EP. 14: From Rock Bottom To Becoming Primal Swoledier w/ Eric Leija

In another episode of Conversations with Claire, we are joined by Eric Leija also known as “Primal Swoledier”. Eric is an Onnit Academy Senior Kettlebell Coach. He specializes in kettlebell training courses but he also incorporates other training tools and methods into his routines to get the most out of every session. He's been coaching for over three years but has been working out and living a fit lifestyle for over 12 years.

What makes Eric so inspiring is the journey he has gone through to become the person he is today. Throughout his life, he’s battled eating disorders and binge eating, alcoholism and substance abuse, and imposter syndrome. In this episode, he describes his life's downward spiral and the subsequent upward trajectory.

It's impossible not to be captivated by Eric's journey from adversity to being the inspirational fitness coach he is today.

Episode Highlights

• (0:25) Introducing Eric Leija
• (1:00) Claire and Eric’s first encounter
• (5:30) Eric’s childhood and school story
• (9:00) Eric’s introduction to gym and fitness
• (12:30) Eric’s transition to UFC fighting
• (17:55) Eric’s experience with substance abuse and alcoholism
• (18:47) Eric’s UFC role model and how he influenced him
• (23:59) Eric’s association with Onnit in its early innings
• (37:03) How Eric came up with the name “Primal Swoledier”
• (39:10) Eric on content creation and social media
• (42:00) Eric’s history of eating disorders and relationship with food
• (43:22) Eric’s rock bottom moments
• (50:10) Eric’s struggles to break unhealthy eating habits
• (55:40) What made Eric open up
• (55:53) Eric’s experience with imposter syndrome
• (1:04:13) Eric’s relationship with food today
• (1:08:25) Eric’s recent breakup and downward spiral
• (1:13:12) Eric’s fresh outlook on life and people
• (1:18:25) Three things Eric is grateful for today
• (1:23:00) Three things Claire is grateful for

 

Links:

• Website: https://www.ericleija.com/ 
• LinkedIn: Eric Leija
• Facebook: Eric Leija 
• Instagram: Eric Leija (@primal.swoledier)
• Twitter: Eric Leija (@primalswoledier)
• Youtube: Eric Leija

My Links

 

💻 Website: https://www.clairebayscoach.com/

Use code: CWC for 20% OFF

 

🎙️ Podcast: https://pod.link/1641398388

 

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clairebays7951

 

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairebays/

 

💃 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candidly_claire

 

 

Sponsors

My Daily Protein Powder: 1st Phorm

My Go-To Apparel: LSKD [Claire10 for 10% off]