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The Mad Scientist of Muscle is back…

If you are looking for some new muscle building methods, this is the guy to listen to!

Our friend Nick Nilsson has released a new book titled, Return to Prime – Reset Your Muscle Clock Back 20 Years.

So naturally we just named the episode after his book 😉

Every stone has been turned over and every corner of the globe explored. 

Nick is known as the mad scientist of muscle because he tries EVERYTHING possible to naturally build muscle from his home gym.

And he has gotten pretty darn good at it over the last 20+ years!

If you are not familiar with Nick, we encourage you to go back and listen to past episodes listed below and be sure to follow him on IG, FB and YouTube for more of his extraordinary content.

Past episodes with Nick:

Ep 282 – The MAD Scientist of Muscle ft. Nick Nilsson

Ep 41 – Metamorphosis – Rebuilding Your Body from the Inside Out with Nick Nilsson

Time Stamps

01:01 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
 01:44 – Meet today’s special guest, Nick Nilsson
 05:38 – Nick shares insights into the gaps and mistakes in his training
 10:59 – Maximizing training with simple equipment
 15:43 – Understanding sarcopenia and how to maintain muscle mass
 20:30 – The effects of disrupting testosterone levels
 26:19 – Discovering Angiogenesis Training and its benefits
 34:06 – An introduction to Connective Tissue Training
 43:42 – What is Hyperplasia Training, and how does it work?
 47:20 – Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers: What’s the difference?
 50:53 – Understanding Nervous System Efficiency Training
 58:59 – Controlled overtraining - Accumulation vs. Intensification
 1:01:45 – What’s the main purpose of Return to Prime? Nick explains
1:09:41 – Want more from Nick Nilsson? Visit his website to learn more
1:11:14 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

·         Check out Nick’s book, Return to Prime

Connect with Nick:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

·         YouTube

Connect with Chris:

·          Instagram

·          Facebook

Support the show

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

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She is a FORCE to be reckoned with… 

She is small but MIGHTY and a pocket-sized POWERHOUSE. 

Suzanne Hartwig-Gary embodies all of this and more.

But you can just call her Sioux-z.

Sioux-z has been in competitive lifting for 35 years. In that time, she has done 33 international competitions:

1 – Pan American, 2 – World Games, 2 – NAPF (North American Powerlifting Fed.), and 28 - World Championship Competitions (once WDFPF)

She is an 8-time World Champion, 2-time NAPF Champion, 33-time National Champion and a World Record Holder in multiple lifts!

In 2010 Sioux-z was inducted into the USAPL Women’s Hall of Fame.

She is the recipient of the Brother Bennett Award (a prestigious honor by USA Powerlifting recognizing extraordinary individuals in the sport).

Sioux-z is also a personal and head coach to multiple World Champions. 

There is so much more to say about this outstanding human being so let’s dive into the conversation with today’s host Jo ‘Animal’ Miller.

A few past SBD episodes hosted / guested by Jo Miller:

Ep 385 – Believe Big, Love Heals ft. Jo ‘Animal’ Miller

Ep 228 – Never Defeated: It’s About the Size of the Fight Inside ft. Jo and Matt Miller

Ep 217 – An Unbreakable Bond for Life ft. Jo Miller

Time Stamps

01:05 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:29 - Meet today’s special guest, Suzanne Hartwig-Gary, aka Sioux-z
03:15 - Host Jo Miller shares how she first met Sioux-z
07:31 - How she got into lifting and eventually powerlifting
15:00 - Do you need to be genetically gifted to excel in powerlifting?
18:22 - Sioux-z’s secret to effortlessly connect with people
25:16 - What gave Sioux-z the courage to move across the country
29:33 - Sioux-z shares what fueled her competitive drive
36:26 - Sioux-z's story about her mother and competing after her passing
44:42 - How to master the art of discipline
54:22 - Guess Sioux-z's best raw squat!?
56:34 - How to handle 'game day' pressure like a Pro
1:05:40 - What do Game Day coaches actually do?
1:13:50 - Sioux-z shares her journey to a World Record
1:19:30 - Her go-to music playlist revealed
1:23:10 - Jo delivers a heartfelt message
1:25:25 - Follow and learn more about Sioux-z on social media
1:26:56 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Connect with Sioux-z:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

Connect with Jo:

·          Instagram

·          Facebook

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

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Being a parent is hard. 
 
As a Christian parent, we desire to raise our kids to know and love Jesus. Does God have a plan or give any direction when it comes to raising our kids? 
 
Pastor Anthony McDaniel joins us today on the Strong by Design Podcast in order to share his personal insights on what he and his wife did to raise three girls who continue to follow Jesus as adults. 
 
Trust me, if you are looking for God’s design for parenting, you do not want to miss listening to this episode. 

