norris Trophy in 2009, appeared in three Stanley Cup Finals, and raised the Cup in 2011 — becoming one of only five European-born captains to ever do so. Over 1,600 NHL games, he built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and a relentless work ethic.Internationally, he represented Slovakia with pride, earning two silver medals at the World Championships. In 2022, he retired as a Boston Bruin and will have his number, 33, raised to the rafters in January 2026. Mos

Send us a textFor Episode 450, I had the privilege of sitting down with an exceptional group of performance practitioners gathered for the ALTIS Masters Residency. ALTIS has built a Master’s program that blends world-class education with real, applied mentorship from some of the best minds in human performance—and this week was no exception.In the room were Performance Therapy Practitioners Danny Foley and Chris Gaurin, sharing their integrated practice approaches; lead educator Rich Clarke, whose work in change-of-direction research is second to none; Performance Coach Nick Ward; and several other members of the ALTIS team who were onsite to upskill the Master’s cohort.I was honoured to be invited in as a mentor for this residency, and it’s been a genuine pleasure to contribute to such a high-level learning environment.In this episode, the five of us dive deep into human performance—training, therapy, movement, coaching, and the philosophies that drive great practitioners. It’s a dynamic conversation with a

Send us a textEP 449 | Yosi Knecht – Resilience, Relationships, and the Human SpiritThis week’s guest is Yosi Knecht — a man defined not just by what he does, but by who he is.A husband, father, son, and friend, Yosi turned a simple love of working out into a lifelong career in the human performance industry. For more than 20 years, he’s been a leader in performance equipment and sales, known for his integrity, energy, and ability to build authentic relationships that last.But Yosi’s story goes far beyond business.In 2010, his 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia — an experience that would test every belief he held and reshape his understanding of strength, resilience, and what truly matters.This is a powerful conversation about family, perspective, and the human capacity to endure and grow.You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for what it means to lead, to love, and to live with purpose.If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us o

Send us a textFrom the gridiron to the brain, this episode dives deep into how former All-American linebacker and two-time national champion Brandon Day turned pain, burnout, and life’s challenges into purpose. He opens up about his journey from a small town in Montana to co-founding Evolved Athlete, where he discovered the power of neurotraining and Flow Science along the way.We discuss the lessons sports teach us beyond the scoreboard — emotional regulation, teamwork, and resilience — and how these lessons now shape Brandon’s work in helping athletes move beyond pain to unlock performance in life.You’ll also hear how fatherhood (with triplets!) parallels life on the field, why early sports specialization is holding kids back, and how healthy masculinity and mentorship can transform the way young athletes express strength and emotion. I think you'll enjoy the chat.If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW

Send us a textLYM Ep 447 | Jordan Syatt: The Power of Being a Regular GuyJordan Syatt isn’t trying to be larger than life. He’s a regular guy who built an extraordinary career by staying true to one simple mission — to help people.From starting his online fitness business in a college dorm room to becoming a husband, father, and respected coach, Jordan’s story reminds us that authenticity is the real flex.We dive into:How to build a purpose-driven coaching businessWhy humility and consistency outperform hypeThe truth about helping people without losing yourself

Send us a textAs a follow-up to my recent episode on threat and how the brain interprets it, I wanted to explore how our state of mind — physiological, neurological, and psychological — shapes the way our brain processes information and manages potential threats.This short episode takes a closer look at the foundational elements that support optimal brain function: quality sleep, stable blood glucose, proper hydration, and effective oxygenation. These core pillars aren’t just about basic health — they directly influence how resilient, adaptable, and high-performing we can be in the face of stress and challenge.I hope that this episode leaves you with practical insights and a renewed perspective on how small daily choices can dramatically improve your capacity to thrive. Enjoy!If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Livingston. You can find all things LYM at www.LYMLab.com, download

Send us a textThis week on Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Jovica Savic, a Serbian immigrant whose family fled war and hatred in the 1990s, finding refuge in Canada.What he shares isn’t just a story of survival — it’s a reminder. A reminder of what this country means to those who arrive with nothing but hope. A reminder of the opportunity and safety we sometimes take for granted.His perspective will make you stop and think about what “home” really is — and why we should protect and nurture it.Catch my Substack "The Grey Area Journal" where this week's blog is called Love More, Hate Less, and it's inspired by Jovica's journey. https://open.substack.com/pub/livingstons/p/the-bag-is-empty?r=2m2lsi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=falsePlease enjoy the pod!If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Livingston. You can find all things

