THRIVEONLIFE Podcast: Helping people live better lives with tips on health, wealth, and happiness.

***Listen to EP355 CJ's POV and EP356 Erin's POV before this episode*** Erin & Cj discuss how emotional maturity, shared self-discovery, and a week together in Houston revealed new sides of each other and deepened compatibility. The conversation explores how marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires working through discomfort rather than quitting at early conflict, including early bickering after moving in together. They dive into the hardest strain on their relationship: CJ leaving a stable engineering career for entrepreneurship, the uncertainty and pivots that raised concerns about stability, and how bringing Erin into his journey and community rebuilt trust. They close by connecting these lessons to parenting and the realities of day-to-day family life. 00:00 Intro 01:09 From Friends To Romance 03:36 The Houston Texas Turning Point 05:02 Dealing with Loss And The Maturity That Comes From It 07:03 Discovering Purpose And Defining Meaning 09:00 CJ's Perspective Shift 12:07 What If No History 14:25 Their "Houston Week" Highlights 18:48 Butterfly Effect In Dating 19:48 Marriage Is A Choice 21:37 Early Living Together Conflicts 22:29 Entrepreneurship Uncertainty Stress 25:59 Perspective Through Hard Times 27:14 Learning To Ask For Help 29:37 Why Quit The Safe Job 33:45 Bringing Your Partner Along 38:50 Discomfort Reveals Strengths 40:03 Parenting Reality Check Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE

In this solo episode, Erin reflects on her marriage to CJ, whom she has known since age 10, and how their relationship unfolded unexpectedly from a deep friendship into partnership and parenthood. She recounts CJ driving from Nashville to Houston after a July 2015 visit revealed romantic potential, her initial hesitation to risk their friendship, and how she came to see his care, support during her father’s death, and his entrepreneurial drive. Erin describes encouraging CJ’s early fitness Instagram start, the tension and uncertainty caused by CJ’s shifting ventures and dislike of traditional jobs, and how trust and mutual support have sustained them. Now raising two young children in Austin without nearby family, they make intentional sacrifices, communicate around time constraints, integrate fitness into family life, and emphasize love, principles, alignment, and cherishing small moments. Key Moments 00:38 Childhood Friends to Marriage 02:04 The Austin Weekend Spark 04:10 Why I Said No To Dating Him Before 06:51 Dreaming and Building Together 08:57 Houston Move and Career Leap 12:21 Living With Hyperfocus 16:23 Parenthood Without having a Village of Support 21:06 What We Want Our Kids to Learn From Us 25:59 Thriving in Marriage Lessons 28:14 Letting Life Unfold Without Expectations Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE

In this episode, CJ opens up about the real, unfiltered journey of marriage. Sharing candid insights into the challenges and triumphs he and his wife, Erin, have experienced over more than a decade together. From navigating the early stages of long-distance love to learning how to communicate through conflict, CJ reveals how their differing opinions, stubbornness, and occasional bickering became catalysts for growth rather than division. He dives deep into how they established roles, balanced their careers and parenting, and leaned on mutual respect and communication to strengthen their bond. KEY TOPICS - The dynamics of conflict and fighting in marriage - Long-distance relationship challenges and commitment - Personal growth as a foundation for attracting the right partner - Balancing careers, entrepreneurship, and family life - Communication and transparency as keys to relationship success - Division of roles and responsibilities in a partnership - Appreciation for simple, everyday moments in love - Managing risk, stability, and ambitions within a marriage Timestamps 01:19 Marriage And Fighting 02:30 Early Conflict Lessons 05:02 Stress And Emotions 08:29 How We Met 10:45 The 12 Hour Drive 13:00 Becoming Undeniable 17:53 Success And Support 23:59 Cost Of The Dream 28:54 Love In The Little Moments USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON VIDEO After a year-long hiatus to focus on family, his new role as COO of J&S Accounting Solutions, and growing the brand and mission at Men In The Arena, CJ Finley is back. In this episode, CJ discusses his journey towards becoming a focused leader and the mental shift required to balance high-level business with fatherhood. He also breaks down the lessons learned from training for and completing a 62 mile ultra marathon—and why true growth requires embracing discomfort and doing less, better. Key Topics: The "You can do anything, but not everything" mindset. Transitioning into life as a Dad of two, joining a new business, and learning to endure greater discomfort. How a 62 mile ultra marathon changes your perspective on grit in everyday life. Reducing resistance to life's necessary tasks. Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram

Have you ever thought about running 5 miles a day for a month? What about 3 months? CJ never thought he would either. Watch his Youtube video on why he started this challenge here But now it has been 110+ days of running 5 miles per day and he is reflecting on the initial challenges, the unexpected benefits, and the deep self-reflection that came with committing to this challenge. From battling distractions and social media influences to reconnecting with his personal goals, CJ unpacks how this experience has reshaped his views on productivity, goal setting, and personal growth. Tune in to hear how a simple commitment to run led to profound insights on living intentionally and aligning actions with long-term aspirations. Watch his Youtube video on why he started this challenge here How he felt after 5 miles a day for one month... Key Topics: [00:01:45] Motivations and goals for starting the daily five-mile run [00:05:30] Insights on self-discovery and the impact of disconnecting from social media [00:10:20] Evaluating life and career alignment post-challenge [00:14:50] Plans for the future and how the challenge shaped these aspirations USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ dives deep into his personal framework for fatherhood, anchored by five key areas: Family, Finance, Fitness, Fun, and Faith. He shares how these "5 F's" guide him as a dad and help him lead by example in all aspects of life. From setting financial goals for his child to fostering deep family connections and making health a priority, CJ opens up about the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Whether you're a new dad or experienced, this episode offers practical insights into balancing life and family while creating lasting memories. Key Topics [00:01:15] – The "Facets of Fatherhood" framework, explaining how Family, Finance, Fitness, Fun, and Faith combine to guide his journey as a father. [00:05:45] – CJ discusses the struggle of balancing his career with fatherhood and making his son the priority. [00:09:45] – Insight into how to use family dinners and clear boundaries to instill important family values into your child from an early age. [00:12:35] – Teaching financial literacy at a young age by starting a child's bank account and teaching lessons about saving and spending. [00:16:45] – The importance of fun and play, encouraging dads to reconnect with their inner child to bond with their kids. USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ discusses the importance of taking action when faced with life’s challenges, emphasizing the need to either build the solution you seek or physical move toward it. Drawing from personal experiences, he touches on feelings of loneliness in fatherhood, the power of community, and how connecting with like-minded individuals can help overcome struggles. CJ shares how building a group of fathers has helped him combat isolation, and how moving to Austin facilitated his entrepreneurial growth. The episode serves as a motivational call to embrace discomfort, take control, and either create or move to the environment that supports your goals. Key Topics - [00:02:15] - Reflect on how growing up in a small town led to feelings of anxiety and depression and the discovery that he needed to either build or move toward a solution. [00:05:50] - The emotional challenges of fatherhood, including loneliness and self-doubt, and how it’s shaped his thinking on creating solutions. [00:09:15] - Insight into the power of community, as CJ explains how starting a group chat for fathers has positively impacted his life and the lives of others. [00:14:45] - Scaling solutions beyond oneself, so that communities can thrive without constant input from the creator. [00:16:50] - CJ discusses the decision to move to Austin to be around people who shared his entrepreneurial vision, illustrating how environment impacts personal and professional growth USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ explores the idea of building and maintaining momentum in life and business. He opens up about his personal struggles with analysis paralysis, perfectionism, and self-doubt, sharing practical ways he has learned to overcome these obstacles. CJ talks about his commitment to running five miles every day, his renewed approach to podcasting, and the importance of accountability in sustaining progress. By focusing on small, consistent steps and maintaining a balance between personal goals and community impact, CJ provides an inspiring blueprint for anyone looking to build momentum in their own lives. Key Topics - [03:12] – Fitness and discipline: How running five miles a day has helped CJ stay focused and build momentum. [06:28] – Podcasting shift: Why shorter, more frequent episodes are key to regaining consistency. [09:47] – Perfectionism and the struggle to stay motivated after previous successes. [12:25] – The role of accountability: How being noticed by others creates a ripple effect for continued progress. USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ delves into the transformative power of fitness training, tracing his evolution from a reserved teenager to a robust adult. He opens up about his early fears of gym culture, his eventual overcoming his own insecurities, and the supportive community that fostered his growth. By sharing these personal experiences, CJ illustrates how consistent physical training has enhanced his mental resilience and overall well-being, encouraging listeners to take incremental steps towards their own fitness goals. Key Topics 01:15 - Discussing CJ's athletic background and the role of health tracking devices. 