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Numbing his pain with drugs and reckless behavior for nearly two decades is all Eric knew… until the day he nearly ended his own life. 

On that day with a gun in his hand he made a commitment to himself.  

Eric realized that he alone was responsible for turning things around and if he was to be the man his son and wife desperately needed, it was solely his decision. 

Find out the miraculous story of survival and transformation with guest Eric Rogers on today’s episode of the Strong By Design podcast hosted by Chris Wilson. 

 

"I've lost everything three times... your happiness comes from within you. If you can be grateful for your breath alone, you're unstoppable." -Eric Rogers 

 

Time Stamps  

00:00 – The power of finding meaning in life’s obstacles 

01:07 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

04:34 – Meet Eric Rogers, owner and founder of ‘Rogers Fitness Academy’

06:57 – Eric recounts his own childhood sexual abuse experience and how it affected him 

11:18 – How he got hooked on pain killers and how it turned into full-on drug addiction 

22:23 – Eric shares a turning point of his life 

26:53 – The power of discipline: Transform your life by replacing bad habits with good ones 

32:42 – The importance of having faith in God 

36:08 – Eric on how he got started coaching others reach peak performance by improving their fitness, nutrition & mindset 

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After 18 months and thousands of downloads it was time to have another conversation about the porn problem facing men today. 

The original episode aired in May 2020 and has become the #1 episode on the Strong By Design podcast show. So, we were happy to welcome back our brother Frank Rich to dig further into this taboo topic plaguing men everywhere. 

What happens when you relapse? Giving up porn for good isn’t just a simple decision requiring no accountability. And then when we mess up, what happens next?  

Chris Wilson and Mike Westerdal host this powerful Part 2 edition on SBD tackling more of the issues surrounding the porn epidemic and some of the amazing transformations Frank has had with his clients. 

 

"Realize that the relapse didn't just happen... a decision was made to look at pornography and a series of events led up to that moment." -Frank Rich 

 

Time Stamps  

00:00 – The dangers of porn addiction 

00:50 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 

02:17 – Get to know Frank Rich of ‘The Super Human Life’ podcast 

05:04 – Frank talks about his mission to help men break free from porn addiction through the power of faith & fitness 

08:15 – Why porn addiction is a problem? 

11:33 – Understanding porn addiction relapse 

17:02 – The importance of having an accountability partner 

22:35 – Host Chris Wilson shares his personal experience with giving up porn 

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When’s the last time you interviewed for a job? How did it go? This episode on Strong By Design discusses the mistakes many job candidates make on the day of their interview.

Remember, first impressions matter. When you’re attempting to gain employment with a small business or a large company, there are things to avoid and things you must get right. As they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

 

"Be on time, it's one of our values we don't deviate from... so being a minute late automatically eliminates people." -Mike Westerdal

 

 

Time Stamps

0:50 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

1:14 – Mike Westerdal and Samantha Harrison reveal what to AVOID in an interview

5:52 – Why you should tailor your cover letter for each job

6:31 – The importance of punctuality during an interview

08:42 – Why you should research the company before an interview

10:50 – Mike and Sam give samples of good questions to ask the employer during an interviewer

14:00 – How to make a good first impression at a job interview

15:15 – The downside of talking too much during an interview

19:16 – The power of showing enthusiasm in an interview

20:04 – Discover the biggest red flags in an interview

23:16 – The importance of being patient

25:26 – Key takeaways from the episode

 

 

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Over the course of 2021 the Strong By Design podcast has had some unbelievable and truly fascinating conversations with men and women all over the globe.

Our team takes great pride in the ability to discuss the most important issues facing the world today from physical fitness to the vaccine debate to finding joy in our lives and even what our poop is trying to tell us!

This episode is a tribute to the TOP 10 most memorable moments on the SBD podcast in 2021. Prepare to cry, laugh, get angry and feel joy in this week’s powerful show!

 

"You are Strong By Design, made in God's image to have a strong body, mind and spirit." -Team Critical Bench

 

 

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

01:58 – Rescuing the Next Generation ft. Dr. Mike Higgins

7:18 – Team Critical Bench shares their most embarrassing moment ever

14:22 – Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time? ft. Dr. John Jaquish

19:11 – The healing power of coffee enemas and sauna therapy with ‘Creatix Solutions’ founder Eileen Durfee

22:27 – Team Critical Bench weighs in whether to get the vaccine or not

29:19 – Discover the #1 move to survive & defend yourself in any situation

34:28 – Are you mentally tough?

