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What can George Washington’s early setbacks teach us about grit, ambition, and purpose?

In this shorter episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Mike Westerdal and Stephen Ohocinski share their reactions to the film Young Washington. They discuss the young leader’s repeated failures, his refusal to give up, and the role faith may have played in shaping his path. Along the way, they offer candid thoughts on the movie’s storytelling and battle scenes, and consider how perseverance can turn disappointment into growth.

It’s a lively conversation about history, faith, and the determination to keep going when the road ahead is anything but clear.

Time Stamps
00:00 – How divine protection shaped young Washington
00:50 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
01:15 – Join hosts Mike Westerdal and Stephen Ohocinski for today’s special episode
01:50 – Meet the story behind 'Young Washington'
02:48 – What historical films can teach us
05:18 – Why independent films tell different stories
07:48 – How failure shapes ambition
10:55 – The making of a young leader
14:43 – Why resilience changes everything
20:36 – What failure can teach us
23:41 – How warfare changed early America
27:18 – Can art be separated from the artist?
28:08 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

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The conversation continues in Part 2 as Coach Chris Wilson and Jared Haley sit down with Pastor Anthony McDaniel to explore what faithful Christian engagement should actually look like in a culture increasingly shaped by competing ideas, ideologies, and political division. 

Anthony explains why self-restraint matters, how Christians should think about the proper role and limits of government, and why passion without wisdom can become counterproductive. 

The conversation then turns toward Christian leadership, the ideas shaping our culture, and what history can teach us about the consequences of ideology. Chris, Jared, and Anthony also examine how crises reveal leadership, why simply creating believers isn't enough if we're not making disciples, and how Christians should respond when major cultural events challenge their convictions. 

One of the most important themes of the conversation is learning to stand firmly for truth without abandoning grace and understanding how disagreement, when handled properly, can actually strengthen our convictions. 

As the episode comes to a close, the discussion turns toward a question we all need to consider: What can bring divided communities back together? 

Part 2 is a challenging conversation about leadership, conviction, responsibility, and what it means to live out your faith beyond the walls of the church.

Time Stamps

0:00 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
 00:10 – Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley with special guest Pastor Anthony McDaniel [Part 2]
 00:30 – Why does self-restraint matter?
 02:40 – How much power should government have?
 04:00 – Know when protection becomes a responsibility
 08:59 – Why passion alone isn’t enough
 11:08 – What makes a strong Christian leader?
 15:01 – The ideas shaping our culture
 19:40 – What can history teach us?
 24:36 – How ideology changes the way we think
 27:48 – The mistake that weakens persuasion
 32:32 – What crisis reveals about leadership
 36:01 – Are we making disciples or just believers?
 42:38 – How should Christians respond to major events?
 45:14 – Can you stand for truth without losing grace?
 50:08 – Why disagreement can strengthen your convictions
 52:08 – What can bring communities back together?
 54:22 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

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Should Christians stay out of politics or has that mindset caused the church to retreat from its responsibility to engage culture? 

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Coach Chris Wilson and Jared Haley sit down with Pastor Anthony McDaniel to tackle one of the most important questions facing Christians today: What does faithful engagement with culture and government actually look like?

The conversation begins by challenging the popular image of “Hippie Jesus” before moving into Anthony’s own journey from professional trumpet player to pastor and the political awakening that changed how he viewed his responsibility as a Christian. 

Together, they unpack the biblical meaning of the separation of church and state, five common mistakes Christians make when thinking about politics, the Great Commission, and what churches can learn from successful sports organizations. 

They also take a closer look at the Parable of the Talents, personal responsibility, success beginning at home, and why pastors have a responsibility to provide moral clarity. The conversation closes by examining the often-misunderstood idea of “Christian nationalism” and what it means to live faithfully as both a Christian and a citizen. 

This is only Part 1… Please come back for Part 2 as the conversation continues. Part 2 releases on Saturday, September 19th!

Time Stamps

00:00 – The “Hippie Jesus” myth vs. reality
 00:33 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
 01:12 – Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley with special guest Pastor Anthony McDaniel [Part 1]
 02:40 – A prayer for truth, guidance, and strength
 04:18 – From professional trumpet player to pastor
 05:10 – What sparked a political awakening in 2008?
 07:53 – Addressing cultural issues in the church
 12:25 – Why are Christians pushed toward political passivity?
 15:57 – Understanding the separation of church and state
 18:28 – The history behind the King James Bible
 21:10 – Five common mistakes Christians make about politics
 23:00 – Re-examining the Great Commission
 28:38 – What churches can learn from sports organizations
 33:23 – What the Parable of the Talents teaches
 39:00 – The Parable of the Talents and socialism
 46:44 – How success starts at home
 50:08 – Why pastors should provide moral clarity
 52:38 – Understanding “Christian nationalism”
 56:45 – Faith, citizenship, and everyday life
 58:16 – Come back for Part 2 and leave ratings and reviews for the SBD podcast!