02:45 - Early challenges and overcoming fear of gym intimidation. 04:30 - The transformative first experiences at the gym and building initial fitness habits. 06:10 - How gym training bolstered CJ’s confidence and improved his soccer skills. 07:50 - Fitness as a stabilizing force during life transitions post-college. 09:20 - Expanding fitness regimen to include nutrition, recovery, and overall wellness. 10:35 - Philosophy of incremental progress and stacking small wins in fitness and life. 12:00 - Reasons for maintaining a rigorous fitness routine and future fitness challenges. 13:40 - Closing thoughts on adapting fitness to personal lifestyles and proactive health management. USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ explores the balance between creating content for personal fulfillment and creating content that resonates with an audience. CJ reflects on his journey with the podcast, initially focusing on connecting with guests and sharpening podcasting skills, but eventually realizing the importance of creating content that aligns with his own vision and style. Tune in to learn about the evolution of content creation and the significance of connecting with your audience while staying true to your creative voice. Key Topics [00:01:25] Creating for yourself vs. others. [00:06:11] Embracing creativity and exploration. [00:11:40] Creating a series of episodes to be more valuable. [00:15:15] How winning takes on different forms. [00:16:18] Constantly raising the bar is a must. USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ reflects on taking a break from producing the show after several years to reassess its direction. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the right direction over speed and busyness, highlighting the value of meaningful conversations and the impact they can have. Tune in to hear more about the power of slowing down to achieve greater fulfillment and connection. KEY TOPICS Hiatus and Reflection: CJ took a significant break from podcasting to reflect on the show's direction and impact, emphasizing the importance of direction over speed. Life Changes and Prioritization: The birth of the CJ's son prompted a reassessment of priorities, leading to a reduction in podcast activities to better manage personal and professional commitments. Shift to Virtual Format: To adapt to new personal constraints and continue the podcast, CJ is transitioning to a virtual setup, which includes technical enhancements like a 4K setup and improved microphone placement. Future Content Strategy: CJ plans to focus more on creating valuable content with his wife and less frequently on guest episodes, aiming for more flexibility and less stress in producing the podcast. Community and Audience Engagement: CJ aims to connect with listeners who are striving to thrive in their personal and professional lives, particularly new parents and those committed to personal growth and development. USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ talks about the keys to human performance and how to excel in life, business, and relationships. He discusses how he discovered the common threads that drive success, and the crucial steps that anyone can take to improve their daily performance in life. Key Topics •Importance of performing better in life. •How his sone inspired a deep analysis of his performance. •Cj's nightly routine and the revelation about performance. •Mental willpower and stories of greatness. •The importance of being close to people and environments that foster growth. •Examples from his life and how proximity has influenced his performance. •Exploring advanced degrees and environments for growth. •Reflecting on the next decade and setting performance goals. •Understanding what hinders performance and taking action. •Hist journey to sobriety and focusing on his dreams. •Analyzing and removing negative influences from your life. •Identify and eliminate what’s holding you back to perform better. USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this episode, CJ chats with his friend Baldo Garza, co-founder of MSW Nutrition, about their shared passion for health and wellness. They discuss the importance of regular blood work and how it can provide valuable insights into overall health, inflammation levels, and markers like A1C. Baldo shares his experience with his past and current health routines, highlighting the importance of staying mindful of nutritional and supplement choices. Tune in for an engaging conversation between friends who are dedicated to thriving in all aspects of life. Key Topics 00:02:21 - Inflammation Markers and Hormones 00:03:38 - Yearly Blood Work Analysis 00:04:59 - Discussing Caffeine and Health 00:08:59 - Fertility and Men's Health 00:11:12 - The Impact of Stress on Health 00:13:19 - Personal Supplementation Routines 00:15:11 - Caffeine Withdrawal and Effects 00:18:34 - Fertility Discussions Among Men 00:21:05 - Intention and Communication with the Universe 00:33:18 - Fasting: The First Experience 00:38:51 - Seasonal Fasting and Body Awareness 00:41:41 - Refeeding After Fasting 00:51:19 Baldo's passion for podcasting. 00:59:11 Maximizing expertise in any field. 01:05:51 The wisdom of entrepreneurship. 01:11:40 Empowering yourself through education. Connect with Baldo Baldo's Instagram Baldo's LinkedIn Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Website THRIVEONLIFE Podcast Instagram

In this episode, CJ welcomes his friend Joey Schultz, Founder of HRLVL. During the conversation, Joey shares his journey of recently moving to Austin from New Jersey, in hopes to grow his brand HRLVL and his athletic potential, which has been driven by a dream he had for years after being inspired by Nick Bare's success in the city. Tune in to hear about Joey's drive and determination to make his dream a reality in the vibrant Austin community. Key Topics 00:00:00 -Intro 00:01:28 - Joey's Background and Move from New Jersey 00:06:18 - Austin's Culture of Transplants 00:11:40 - Challenges of Moving to a New City 00:14:24 - Joey's Mental Health Strategies 00:18:00 - Joey's Brand Higher Level 00:24:07 - The Future of HRLVL and Gym Plans 00:37:44 - Joey's Personal Fitness Goals 00:41:16 - Joey's Standards and Mental Approach 00:46:58 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Connect with Joey Joey's Instagram Joey's YouTube Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Website THRIVEONLIFE Podcast Instagram

In this episode CJ welcomes his friend Jesse Konig, Co-Founder of Swizzler. During the conversation Jesse shares his experience in the food truck scene, how he has disrupted fast food, and how he plans to use healthier french fries as a tool to improve the food system. CJ and Jesse also discuss pushing personal limits, trying new experiences, and the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and the power of facing challenges head-on! Key Topics [00:02:24] Entrepreneurship and zero training. [00:06:46] Food truck beginnings and success. [00:09:47] Food quality and education. [00:17:23] Learning from mistakes and testing. [00:21:48] The essence of entrepreneurship. [00:27:05] Overcoming challenges and innovation. [00:39:55] VC-backed ventures and expectations. [00:45:30] Greenwashing in the food industry. [00:47:14] Regenerative agriculture for healthier food. [00:52:11] Making farming cool again. [00:59:24] The cost of organic food. [01:03:27] Voting with your dollar. Connect with Jesse Jesse's LinkedIn Jesse's Instagram Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Website THRIVEONLIFE Podcast Instagram

We recommend watching the YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/QOU6477zofc?si=E7h9fWvCHBFRqxtM In this episode, CJ and Erin Finley discuss their recent experience at the Mixed Doubles HYROX Houston event. They define success not just by time, but also by enjoying the race and avoiding injuries. They also compare their current time to previous races and reflect on the balance between racing and other aspects of their lives, with an emphasis on the importance of performance in day-to-day life and how races like this one contribute to their overall well-being. Key Topics 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:54 - Post-Race Feelings and Performance 00:05:02 - Improvements Since November's Race 00:07:25 - Personal Motivators and Race Day Coaching 00:10:24 - Division of Work During the Race 00:11:09 - Erin's Strength Gains and Race Strategy 00:12:08 - Pacing and Strategy During the Race 00:13:43 - Strengths and Weaknesses in the Race 00:18:08 - Importance of Aerobic Capacity 00:20:18 - The Hardest Part of the Race 00:22:07 - Impact of Sleep on Performance 00:25:01 - Erin's Thoughts on Future Races 00:29:50 - Training Principles for Fitness and Longevity Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

