Alex Parker and Meredith Root’s Afternoon Snack Podcast invites you to join in on conversations where science, culture, and philosophy meet practical personal advice and experience that everyone needs to hear. They ask the big and small questions to get you thinking while injecting a hefty amount of personal experience and banter as partners in life, business, and sport. New episodes every Wednesday.
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Some years offer more than others from a learning standpoint and we can both say that 2025 was probably our biggest learning year to date. Learning is not always easy, it is often uncomfortable, and the lessons almost always come at very bad times. But we are grateful to learn them, grow from them, and evolve as people. In this episode, we reflect on our year and what we are taking forward as we celebrate turning a new calendar page into 2026.
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Get on Your Bikes and Ride! - HTT Bike Club & We Ride (00:51:37)
Our last episode of 2025 is a bonus episode and we are using it to highlight our brand new official bike club and spring training program. We've had folks asking for a bike club for a long time and we're excited to finally launch it. It is a totally new program with a totally new feel and we're really excited for where this club is going to go!
🚴🏼♀️ If you are interested in learning more or signing up, head over to https://www.heyteamtacticbikes.com/
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Our Goal Setting Fallacy: Why your goals may be setting you up to fail (01:09:20)
We came up with the Goal / Result / Timeline Fallacy a number of years ago when we saw people consistently setting goals that ended up frustrating them and leading them toward failure. It wasn't that the goal itself was inappropriate, it was the timeline or result attached to it. In most cases it was the fact that these goals often came with both a desired result and timeline instead of one or the other. In this episode, we talk through this fallacy and highlight why it causes such distress and resentment for the process. We also discuss what to do when you just aren't feeling your goal anymore. Spoiler alert - it's ok to change your mind!
💪 Train With Us:
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🥦 Need Personalized Nutrition Support?
Work 1-on-1 with a coach to tailor your nutrition to your goals at www.tacticmethod.com
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Therapy Smerapy - A Couples Counselling Adventure (01:11:12)
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unpredictable waters of relationship therapy—armed with, well... nothing. Because that's the thing about therapy, it takes away all your armour (and coping mechanisms).
Relationship work is a trip and honestly, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. Or at a minimum, make sure you laugh after crying.
Our goal with this sharing is to normalize this kind of work because it really is life changing. Even if it is very, very hard.
💪 Train With Us:
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🥦 Need Personalized Nutrition Support?
Work 1-on-1 with a coach to tailor your nutrition to your goals at www.tacticmethod.com
💥 Want More?
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Growing Pains: When Grassroots Goes Mainstream (01:09:20)
How do you embrace progress without losing the soul that made a sport special in the first place? That's the question we toy with in this episode. We are experiencing a strange déjà vu as athletes in two niche sports going mainstream. CrossFit exploded during the 2014-2018 years, which were also our most competitive as athletes. And now gravel is following a similar arc.
In this episode, we look at the parallels we’ve experienced firsthand. Both CrossFit and Gravel Biking began as a countercultural resistance to the more serious and overproduced mainstream versions of their sport.
CrossFit grew from gritty garage gyms to a global spectacle with the rise of the CrossFit Games, title sponsors, and a flood of new unaffiliated athletes. Gravel was once a quiet, adventure-driven niche and is now full of pro teams, big-money races, aero arms races, and media attention.
It's a conversation about culture, values, commercialization, and nostalgia.
We unpack why these shifts feel emotional, even when growth brings better racing, safer events, and more opportunity for everyone.
💪 Train With Us:
Get access to expertly designed daily workouts at www.tacticworksout.com
🥦 Need Personalized Nutrition Support?
Work 1-on-1 with a coach to tailor your nutrition to your goals at www.tacticmethod.com
💥 Want More?
Get bonus episodes, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes access by supporting us on Patreon 👉 www.patreon.com/teamtactic
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Your Brain on Habits: The Science of Daily Routines (01:21:02)
If you've ever felt curious about how some things become SO automatic, this episode is for you! Habits are an evolved tool that free up brain space and resources for more mentally demanding tasks. But the same mechanism that makes useful habits mindless can also unlock some bad habits too. We talk about all of them, how the come to be, and where to intervene if we want to change them.
💪 Train With Us:
Get access to expertly designed daily workouts at www.tacticworksout.com
🥦 Need Personalized Nutrition Support?
Work 1-on-1 with a coach to tailor your nutrition to your goals at www.tacticmethod.com
💥 Want More?
Get bonus episodes, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes access by supporting us on Patreon 👉 www.patreon.com/teamtactic
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Life Lately: An Unfiltered Update (01:15:37)
This one's for The Mollys! In this episode, we give you the low down on what we've been up to and what we are working hard on personally, professionally, and athletically. At the top of that list is a very small, very needy little fur ball.
