Get comfortable with your own mortality.

While many people seem to act as if they will live forever, this is simply not the way things work. No one in history has ever escaped the ultimate exit plan - death. Along with birth, it is the defining characteristic of human life which unites all people regardless of class, religion, or nationality.

Despite it's certainty, however, few people contemplate the reality of death because it's too grim. But what if something as certain and universal as mortality could be harnessed as a tool to build your strength and resolve? What if reflecting on your imminent death allowed you to fully engage in life? These questions are at the core of today's episode; how to use Momento Mori and reflection on your own mortality to eliminate excuses and clarify your actions. When you accept that the next breath could be your last, suddenly it becomes easier to quit those bad habits that aren't serving you, and double down on what you know to be your true calling!

A few resources that are mentioned throughout this episode:

1. Mike wrote an article on the topic of Momento Mori for Breaking Muscle - you can read it here: http://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/memento-mori-a-simple-practice-for-a-complex-time

2. If you want to learn more about the 12 Labors Project, and the physical tasks that Mike has completed while use Momento Mori as a strategy to keep moving forward even under inconceivable physical stress, follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mikemccastle/?hl=en

3. If you want to dive deeper into the history and cultural significance of Momento Mori, The Daily Stoic has a great piece which you can read here: https://dailystoic.com/history-of-memento-mori/

We hope you enjoy the show, and until next time - We wish you strength, and good health!

Want more content? Follow Dr. David on Instagram: @dr.davidskolnik.dpt

On Episode 2 of The Essential Strength Podcast, David & Mike sit down (virtually, of course) with Brian Buck, Director of Sports at Sparta Science.

The conversation starts with an exploration of Brian's path to his current position; his education, his time as an outfielder in the Major League Baseball system, his mentors in the field of sports science, and his work as a Strength & Conditioning Coach in the pro sports industry.

From there, the conversation shifts specifically to Sparta Science - what they do, and who they aim to serve. Sparta Science is a data collection company that creates predictive models for injury risk and performance enhancement. They work with professional and collegiate sports teams, the military, and the general population to advance our understanding of why we get hurt, how we get hurt, and what we can do to reduce our risk while improving our performance whether that be on the field as an NFL Linebacker, or off the field as a mom who wants to play with her kids pain free.

Mike and Brian discuss the future of Sparta Science, and sports science in a greater sense, where Brian sees people truly "owning their data" and being empowered to adjust their risk factors without the need of a coach in many situations.

Finally, as the first guest on The Essential Strength Podcast, Brian gets the be the first to answer the closing question - "What is one weakness you are currently working to improve?"

RESOUCES

For more on Sparta Science, check them out here - https://spartascience.com/

Brian was particularly excited about their blog, which is chalk full of resources primarily targeting the general population, those of us who aren't pro athletes - https://spartascience.com/resources

To connect with Brian, find him on Instagram and Twitter - @brianbuck6 on both platforms, or e-mail him directly at [email protected].

Enjoy the Show!

Want more content? Follow Dr. David on Instagram: @dr.davidskolnik.dpt

Welcome to the FIRST episode of The Essential Strength Podcast. 

In this episode, David & Mike introduce themselves and share their backgrounds, including the vital role that STRENGTH has played during challenging times in their lives as well as how they have found the strength to succeed both personally and professionally.

As the conversation evolves, David & Mike discuss the power of the mind to turn even the most bleak situations into joyful memories, the importance of finding footholds to climb out of despair, and how mental strength is a practice, not something that comes overnight.

Mike also makes an announcement about his upcoming 7th Labor, which will be his most challenging yet. You'll definitely want to stay tuned for that!

Hope you enjoy this inaugural episode of The Essential Strength Podcast.

Want more content? Follow Dr. David on Instagram: @dr.davidskolnik.dpt