Ep 416 Are you a GIVER or a TAKER? [Thanksgiving Special]

Send us Fan Mail

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Coach Chris Wilson dives into the timeless ideas from Adam Grant’s bestselling book Give and Take — exploring how gratitude, generosity, and giving back can transform not just your relationships, but your success and happiness as well.

As the world slows down for the holiday, this is the perfect time to reflect on who’s helped you get where you are, and how you can pour back into others. Chris breaks down the three types of people — Givers, Takers, and Matchers — and shares how adopting a giver’s mindset can multiply your impact without burning out.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How gratitude fuels generosity — and how giving deepens gratitude.
• The difference between selfless and “otherish” giving (and why one sustains you while the other drains you).
• Why leading with generosity creates stronger relationships, richer opportunities, and lasting fulfillment.
• How to make Thanksgiving more than a holiday — but a habit of the heart.

Chris also shares practical ways to live these ideas daily — from small acts of kindness to building a gratitude and giving practice that rewires how you lead, live, and love.

This is a heartfelt reminder that success isn’t just about what you get — it’s about what you give. Because when you give first, everyone wins.

Share it with a friend, family member, or teammate who’s made a difference in your life. Let them know how much they matter — that’s the real spirit of Thanksgiving.

Time Stamps

00:55 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
01:19 – Join Chris Wilson for a special solo episode
04:00 – What this episode is all about
07:14 – A book that changed Chris’s perspective
09:28 – Discover the three types of people in life
13:45 – Unlocking the concept of 'Otherish Giving'
18:31 – How generosity drives long-term impact
21:35 – Connecting it all to Thanksgiving
24:29 – The power of being in a state of gratitude
28:00 – Simple ways to show thankfulness every day
31:09 – The ripple effect: small actions, big impact
33:35 – A powerful, heartfelt reflection from Chris
1:09:42 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Give and Take – The Book

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

• Youtube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com