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What happens when a culture loses its grip on objective reality? 

On this episode of Strong By Design, Coach Chris Wilson welcomes back Dr. Frank Turek for his fifth appearance on the podcast to discuss his provocative new book, The War on Reality. You can preorder the book at the link below!

Frank is a Christian apologist, author, speaker, and founder of CrossExamined.org, and he has spent decades defending the truth claims of Christianity using reason, evidence, and logic. 

In this conversation, Frank explains why he believes the battle we're facing today goes much deeper than politics or cultural disagreement. It is ultimately a battle over truth, reality, human identity, morality, family, information, and even our understanding of what it means to be human. Chris and Frank explore what happens when subjective feelings begin to outrank objective facts, whether technology and artificial intelligence have made it harder to know what is true, and whether a free society can survive without a shared understanding of reality. 

They also discuss the role Christians have played in this cultural moment, why defending truth requires more than simply knowing what you believe, and how we can equip the next generation to think critically in a world increasingly confused about truth. If you've ever wondered why the cultural battles of our day seem to go far deeper than politics, this conversation with Dr. Frank Turek will give you plenty to think about.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Why “your truth” can’t define reality
00:49 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
01:12 – Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Frank Turek
02:48 – The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk
05:00 – Why is culture changing?
07:01 – Can 'feelings' change biological reality?
09:28 – How postmodernism changes the way we see truth
12:35 – How modernism led to postmodernism
15:00 – Are Christians partly responsible for cultural decline?
17:28 – What socialism gets wrong about human nature
20:07 – Why work and incentives matter
22:55 – Can we really customize reality?
24:25 – Finding peace through grief and loss
28:44 – Why rebellion is a deeper problem than death
31:09 – What history says about culture and civilization
33:07 – What the numbers reveal about America
37:08 – How language changes the way we see reality
39:00 – Can AI be trusted to tell the truth?
41:11 – What happens when students use AI to cheat?
43:19 – How can we know God exists?
45:37 – Get a closer look at The War on Reality (pre-order!)
48:55 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

Get the book – The War on Reality:

https://thewaronreality.com/

Frank’s past episodes:

Ep 65 Stealing from God

Ep 186 Is the 'Cancel Culture' Loving or Unloving and How Do We Respond?

Ep 238 Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God

Ep 310 Correct, Not Politically Correct

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What does it really mean to live a strong life? 

Is it physical strength, a healthy body, a strong marriage, meaningful relationships, a life of purpose, resilient faith… or maybe all of it? 

In this special Strong By Design episode, Coach Chris Wilson revisits six powerful conversations from some of the show’s most popular episodes over the past few years. 

From health and fitness to purpose, legacy, family, faith, resilience, and the choices that shape who we become, these conversations reveal that true strength goes far beyond muscle. 

These are some of the most memorable lessons, stories, and insights from the Strong By Design journey and a reminder that becoming stronger is about every area of life.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
 00:30 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special episode
 01:15 – A look back at the past 2+ years
 03:05 – What true strength really means
 04:17 – The power of the one-minute workout
 07:20 – Navigating fitness after big life changes
 09:15 – Building lifelong exercise habits
 11:37 – A biblical approach to time management
 15:10 – Intentional living vs. watching the clock
 17:50 – Uncovering your true purpose
 19:34 – How to build a lasting family legacy
 22:49 – Behind the scenes with Jody Maberry
 28:15 – Daily habits that leave a mark
 33:15 – Learning to walk in gratitude and faith
 35:25 – Escaping the "if-only" mindset
 40:20 – Finding hope in hard times
 42:32 – Secrets to mastering your marriage
 48:30 – The impact of strong home foundations
 51:15 – Yearly rituals that strengthen relationships
 58:32 – How to overcome life's deepest wounds
 1:03:40 – The healing power of support systems
 1:07:30 – How emotions, love, and laughter speed up healing
 1:12:32 – Bringing it together: The 6 Key Pillars
 1:14:40 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

Featured Episodes:

Ep 38 One-Minute Interval Workouts with Meredith Shirk

Ep 379 How You Spend Your Time will Shape Your Purpose ft. Jared Haley

Ep 329 Why I wrote a letter to my kids every day since they were born ft. Jody Maberry

Ep 386 What Does the Bible Say About Gratitude? Thanksgiving Day Special 🦃

Ep 351 Master Your Marriage ft. Robert & Sharla Snow

Ep 385 Believe Big, Love Heals ft. Jo 'Animal' Miller

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America is celebrating 250 years of freedom but what does it actually take for a nation to remain free? 

