The Tailgate Coffee Table

#13 - Road Life, Controlled Uncertainty, & Daily Mindfulness Practices

Alex shares the insights he’s gained after four months of living a nomadic lifestyle — meeting new people, embracing spontaneity, and finding freedom in the unknown. Throughout his journey, Alex discovered the importance of staying grounded through daily routines like fitness, meditation, and gratitude journaling. He reflects on how we are living in the greatest era of human existence: travel has never been easier, and today, we have the ability to choose much of the stress we experience. Unlike early humans or even people just 200 years ago, much of the pressure they faced was not optional — it was survival. Today, we have the privilege of intentional choice. Alex also highlights the joy of connecting with strangers, finding value even in small conversations. One memorable connection was with Anthony Ventura, owner of a pickleball club in New Jersey. After striking up a casual conversation, Alex learned that Anthony was a serial entrepreneur, a published author, and a deep thinker. Their two-hour dinner conversation touched on a wide range of topics, including Anthony’s book on reading faces — a work that explores the subtle art of human expression and nature. Living on the road, Alex has learned to embrace what he calls "Intentional Uncertainty" — the practice of navigating life without rigid plans, yet staying rooted in core values like wellness, mindfulness, and presence. It’s about finding balance: allowing each day to unfold unpredictably while maintaining enough structure to remain healthy, grounded, and purposeful. Whether it's not knowing exactly where he’ll sleep each night or what unexpected interactions tomorrow might bring, Alex leans into the beauty of the controllable unknown — fully present, fully alive. When I Was The Forest Poem: When I was the stream, when I was the forest, when I was still the field when I was every hoof, foot, fin and wing, when I was the sky itself, no one ever asked me did I have a purpose, no one ever wondered was there anything I might need, for there was nothing I could not love. It was when I left all we once were that the agony began, the fear and questions came, and I wept, I wept. And tears I had never known before. So I returned to the river, I returned to the mountains. I asked for their hand in marriage again, I begged—I begged to wed every object and creature, and when they accepted, God was ever present in my arms. And He did not say, “Where have you been?” For then I knew my soul—every soul— has always held Him. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Life on the Road   (01:20) - Controlled Uncertainty   (02:35) - Memorable Experiences of Season 1   (04:22) - Connection through Openness   (08:18) - Daily Gratitude Practices   (11:28) - A Poem That Resonates Deeply   (15:18) - Thank You (17:14) - Stay Hydrated My Friends Travel Recap: Jul 22 - Aug 11, 24 days / Sep 18 - Oct 6, 20 days / Nov 2 - Nov 6, 5 days / Dec 18 - Jan 6, 21 days 70 days of travel: Denver, Colorado | St. Louis, Missouri | Victoria, BC | Washington | Oregon Coast | Crater Lake | Moab, Utah | Pomarelle, Idaho | Park City, Utah | Breckenridge, Colorado | Vail, Colorado | Keystone, Colorado | New Jersey | Ohio | Florida – Tampa, Jacksonville | Houston, Texas | Charlotte, North Carolina Key Topics Discussed: The Tailgate Coffee Table, Alex Moe, TheMacroBarista, Road Life, Travel Life, Life on the Road, Travel Diaries, Nomadic Lifestyle, Controlled Uncertainty, Practicing Gratitude, Daily Practices, Journaling, Daily Journaling, Journal Prompts, Gratitude Journaling, Choosing Your Stress, Present Living, Embracing Spontaneity, Connecting with Strangers More of Alex: Recipe Books: https://themacrobarista.com/ [https://themacrobarista.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista [https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/ [https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/]

