No Off-Season: Zack Clayton on The Grind, The Call, and Never Being Caught Unprepared

No Off-Season: Zack Clayton on The Grind, The Call, and Never Being Caught Unprepared

Zack Clayton got the call to wrestle for AEW with three days' notice. No warning. No runway. Just show up or lose the shot. In this episode of The Michael James Way, Zack breaks down exactly what it takes to be ready when opportunity doesn't wait: the decade of grinding underground shows for "a hot dog and a handshake," the uncomfortable truth that the people cheering you on will eventually start rooting against you, and why eliminating the word "should" from your vocabulary changes everything. Zack and Michael go deep on the athlete's mindset, accountability without excuses, building both body and mind so one can carry the other when the other quits, and what it really means to live on always-season, no off-season. If you're building something and running low on fuel, this one's for you. 🎙️ Guest: Zack Clayton | @ZackClayton 🎤 Host: Michael James | The Michael James Way ---------------------------------------- 📺 Catch Zack this summer in TNA Wrestling: 👉 tna.com/events [http://tna.com/events] 📺 Watch Jersey Shore: Family Vacation — Thursdays at 8PM on MTV To connect with Zack's Venture's outside of Wrestling (Podcast and His Companies): https://linktr.ee/zackclayton?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=fa5af51d-dd69-442a-895f-35b549e69a43 [https://linktr.ee/zackclayton?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=fa5af51d-dd69-442a-895f-35b549e69a43] ---------------------------------------- ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Cold Open 01:00 – Intro & Zack's origin story 05:38 – The grind: from local shows to AEW 12:04 – Discipline vs. motivation 20:09 – Always be ready: the three-day call 25:12 – Life after AEW: TNA, MTV, and giving back 30:02 – Impact first, money follows 40:46 – Belief systems and the words you need to cut 47:35 – Why people root against you when you level up 54:24 – 200 miles on broken ribs: the 10-miles-at-a-time story 1:02:38 – Advice for anyone grinding with no end in sight ---------------------------------------- 📌 Footage used in this episode is for commentary purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners. 🎬 Copyright Credits: * "The Final Showdown" — Jersey Shore: Family Vacation | © MTV Entertainment Studios | youtube.com/@jerseyshore [http://youtube.com/@jerseyshore] * HOOK vs. Zack Clayton – FTW Title Defense | AEW Rampage, Aug 19, 2022 | © All Elite Wrestling | youtube.com/c/aew [http://youtube.com/c/aew] * Colt Cabana & Dark Order vs. Zack Clayton | AEW Dark, Sep 4, 2020 | © All Elite Wrestling | youtube.com/c/aew [http://youtube.com/c/aew] * Zack Clayton vs. Tommy Dreamer | Awesome Championship Wrestling | © Awesome Championship Wrestling | youtube.com/@awesomechampionshipwrestling [http://youtube.com/@awesomechampionshipwrestling]

The 5 Times You'll Want to Quit and Why You Shouldn't with Michelle Grainger

What do you do when the worst possible thing happens, and then something even worse follows? In this episode of The Michael James Way, Michael sits down with elite endurance cyclist and coach Michelle Grainger, the woman who coached him across the United States, for a conversation that goes far beyond cycling. Michelle has raced across America, biked solo from Florida to Alaska, and competed at the highest levels of the sport for decades. But it's what happened off the bike that defines her most: a near-fatal truck collision that triggered severe PTSD, a twin sister's devastating ALS diagnosis, cancer, broken bones, and being buried alive in a mudslide. Through every one of those moments, Michelle kept pedaling, literally and figuratively. In this episode you'll hear: * Why Michelle told Michael he'd want to quit exactly five times, and why she was right * How a bike accident broke her brain before it broke her body * What watching her twin sister lose everything to ALS taught her about gratitude * The "Monday morning regret" rule that changed how she races and lives * Why sport and life aren't just similar, they mirror each other completely Whether you're an athlete, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to get through a hard season, this episode will remind you that forward motion, even a single inch, is always the answer. "If you can't pedal, you walk. And if you walk long enough, you'll get back on your bike." - Michelle Grainger