Past episode:

Ep 344 – When did Jesus Leave the Government? Ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel

Time Stamps

00:44 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!

01:07 - Meet today’s special guest, Pastor Anthony McDaniel

02:47 - Opening prayer from Jared

04:07 - Pastor Anthony shares his beginnings

12:25 - How discipline & setting boundaries early shapes your child’s future

16:18 - Is 'physical' discipline ever appropriate?

24:21 - Does parenting ever really stop?

34:39 - Parenting with heart—how do you do it?

40:33 - Teaching kids to use technology in a healthy way

49:52 - How self-discipline brings life

55:15 - Should we always favor the new over the old?

58:46 - Pastor Anthony reveals his parenting secret

1:06:42 - Understanding the Great Commission

1:10:53 - What does 'discipleship' really mean?

1:14:55 - Speaking a blessing over your child at 13—why it matters

1:21:30 - Why the hierarchy in the home is rarely discussed today

1:26:26 - Why patriarchy matters

1:31:53 - How we can bring revival and transformation to our country

1:37:10 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Connect with Pastor Anthony:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

Connect with Jared:

·          Instagram

·          Facebook

Connect with Chris:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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

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Dr. Heather Stone DC is one of the top functional medicine practitioners in the world. 

She has over 20 years of clinical experience in private practice. During that time, she has successfully helped thousands of women overcome the symptoms of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her thyroid transformation blueprint has been used by hundreds of doctors, and thus has helped countless women return to happy, healthy, & lean. 

Her mission is to change the face of healthcare through her private practice, books, masterclasses, webinars, education programs, and retreats on her ranch in Texas.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather Stone, DC, one of the world’s leading functional medicine practitioners, to uncover the secrets of healthful longevity. With over two decades of clinical experience and a globally recognized thyroid transformation blueprint, Dr. Stone has helped thousands of women reclaim their health and vitality. 

This conversation is rich with actionable insights on how to maintain energy, prevent disease, and age with grace and strength. Whether you're in your prime or planning for the years ahead, Dr. Stone’s expertise and passion will leave you feeling empowered to make health decisions that can extend and enhance your life.

Time Stamps

00:37 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
1:01 – Meet today’s special guest, Dr. Heather Stone
02:45 – What inspired & motivated Dr. Stone to start a private practice
05:45 – What happens when you share your feelings and others dismiss them
08:34 – How can you pay attention to your body and its symptoms
14:45 – How does STRESS help or harm you?
19:21 – What the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems do
24:13 – The long-term impact of healing your body
30:03 – Health: Is it a path or a finish line?
34:41 – The KEY to preserving brain function and muscle mass
39:49 – Ways to maximize your quality of life
44:56 – Why looks don’t always reflect true health
45:55 – Dr. Stone explains how thyroid hormones work
54:24 – What should you do when you know something isn’t right
58:11 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

·       ReverseMyCondition.com

·       Thyroid Transformation Quick-Start

Connect with Dr. Stone:

·       Instagram

·       Facebook

Connect with Tonya:

·        Instagram

·         Facebook

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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

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1 month into the new year... now what?!
 
New Years resolution episodes are a plenty on podcasts everywhere in January... in fact we have made them before ourselves. 

So how about an episode dedicated to people already giving up and throwing in the towel on their 2025 goals and dreams after 30 days. The statistics are not optimistic.

Maybe we need to change the language from resolution to commitment to get the results we are after?

Creating lofty goals and dreaming big isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The trouble is that to make those goals and dreams a reality we need specific steps to get there. 

And acting without those tactical action steps in place leads nowhere fast!

Today Jared Haley and Chris Wilson talk about what is going on and the possible ways to fix the often-broken process.

“Just because I didn’t do it yesterday, doesn’t mean I couldn’t do it today.” 

 — Chris Wilson

Time Stamps

00:42 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
 01:06 - Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for today’s special episode
 03:47 - New Year’s buzz: Goals, dreams, and fresh starts - Day 30
 06:47 - End of the chapter: What’s on people’s minds?
 09:29 - What About Bob? Jared’s thoughts on this classic movie
11:36 - What truly drives people?
17:09 - Sorting it out: What are your real priorities?
19:57 - Redefining the everyday: “Have to” or “Get to”?
24:45 - Chris shares his 40-day challenge: Lessons and wins
29:50 - Unveiling TRUTH through scripture
32:10 - How to set healthy boundaries
36:16 - Are you ready to embrace change?
39:23 - Why a made bed can change your day
43:32 - Final Thought - How a 100-day challenge can transform you
46:20 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Connect with Jared:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

Connect with Coach Chris:

·          Instagram

·          Facebook

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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

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So, what are the Dangers and Pitfalls of not making time for YOU?