#12 - Mental Health, Binge Eating, & Scroll Culture with Zach Rocheleau

Dear friend, Zach Rocheleau, known on social media as TheFlexibleDietingLifestyle, joins Alex to explore the process of making a simple two-ingredient cold brew coffee, while delving into more profound topics such as dieting habits, emotional eating, mental health struggles, and the importance of therapy. Zach shares his personal journey of overcoming binge eating and talks about how his experiences have shaped his outlook on life and his relationships. They reflect on the challenges of maintaining authenticity on social media, the pressures of comparison, and the long-term commitment required to achieve personal and professional success. Zach’s candid insights reveal a layered individual beyond his popular social media persona, providing viewers with a more intimate understanding of both his struggles and achievements. If you’re in for a conversation outside the bounds of small talk, tune in as a fly on the wall as we sip coffee, share stories, and discover new perspectives on life. Key Takeaways: • How do Zach and Alex approach their passion for low-calorie recipes and coffee, and what inspired them to create and share this content on social media? • What personal struggles and mental health challenges have Zach and Alex faced, particularly regarding food, eating habits, and body image, and how have they worked through these issues? • How do Zach and Alex view the impact of social media on self-worth and comparison, especially for younger audiences, and what advice do they offer for dealing with these challenges? Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Zach's Social Media Beginnings (06:22) - The Evolution of Social Media (15:48) - Building Authentic Relationships (19:00) - Valuing Friendships (26:56) - The Pressure of Social Media Success (36:17) - Emotional Eating and Mental Health (41:55) - The Power of Therapy (48:05) - Self-Improvement (50:46) - Reflecting on Life's Journey Key Topics Discussed: The Tailgate Coffee Table, Alex Moe, The Macro Barista, Zach Rocheleau, The Flexible Dieting Lifestyle, Two-Ingredient Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Building Authentic Relationships, Valuing Friendships, Social Media Success, Going to Therapy, Emotional Eating, Eating Disorders, Binge Eating Mentions: Website: https://flexibledietinglifestyle.com/ [https://flexibledietinglifestyle.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibledietinglifestyle/ [https://www.instagram.com/theflexibledietinglifestyle/] More of Alex: Recipe Books: https://themacrobarista.com/ [https://themacrobarista.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista [https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/ [https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/]

#11 - Pushing Limits, Going Viral, & Spreading Positivity with Ian Fonville

Alex sits down with Ian Fonville (better known as Fonzian), a Gymshark athlete and social media influencer. They discuss the craft of making a French Vanilla Iced Americano, share personal transformation stories, and delve into Ian's journey from battling severe acne to becoming a successful content creator. Ian talks about the importance of pushing limits, staying disciplined, and helping others realize their potential. The episode highlights the realities of social media, the significance of perseverance, and the impact of spreading positivity. If you’re in for a conversation outside the bounds of small talk, tune in as a fly on the wall as we sip coffee, share stories, and discover new perspectives on life. Key Takeaways: • How did Ian Fonville transition from dealing with severe acne and serving in the military to becoming a successful social media influencer and Gymshark athlete? • Why does Ian emphasize the importance of authenticity and community in social media, and how does he motivate his friends to push their personal limits? • What insights do Ian and Alex provide on adapting to changes in content creation and the responsibilities of being a social media influencer? Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Meet Ian: From Backne to Gymshark   (01:47) - My Life Started When My Acne Ended   (06:35) - The Military 9 to 5   (12:55) - Lift Heavy, Eat Protein, and Have Fun   (14:45) - The Overload of Information on Social Media   (18:03) - The One Thing You’re Struggling With   (22:25) - Crashing Out on Social Media   (30:31) - Being Yourself Online   (32:35) - Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Key Topics Discussed: The Tailgate Coffee Table, Alex Moe, TheMacroBarista, Ian Fonville, Fonzian, Sure, How to Make French Vanilla Iced Americano at Home, Story Behind the Americano Coffee During World War II, Ian Fonville Gymshark Athlete Journey, Inspirational Fitness Transformations on Social Media, Benefits of Creating Low-Calorie Coffee Drinks, Transitioning From Military to Social Media Influencer, Stop Overcomplicating Fitness Mentions: Website: https://fonzian.com/ [https://fonzian.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fonzian [https://www.instagram.com/fonzian] More of Alex: Recipe Books: https://themacrobarista.com/ [https://themacrobarista.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista [https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/ [https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/]

#10 - Feeling Behind in Your 20s, Designing the Perfect Day, & Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation with Eric Hinman

