Building Better Health with Science and Support with Dr. Allan Bacon

Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle

In this episode of Chasing Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Allan Bacon, fitness coach, industry educator, and founder of Maui Athletics. Known for his calm, no-BS approach to health, Dr. Bacon unpacks the often overwhelming world of fitness advice—and how to navigate it without burning out.

From breaking down creatine myths to managing stress and building realistic habits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s tired of fad diets, influencer overload, and guilt-based coaching.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for clarity or a seasoned lifter struggling to balance real life with real health, you’ll walk away with perspective, practical tools, and a bit more peace of mind.

🔑 Topics We Cover

How to spot bad diet advice before it ruins your progress

The truth about creatine—and why most people misunderstand it

The emotional side of coaching and behaviour change

How marketing fuels confusion in fitness

Why stress and social dynamics matter more than macros

What makes a coach actually valuable in the long run

Saying no to alcohol and peer pressure without guilt

Sustainable routines vs. chasing perfection

⏱️ Full Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Meet Dr. Allan Bacon: from dentistry to fitness coaching

01:30 – Why “dumb” diet advice feels so believable

05:31 – Marketing vs. science: what’s really shaping your decisions

14:12 – Using AI to create more human coaching relationships

18:44 – Creatine: who it helps, who it doesn’t, and what the research says

26:11 – Habit-building when life feels chaotic

34:56 – Letting go of the all-or-nothing trap

35:35 – Designing routines that actually support your goals

37:17 – How to support someone trying to live healthier

38:16 – What to do when people criticize your lifestyle

42:05 – Internal vs. external pressure: learning to say no

45:44 – The power of intentional living in your health journey

51:07 – Facing the hard stuff: why you’re more ready than you think

53:06 – What a great coach does (and what they don’t)

56:43 – Social pressure and alcohol: how to opt out gracefully

01:01:11 – Final insights and encouragement from Dr. Bacon

🔍 Why This Episode Matters

In a world full of loud voices, quick fixes, and unrealistic expectations, Dr. Allan Bacon offers a grounded, science-based, and deeply human approach to health. He’s not selling you hype. He’s helping you reclaim clarity, confidence, and compassion in your journey.

📌 Don’t Miss This If You’ve Ever:

Felt stuck trying to “do everything right” and still not getting results

Wondered if supplements like creatine are worth it (or safe)

Wanted to build a better relationship with food and fitness—without burning out

Struggled with pressure to drink, eat, or live a certain way around others

🎙️ Subscribe to Chasing Common Ground wherever you get your podcasts, and follow along for more grounded conversations about health, purpose, and real life.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Allan Bacon:

Instagram: @drallanbacon

Website: www.mauiathletics.com

Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe