Whiskey Fit

S2E8: Mental Health in Men and Defying the Odds With Austin Richesin

Opitmized Life — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

The guys take an interesting twist on this episode of Whiskey Fit with a guest who doesn't drink. However, the whiskey is far from being the star of this show. Evan, JJ, and Ryan are joined by Austin Richesin, a guy once you know, you love.

Austin shares his incredible story (including why he's not enjoying a glass of whiskey), and how he has defied the odds all along the way of his life. They discuss the instability of his upbringing, how he ended up in jail, and the steps he took to completely turn his life around.

The guys do enjoy a bottle of Double Cask Black Bottle, but it definitely takes a back seat in this episode.

S2E7: Defying Aging with Health and Wellness With Steve Midrum

Opitmized Life — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 22:16:00 -0400

In this episode of Whiskey Fit, the guys welcome Steve Mindrum, an executive with a 27 year career in the world of Life Science who focuses on helping businesses scale to sell. Steve talks about how his interest in science led down a path in school, only to discover that a scientist may not be in his future, but being on the business side would be. He also talks about how he found a love of fitness early on in his life, and why he ended up falling in love with CrossFit.

Steve also brings a Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon to the table, a great stable whiskey that you can always count on to deliver!

S2E6: From Lab Coats to Whiskey Glasses and a Little 10th Street American Whisky STR

Opitmized Life — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

The guys are joined by Adrianne Tipton to enjoy some 10th Street American Whiskey STR.

Adrianne shares her journey getting a PhD in Chemistry and how her path changed, not only moving industries but also moving from California to Texas. In addition to her career path in food packaging, she also talks about the challenges faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Adrianne also discusses how her career has taken her all over the world, and some of her favorite places to visit.

For more information on the whiskey, visit: https://www.10thstreetdistillery.com/shop/str-unpeated-single-malt

S2E5: Celebrating Beating Cancer With A Pappy Van Winkle Flight

Opitmized Life — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

This is a special Whiskey Fit, as we're joined once again by Angela Tate, and her husband Kenneth to taste test a flight of five Pappy Van Winkle Whiskeys. They had won this flight right before the world shut down and Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer. So they had been waiting for a special time when they could open these.

In this episode, they have a blind taste test of the 2010, 2012, 2015, 2020, and 2023 and rank them. Angela and Kenneth also talk about how they met, fell in love, and got married. And they also talk about what it was like having the cancer diagnosis, and how they used Cross Fit to keep going through the hard times.

S2E4: From Football to Medicine And The Shin Japanese Malt Whisky With Antoine Scott

Opitmized Life — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:07:00 -0400

On this episode of Whiskey Fit, the guys welcome Antoine Scott, an anesthesiologist, army brat, former TCU Football player, and father. Antoine brings The Shin Japaneese Malt Whiskey to the table for some new whiskey experiments.

Antoine shares his story of growing up as a son of two army veterans, and learning to cope with a constant change in schools set him with the skills to become a successful anesthesiologist. He also talks about how he was the first in his family to go to college and how his parents instilled a strong emphasis on physical training and academic performance from a young age.

Additionally, Antoine shares his personal experiences of coping with trauma, including Hurricane Harvey while just starting a family, and how he turned to CrossFit as a way to exercise his emotions.

S2E3: Running Cities and Enjoying WhistlePig Rye Whiskey With Jason Cooley, Ph.D.

Opitmized Life — Thu, 11 May 2023 06:06:00 -0400

In this episode of Whiksey Fit, the guys welcome Chief Innovation Officer, Jason Cooley, Ph.D and talk local government, alcohol, and higher education. Jason brings WhistlePig to the table, and talks about his career starting in Washinton DC and moving to Texas to work with the local government at the city level.

Jason shares his experience of working as an internal auditor for a police department and how this role was crucial in ensuring policies and procedures were adhered to. They also discuss local government and how it can have an immediate impact on people's lives compared to federal or state government. Plus, as always, you'll get the opinions and insight of the whiskey, and spoiler alert, there's no caramel taste in this one.

S2E2 - Professional Athlete Lucas Vriner and TX Blended Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We're welcoming another special guest on this episode of Whiskey Fit. Professional skater, Lucas Vriner, joins us to talk about his journey training as an athlete from the 3rd grade led him to becoming pro after almost retiring. Lucas also talks about his journey as a pilot, and how physical fitness has been an important part of his life.

Lucas brings TX Blended Whiskey, a great staple, and one of the whiskeys that Ryan introduced him to when he was first starting to learn about and enjoy whiskey.

