The Strength Connection

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Today I am joined by Zar Horton, Master SFG within the community of Strongfirst. Zar has been teaching workshops in hardstyle strength nationally and internationally for over 12 years, and…was a battalion chief and firefighter in Albuquerque fire and rescue for 32 years. In this conversation, Zar shares his journey from a firefighter to a master instructor in strength training, emphasizing the importance of functional fitness for first responders. He discusses the challenges of introducing kettlebell training to traditional firefighting methods, the significance of mobility and breathwork, and the lessons learned in leadership throughout his career. Zar reflects on his transition into retirement and the changes in his lifestyle, while also outlining his future plans for workshops and certifications. Check out more from Zar at: https://linktr.ee/zarhorton Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:21 The Shift to Hardstyle Strength Training 12:49 Implementing Change in Firefighting Training 18:19 Transitioning from Firefighting to Retirement 27:45 The Importance of Sleep and Breathwork 29:54 Teaching Movement: Lessons Learned Over Time 32:37 Mastering Movement: The Kettlebell Experience 35:34 Mobility and Aging: A Shift in Focus 38:20 The Value of Tai Chi and Breathwork 42:38 Leadership Lessons from the Fire Service 47:29 Upcoming Workshops and Future Plans

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Megan Henry is a mindset performance coach, SupraHuman performance coach, Former Team USA skeleton athlete, World Record holder and recent IFBB pro athlete. Meg is really interesting, we connected a couple years ago, she came on the show, it was one of the most memorable conversations I had early on about practical mindset training, specifically in the athletic realm. In this episode, Meg emphasizes the importance of self-image and visualization in achieving personal and professional goals. She discusses how one's perception of themselves is the key to their ability to reach their aspirations in health, athletics, business, and relationships. To check out more from Megan: https://beacons.ai/thesavagemeglet

Welcome to the Strength Connection! In this episode I am joined by Hewitt Tomlin, founder and CEO of TeamBuildr. Hewitt Tomlin shares his journey from being a college athlete to becoming an entrepreneur with Team Builder, a software platform designed to empower strength coaches. He discusses the challenges faced during the transition, the pivotal moment that led him to fully commit to his business, and the evolution of Team Builder's mission. The conversation also touches on the importance of strength training, the impact of COVID on business growth, and the balance between personal health and professional responsibilities. Check out more from Hewitt at: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Hewitt Tomlin Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Team Builder and Leadership Journey 03:01 Transition from Athlete to Entrepreneur 05:57 The Leap into Entrepreneurship 08:52 Building Team Builder: The Early Days 11:40 The Evolution of Team Builder 14:55 Navigating Challenges as a Strength Coach 17:54 Growth and Brand Equity During COVID 20:42 Reflections on Leadership and Business Growth 25:19 Navigating Feature Requests and Customer Feedback 27:18 The Importance of Strength Training in Athletic Development 30:35 The Evolution of Strength and Conditioning in Sports 34:26 Trends in General Population Training and Tactical Fitness 40:39 Balancing Health and Performance in a Busy Life

Welcome to the Strength Connection! I am joined in this episode by Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind and Mark Subias, AKA The Iron Council. We first came together in a roundtable discussion in April 2024 at Queen City Kettlebell, and have reconnected to talk strength, health and all things in the culture of performance and coaching. In this episode, Brett, DJ, Mark and I talk about our personal evolutions of coaching in the information age, how things have changed over the years, and the keys to training for longevity and healthspan. Follow Brett, DJ, and Mark at: Brett: https://www.instagram.com/brettjonessfg/?hl=en DJ: https://www.instagram.com/queencitykettlebell/ Mark: https://www.instagram.com/subiasm/?hl=en

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dr. Chris Holder is a renowned Strength and Conditioning coach, former Master RKC instructor, Doctor of Medical QiGong, and currently a teacher and leader in Christian Mysticism. In this episode, Dr. Holder shares his journey from a successful career in strength coaching to embracing Chinese medicine and spirituality. He discusses the importance of integrating physical and spiritual practices for holistic health, emphasizing how energy healing can enhance recovery and performance in athletes. Dr. Holder also explores the challenges of bridging Eastern and Western medicine, the significance of community, and the role of sleep in spiritual health. He highlights the transformative power of practices like Qigong and Christian mysticism in fostering personal growth and well-being. Join Dr. Holder mornings at 7am PST for a FREE QiGong practice at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84404332459?pwd=pO6W0vrOmmlHCvgI7BbFLbOC3rlIZV.1 And find out more from Dr. Holder at: https://www.christianmysticism.online

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dr. Robb Kelly is a renowned Addiction expert, creating the Robb Kelly group, a Telehealth Neuroscience Coaching company with a 98% success rate,working with patients to improve their optimal performance by using Brain Spotting and other neuroscience coaching evidence based approaches. In this episode, Dr. Robb shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind addiction. He discusses his unique approach to treatment, which boasts a 98% success rate, and highlights the significance of the subconscious mind in overcoming addiction. Dr. Kelly also explores the impact of environment and relationships on recovery, advocating for a positive mindset and the power of community support. Connect directly with Dr. Robb at: https://robbkelly.com/ Or his personal cell: (214) 600-0210 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rob Kelly's Journey 02:41 The Roots of Addiction and Personal Struggles 05:42 The Turning Point: A Moment of Surrender 08:48 The Role of Spirituality in Recovery 11:36 Innovative Approaches to Addiction Treatment 14:49 Understanding the Neuroscience of Addiction 17:42 The Importance of Living in the Now 26:48 Understanding the Addictive Mindset 30:47 Transforming Neural Pathways for Recovery 35:50 The Power of Subliminal Messaging 40:40 Surrounding Yourself with Success 46:00 The Ripple Effect of Positivity

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Sylvia Takada is a SFG II, SFL Instructor in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Sylvia helps empower women 40+ to embrace strength and health in the next stages of life. In this 304th episode, Sylvia discusses the societal perceptions surrounding women and aging, particularly the negative stereotypes associated with turning 40. She expresses her frustration with the idea that women's value diminishes with age, emphasizing instead the wisdom and strength gained through life experiences. Follow Sylvia on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/sylvia_takada/

Welcome to the Strength Connection! In episode 303, Marco Benitez shares his journey from a Taekwondo champion to a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur. The evolution of wearable technology, the mission of his company Rook, and the importance of transforming health data into actionable insights. Marco emphasizes the challenges of data integration, the significance of mental health, and the startup journey's ups and downs. He highlights the potential of wearable technology in chronic disease management and the future of health data utilization. Connect with Marco on LinkedIN at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Marco Benitez 04:44 Martial Arts and Its Life Lessons 09:44 The Evolution of Wearable Technology 14:50 Rook's Mission and Vision 19:53 Challenges in Data Utilization 24:49 The Rook Score Explained 29:43 Mental Health and Wearable Technology 34:33 Future Directions for Rook

Welcome to the Strength Connection. In the 302nd episode, Tom LaGrave shares his transformative journey from a troubled adolescence marked by addiction to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping young people navigate their own challenges. He discusses the impact of technology on today's youth, the common struggles across generations, and the essential role of love in adolescent development. Tom also delves into the complexities of addiction, the evolving definition of masculinity, and the importance of finding balance and spirituality in life. His insights are rooted in personal experience and professional expertise, offering valuable perspectives for parents and educators alike. Follow more from Tom at: https://thomasjlagravejr.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tom LaGrave's Journey 03:00 From Military to Recovery: A Personal Transformation 06:09 Finding Purpose Through Helping Adolescents 08:45 The Impact of Technology on Youth 11:57 Generational Differences in Youth Challenges 14:42 The Importance of Rites of Passage 17:47 Navigating Adolescence: Love and Support 20:37 Conclusion: The Path Forward for Youth 25:14 The Importance of Individualized Parenting 28:03 Understanding Addiction and Its Patterns 33:01 Redefining Masculinity in Modern Society 37:10 The Role of Spirituality in Personal Growth 42:37 The Power of Letting Go of Ego

Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast. In this conversation, Dr. Pam Theriot discusses the importance of proactive eye health, the impact of digital devices on vision, and the role of nutrition in maintaining eye health. She emphasizes the need for regular eye exams, preventative measures, and daily habits that can enhance eye comfort and clarity. The discussion also covers the effects of blue light, the significance of long-distance gazing, and the evolution of LASIK surgery. Check out more from Dr. Theriot at: https://www.pamtheriot.com Chapters 00:00 Understanding Eye Health 02:49 The Impact of Eye Health on Mood and Focus 05:54 The Role of Digital Devices in Eye Health 08:48 Preventative Measures for Eye Health 11:52 The Importance of Blinking and Eye Care 15:00 The Effects of Blue Light on Eye Health 17:54 Nutrition and Eye Health Myths and Facts 25:14 Debunking Eye Health Myths 28:14 Nutrients for Optimal Vision 30:50 Daily Eye Care Practices 39:35 Understanding Vision and Genetics 44:37 The Evolution of LASIK Surgery

Welcome to the Strength Connection! A milestone episode of the Strength Connection Podcast. Number 300! I reflect on the journey of 300 episodes, sharing ten key lessons learned from guests and experiences. Thank you all for being a part of this awesome journey. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating 300 Episodes 01:21 The Journey of Curiosity and Connection 03:11 Mastery Through Ordinary Days 06:56 Staying Present in Routine 10:58 Flow State: The Natural Default 13:33 Change vs. Transformation 16:48 Embracing Nervous Energy 19:41 Raising Your Standards 21:20 The Power of Silence 23:36 Over Preparation for Presence 25:47 Structure Over Intuition 28:50 The Superpower of Solitude

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Troy Laing is the founder of Culture OC, a “biohacking social wellness club” helping those find their optimal health in mind, body, spirit and community. Troy shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming a leader in the biohacking and wellness community. He discusses the profound impact of physical movement on mental health, his transformative experience in the Himalayas, and the evolution of his practices in biohacking. Troy emphasizes the importance of combining various modalities for optimal health and the role of community in fostering wellness. He also highlights the shift in awareness around biohacking post-pandemic and the significance of mindset in healing. Check out more from Troy at: https://cultureoc.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Health and Fitness 02:56 Mental Health and Physical Movement 06:03 Life-Changing Experiences in the Himalayas 08:47 The Shift to Biohacking and Optimization 11:47 Exploring Breath Work and Cold Immersion 14:53 Building a Business Around Wellness 17:47 Combining Modalities for Optimal Health 21:06 Creating a Unique Wellness Environment 23:52 The Science Behind Healing Technologies 27:37 Harnessing Light for Wellness 28:45 Educating Clients on Wellness Methods 30:40 The Power of Mindset in Healing 32:05 Real-Life Healing Success Stories 33:55 The Role of Optimism in Health 35:53 Cold Water Immersion and Recovery 38:57 Understanding Individual Responses to Biohacking 40:57 Mainstreaming Biohacking Post-Pandemic 43:22 Empowering Patients Through Education 45:14 Building Community in Wellness Spaces