💪 Train With Us:
Get access to expertly designed daily workouts at www.tacticworksout.com
🥦 Need Personalized Nutrition Support?
Work 1-on-1 with a coach to tailor your nutrition to your goals at www.tacticmethod.com
💥 Want More?
Get bonus episodes, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes access by supporting us on Patreon 👉 www.patreon.com/teamtactic
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Back to Basics: Nutrition Basics for Everyday Athletes (01:33:29)
Whether you lift weights, run, bike, or do all of the above, your body needs the right fuel. In this episode, we are breaking down the core nutrition principles every active person should know.
What you’ll learn:
How to balance carbs, protein, and fats for performance
What and when to eat around workouts
Key micronutrients for energy and recovery
Hydration and electrolyte tips
Common myths about workout nutrition
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Precision Nutrition: Macronutrient Basics
International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Position Stand on Protein
Eatright.org – Nutrition Tips for Active People
Hydration Guidelines – National Academy of Sports Medicine
Micronutrient Recommendations – NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
No gimmicks, no tricks, no short cuts! Just real good basic information to help you get the most out of the movement you love to do.
🎧 Listen now and fuel up!
💪 Train With Us:
Get access to expertly designed daily workouts at www.tacticworksout.com
🥦 Need Personalized Nutrition Support?
Work 1-on-1 with a coach to tailor your nutrition to your goals at www.tacticmethod.com
💥 Want More?
Get bonus episodes, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes access by supporting us on Patreon 👉 www.patreon.com/teamtactic
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Social Media Blast from the Past - Regrets and Redos (01:21:14)
In this episode, we take a very cringy walk down memory lane as we reflect on our social media presence and posts from yester-year and how we have grown and evolved to our stances on similar topics today.
You can find the mentioned social media posts in order here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CREh-rpBnnm/?igsh=MXhvbjUzMDI1YnZqdA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuC7xgPAfgO/?igsh=ZmR4OTI3NzE1eXBz
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtYnIc5gF7Z/?igsh=dHl1NDUzMnRhOWZu
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3KRvgjAcM2/?igsh=MWJqdzcxZGFmdjJqag==
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yCl5AAgP5/?igsh=bDJnbTE1dDFzZndx
https://www.instagram.com/p/B52rMFlANgc/?igsh=MmdtOGl3aDNvbXFq
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_NUTegc4M/?igsh=cHF3Nmk4NTc4Ynp4
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_eJlCnZ8t/?igsh=MTEwbmgwZWJhbWMyYw==
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DifKTnqt4/?igsh=MWozejdrejU0OWFtaw==
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The Road to Wilmington 70.3 - Training Reflections and Tri Prep Tips (01:23:25)
In this episode, we dive deep into Alex's training and prep for her second Half-Ironman. Wilmington 70.3 comes almost a year after Indian Wells 70.3 and offers an enormous opportunity for improvement. Some of the topics we discuss:
Sustainability in training for long events
Overcoming setbacks in the process
Nutrition lessons and best practices
Gear recommendations
Advice for novice racers
and a lot more!
Follow along on October 25th as Alex takes on this challenge!
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Alexis Croucher on Mental Work, Rewiring Old Patterns, and Aging Authentically (01:25:42)
This week we are joined by long time Tactic community member, Alexis Croucher, who has an incredible story of self discovery and evolution throughout her adult years. She's a Gen X lez who came out late in life due to... well, the times. And Catholic school.
There is a repeating story line in this episode. Hardship ➡️ learning ➡️ forgiveness ➡️ hard work ➡️ happiness.
We are grateful for Alexis and her openness with us both in her work with us and in this sharing! Enjoy!
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Back to Basics: Strength and Conditioning Training (01:09:40)
In this episode of The Afternoon Snack Podcast, we are going back to the basics with training. Specifically strength and conditioning training. From the core pillars of strength training to the fundamentals of aerobic conditioning, this episode has it all. We bust some myths along the way and give you our best recommendation for getting started with a mixed training approach!
Oh yea, and if you feel motivated to get going - you can jump into our 100 Day Fitness Challenge going on now!
You can also support our work on Patreon and get access to exclusive member's only content, podcasts, and blogs.
And if you have the fitness dialled but need a little help with nutrition, we do that too! You can sign up for nutrition coaching here.
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20 Years of Progress and Bickering in Women’s Fitness Research (01:19:53)
Over the last two decades, women’s fitness research has evolved from being an afterthought to a growing field of interest. In this episode, we explore how science is finally catching up with the female body, the double-edged sword of social media, the legacy of early contributors, and what gaps still need to be filled. If you care about evidence-based training, women’s health, and the truth behind the trends, this one’s for you!
You can support us on Patreon AND get access to members' only content by clicking here.
If you want to work with us, you can check out our nutrition coaching and fitness programming.
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Behind the Finish Line: Competition, Conflict, and Connection in Relationships (01:33:30)
In this deeply honest anniversary episode, we pull back the curtain on our relationship, sharing the real challenges and triumphs that come with loving, living, and competing together. From the highs of competing side by side to the lows of conflict and self-doubt, we explore how identity, vulnerability, and communication have shaped us as we have grown together and occasionally apart.
You can support us on Patreon AND get access to members' only content by clicking here.
If you want to work with us, you can check out our nutrition coaching and fitness programming.
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The Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and Pedaling Through the Double Standard (01:22:15)
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's win at the 2025 Tour de France Femme was an incredible display of cycling prowess and dominance but also put women's bodies, health, and sporting double standards back under the microscope. Can women just be athletes? Or do they have to always been an athlete AND a model of health. This episode will leave you thinking about these questions and your own bias when viewing women and women's sports.
You can support us on Patreon AND get access to members' only content by clicking here.
If you want to work with us, you can check out our nutrition coaching and fitness programming.
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Comments Section: AI or nah? Misgendering, Social Media Slow Burns, and Community Wins (01:03:08)
Live from our studio, it's a comments section podcast! We are taking today to reflect on, unpack, and unload about rude comments, weird comments, and uplifting feedback from our very own Tactic community. And really, how do we tell if a video is AI? And do we even care?
You can support us on Patreon AND get access to members' only content by clicking here.
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Meredith Root | Leadville Trail 100 Recap: The Mayhem, Magic, and Mistakes That Go into a Monster MTB Race (01:24:26)
Meredith JUST completed the Leadville Trail 100 MTB 104 mile mountain bike race in Leadville Colorado. If you think this is a story of success and the power of planning, think again. Leadville is known for its... unknowns. And there were plenty of those.
This conversation explores the entire experience of this monumental race through the lens of a very good amateur rider doing her first ever Leadville 100.
What makes someone choose Leadville? What makes it so hard? How does it compare to a race like Unbound? And what were the biggest lessons? All of those questions will be answered and more in this candid, open, and detailed conversation.
We hope you enjoy!
You can find information on the Leadville Race Series here.
If you want to learn more about Sagestone Adventure Lodge, click here.
You can support us on Patreon AND get access to members' only content by clicking here.
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Our Definitive Guide to Not Fasting (01:12:31)
Ever find yourself feeling diet-curious because of the latest IG trend, biohacking bro, or promise of fast results? We're going to help you untangle truth from myth and understand what drives interest in trendy diets while adopting a more practical approach to eating.
Research mentioned in this podcast:
Protein Timing vs Overall Intake
Early Time Restricted Eating
Limitations of Intermittent Fasting
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Milestones and Menopause (01:22:38)
Sometimes the internet can be so helpful with sharing and creating dialogue but when it comes to health, fitness, and topics like menopause, it doesn't take much for the dialogue to shift into a less-than-helpful space where fear mongering and grifting create confusion and concern.
So today, we're talking about that as well as how we are preparing for the menopause transition while we are still several years away from getting to it. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
A qualitative assessment of health behaviors and experiences during menopause: A cross-sectional, observational study
An Interventional strategy of physical activity promotion for reduction of menopause symptoms
Decreasing menopausal symptoms in women undertaking a web-based multi-modal lifestyle intervention: The Women's Wellness Program
The role of diet in managing menopausal symptoms: A narrative review
High Physical Activity Level May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms
Want to work with us?
Click here for nutrition coaching.
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Finding Balance: Giving Yourself Grace vs Letting Yourself Off The Hook (01:13:47)
In this episode, Alex and Meredith dive deep into answering the question - Am I giving myself grace that I need? Or am I letting myself off the hook?
They explore the concepts of victim mentality, the importance of self-compassion, and how language and visualization can play a crucial role in achieving your goals. Whether you're struggling with motivation, dealing with personal barriers, or learning to set realistic goals, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you find the right balance.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
· Fogg Behavior Model
· Episodic Future Thinking
· David Goggins on the Joe Rogan Podcast
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Did Meredith Quit Her Job? (01:05:33)
On this episode of the Afternoon Snack Podcast, Meredith discusses her decision to retire from 1:1 coaching after 8+ years. If you have ever struggled or are currently struggling to make a change, even one that you know will be very positive, there is a lot to take away from this episode.
There are a lot of new things coming for Tactic and 1:1 coaching will still be a major part of that! Alex and Meredith talk about their personal journeys and why creating happiness through authenticity is so important to them both.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
· Sam Valentine
· Amanda Holden
· Kattie Gati Tassian
· Dana Miranda
· Georgia Simmerling
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Expectations vs. Reality: The Calgary Marathon, Dusty Bandita, and Truck Camping (01:05:42)
In this episode, Alex and Meredith discuss the challenges and learnings from their recent endurance endeavours including the Calgary Marathon and The Dusty Bandita. They dive into the importance of managing expectations, the experience of balancing multiple sports, and the lessons learned from both the successes and the setbacks.