We recommend watching the YouTube version of this episode: https://youtube.com/watch?v=zpRIhiH6OI4&t=19s In this episode, CJ and Erin Finley discussed their preparation for the HYROX race in Houston, where they competed in mixed doubles. They share their routine for getting ready the night before and the day of the race, reflecting on their past experiences with races like the Austin Marathon. From loading up their truck with supplies, to the importance of preparation and travel considerations for races, they give insights into their mindset and strategies for success in athletic competitions as a family. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:28 - Importance of Food and Nutrition 00:04:05 - Race Check-In and Expo Considerations 00:06:44 - Tips for Choosing the Right Airbnb 00:08:04 - Pre-Race Meal Discussion 00:11:43 - Race Strategy for Mixed Doubles 00:14:49 - Improvements from Previous Race 00:18:00 - Partner Dynamics in HYROX Racing 00:22:43 - Life gains from Fitness Racing 00:26:00 - Future Goals Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo episode, CJ delves into the topic of performance. Drawing insights from books like "How Champions Think" and "Mamba Mentality," he explores how high achievers reach their full potential through discipline, sacrifices, and intentional environments. CJ encourages listeners to reflect on their own paths to greatness, emphasizing the importance of mindset and daily habits in achieving peak performance. Tune in to discover how to identify and pursue your destined path towards greatness. 00:01:38 - Daily Influences on Performance 00:04:40 - Embracing a Growth Mindset 00:07:01 - The Power of Inversion and Discipline 00:08:25 - Discipline in Athletics and Business 00:10:03 - Commitment to Personal Growth 00:11:30 - Passion and Purpose in Performance 00:14:08 - Discovering What You Love 00:17:17 - Adaptability as a Key to Survival 00:18:10 - Teamwork's Role in Success 00:19:46 - Self-Audit for Improved Performance 00:20:39 - Offering Help as a Coach and Consultant USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this solo short episode, CJ discusses the importance of playing the right game in life. He emphasizes the need to focus on our own desires and goals rather than succumbing to external pressures. CJ shares his personal experience of chasing goals that weren't truly his and the impact it had on his life. He highlights the struggle many face in trying to meet societal expectations while feeling disconnected from their true selves. Ultimately, C.J. encourages listeners to align their actions with their authentic selves to avoid the exhaustion of living a life that doesn't fulfill them. Key Topics 00:00:43 - The Pitfalls of Chasing Others' Goals 00:01:17 - The Pressure of Living Up to Expectations 00:01:50 - The Exhaustion of Inauthenticity 00:03:48 - Making Decisions for Future Narratives 00:06:40 - Taking Control of Your Life's Story 00:07:13 - Practical Exercise for Life Planning USE CJ'S PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES HERE Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com

In this episode, CJ and Erin Finley reflect on their experience running the 2024 Austin Marathon, which was the first ever marathon for both of them. They go on to share their feelings of pride and accomplishment, highlighting how they both felt strong and resilient throughout the race despite uncertainties. Tune in to hear firsthand the post-race reflections and emotions from their life altering race. Key Topics [00:02:34] Running the Austin Marathon. [00:06:19] Marathon training strategies. [00:14:46] Mental and physical endurance training. [00:15:47] The challenge of running alone. [00:21:03] Pushing through pain. [00:26:14] Nostalgic reflections on achievements. [00:32:06] The mindset needed to run a marathon. [00:38:26] Heartwarming stories from the day of the race. [00:39:45] The post-marathon blues. [00:46:12] Marathon vs. HYROX debate. [00:53:32] Belief in humanity and spreading positivity and kindness. Connect with Erin Instagram TikTok Connect with CJ Finley: CJ's Instagram CJ's YouTube CJ's Twitter cjfinley.com ThriveOnLife Podcast Instagram thriveonlife.com