Welcome to The Strength Connection! Mitchell Osmond is founder of Dad Nation and a performance coach for men looking to maximize their relationships, health and vitality along with their high performing careers. Mitchell shares his personal journey of transformation from a place of burnout and disconnection to a life of purpose and fulfillment, the importance of community, accountability, and mindset in achieving personal growth. Mitchell introduces his frameworks, including the CLEAR Thinking Process and the Iron Five, which help men navigate their challenges and build meaningful connections. A great conversation on the need for modern masculinity that balances strength with emotional intelligence, ultimately guiding men to live lives worthy of imitation. Check out more from Mitchell at: https://www.dadnationco.com/ And a FREE gift of “The Connection Code” here https://www.dadnationco.com/code Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mitchell Osmond and His Work 01:47 Mitchell's Personal Transformation Journey 09:29 The Importance of Community and Accountability 14:24 Mindset and Mental Performance 20:27 The CLEAR Thinking Process 30:17 The Iron Five Framework 43:15 Resonating Messages for Modern Men

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dan John, Legendary Coach and Author, joins me again on the podcast to go into his latest book, The Art of Coaching. In this engaging conversation, Coach Dan John shares insights from his extensive coaching career and how he began and ultimately completed The Art of Coaching. Emphasizing the importance of values, the relationship between goals and assessments, and the role of storytelling in coaching, Dan reflects on the writing process, the challenges of simplifying complex concepts, and the significance of mentorship and preparation in effective coaching. Grab your copy of The Art of Coaching exclusively on Amazon Now. 00:00 Reconnecting and Introduction to Coaching 01:28 The Genesis of 'The Art of Coaching' 04:21 Values and Coaching Philosophy 07:18 Goals, Assessments, and the Coaching Journey 10:13 Writing Process and Challenges 13:25 The Importance of Storytelling in Coaching 16:21 Simplifying Complex Concepts 19:12 The Art of Coaching Explained 22:08 Dunning-Kruger Effect and Mastery 24:50 Learning from Experience and Mentorship 27:51 The Role of Preparation in Coaching 30:49 Subtraction vs. Addition in Coaching 33:42 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Mike Salemi is a men’s performance coach, creator of the Vital Man Collective, and host of The Path podcast. In this conversation, Mike Salemi shares his journey from a competitive athlete to a holistic coach focusing on men's vitality and strength. He discusses the importance of personal experiences in shaping his understanding of health, the significance of men's work, and the balance between discipline and play. The dialogue emphasizes the need for connection, the power of solitude versus isolation, and the role of devotion in personal growth. Check out more from Mike at: https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/

Welcome to the Strength Connection. Tony Pascolla is a Physical Education teacher (Chicago,IL), strength coach, StrongFirst Kettlebell & Barbell Instructor, personal trainer, and carnivore/fasting coach. He is also the host of the Primal Foundations Podcast, where he explores topics related to strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle optimization (which I’ve had the privilege of being a guest on.) In this episode, Tony dives into early days of endurance training, what wrestling taught him about mindset for competition, completing the IronMan, and his evolution of teaching in Strength. Follow Tony at: Website: https://www.primalfoundations.com/ Instagram: @tony_primalfoundations Podcast: Primal Foundations Podcast

Welcome to the Strength Connection! One of the most popular guests ever to come on the show, Geoff Neupert of Chasing Strength is back for the 3rd time on the podcast. Geoff’s ability to refine, and articulate the principles of strengths is top shelf, and has been a huge help to me and many others in strength, health and fitness. In this episode, I wanted to take some of the lessons he’s given on his Youtube channel, and dive deeper into them, specifically with staying healthy and strong over 40 years old and entering this new season of life. Check out more from Geoff on his IG and Youtube Channel IG: https://www.instagram.com/geoff.neupert/# Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeoffNeupert

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Jim Laird is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach with a career spanning back to 1997. He has helped everyone from casual fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes in the NFL, CFL, LPGA, and MLB achieve their goals. Jim's unique approach focuses on getting results efficiently. His motto, "Training Smarter, Not Harder," has resonated with both clients and industry experts. In recent years, he has teamed up with Dr. Leland Stillman to combine fitness coaching with medical insights, promoting a holistic approach to health through fitness and outdoor activities. Now living in beautiful Nicaragua, Jim works with a local professional baseball team while focusing on helping men over 40 improve their health and fitness. He also supports women in finding a balanced approach to wellness. Check out more from Jim at: https://www.vitalitybrotherhood.com https://www.vitalitysisterhood.com