In this episode coach Chris Wilson explores the concept of ‘Me Time’ and how valuable this is for your soul and for those depending on us to be at our best. And this is not a selfish practice but a necessary one.

Self-care eludes many of us because all too often we find ourselves so focused on other people, other things, and other responsibilities that we mistakenly neglect our own needs. But those needs don’t just vanish because we’re ignoring them.

It is always the right time to closely examine your life and find the time to feed and nurture your soul. You cannot add more hours to the day but you can add more value to your hours. It’s time to evaluate how you’re spending your time each day and to start doing what’s necessary to fill your cup so that you can pour into others.

"Your relationships with the people you spend the most time with will be 100% negatively affected if you don't set aside time for yourself to do the things that fill your cup." — Chris Wilson

Time Stamps

00:33 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
 00:58 - Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode
 02:19 - What happens when you neglect yourself?
 06:07 - How to balance hustle and relationships
 10:02 - What builds a better version of YOU
 13:19 - The value of sleep and engaging in regular physical activity
 17:55 - The dangers and pitfalls of neglecting self-care
 21:00 - Discovering your joy and doing what you love
 24:47 - Why neglecting self-care can harm your health
 27:18 - Embracing what you love without guilt
 29:00 - Strategies for setting priorities in your life
 34:56 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!


Connect with Coach Chris:

·          Instagram

·          Facebook

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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• Facebook
• Instagram
• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Our most compelling, eye opening, thought provoking and controversial episodes of the year…

2024 was another extraordinary year for the Strong By Design podcast filled with some truly powerful conversations. So, we simply looked at the most downloaded episodes of the year and compiled a Top Ten list for your enjoyment!

While we don’t do a ‘Best Of’ episode every year on SBD, we felt 2024 deserved it and we hope you find this special New Year’s Day episode entertaining as it gives you a glimpse into what our show is all about covering all things Body, Mind and Spirit. 

This Top Ten list has some remarkable people speaking truth about God, thinking big, mindset training, finding true health, having a passion for fitness and much much more!

Thank you very much for listening and following our show. We are grateful for you and hope that the Strong By Design experience is providing value in your life.

1. Ep 351 - Master Your Marriage  
2. Ep 352 - Killing it in Health & Fitness 
3. Ep 361 - Transgender and the Battle for Identity  
4. Ep 344 - When did Jesus Leave the Government?
5. Ep 348 - Falling Short: A Failed Pastor's Journey to Restoration  
6. Ep 349 - Vote with Your Fork! Naturally Prevent Disease & Illness  
7. Ep 343 - Breathing for Better Sleep  
8. Ep 346 - Seeds of Hope - Sowing Life, Love and Laughter 
9. Ep 350 - How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?
10. Ep 353 - Release Your Diet Baggage with God's Grace 

"We don't let them choose what food to eat. We don't let them choose whether or not they're going to go to school. But we're going to let them pick their gender?" 

— Pastor Daryl Black

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:07 - Join host Chris Wilson for today’s exciting episode, where he introduces the Top 10 episodes of the year
04:08 - Divine Institution: How Marriage mirrors the process of becoming a better spouse
05:04 - Marriage Masterclass: The goal and mission of parents
08:25 - Dan shares insights on how to learn from your failures
09:24 - Billionaires vs Millionaires: What is the difference?
12:05 - Pastor Daryl Black shares the TV effect and how transgender representation shapes society
15:43 - The Guiding Principles: Why we should read and follow practitioners
21:20 - Discover the two main passages of Spiritual Leadership with Pastor Anthony McDaniel
24:30- Jeff shares the two highest callings in life
28:22- Correcting the misconception and understanding of what is love and discipline
31:39 - Nutrition is Key: How did Jennifer get started in fitness and wellness
35:13 - Zach highlights the significance of sleep
35:58 - Find out why people's brains can't shut off
38:58 - John shares insights on building a relationship with God and responding to His calling
44:44 - Fixed mindset vs Growth mindset: Ways to keep mentally fit
46:52 - Dan discusses what it takes to be a great leader
51:11 - Why do we need God's grace in our eating
54:13  - How to align body image with God's word
57:12 - Brandice shares that 'God is the weight loss plan'
1:01:12 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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• Facebook
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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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We are not meant to live a life of solitude but of community.

Most of us long for connection with others. To be included, to be part of something bigger than ourselves. And there is no time of the year where this feeling of togetherness and relationship is stronger than Christmas time.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson have a conversation about the importance of finding your people in life.

The two greatest commandments in the bible, to love God and to love others. Both require community.

Remember, Jesus is not just the reason for the season, Jesus is the reason period. 

It is only through Jesus that we are able to enter into a space of eternal acceptance and community. It is only through Jesus we can uphold the most important commandments.
 
