In a world that rewards constant stimulation and surface-level productivity, it’s become easier than ever to stay busy — and harder than ever to feel fulfilled. Many people aren’t burning out from doing too much, but from spending their days disconnected from the things that actually matter. The result is a numbing, restless state Brad Stulberg calls zombie burnout.

In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Juliet and Kelly Starrett sit down with author and coach Brad Stulberg to unpack what excellence really means in a chaotic, distraction-heavy world. Drawing from his latest book, The Way of Excellence, Stulberg challenges the myths of hustle culture and self-optimization, offering a grounded path toward ambition that’s aligned with values, sustained by rest, and rooted in deep, meaningful engagement.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why excellence has nothing to do with rigid routines or influencer “optimization”
The difference between happiness, satisfaction, and lasting fulfillment
How “zombie burnout” happens — even when you’re not technically overworked
What truly excellent environments have in common
Why process matters more than outcomes (without pretending outcomes don’t matter)
How rest and renewal are essential — not optional — for long-term excellence

Key Highlights:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:17) - What is Excellence

(08:37) - What Excellence is Not

(09:48) - Importance of Excellence

(13:08) - Excellence vs. Happiness

(17:54) - Aggregation of Marginal Gains

(19:59) - Sponsor: Vitality

(23:10) - Brad's Take on Heisman Winner

(25:15) - Creating an Excellent Environment

(33:18) - Zombie Burnout and Adult Pacifiers

(35:50) - Combating Zombie Burnout

(37:39) - Sponsor: LMNT

(40:20) - Managing Distractions

(43:22) - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

(46:41) - Decline of Excellence

(52:30) - Goal Setting Strategies

(58:13) - Stress, Rest, and Growth

(01:02:40) - Sponsor: Momentous

(01:05:25) - Recovery Techniques

(01:06:40) - Surprises After Writing the Book

(01:08:34) - Meaningful Milestone for 2026

(01:10:38) - Brad's Addition to the Infinite Shelf

(01:12:18) - Starrett System

Huge thanks to our sponsors, Vitality, Momentous, and LMNT.

Connect with Brad

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Pre-Order The Way of Excellence

Excellence Without Burnout: Brad Stulberg on Escaping Hustle Culture