In this episode of the Masters of Resilience podcast, hosts Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips sit down with Marcus Filly—former CrossFit Games athlete and founder of Functional Bodybuilding. Marcus shares his journey from competitive athlete to wellness entrepreneur, opening up about mental health challenges, identity transitions, and how joy and fear shape high performance.

Through candid reflections on dropping out of med school, redefining success, and transforming his relationships, Marcus unpacks the mindset shifts that have fueled his evolution. Whether you’re a high-achiever battling burnout or someone seeking a more sustainable path to health, this episode delivers deeply personal insights on resilience, wellness, and the lifelong journey of self-care.

Chapters

01:00 – Navigating Identity and Transition

06:01 – From Athlete to Entrepreneur

12:00 – Finding Purpose Beyond Fear

17:58 – The Balance of Fear and Joy

24:36 – Lessons from Hardships

26:06 – Navigating Mental Health

30:30 – A New Lease on Life

34:03 – The Power of Curiosity

36:25 – Technology, Scarcity & Anxiety

40:53 – Finding Joy in Fitness

44:02 – Four Pillars of Wellness

47:12 – The Importance of Protein

50:35 – Caloric Awareness & Food Choices

52:51 – Resilience Through Setbacks

01:01:03 – The Power of Forgiveness in Fitness

Connect with Marcus Filly & Functional Bodybuilding:

Website: functional-bodybuilding.com

Podcast: Look Good Move Well

Instagram: @marcusfilly, @functional.bodybuilding

YouTube: Marcus Filly