— Alex’s Calgary Marathon Experience — The Dusty Bandita Women’s+ Only Gravel Race — Balancing Multiple Sports and Training Insights — Reflecting on Expectations and Achievements — Does Exclusion Increase Inclusion?
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: · The Dusty Bandita:https://www.thedustybandita.com// · The Calgary Marathon:https://calgarymarathon.com/ · The Weight of Gold:">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8311394/────────────────────────────Join our Patreon for member’s only Episodes and Content!
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Unbound Gravel 2025: Conquering the 200-Mile Race (01:05:08)
In this episode, Meredith shares her firsthand experience racing the Unbound 200, the biggest gravel race in the world. From unexpected mechanical issues to the mental grit required to push through the miles, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to finish a race of this scale. The conversation dives into the importance of community, race prep, and the balance amateur athletes must strike between real life and rigorous training.— The Unbound 200 is an iconic and demanding gravel race that pushes riders to their physical and mental limits.
— Mechanical setbacks that tested strategy and resilience. — Nutrition, heat management, and mental toughness. — The cycling community and it's powerful support system. — Balancing recovery with everyday life.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode: · Unbound Gravel Race: https://www.unboundgravel.com/ · Tips for Heat Management in Endurance Sports · Girls Gone Gravel: https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ · Cycling Nutrition Strategies · Real-Time Race Tracking Tools────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!
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All About Build: Our Hypertrophy Program with Tactic Coach Lynsey Martin (01:16:45)
In this episode, Alex and Meredith have Tactic coach Lynsey Martin back on the podcast to discuss the nuances of strength and hypertrophy training, and their new program Build. They talk about the science of muscle growth, the importance of training to failure, and the benefits of specialized techniques like blood flow restriction and eccentric overload. They also explore how to maintain training progression and avoid common pitfalls like muscle soreness and plateaus. Learn more about the Tactic Functional Fitness Programs here.
— We’re Live From Lynsey’s Basement Couch
— Lynsey’s New Horse
— The Importance of Mechanical Tension in Training
— Understanding Hypertrophy and Strength Training
— Practical Advice for Training to Failure
— Understanding the Breakthrough Moment
— Form Deviations and Training to Failure
— Mechanical and Metabolic Stress in Training
— The Role of Muscle Damage and Soreness
— Progressive Overload and Training Adaptations
— Advanced Techniques and Blood Flow Restriction
— The Importance of Eccentric Training
— Training Frequency and Volume
— Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP)
— Tactic Functional Fitness Programs
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Tactic Coach Lynsey Martin on Individual Variation in People’s Abilities to Reach Goals
· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Reverse Dieting with Tactic Head Coach Lynsey Martin
· Listen to Afternoon Snack: All About the CrossFit Games Semifinals with Tactic Coach Lynsey Martin
· Follow Lynsey @lynsmartin on Instagram
· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Body Image, Self Esteem, and the Complex Relationships We Have with Ourselves with Lynsey Martin
· Tactic Functional Fitness: Get Started
· Tactic Functional Fitness: Sample Program
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Navigating Recovery: Tactic Coach Jess Reimche on Life and Fitness Post-Surgery (01:08:01)
In this episode of Afternoon Snack, Meredith and Alex welcome back Tactic Nutrition Coach, Jess Reimche to the podcast. Jess shares her recent experiences with hip surgery, recovery, and its impact on her daily life. They cover the psychological and physical challenges of recovery, maintaining a healthy mindset, and the importance of community support. Jess provides insights into balancing life, fitness, and personal well-being amid unexpected challenges.
— Jess's Background in Herpetology
— The Journey of Hip Pain and Diagnosis
— Physical Therapy and the Decision for Surgery
— Post-Surgery Realizations and Adjustments
— Managing Expectations and Mental Health
— Finding the Right Coach
— The Importance of Accountability
— Gut Health During Recovery
— Favorite Fiber Sources
— Challenges with Nutrition and Body Image
— Coping with Physical Limitations
— Future Plans and Letting Go of Timelines
— Support Systems and Community
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Finding Balance in Fitness, Nutrition, and Life with Tactic Coach & Biology Professor Jess Reimche, PhD
· Custom Probiotics
· Lucy Mailing, PhD: Integrative, Evidence-Based Gut Health
· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Body Image, Self-Esteem, and the Complex Relationships We Have with Ourselves with Lynsey Martin
· Work with Jess at Tactic Nutrition!
· Follow Jess on Instagram @jess_reimche
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