Ep. 0 The Beginning "Take a Knee and Bleed"
Join us in our first-ever podcast here at Front of Center, Brian is able to sit down with a great friend, writer, producer, entrepreneur, and USMC veteran, Jesse Phillips.
Embrace the Grind: Leaning into Life with Front of Center Podcast
Life's an adventure, and sometimes, it throws a punch. But as Jesse R. Phillips wisely advises, don't be afraid to "take a knee and bleed a little bit." It's not selfish to care for yourself, to acknowledge the hurt, and to seek help. This powerful message sets the stage for the Front of Center Podcast, where brothers Brian and Tyrel Trainor dive deep into leading an adventurous life, pushing limits, and finding growth in every challenge.
Front of Center: More Than Just a Name
The podcast's name, "Front of Center," is inspired by the physics of an arrow in flight: if its weight isn't forward, it won't fly true. Brian and Tyrel apply this metaphor to life itself. They believe that if we aren't constantly leaning into something, pushing forward, and testing our boundaries, we won't reach our full potential. This isn't just about conquering mountains; it's about embracing challenges in every aspect of life – from business to parenthood.
The Adventure of Failure and Growth
Both Brian and Tyrel, with their roots in southeastern Colorado and a love for the outdoors, understand that true adventure often involves the chance of failure. Brian, a former Olympic hopeful in track and field, reflects on his 16 years as a solo athlete. Despite dedicating almost two decades to training, his ultimate goal was a "failure" in the sense of not making the Olympic team. Yet, he sees this not as a setback, but as a foundational experience.
Jesse echoes this sentiment, looking at his own Olympic trial bibs not as trophies, but as reminders of the effort and commitment he poured in, and the lessons learned when the ultimate goal wasn't reached. For these men, failures are often their biggest successes, building the resilience and character that shape who they are today. They emphasize that in life, whether as a parent, spouse, or hunter, "you're gonna fail, you better learn to apologize and try again."
Solo Journeys vs. Shared Suffering
While Brian acknowledges his extensive experience in solo pursuits, he now craves shared adventures. There's a unique bond forged when facing a challenge with others, a "chuckle" that comes from looking over at someone and admitting, "man, this sucks." This shift from individual suffering in isolation to collective resilience is a core theme. Jesse, a former Marine, also highlights the importance of teamwork and supporting one another through tough times.
Rucklist: Equipping Your Adventure
The Front of Center Podcast is proudly brought to you by Rucklist, a company born from the very spirit of adventure and optimization. Rucklist's mission is simple: adventure more, spend less. By focusing on gear optimization, Rucklist helps adventurers of all stripes – hunters, hikers, campers, boaters – make informed decisions about what to pack. Brian, who spent years buying ill-suited gear, envisions Rucklist as a platform where experienced individuals like "Nate," a former Marine Raider who has floated rivers on every continent, can share their meticulously curated packing lists. This allows users to "look into somebody else's pack" and avoid costly mistakes, saving money for experiences like fuel, plane tickets, or hunting tags.
Beyond Gear: Community and Mentorship
The vision for Rucklist extends beyond just gear. It's about fostering a community where individuals can connect, learn, and grow together. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors person or a "rookie" in a new pursuit, the ability to learn from others' experiences is invaluable. Brian and Tyrel highlight the generosity within the outdoor community, where experienced individuals are often willing to lend gear and share knowledge, knowing that the true reward is seeing others embrace the adventure.
The Daily Grind and Finding Balance
The podcast delves into the realities of balancing a demanding life with personal well-being. Jesse, a retired Marine with a diverse portfolio of work including film producing, real estate, and farming, emphasizes the importance of intentionality. With six children, he constantly strives to be present with his family, even when work takes him away. He highlights the challenge of navigating the "turbulence of life" and the need to periodically "reset and refocus."
Brian introduces his "1% rule," urging listeners to dedicate at least 1% of their day (about 15 minutes) to their top five priorities, whether it's family, faith, or personal pursuits. This simple yet powerful concept underscores the importance of consistent, focused attention on what truly matters, preventing the feeling of being constantly "off course."
The Power of Self-Awareness and Grace
A poignant part of the conversation centers on self-criticism and the struggle to show oneself grace. Jesse admits he's his own "biggest critic," often treating himself like a drill instructor. Both he and Brian acknowledge the difficulty of looking in the mirror and genuinely feeling proud. However, they also emphasize the importance of this self-compassion, particularly as fathers. They discuss the balance between pushing oneself for growth and allowing for moments of rest and self-acknowledgment. This ability to "take a knee and bleed" is not a sign of weakness, but a crucial practice for sustained well-being and effective leadership.
Connecting with the Creator and Beyond
Jesse shares a deeply personal conviction: the importance of a relationship with the Creator. He believes this spiritual connection is the only way to navigate life's challenges "unscathed" and is paramount for leaders, fathers, and husbands. This doesn't have to be a "churchy" or flashy experience, but a real, gritty, and plainspoken conversation with the divine.
The Unfolding Journey
The first episode of Front of Center Podcast sets a powerful tone, inviting listeners to embrace their own adventures, learn from both successes and failures, and find strength in community and self-awareness. Brian and Tyrel, along with their guests like Jesse, promise to continue bringing inspiring stories and practical insights, encouraging everyone to "lean in a little bit, man. Get front of center."