 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” - Genesis 1:26
 
 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. - Revelation 21:3

"The reality is that we need people and connection, even if it's just with a few."    — Jared Haley

Time Stamps

00:37 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
 01:00 - Join Hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for today’s exciting Christmas special episode
 03:24 - Why community matters and its true importance
 10:12 - How single and married folks connect differently
 13:54 - Unwrapping the true meaning of Christmas
 21:21 - The power of getting kids into the Bible
 27:52 - How to courageously stand for Jesus in public
 31:42 - How to show that we are strong by design
 39:07 - From gangster to grace: A life changed by a small group
 43:30 - What is the missing piece in life's puzzle?
 45:30 - What is the true meaning behind the season?
 47:03 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Support the show

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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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As the global population ages, brain health is becoming a critical focus.

What we must all realize is the role that exercise plays in our ability to maintain and improve cognitive function as we age. Our ability to move and play might just be the number one factor in slowing down the brain’s age.

The latest research continues to show that various exercise strategies positively impact brain health and overall cognitive function.

Today on Strong By Design, we welcome Dr. Cody Sipe from the Functional Aging Institute (FAI). Cody is the co-founder of FAI along with Dan Ritchie. Their mission is to educate health and fitness professionals about the aging population and how exercise is key in the longevity of their client base. FAI, established in 2013, also provides these health experts with an online platform and live events for continuous learning and growth opportunities.

Host of this week’s episode is coach Chris Wilson, who is very familiar with FAI, having both a Brain Health Trainer and Mastering Movement Disorders certification through FAI. Discover how to unlock your brain’s full power by enhancing cognitive function through exercise!

Cody Sipe has an extensive background in the fitness industry with 20 years of experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, program director, exercise physiologist and club owner. He is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Research in the physical therapy program at Harding University.

“More and more people are realizing how important power training for older adults is.” -Dr. Cody Sipe

Time Stamps

00:47 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
 01:10 - Meet today’s special guest, Dr. Cody Sipe co-founder of Functional Aging Institute (FAI)
 04:31 - Discover the factors that contribute to improving our cognitive function
 08:09 - Dr. Cody shares the story of how FAI was founded
 10:12 - Discussing the significant impact you can have on a person's life and well-being
 17:30 - Strategies for attracting people with strong expertise
 20:16 - What is power training?
 24:54 - Why is it crucial to build healthy exercise habits early in life
 31:58 - Physical job vs Desk job: Which one wins?
 35:48 - Dr. Cody highlights success stories from his program
 38:17 - What challenges does physical therapy face with older adults
 40:00 - Why should we treat exercise like kids do as we age
 44:20 - How to combine technology with brain and body training
 48:23 - Older adults’ greatest fear revealed
 51:26 - Follow Dr. Cody to learn more about his work and FAI
 52:31 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

·         FunctionalAgingInstitute.com

Connect with Dr. Cody:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

·         YouTube

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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• Facebook
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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Mr. Super Human Life himself is back at the Critical Bench Compound!

We welcome back our old friend Frank Rich to the Strong By Design podcast for his 4th time behind the mic.

In the past few years since his last visit, Frank has grown his platform Rebuilt Recovery which continues to help men struggling with their porn addiction. Today we discuss how the gut plays a huge role in our brain function, mental clarity and decision making when it comes to pornography.

Frank also talks about how our nervous system is negatively affected by this impulse and some of the best natural ways we can begin to positively improve our overall health and lifestyle. 

Ultimately if you think porn isn’t a bad thing, are not sure ‘if’ you are addicted, or know ‘why’ porn is bad to begin with, you should go back and listen to Frank in The Truth About Porn - Part 1 and Part 2 – which are Episode 109 and Episode 213 respectively.

"When you get healthier and clean up your gut, you think differently and see the world more efficiently. Not only will you see porn for what it really is, but you'll also see it as a damaging thing." — Frank Rich

Time Stamps

00:33 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
 00:57 - Meet today’s special guest, Frank Rich of ‘The Super Human Life’ podcast
 04:00 - Frank’s podcast journey with us: How it all began
 07:39 - Frank’s incredible transformation story
 10:16 - Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle
 11:56 - Trials that shaped Frank’s mission to help others
 15:28 - The hidden struggles and shortcomings of broken people
 23:06 - How gut health connects to brain function and porn addiction
 26:50 - Unlocking the healing power of fasting
 35:10 - Does healing your gut change how you see porn?
 40:58 - What role does the nervous system play in all this?
 45:16 - Dive into the effects of ice baths
 54:26 - Frank’s toughest challenge in helping others
 58:08 - How to become the best version of yourself
 01:07:12 - Addressing pornography and becoming a better parent
 01:15:30 - Connect with Coach Frank Rich on social media and learn more about his work
 01:17:43 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

·         Rebuilt Recovery

·         The Super Human Life Podcast

Connect with Frank:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook

·         YouTube

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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