The Apex Mindset

Hosted by Ethan Peal

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Apex Mindset Podcast explores what it means to pursue peak performance; mentally, physically, and spiritually. Each episode uncovers the habits, faith, and endurance behind high achievers, leaders, and outliers who've turned challenge into growth. Whether it's a conversation with an expert or a personal reflection from the journey, the goal is the same: to help you build the mindset to RISE, PURSUE, and CONQUER. Expect raw interviews, practical insights, honest gear reviews, and behind-the-scenes motivation, all designed to help you build discipline, sharpen focus, and live relentless.

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24 recent

March 30, 2026Episode 231 hr 37 min

What 40+ Years in a Comic Shop Actually Teaches You | Culture, Collecting & Success with Robert Mora

Welcome to The Apex Mindset Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Robert Mora, owner of Star Comics, a shop that's been part of the Lubbock community for 40+ years and a cornerstone of pop culture collecting in West Texas. From growing up around comics to building a store that has adapted through decades of industry shifts, Robert shares the real story behind what it takes to survive—and thrive—in a world where trends, customers, and entire markets are constantly evolving. We dive into the business of comics and collectibles, from high-end statues and distributor challenges to the realities of used books, online sales, and why physical media continues to hold its ground. We talk about the psychology of collecting, the different types of collectors, and how Robert's personal philosophy shaped Star Comics into something more than just a store—it's a living collection. This conversation also explores the bigger picture of pop culture—Image Comics as a creator-driven model, the rise of manga, the impact of corporate control on Marvel and DC, and what it really takes to create stories that last. From Absolute Batman to the future of comics in 2026, Robert breaks down the trends shaping the next generation of storytelling. We also get into marketing, customer experience, and what it means to build a space—physical or digital—that people actually want to be part of. From Lubbock-Con to Free Comic Book Day, this is a conversation about community, consistency, and staying relevant without losing your identity. Chapters: 00:00 - The Statue Market Breakdown | Why High-End Collectibles Don't Always Make Sense 10:18 - McFarlane vs. Mattel | Corporate Buyouts & the Struggle for Control 12:30 - Sports Cards & Fantasy Football | The Hidden RPG World of Collecting 14:52 - Before the Comics | The Origin Story of Star Comics 17:56 - Used Comics vs. Digital | Why Physical Media Refuses to Die 20:32 - Growing Up in Comics | Star Wars Treasury Editions & Robert's Story 22:23 - The Psychology of Collecting | Why Everyone Collects Differently 24:48 - The Store Is the Collection | Robert's Unique Approach to Ownership 27:13 - More Than a Comic Shop | Lubbock-Con & Building Community 31:43 - The University Effect | New Faces, New Trends Every Year 33:59 - Back Issues, Newsstands & Direct Editions | The Evolution of Comic Buyers 35:29 - The Rise of Absolute Batman | Trends, Manga & the Future of Storytelling 38:38 - Inside Image Comics | Creator Power, Value & Market Demand 41:40 - What Makes a Story Last? | Building Perennial Pop Culture 48:10 - Marvel, DC & the IP Wars | Corporate Control & Zack Snyder vs. James Gunn 57:10 - The Next Era of Comics (2026) | Trends, Shifts & Robert's Picks 1:07:00 - Marketing That Actually Works | Consistency, Service & Showing Up 1:17:23 - Designing a Store That Feels Like Home | Environment Marketing 1:22:00 - The Digital Storefront | Translating Experience Into Online Design 1:28:15 - eCommerce Realities | Convenience, Branding & When to Fire Customers Thanks For Watching! Follow Star Comics: Website: https://www.starcomicsonline.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starcomicsonline/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starcomics/ FOLLOW: https://www.ethanpeal.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal #TheApexMindsetPodcast #comics #comicart #marvel #dccomics #marketing #digitalmarketing