Alex welcomes serial entrepreneur and legendary fitness content creator, Eric Hinman. While making an iced Americano with sweet cream cold foam Eric discusses his journey going from an out of shape insurance salesman to becoming a world-class triathlete and wellness enthusiast. Eric shares insights on practicing mindfulness, structuring perfect days, and maintaining discipline. The conversation delves into the motivational factors driving Eric’s disciplined lifestyle and Eric’s practice of setting daily intentions. Eric also speaks about how he balances his intense personal pursuits with his relationship citing the importance of individuality. If you’re in for a conversation outside the bounds of small talk, tune in as a fly on the wall as we sip coffee, share stories, and discover new perspectives on life. Key Takeaways: • How did Eric Hinman's focus on health and wellness transform his life and career, and what practices does he incorporate to maintain his fitness and overall well-being? • What is Eric's approach to setting and achieving goals, and how does he utilize mindfulness and intentional daily habits to progress in various aspects of his life? • How does Eric balance his intense personal pursuits with his relationships, and what strategies does he employ to ensure he remains present and supportive in his partnerships? Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Meet Eric: From Out of Shape Insurance Salesman to World Class Triathlete (04:51) - Feeling Behind in Your Late 20s (07:30) - Designing the Perfect Day (12:00) - Daily Goals (13:39) - Creating vs Consuming (15:39) - LMNT (16:22) - The Why Behind the Tailgate Coffee Table (18:47) - Successful Relationships (22:29) - Balancing Individualism with a Relationship (25:30) - Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation (29:03) - Who Do You Want to Be Growing Up? Key Topics Discussed: The Tailgate Coffee Table, Alex Moe, TheMacroBarista, Eric Hinman, Iced Americano with Sweet Cream Cold Foam, Designing the Perfect Day, Creating vs Consuming on Social Media, Balancing Individualism in a Relationship, Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation Mentions: Website: https://erichinman.com/ [https://erichinman.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erichinman [https://www.instagram.com/erichinman] More of Alex: Recipe Books: https://themacrobarista.com/ [https://themacrobarista.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista [https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/ [https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/]

#9 - Pro Skateboarding, CrossFit, & Embracing Sobriety with Nick Dompierre

Nick Dompierre, a former professional skateboarder turned CrossFit athlete and fitness entrepreneur, shares his journey from picking up skateboarding at the age of 12 to becoming a prominent figure in the sport, highlighting his travels and challenges like breaking his neck. He details his transition into fitness, discussing the impact of quitting and then resuming drinking, and the eventual launch of his YouTube channel that gained traction through food challenges and cheat days. Nick also shares insights into his personal life, including his recent marriage and the values that keep his relationship strong. The conversation delves into his involvement in CrossFit, from initial struggles to owning a gym and maintaining a balanced life. The episode closes with Nick's vision for continually evolving and becoming the best version of himself, both personally and professionally. If you’re in for a conversation outside the bounds of small talk, tune in as a fly on the wall as we sip coffee, share stories, and discover new perspectives on life. Key Takeaways: • How did Nick Dompierre transition from a professional skateboarding career to fitness and CrossFit training, and what challenges did he face during this journey? • What role did sobriety and lifestyle changes play in Nick Dompierre's athletic performance and overall well-being? • How did Nick meet his wife Laura, and what core values and practices help them maintain a strong, trusting relationship? Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Meet Nick: From Skater to Fitness Enthusiast (05:51) - Nick’s Boating Accident (06:50) - Getting into Pro Skateboarding (08:42) - Drinking and Health (09:39) - Starting the YouTube Journey (16:27) - CrossFit Training (22:03) - Sobriety and Skate Culture (27:41) - How Nick Met His Wife (36:20) - Planning a Wedding (41:15) - Navigating a Long-Distance Relationship (43:00) - Having Difficult Conversations Key Topics Discussed: The Tailgate Coffee Table, Alex Moe, TheMacroBarista, Nick Dompierre, Pro Skateboarding, Sobriety, CrossFit Training, Long-Distance Relationships, Having Difficult Conversations Mentions: Website: https://nickdompierre.com/ [https://nickdompierre.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickdompierre/ [https://www.instagram.com/nickdompierre/] More of Alex: Recipe Books: https://themacrobarista.com/ [https://themacrobarista.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista [https://www.youtube.com/@themacrobarista] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/ [https://www.instagram.com/themacrobarista/] Mentioned in this episode: No Crashes, No Brain Fog, Just Clean, Effective Hydration Grab your free sample pack at drinklmnt.com/themacrobarista drinklmnt.com/themacrobarista [https://tgct.captivate.fm/drinklmnt]