Burn The Ships

Most of us wait for perfect conditions to take action, but what if the secret to a breakthrough is burning the ships and committing fully? In this episode, Michael James shares the transformative lessons from a 3,500-mile cycling journey across America that reshaped his mindset and business. When he committed to riding from California to North Carolina, he discovered that the real journey begins only when you decide to go all-in and never look back. You'll discover how his bike trip became a powerful metaphor for life and business showing that clarity, courage, and unwavering commitment lead to extraordinary growth. Michael breaks down the specific discipline of taking daily action, the mindset shifts that paid off, and the strategic steps he used to turn a $300K savings into a thriving multi-million dollar enterprise. Learn how he harnessed the "burn the ships" mentality to eliminate doubt, ignite motivation, and unlock success. We break down: the influence of daily habits and intentional focus, the importance of investing in yourself through coaching, and the mindset shifts that turn setbacks into opportunities. You'll hear how planting seeds like the story of the acorns can inspire your team and transform your perspective on growth. This episode reveals why resilience, decisiveness, and willingness to risk everything are the keys to creating a legacy. Why does it matter? Because staying stuck in indecision keeps you away from your true potential, while embracing commitment accelerates your journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone facing a pivotal crossroads, this story reminds you that success demands nothing less than total dedication and the willingness to burn the ships behind you. Perfect for leaders ready to break free from hesitation, entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, and anyone committed to pushing beyond limits. Press play and discover how to turn your biggest obstacles into the fuel for your greatest achievements. Michael James is a successful entrepreneur and coach known for transforming mindsets and building legacy-driven businesses. His journey from a cross-country cyclist to a thriving business owner exemplifies the power of decisive action and relentless focus. Stop waiting for the perfect moment your breakthrough starts when you burn the ships and commit fully to your vision. Are you ready to go all-in?

He Biked 3200 Miles To Heal Their Relationship

Most of us will never bike 3,500 miles or traverse 42 days of hardship, but the lessons from that grueling journey apply to any goal worth chasing. In this emotional and inspiring episode, Michael shares the powerful story of cycling across the United States, despite flat tires, broken ribs, and a fire that threatened to end it all. His adventure culminates in a symbolic crossing into the Atlantic, marking not just the end of a trip but a profound moment of healing and renewal with his father. You'll discover the mindset that turned physical pain and setbacks into fueled determination, along with the secret to pushing through moments when your body and spirit want to quit. Michael breaks down specific tactics he used to stay motivated, how he managed fuel and fatigue during 42 days on the road, and why crossing that bridge with his dad became a metaphor for letting go of the past and embracing a new chapter. This episode is more than a travel story, it's a blueprint for facing your own fears, setbacks, and aspirations. Whether you're tackling a big project, rebuilding your relationships, or daring to dream bigger, you'll learn practical steps to keep pedaling forward, no matter how tough the road gets.Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about their next move, this is the motivation and clarity you need to turn your own journey into an epic saga. And if your goal feels miles away right now, remember: every pedal stroke, no matter how small, is progress. Are you ready to cross your own finish line? Listen now, and start stepping toward your biggest ambitions today.

Ten More Miles Became My Only Way to Survive

What if the key to reaching your goals isn't just about intensity, but knowing when to pause? In this compelling episode, Michael shares the deeply personal story of conquering 280 miles on a bicycle while revealing the quiet power of listening to your body and support system. When push comes to shove, who you are in the moments you stop might just be what gets you across the finish line. Imagine riding for 15 to 20 hours a day in 100-degree heat, breaking down mental barriers mile by mile, and learning to trust your instincts amidst exhaustion, fear, and emotion. Michael’s journey is about more than just endurance, it's a masterclass in resilience, reflection, and the surprising wisdom of slowing down when it counts. Whether facing physical setbacks, emotional memories, or a risky gas leak, his story uncovers the critical importance of self-awareness and support at the edge of your limits. You’ll discover: * The mental frameworks that turn overwhelming goals into manageable steps—like breaking 280 miles into 10-mile segments * How stories and memories serve as emotional fuel during tough, lonely moments * The iconic lesson from a near-disaster: sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause * Why listening to your body and team might prevent disaster and lead to breakthroughs * The profound power of compassion for yourself in pursuit of your biggest ambitions This episode is essential listening if you're navigating a major challenge, feeling overwhelmed, or simply want to unlock greater resilience in your everyday life. Michael's story reminds us that pushing forward is vital, but knowing when to pause can be the most courageous move of all and the one that ultimately propels you toward victory. Michael James is a motivational speaker and endurance athlete, known for his ultra-distance cycling adventures and inspiring lessons on resilience, self-awareness, and perseverance. Whether you're chasing a big goal or facing a quiet struggle, this episode offers practical insights and emotional depth to help you stay the course without losing yourself along the way. Perfect for anyone interested in mental toughness, recovery, and the underestimated strength of listening. Listen now and discover what it truly means to push beyond your limits.