Learn more about the gym where they all met at: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

And Dr. JJ Gregor at: www.DrJJGregor.com

S2E1 - Evan's Wet....Midleton Very Rare 2022

Opitmized Life — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

The boys are back with stories, shenanigans, and great whiskey. Plus this year, they're bringing guests. In this episode, they welcome Matt O'Reilly, Whiskey Fan, Sommelier, Retiree (at 44), and Wisconsite.

Matt shares how he became a man of mystery by starting his own company and eventually investing in others, and shares stories of how he came to love Irish Whiskey. The whiskey he brings on this episode is Midleton Very Rare 2022.

They also talk about Matt's association with HBO's Billions.

Learn more about the gym where they all met at: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

And Dr. JJ Gregor at: www.DrJJGregor.com

291 HR Bourbon Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

The guys are starting a tour of the US and heading to different regions to try some new whiskeys. In today's episode, they're 'going to' Colorado to try the 291 HR Bourbon Whiskey. This isn't your everyday whiskey and with a high-proof behind it, plan on it putting a hair or two on your chest.

The guys talk about why they love it, even with the high-proof, and why it's definitely a more special occasion whiskey, or just need a glass to take off the edge.

Learn more about the gym where they all met at: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

And Dr. JJ Gregor at: www.DrJJGregor.com

Presidente Brandy

Opitmized Life — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Get out your Coke or Diet Coke as we're mixing it up this week when Evan brings a sentimental liquor to the tasting table. Today the guys are trying Presidente Brandy, a drink that has special meaning to Evan as it represents being welcomed into a new family.

As always, opinions are shared, and they get a lesson on keeping items on hand that you may not love, but love to share.

Learn more about the gym where they all met at: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

And Dr. JJ Gregor at: www.DrJJGregor.com

Glenfiddich Scotch Single Malt 26 Year

Opitmized Life — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0400

The guys gather together to enjoy a Single Matl, 26-Year-Old Whiskey and talk about whether they love or hate it and why. You'll also get a lesson on the history of Scotch and the five regions of Scotland that make Irish Whiskey.

Learn more about the gym where they all met at: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

And Dr. JJ Gregor at: www.DrJJGregor.com

The Bomb Episode

Opitmized Life — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 18:47:00 -0400

It's finally time for the infamous bomb episode.

The gentlemen take a break from Whiskey to take a stroll down memory lane and share their favorite shots/bombs and share the stories behind them.

Can they handle the liquor? Are they comprehendible by the end of the episode? Who brought the most disgusting bomb? You'll just have to listen in order to find out the answers.

Roundstone Rye Single Barrel Uncut

Opitmized Life — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0400

Whiskey enthusiast, Merrick Aiken, joins the guys today and brings two whiskeys for them to enjoy! This whiskey holds a special place in his heart as Catoctin Creek Distiller is from a small town near where Merrick spent several years of his life, Purcellville, VA. Get your note pads ready as this is part history lesson, whiskey lesson, and so much more, in one.

Learn more about these whiskeys over at https://catoctincreekdistilling.com/roundstone-cask.

Connect with Merrick at: https://www.instagram.com/amerrickan_libations/

Learn more about the gym where they all met at: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

And Dr. JJ Gregor at: www.DrJJGregor.com

Green Spot Irish Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0400

The guys are back and trying out another whiskey. This time, they're making up for the non-whiskey that JJ brought to celebrate Evan's entrance into fatherhood. They're tasting Green Spot Irish Whiskey and talking about how the podcast, and more specifically, whiskey, has helped to create deeper connections with those they may not have known so well before.

Balcones Single Malt Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

On this episode the guys welcome friend and Powerlifter Jason Traister. Jason brings one of his favorite Texas whiskeys, a Balcones Single Malt Whiskey. This one put some extra hair on their chest as they talked about life as a Powerlifter, why Jason loves Texas whiskeys so much, and why this one is extra special to him!

The Whiskey That Really Wasn't Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The fatherhood episode makes a quick turn south when the gentlemen discover that what JJ brought to celebrate the birth of Evan's baby, wasn't even a whiskey. It takes them a while to figure it out, and it's the first 'whiskey' that they actually decide can't be consumed.

Uncle Nearest Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Have you ever thought about the history of Tennessee Whiskey? Where it all came from? How it started? You may not have ever really given it a second thought, but Uncle Nearest Whiskey is on a mission to change that.

The story behind this whiskey is one that is extremely special as it introduces us to a man named Nearest Green, who was the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. Nearest went on to become the master distiller for one of the biggest brands in the U.S, but you'll need to listen to the podcast to hear the whole story. Plus you'll learn that not only does this whiskey have an amazing history, it has an amazing taste as well!

To learn more about this whiskey, make sure to also check out: https://unclenearest.com/

Kentucky Dale

Opitmized Life — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:00:00 -0400

Another episode to help stir up some college memories, and remember a time when life may have not been quite as easy. Or at least a time when money wasn't flowing as easily as it is now. Evan brings Kentucky Dale to the table from his beloved Louisiana to remember a time in his life when he was barely living above the poverty level, but he was solely focused on pursuing a dream.