March 3, 2026Episode 221 hr 15 min

Decades as a Professional Musician & Educator | The Life & Lessons of John Reid

Welcome to The Apex Mindset Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with my friend and bass teacher, John Reid, a professor and performing professional musician whose journey through sound, stages, classrooms, and studios has shaped more players than most people will ever realize. From discovering Steppenwolf and choosing the low end, to navigating early bands, career pivots, and the realities of making a life in music, John shares the moments that defined him, playing bass as a left-hander in a right-handed world, and the musicians who influenced his path. We talk groove vs. technique, why bass is more than "just rhythm," the truth behind the "failed guitarist" myth, and how music theory becomes a language, not a rulebook. John also reflects on teaching at South Plains College, what it really takes to pursue music as a career having lived the life himself, and why passion sometimes evolves into purpose. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - The Beatles & the Spark That Started It All 02:00 - Left-Handed, Right-Handed: Playing Bass Backwards 04:10 - Why Bass? John's First Love 06:15 - The Gibson eb-0 & The "Mudbucker" 07:17 - From Underage Prodigy to Sound Tech to Texas: A Career Pivot 16:20 - Finding His Lane at South Plains College 17:50 - Why Teaching Became the Real Calling 18:58 - Canadian Bands, Cold Winters & What-Ifs 19:53 - Early Days at SPC: Patience & Personalities 22:10 - First Bands, Gigs, First Lessons 23:45 - Jerry Serrano, Alma Quartet & Recording Solitude 38:38 - Genre Shapes Technique: Playing Across Styles 40:50 - Pick vs Fingers: Finding the Right Feel 45:25 - Groove vs Technique: Speaking the Language of Bass 50:27 - Are Bassists Just Failed Guitarists? (Let's Set That Straight) 54:23 - The Bass Player's Role: Locking in With the Band 58:03 - What John's Working On Now 1:03:46 - Current Influences & Live Playthroughs 1:10:00 - The Reality of a Music Career: Fitting Into the Nashville Mold Thanks For Watching! Follow John: https://www.spccreativearts.com/home/john-reid/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/john.reid.7509/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reidjohnfrederick/ FOLLOW: https://www.ethanpeal.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Purchase the Album "Solitude" Here! - https://almaquartet1.bandcamp.com/album/solitude Listen to the Full Album - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ki9MQcU_xm_qKxdVaeqyX2TRLGF2kL3q8 Purchase Vinyl "Legends In Their Spare Time" Here! - https://www.discogs.com/release/2248142-Mackinaw-Legends-In-Their-Spare-Time?srsltid=AfmBOoqaIkOw4oKMjmg7JadGcmZF7dQW0pNGxdtEN2DlCkDqZLY06KDH Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7kYPLDW2Ew&list=RDd7kYPLDW2Ew&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rhup_Ikblo&list=RD4rhup_Ikblo&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvfTO-mErzM&list=RDXvfTO-mErzM&start_radio=1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_T. #TheApexMindsetPodcast #bass #performingarts #musictheory #music

February 2, 2026Episode 211 hr 10 min

Life Behind The Mic: From Radio Personality to Director of Marketing with Cody West | Apex Mindset Podcast

Welcome to the Apex Mindset Podcast! In this Episode of The Roundtable, I sat down with Cody West, Director of Marketing at Wylie & Son, Inc. Owner & Broadcaster at West 11 Sports and ex-Radio DJ with over 20 years behind the mic ... Radio shaped Cody's voice, discipline, and understanding of community. From owning a station to building West 11 Sports to navigating the rise of streaming and smartphones, this episode follows Cody's journey of adaptation and reinvention. We also explore the philosophy of advertising, the power of storytelling, and how those lessons carried directly into his transition into marketing leadership. If you're interested in broadcasting, marketing, storytelling, or what it takes to evolve with changing technology while staying true to your purpose, this one is for you. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Growing Up in Andrews, TX: Life in the Permian Basin (1980s) 02:58 - Catching the Radio Bug: First Steps in Pecos, Texas 07:05 - The Power of AM & FM: Building Local Broadcasts 09:28 - Local Fame & Legendary Beginnings: When Radio Made Stars 10:55 - Radio's Golden Age: The Era That Shaped Everything 12:25 - Owning KTTZ-AM: Packing Up and Starting Over in Littlefield 17:34 - Behind the Mic: What Running a Radio Station Really Takes 19:59 - When Disaster Strikes: Tornado Scare & EBS 21:32 - Selling and Philosophy of Advertising 28:51 - Radio in the Modern Age: Smartphones, Streaming & Change 36:49 - West 11 Sports Is Born: Returning to Live Broadcasting 48:05 - The Grind Behind the Scenes: Family, Travel & Flexibility 50:15 - A Major Transition: West 11 Sports Closes & Wylie Begins 55:59 - Stepping Into Marketing: A New Role, A New Passion 58:25 - Crafting the Voice: What Makes a Great Radio Sound 1:01:48 - Rediscovering Purpose: From Broadcasting to Marketing 1:06:57 - Building a Story: What Makes Marketing Successful 1:07:41 - Taking Calculated Risks: Designing the Life You Want 1:10:02 - Reinvention: Lessons Learned & Looking Ahead Thanks For Watching! FOLLOW: https://www.ethanpeal.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Resources: https://storybrand.com https://wyliesprayers.com/ #TheApexMindsetPodcast #radio #marketing #wylieimplementandspraycenter #littlefieldtx #reinvention