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Send us a textOver the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with Stuart McMillan four different times—twice in one-on-one conversations, and twice in duo sessions. Each time, I’ve walked away with fresh insight into not only his coaching and business practices but also his perspective on life.Stuart is an eclectic soul—artist by nature (once known as Fingermash in the DJ world), lover of literature and the written word, and a man who carried that artistic spirit into the world of sports science and, most intentionally, the world of speed.Restless, curious, and fiercely individual, Stu built his own laboratory for human performance. Today, as CEO of ALTIS, he continues to shake the trees of our industry. One of his favourite quotes comes from George Bernard Shaw: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."In this episode (#443), I’ve woven together

Send us a textThis week on Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Dave Stubbs, a veteran Montreal sports journalist and, since 2016, historian and columnist for NHL.com. As Dave approaches 50 years in sports journalism, he reflects on a remarkable career that began in 1976 and has taken him from local newspapers to the Olympic Games, and eventually, to chronicling the history of the NHL itself.We discuss his journey through the Montreal Gazette, his time working with national sports organizations, the transition from newsroom management to storytelling, and what it means to spend a lifetime documenting the people and moments that shape sports. Dave brings humor, humility, and perspective to a conversation about writing, history, and the enduring power of sport to connect us all. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I think you will as well.If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Living

Send us a textThis week on Leave Your Mark, I sit down with one of the most iconic figures in college hockey history—Coach Jack Parker.Jack’s coaching career began in 1968, immediately after captaining Boston University’s Terriers. Just a few years later, he stepped behind the bench as head coach, launching a remarkable 40-season journey that would define both his career and the program.Across four decades, Jack led BU to three NCAA titles, 24 NCAA tournament appearances, and 897 wins—the third-highest career total in NCAA history at the time of his retirement in 2013. His loyalty and leadership cemented him as the winningest coach at a single school in NCAA history.He was named NCAA Coach of the Year three times, and in November, he will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder, recognizing his extraordinary impact on the game.In this conversation, we explore what it takes to sustain excellence, the lessons Jack learned along the way, and what legacy truly means when you dedicate your life to a

Send us a textThis week on Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Mike Muir — Athletic Therapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Vegas Golden Knights.Mike has been in the game for over 35 years. His journey began with Canada’s National Basketball Team, carried through university sport at Mount Allison, and launched his hockey career in Billings, Montana. From there, he climbed through the ranks: from the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL (winning the Calder Cup in 2015) to witnessing the LA Kings lift two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014.Since 2017, Mike has been with the Golden Knights, playing his part in their historic 2023 Stanley Cup victory. Beyond the rink, he’s a husband, father of two, and—like me—born in the same year.Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and decades of dedication to human performance. Please enjoy!If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Living

Send us a textThis week on Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Keenan — CEO, entrepreneur, father, and the author of Gap Selling. But this conversation isn’t about sales tactics. Instead, we dive into his remarkable life story: growing up adopted in a mixed-race family in Boston, chasing dreams of football and modeling, finding his way into sales, and becoming a father of three daughters.Keenan shares what selling really means (hint: it’s about helping, not convincing), how curiosity shapes his life, and why teaching — not protecting — has been his guiding philosophy as a parent. We also unpack how sales thinking translates into human performance, coaching, and leadership.This episode is full of lessons about resilience, curiosity, and creating your own path.Keenan is the CEO of a sales training and consulting company, widely known for his best-selling book Gap Selling. Beyond business, he’s an entrepreneur, speaker, and father of three daughters. Adopted into a mixed-race family in Boston in the late 1960s, Kee

Send us a textThis week's guest is Cory Kennedy. Cory is a leader in high-performance sport, most recently the Director of Performance with the Sacramento Kings. He formerly served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Chicago Cubs organization, and before that, he was the lead of performance for the Institut National de Sport in Montreal.Cory is a proud Canadian and loves to spend vacation time at his cottage in Prince Edward County with his wife and French bulldog. He loves reading, drinking coffee, and enjoys weekend camping trips, most recently in Monterey, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite. If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Livingston. You can find all things LYM at www.LYMLab.com, download your free Life Lab Starter Kit today and get busy living https://lymlab.com/free-lym-lab-starter/Please take the time to visit and connect with our sponsors, they are an essential