Listen "Why Hitting Rock Bottom Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me with Shawn Hoyt"
Episode Synopsis
Matt sits down with endurance athlete, Harvard-trained lawyer, and father of six, Shawn Hoyt—a man who’s not just defying age, but redefining it. From sitting the bench in soccer to completing an Ironman and running a marathon at age 55, Shawn shares how hitting personal and professional rock bottom—divorce, job loss, and doubt—became the unexpected catalyst for a profound reinvention. This conversation dives deep into mental toughness, physical transformation, and the power of showing up with intention. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to start over or aim higher, this episode is your blueprint for rising stronger—with purpose, poise, and relentless positivity.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Kicking Off with Optimism & Energy00:00:50 - What Eternal Optimism Really Means00:02:39 - From the Midwest to Medford: Shawn’s Roots00:04:21 - When the Fitness Spark First Ignited00:06:15 - Breaking Limits, Facing Pain, and Getting Stronger00:14:28 - When Life Falls Apart—and How to Rebuild00:16:46 - Networking That Saved His Career00:22:44 - Getting Back in the Game, One Mile at a Time00:24:06 - Inside the Grit of a Half Ironman00:25:50 - Crushing Self-Doubt and Mental Roadblocks00:27:23 - Training Through the Boston Cold00:28:12 - Injuries, Setbacks, and Refusing to Quit00:30:57 - Race Day Gratitude and Going the Distance00:33:24 - Becoming the Role Model He Once Needed00:37:01 - Finding Love, Healing, and Starting Again00:42:45 - Books and Music That Fuel the Fire00:47:47 - Eternal Optimism, Defined Through ExperienceLinks and Resources:Website: shawnhoytstayactive.comLinkedIn: Shawn Hoyt on LinkedInInstagram: @shawnhoytstayactiveThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!
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