In this thought-provoking solo episode, Coach Chris Wilson explores the connection between personal responsibility, physical health, spiritual clarity, and the strength of a free society. He challenges listeners to consider whether a culture that is physically unhealthy, spiritually confused, and easily offended can truly sustain the liberties it has inherited. 

Along the way, Chris reflects on how America has changed since its founding, examining where we've grown stronger, where we've grown weaker, and why character matters more than comfort. He also shares his perspective on delayed gratification, emotional resilience, the pursuit of absolute truth, and the forgotten virtues that once defined generations of Americans. 

Rather than focusing solely on politics, this conversation invites listeners to look inward and examine the everyday choices that shape families, communities, and ultimately the future of our country. 

If you've been searching for a message that encourages courage, discipline, faith, and personal growth, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Freedom isn't sustained by laws alone, it is sustained by people willing to live with conviction, responsibility, and purpose.

Time Stamps

00:00 – The truth about delayed gratification
0:56 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
01:23 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode
04:07 – Are we too ‘soft’ to stay free?
06:50 – Hidden connection between fitness and freedom
10:00 – Where personal responsibility meets political freedom
12:49 – Finding absolute truth in a confused world
15:57 – What real peace actually looks like (where it comes from)
20:03 – How to master your emotional control
23:53 – Is modern America stronger, weaker, or different?
31:00 – What changed since 1776?
36:00 – The most dangerous narrative threatening our culture
41:10 – How to protect what actually matters
43:50 – Rediscovering forgotten values
48:13 – The single virtue we lost along the way
51:00 – Six essential traits for the next generation
53:00 – The dark side of "winning at all costs"
55:40 – What it really takes to keep our freedom
1:00:00 - Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

Resources:

Unoffendable the book

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What does it really take to stay strong, energetic, and healthy as we age?

In this special Best of Strong By Design episode, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations on healthy aging, longevity, metabolism, muscle, and overall wellness after 40. Whether your goal is to build strength, improve your health, or simply feel your best for years to come, these expert insights will encourage and equip you on your journey.

Featured guests include:

·       Dr. Annette Bosworth ("Dr. Boz") – Ep 409 How to Fix Insulin Resistance and Take Control of Your Blood Sugar 

·       Dr. Ron Eccles – Ep 419 Peptides, GLPs & Fat Loss 

·       Nick Nilsson – Ep 397 Reset Your Muscle Clock Back 20 Years 

·       Dr. Heather Stone – Ep 394 Healthful Aging – Age with Grace & Strength 

·       Michele Riechman – Ep 375 Healthy Beyond 40 

·       Jennifer Jenkins – Ep 349 Vote with Your Fork! Naturally Prevent Disease & Illness

If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to check out each guest's full episode for even more practical wisdom and actionable advice.

Be sure to share with friends and family so they too can be Strong By Design!

Time Stamps

0:00 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

0:10 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special episode

1:00 – Healthy Aging After 40 starts here

2:33 – Can you slow your body’s aging clock?

6:54 – Hidden habits that may be lowering your hormones

14:10 – Why protein matters more after 40

18:25 – Five simple habits for a healthier life

21:52 – What your body data is trying to tell you

35:46 – Are your "healthy" foods fooling you?

38:21 – Peptides: What do they actually do?

41:56 – What’s really broken in modern healthcare?

44:55 – The weight-loss mistake most people make

46:06 – What happens after you reach your goal?

47:55 – GLP-1, GLP-2 & GLP-3: What’s the difference?

50:20 – Why your weight loss may have stalled

54:04 – Hidden toxins that could be harming your gut

1:00:50 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

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What if many of the things we blame on aging aren't caused by age at all?

In this thought-provoking solo episode of the Strong By Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson explores one of the most overlooked truths about health and longevity: the human body and brain were designed to move.

Drawing from nearly 30 years of coaching experience, his TEDx Talk, and conversations with leading experts in brain health and functional aging, Chris explains why movement is so much more than exercise. It's essential information for your brain, your muscles, your metabolism, your balance, and ultimately your independence.

You'll discover how modern lifestyles may be quietly accelerating the aging process and why it's never too late to change your trajectory.

Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond, this episode will challenge the way you think about growing older and inspire you to move with greater purpose every single day.

You'll learn:

• Why the brain was built to move and what happens when we stop 
• The surprising difference between normal aging and movement loss 
• Four essential pillars that support healthy aging and cognitive vitality 
• How balance, walking, and playful movement help keep both body and mind sharp 
• Why sleep, nutrition, and daily habits matter more than you may realize 
• A simple mindset shift that can help you age stronger, healthier, and with greater purpose 

Aging is inevitable.