Welcome to the Strength Connection! I’ve been a fan of the message and insights that James Cappola has created for a while, so it was truly special to have him come on the podcast. James is the owner of Zero Shortcuts Training, and a coach dedicated to the truth and principles of the client/coach relationship and the power of kindness and empathy. Check out James at: zeroshortcutstraining.com IG: @james_cappola

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Danny Lehr is a speaker, entrepreneur, author, and former competitive athlete who’s obsessed with helping people accomplish their biggest dreams… one hour at a time. He’s the author of Win Your Next Hour, a high-impact guide for getting unstuck and taking bold action when life feels overwhelming. As the co-founder of the lifestyle brand Caffeine & Kilos, Danny has built a multimillion-dollar business, coached elite athletes and high performers, and shared stages with leaders across business and sport. Check out more from Danny at: HTTPS://WinYourNextHour.com IG: @danny_lehr

Welcome to the Strength Connection! One of the most anticipated episodes of the show, Frank Parisi joins me to talk faith, abundance, and coming back from the dead to live on purpose. A motivational keynote speaker and networking mogul, Frank brings his expertise to life by giving the blueprint from recovery to fulfillment. Alongside his storytelling of personal hardship as a recovered addict and growing up in the streets of New York City, he continues to offer private, nationwide consulting as a self-made entrepreneur. As a young adult heart transplant survivor, his passion and dedication to helping others achieve their goals has changed thousands of lives within the past 13 years. I wanted to run through a wall from the energy of this conversation. Check out more from Frank at: https://frank-parisi.com/ IG: @frankparisi2011

Welcome to the Strength Connection! David Amerland is a writer focused on how human behavior is shaped by modern forces, especially technology, and how that shift impacts our health, culture, and stories. After building a career in marketing and publishing several successful business books, he expanded into the wellness space with Built to Last , a practical guide to health, longevity, and intentional living. Check out more of David’s work at: https://davidamerland.com/

Welcome to the Strength Connection! I true renaissance woman is the best way to describe Amy Guerrier. Professional Hula-Hooper, clown, top tier high performance coach, and lives full-time on a boat documenting her experiences on her Youtube Channel AbsoBOATely fabulous, Amy is a wealth of knowledge and insight into the power of play, breath, and mindset. Check out more of Amy at: IG: absoboatelyfabulous YT: https://www.youtube.com/@absoboatlyfabulous

Welcome to the Strength Connection! This was one of the most insightful and interesting conversations about communication I’ve had on the show. Dr. Sara Erdner is Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CPMC), and PhD in Sports Psychology and Motor behavior, and the Author of Dear Coach: What I wish I could have told you. Dr. Erdner ​​asked athletes one question: What do you wish you could have told your coach but, for whatever reason, never did? Athletes responded to this question via confidential letters, providing a wealth of knowledge for coaches, sport administrators, and all who care for athletes. From heartfelt thank-you letters to painful accusations and everything in between, Dear Coach gives athletes a rare platform in the sports reform debate, beginning a much-needed conversation between athletes and coaches directly. Check out more from Dr. Sara at: https://www.dearcoachbook.com/about

Welcome to the Strength Connection! Howard Falco is a spiritual teacher, mental strength coach, and the author of I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are and Time in a Bottle: Mastering the Experience of Life. Howard teaches next-level mindfulness to individuals, and college, Olympic, and professional athletes and coaches in almost every sport including MLB, NFL, PGA and LPGA Tour, NBA, NCAA Football. Over the last twenty years, his insights on the power of the mind have produced groundbreaking results in sports and significant positive life changes in thousands of people who have come to know his work. Howard dives into his newest book Invincible, overcoming self-limits, and the key traits that separates those that consistently succeed and those that consistently struggle.