The guys talk about those harder moments in life, taking chances, and fearing failure, and what it means to sometimes have these reminders of a more simpler time.

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 22:03:00 -0400

It's Evan's turn to bring the whiskey to the table, and we're talking about growing up. Jameson is the whiskey that helped Evan actually realize his 'type' of alcohol that he liked vs. drinking just to get drunk. In this episode the guys discuss palettes and how they figured out what they prefer when it comes to all different kinds of drinks, but most importantly, whiskey.

What's the whiskey that will always be in your cupboard?

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Makers Mark

Opitmized Life — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Is there a liquor or drink that reminds you of your parents or family gatherings?

In this episode of Whiskey Fit, it's Evan's turn to bring the whiskey to the table, and Makers Mark is the one that brings him out of adolescence to adult hood. The guys talk about those moments in life, bonding with an older generation with alcohol, and when alcohol began more about enjoying and less about getting drunk. Plus, they talk a lot of about shots, with a promise of an upcoming Whiskey Fit, Special Edition Shot Episode.

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Redbreast Irish Whiskey

JJ Gregor — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Growing up is hard to do, but today is Dr. JJ's turn to bring the whiskey to the table. Why is this one so significant? Well, it's where he learned that getting sh*t faced by whiskey may not be the proper way to drink it, and there was a whole new world outside of shooting shots and downing beer quickly behind them. You'll learn lots from this episode, including what bottled in bond means, and why this whiskey may even taste like a strawberry fruit roll-up!

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Black Velvet Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Can Canadians make whiskey as well as they can play hockey? It's just one of the questions pondered on this episode of Whiskey Fit. It's Ryan's turn to bring the whiskey to the table, and he brings one that is near and dear to his heart. It may not be a whiskey on the top of every connoisseur's list, but it's one that will always remind him of one of the most important people in his life.

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Opitmized Life — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The guys are welcoming a special guest on Whiskey Fit this week, Ms. Chealsea MacKinnon. Chelsea is an Associate Principal in the Frisco area, and brings her favorite wind-down whiskey to the table, Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Today's conversation is all about the go-to for when it's time to wind down. What's your must for an end to a hard day?

Wild Turkey 101

Opitmized Life — Wed, 05 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

It's Evan's turn to bring the whiskey to the table and share his story behind the bottle. This episode will bring back the college memories when we all drank whiskey to be cool and part of a group, not really understanding how god-awful the whiskey actually was. Ryan shares his fear of being alone, Evan talks about buying his friends, and J.J. talks about the year that almost broke him. Sit back, pour a little, okay a lot of coke in your Wild Turkey, and enjoy this episode with the guys.

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

E.H.Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye

JJ Gregor — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The guys welcome their first special guest on Whiskey Fit. Angela Tate joins in on the fun and brings an extra special bottle of E.H Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye. You'll learn what 'bottle-in-bond means, why this whiskey is hard to find, and how Angela got involved in the world of whiskey. You'll also discover that Evan's taste in whiskey gets questioned (not the first time), that these guys were a little unprepared to bring on a guest, and you'll convince yourself that this is probably their fifth tasting of the day, but we swear that it was really their first.

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Opitmized Life — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode the men talk about going from drinking like boys to men, and the importance of feeling like you've 'arrived'. Maybe feeling like you're a success, or maybe it's just a celebration, but this bottle represents being able to enjoy a moment and enhancing that moment with a high quality whiskey. The guys discuss those various moments in their lives.

From the Johnnie Walker Website: Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an unrivaled masterpiece – an exquisite combination of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavor to deliver the remarkable signature taste

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com

Horse Soldier Bourbon

Opitmized Life — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 16:15:00 -0400

Every bottle of whiskey has a story to tell, and Horse Soldier Bourbon is the true depiction of this statement. The company was started by men who met as Green Berets, nicked named the "Horse Soldiers', serving in northern Afghanistan immediately after 9/11. They combined their brotherhood and their love of whiskey to form Horse Soldier Bourbon.

9/11 is a moment that any American who lived through, will never forget, and it's especially true for Whiskey Fit host, Ryan Adam. Ryan, as a firefighter in Arlington, Virginia was part of the crew who was at the Pentagon. He shares his experience being on the front lines of such a catastrophic event, and Dr. JJ and Evan share their memories of the moment we will never forget.

To learn more about Horse Soldier Bourbon, visit: https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/our-story/

To learn more about the gym all 3 met at, visit: https://www.northfriscocrossfit.com/

To learn more about Dr. JJ, visit: https://drjjgregor.com