How you age is influenced by the choices you make every day.

"The goal isn't simply to live longer. The goal is to continue fully participating in your life."

Time Stamps

0:00 – Why your brain was built to move
0:50 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
1:15 – Join host Chris Wilson for today's special solo episode
2:30 – 30 years of fitness lessons that still hold true
7:42 – Are you aging… or just moving less?
9:33 – Two people. Same age. Different future.
13:58 – How movement keeps your brain young
20:51 – Modern habits that quietly speed up aging
26:02 – First pillar of healthy aging
29:00 – Hidden skill that predicts independence
32:01 – Why walking is more powerful than you realize
35:26 – Why play matters more than ever
40:53 – Can movement protect your brain?
45:11 – Sleep and nutrition: the missing pillars
51:43 – Why it's never too late to start
53:58 – One final challenge to age with purpose
55:03 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

Resources:

My TEDx Talk 

Dr Charles Hillman episode

Dr Annette Bosworth episode

Dr Cody Sipe episode

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We all love the victories in life but what if the very struggles we try to avoid are actually preparing us for the triumphs we seek?

In this heartfelt solo episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson explores the powerful relationship between adversity and growth. Drawing from personal experiences, hard-earned lessons, and timeless biblical wisdom, Chris shares why life's most difficult seasons often become our greatest teachers.

When challenges arise, it's easy to feel isolated, discouraged, or even question why you're facing such hardship. But what if those trials are revealing strengths you never knew you possessed? What if the setbacks, disappointments, and moments of uncertainty are shaping you into the person God created you to become?

In this inspiring conversation, Chris discusses how adversity builds resilience, deepens empathy, strengthens faith, and provides the perspective needed to truly appreciate life's victories. He challenges listeners to view their struggles not as punishment, but as preparation and to find purpose in the process.

If you're currently walking through a difficult season, this episode will encourage you to keep going, keep growing, and keep trusting that there is meaning in the struggle.

Because sometimes the greatest reward isn't the victory itself, it's who you become on the journey toward it.

Listen now and discover why enduring the trials may be the key to experiencing your most meaningful triumphs.

Time Stamps

0:00 – Why comfort is holding you back

0:55 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

2:58 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode

3:52 – The setback that changed everything

11:10 – Mindset shift that helps you move forward

16:00 – Why hard seasons feel so isolating

17:33 – The question that changes your perspective

20:20 – A life lesson hidden in human biology

25:40 – What pressure reveals about your character

27:55 – When strength becomes a necessity

28:34 – Turning pain into purpose

32:35 – Where to find strength when you need it most

35:30 – Timeless wisdom for difficult times

40:04 – What makes victory truly meaningful

46:33 – Struggle: punishment or preparation?

48:08 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

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What if the biggest obstacle standing between you and your next breakthrough isn't your circumstances, it's the story you're telling yourself?

In this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with author, speaker, and leadership expert Kelly Moser to discuss his transformative book, Move Your BUT: The Hidden Excuses Keeping High Performers Stuck. 

Together, they unpack the mental roadblocks, limiting beliefs, and self-imposed barriers that quietly prevent people from reaching their full potential.

Kelly shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey, including a promise that took a decade to fulfill and a tragedy that forever changed his perspective. Along the way, he introduces the B.U.T. Framework and reveals the "Four Horsemen of Stagnation" which are the hidden patterns that keep even the most driven and successful people from moving forward.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season, struggling with self-doubt, battling perfectionism, or simply feeling stuck despite your achievements, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable strategies to help you break free and create meaningful momentum.

If you're ready to stop making excuses, challenge your assumptions, and move toward the life you're meant to live, this episode is for you.

Time Stamps

0:00 – Why leadership starts closer to home than you think

00:42 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

01:06 - Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Kelly Moser

6:22 – A promise that took 10 years to keep

10:30 – How one tragedy changed the course of a life

15:10 – Life-changing lessons behind "Move Your BUT"

18:56 – Why the quietest voice often gets heard

19:40 – The simple habit that clears mental clutter

25:27 – Which of the 4 traps is holding you back?

32:25 – A powerful tool for overcoming self-doubt

34:58 – Why confidence isn't an on/off switch

41:40 – What life's hardest seasons are trying to teach you

44:32 – Is perfectionism just procrastination in disguise?

55:50 – One simple shift that changes your perspective

58:01 – The framework for getting unstuck

59:03 – Why defining success is harder than you think

1:04:54 – The hidden beliefs shaping your future

1:14:03 – The action step most people avoid

1:25:15 – How to know if this message is for you

1:30:21 – Stay connected with Kelly Moser

1:32:20 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!

Resources:

Website: https://moveyourbut.com

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