January 30, 2026Episode 201 hr 33 min

DUNES - My Story, Running My First 10k Through The West Texas Sandhills | Apex Mindset Podcast

DUNES is a short documentary telling the story of my first 10K race through the sands of West Texas at Monahans Sandhills State Park. This wasn't just a race. Running a 10K in sand tests more than your legs, it exposes your mindset, your preparation, and your purpose. In this film, I break down what it takes to step into longer distances, the mental and physical demands of racing, and the lessons learned along the way. From learning the structure of distance races to navigating race-day nerves, weather, gear, and strategy, DUNES follows the run as it unfolded; mile by mile. I also reflect on the deeper side of running: faith, discipline, community, and the people who shaped my pursuit, including the influence of my stepdad, Jon Kelso. If you're training for your first 5K or 10K, curious about competitive running, or simply looking for motivation to pursue something hard, this story is for you. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:23 - Why Distance Matters (5K vs 10K Rules Explained) 03:30 - The Running Community & Contagious Positivity 08:12 - Running the Race: Faith, Purpose, and the Word 11:06 - How Running Found Me 12:40 - My Origin Story: Flaws, Focus, and Becoming More 16:25 - Jon Kelso: Inspired the Run 19:08 - The Catalyst: Proving Something the Right Way 23:11 - Lessons From My Stepdad, Jon Kelso 25:50 - Pursuit, Passion, and Self-Motivation 30:07 - Who Wins and Why: Competition, Classes, and Demographics 33:20 - DNFs, Qualifying, and Running as a Career 41:15 - Training the Right Way: Prep, Planning, and Habits 47:32 - Weather, Gear, and Adapting on Race Day 50:54 - Starting Line Nerves & Pre-Race Rituals 59:16 - The Run Unfolds: Pace, Playlist, and Strategy 1:05:40 - Alone in the Dunes: The Mental Battle of a 10K 1:10:03 - The Finish Line & Fighting Through Injury 1:14:26 - Your Harshest Judge: Finishing 4th Unexpectedly 1:18:35 - After the Race: Recovery and What Comes Next 1:21:18 - Raising the Bar: Bigger Goals and Enjoying the Spoils 1:29:31 - Facing Limits and Choosing to Push Forward Thanks For Watching & Being A Part Of My Journey! Check Me Out: https://www.ethanpeal.com/ Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Resources: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/ https://simonsinek.com/ https://jocko.com/ https://cameronhanes.com/ https://www.courtneydauwalter.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Prefontaine Books: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shoe-Dog/Phil-Knight/9781501135927 https://a.co/d/iMgyssf https://cameronhanes.com/products/endure-book Products: Garmin Instinct 3 Watch - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/ Collagen Peptides - https://orgain.com/products/collagen-peptides-pre-probiotics Creatine - https://orgain.com/products/creatine-monohydrate-micronized-powder?srsltid=AfmBOopkl8ENy1Si5ZLSPtU_OQ83lAreppaRB_aeYuBS1j-20o-sAOj7 #TheApexMindsetPodcast #10krun #trailrunning #running #biography #firstrun @texasparksandwildlife

August 15, 2025Episode 1940 min

What My 5k Training Taught Me About Passion, Pressure & Purpose | Couch To Champion Finale

Welcome to the Finale of my Couch To Champion Journey! This is it, the final check-in before race day. From the first steps off the couch to the battles with injury, burnout, and self-doubt, this journey has been anything but easy. In this episode, I look back on the highs, the lows, and the lessons that reshaped my view of success. I share how slowing down helped me rediscover joy, rekindle old passions, and reignite my purpose, not just as a runner, but as a creator and a person. From embracing consistency over motivation to transforming my nutrition and training with the Garmin Coach Plan, this is the chapter where confidence meets clarity. And it all leads to a huge announcement about what's next. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:27 - Birth of Couch to Champion 05:40 - My Year: Injuries & Mental Battles 09:19 - More Than a 5K 13:12 - Hitting Pause on Running 15:42 - Identity Lost & Found 18:00 - The Success You Don't See 19:00 - Rekindling Passion: Art & Community 24:20 - Consistency, No Matter What 25:00 - Rise. Pursue. Conquer. 27:10 - Where I Am Today 29:20 - New Diet, New Fuel 33:20 - A Final Word of Hope 36:04 - Final Thoughts & HUGE ANNOUNCMENT!! 39:30 - Outro Thanks For Watching & Being A Part Of My Journey! Check Out My Art: https://www.artbyethanp.com/ Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal

June 16, 2025Episode 1815 min

Hoka Mach 6: The Daily Trainer That Became My Race Day Shoe | Beyond The Gear | Apex Mindset Podcast

Welcome to Beyond The Gear! This episode is all about the Hoka Mach 6 Shoes. Join me as I talk about specs and features, why I switched and why they are my new race day shoes. I'll share practical thoughts and honest feedback after 50 miles! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Why The Hoka Mach 6 Matters 01:41 - Specs & Features 03:57 - Unboxing & First Impressions 05:35 - Fit & Performance 08:09 - Honest Pain Points 09:07 - Durability Thoughts & Review 10:41 - Competitive Edge In The Running World 12:16 - Final Thoughts & Outro Check Us Out: https://www.theapex-mindset.com/ https://www.omegaconsultingtx.com/work-with-us-1 Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Resources: Buy It Here! - https://a.co/d/2ZgiGBD 400 Mile Review - https://youtu.be/m6GGdvajGqw?si=5Rm0ptn3Y8TMIlM1 Cut Open Review - https://youtu.be/iz6FSElw55I?si=xwXSrZWoHqKmK2bN Thanks For Listening!

June 11, 2025Episode 1732 min

Halfway Through My 5k Training & I'm Struggling | Couch To Champion Part 5 | Apex Mindset Podcast

Welcome to Part 05 of my Couch To Champion Journey! This episode is all about he Turning Point. We're halfway through and I haven't given near enough! I took a hard look in the mirror and realized something had to change. From ditching the comfort of "gentle training" to confronting the toughest opponent, myself; this is where the real transformation begins. I'm shifting gears, resetting my mindset, and choosing consistency over motivation. This is how we unlock the Champion's Mindset and rise to our full potential. It's time to Rise. Pursue. Conquer. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - New Month, New Mission: Why We're Shifting Gears 02:42 - The Mirror Never Lies: Facing Myself Head-On 06:44 - The Trap of "Gentle Training" & The "Grey Zone" 09:24 - The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything 11:10 - The Biggest Enemy in Training? It's You. 11:38 - Unlocking the Champion's Mindset 14:34 - Consistency Over Hype: Reaching Your True Potential 19:56 - Motivation Fades. Discipline Builds Legends. 22:16 - Honor the Grind: Reflecting on the Road That Brought You Here 28:37 - RISE. PURSUE. CONQUER! 31:46 - Final Challenge & Outro Check Us Out: https://www.theapex-mindset.com/ https://www.omegaconsultingtx.com/work-with-us-1 Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Resources: RHONDA ROUSEY MY FIGHT/YOUR FIGHT BOOK - https://a.co/d/9mgFEIi WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE BOOK - https://a.co/d/8MdXaZy DAVID GOGGINS CAN'T HURT ME BOOK - https://a.co/d/2TwAYhb MY FITNESS PAL APP - https://g.co/kgs/Gy9xHMB Thanks For Listening!

June 4, 2025Episode 161 hr 18 min

What It Really Takes. Faith, Family & Fitness | Vic Valdez | Apex Mindset Podcast

Welcome To my Conversation with Vic Valdez!! What does it really take to live a life of discipline, purpose, and spiritual growth? In this episode of the Apex Mindset Podcast, we sit down with Vic Valdez, a father, husband, and fitness-driven believer who's been through the fire and come out stronger. From growing up Pentecostal to finding balance between faith, family, and fitness, Vic shares raw, powerful truths about what it means to live with intention. We talk about the relentless pursuit of Christ, learning to trust God's plan even in the unknown, and how real strength is built both in the gym and in the quiet obedience of daily life. Whether you're struggling with motivation, seeking spiritual direction, or trying to juggle health with real-life responsibilities, this conversation will fuel your pursuit of becoming the person God designed you to be. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Meet Vic – His Story & Background 02:24 - Pentecostal Roots – How Faith Shaped Him 05:18 - Finding Balance: Spirit, Mind & Body 10:20 - Vic's Daily Workout Routine 12:18 - When You Feel Like You've Accomplished Nothing 15:48 - Mind-Muscle Connection: Why Form Matters 18:35 - Staying Motivated Through Nutrition & Discipline 20:36 - Cutting Through the Noise: What Really Works in Fitness 22:59 - Back to Our Roots – The Ancestral Approach 26:12 - Smart Grocery Shopping: What to Look For 28:86 - Nutritional Wisdom: Trial, Error & Listening to Your Body 31:22 - Making Time for Health, Even with Family & Distractions 34:28 - Raising Champions: Building Healthy Habits in Kids 39:00 - Being Present Spiritually – Gratitude Through Christ 42:34 - Living Truth & Intentional Growth in Faith 47:41 - Control What You Can – Trust God With the Rest 48:45 - Suffering Well – The Hidden Strength in Trials 50:40 - Obedience, Pain & Trusting God's Bigger Plan 57:19 - God's Grace & True Rest in the Chaos 60:02 - Relentless Pursuit: Building a Real Relationship With God 60:05 - Hearing God's Voice – Trusting Your Gut & Taking the Leap 60:12 - Spiritual Consistency – It's About Relationship, Not Religion 60:17 - Final Thoughts & Outro Check Us Out: https://www.omegaconsultingtx.com/work-with-us-1 Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal

May 12, 2025Episode 1539 min

Lessons From Atomic Habits by James Clear | Beyond The Gear Part 03

Welcome to Beyond The Gear! This episode is all about Atomic Habits by James Clear. Join me as I talk about habits and how to manage, change and conquer habits. I'll share practical insights from the book, my thoughts and opinions and tools to help you grow!! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 03:54 - Why Consistency Wins 07:43 - Build Systems, Not Just Goals 13:10 - Understanding the Habit Feedback Loop 13:30 - What Triggers Your Habits 16:00 - Why Cravings Drive Everything 17:37 - Taking Action: The Habit Response 19:20 - The Power of Rewards 20:24 - How Feedback Loops Shape You 22:22 - Real-World Tools to Break or Build Habits 22:48 - Identity-Based Habits: Who You Want to Be 26:20 - Habit Stacking 28:06 - Design Your Environment 36:03 - Final Thoughts & Outro Check Us Out: https://www.theapex-mindset.com/ https://www.omegaconsultingtx.com/work-with-us-1 Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Check Out The Podcast: Resources: Buy It Here! - https://a.co/d/aec8AGK

May 5, 2025Episode 1437 min

Burnout. Breakthrough & The Beauty of Slowing Down | Couch To Champion Pt. 04 | Apex Mindset Podcast

Welcome to Part 04 of my Couch To Champion Journey! This episode is all about dealing with burnout. Join me as I talk about My lack of interest in March and the reworking of my new mindset in April. I'll share how going to hard too fast stole my joy, how to rely on your inner circle and a practical method to dealing with and overcoming burnout! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Burnout & Low Motivation: My Honest Struggle 02:25 - Why Tracking Everything Can Backfire 05:14 - Still Showing Up Without Feeling It – Lessons from Shoe Dog 06:40 - Why Rest Isn't Laziness – It's Strategy 09:56 - The Power of Having a Trusted Circle 12:35 - Rethinking the Grind: What's Changing for Me & the Channel 16:28 - Replacing Hustle with Joy 18:14 - Simplifying My Routine to Reignite Progress 27:07 - Quality Over Quantity: Restructuring My Content 30:50 - My Burnout Recovery Formula 35:28 - Final Thoughts & Outro Check Us Out: https://www.theapex-mindset.com/ https://www.omegaconsultingtx.com/work-with-us-1 Follow Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethan_peal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ethanpealofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ethan.peal X - https://x.com/ethanApeal Resources: SHOE DOG BOOK - https://a.co/d/ai3XizJ