37:22 – As Long As It Makes You Happy... ft. Bob Brubaker & John Trebino

41:10 – Understanding your gut and bowel movements with Dr. Ann Marie Barter

49:22 – Could an Eye Exam SAVE YOUR LIFE? ft. Dr. Travis Zigler

57:10 – The Bootstrap Billionaire: Randy Davis speaks about his journey from a poor working-class family to becoming a highly successful entrepreneur

1:07:59 – Key takeaways from the episode

 

 

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The struggle is seriously real when it comes to eating clean, working out consistently and developing healthy, sustainable habits. And few people understand this like today’s guest, the Educated Dieter, Will Grazione.

Will is a pro natural bodybuilder with over 10 years of experience helping people transform their lives by providing his diet and nutrition expertise. His super power along with his brilliant team of top-level coaches is actually educating his clients so that they are taught the foundational skills they need for a lifetime of healthy living and physical transformation.

Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson sit down with their friend and coach to share Will’s love and passion for helping people along with their own personal journey working with him.

"If anybody was ever to tell you, 'Hey, cut all this out!' chances are they are taking you down a slippery slope road." -Will Grazione

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast

01:06 - Meet 'The Educated Dieter's' CEO, Will Grazione 

03:44 - Will recounts where his love and passion for fitness comes from

11:16 - Will on helping people reach their health and fitness goals

14:13 - Will talks about one of his most impressive client transformations

20:29 - Will discusses what kinds of clients he works with, and how he can help them

22:30 - Will talks about the lessons learned from bodybuilding experience

30:05 - Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson's personal experiences with 'The Educated Dieter's' fat loss program

38:36 - The secret to sustainable fat loss

42:30 - The importance of tracking your macros

43:56 - Why food is not the enemy

51:14 - Will gives tips to improve your body composition

55:43 - The power of sleep

1:00:18 - Mike and Chris talk about their respective fat loss experiences through 'The Educated Dieter'

1:10:14 - Connect with Will Grazione through his social media channels, official website and podcast channel

 

Resources:

• The Educated Dieter

 

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• Facebook
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Today on Strong By Design we finish 2021 with the most POWERFRUL conversation of the year… and that’s saying a lot!

Something very special has been happening for children in Tampa, FL for over 50 years and it is our great honor at Critical Bench to share this message with you.

Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson visited Hope Children’s Home and sat down with Director Dr. Mike Higgins to talk about all the many blessings and some of the tear-jerking stories at Hope.

From Hope Children’s Home official website:

Founded in 1968, Hope Children’s Home has rescued nearly 5,000 children between the ages of infant to 18 years of age. The type of children we care for are not juvenile delinquents, but rather children that, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a situation of needed rescue. Some children simply come out of a situation where a parent just needs a little help.

We believe that a personal relationship with Christ, combined with an excellent education and a well-rounded sports program is the key to Hope’s success.

We feel that God has called us to help rebuild the broken lives of these children and to build the bridge, when possible, between home, parent, and child.

"The children see first-hand that God will never leave them nor forsake them." -Dr. Mike Higgins

Time Stamps

00:00 - The boat load of bread story 01:24 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 03:48 - 'Hope Children's Home': Providing hope and love to the next generation 10:12 - Dr. Mike Higgins recounts how he got involved with the organization 13:02 - What makes 'Hope Children's Home' different? 16:02 - Understanding the organization's mission 23:52 - What life looks like for the children in 'Hope Children's Home' 29:16 - Dr. Mike shares another 'Hope Children's Home' success story 36:58 - Dr. Mike on rescuing the next generation throughout Tampa, Honduras and New Mexico 42:57 - Dr. Mike shares what’s next for the organization 49:58 - Where you can go to donate and learn more about 'Hope Children's Home'

 

Resources:

• Hope Children’s Home

 

 

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“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” -Andy Dufresne (Shawshank Redemption)

If we don’t have hope in our lives, then what do we have and what are we living for? A great question to ponder and the topic of our conversation today on the Strong By Design podcast.

Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson are joined by friends and favorite repeat guests Bob Brubaker and John Trebino, hosts of the Powerbreak Podcast.

During the Christmas season we are reminded of the One who brought hope to the whole world and the Son of God continues to inspire hope over 2,000 years later.

  

"People today have a 'hope' that's kind of like a wish, it's not based on anything that is concrete. -Bob Brubaker

 

Time Stamps

0:00 – The power of Hope

01:59 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

07:58 – Hope: What is the biblical definition and why do we need it?

14:57 – Why should we rejoice in times of suffering?

21:25 – Mike Westerdal’s personal testimony of hope

25:38 – Bob Brubaker on what to do while waiting on God to act

28:59 – What happens when you do not have hope?

37:02 – The valley of Achor: A door of hope

39:60 – Bob, John, Mike and Chris give advice to someone who feels hopeless

46:27 – John Trebino on where hope begins

52:08 – Understanding God’s promise: ‘A Bruised Reed - Bent but not broken’

 

Resources:

• BobBrubaker.com

 

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• Facebook

 

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Is ‘life balance’ a myth or the most important goal each of us has in life?

Can you get an A+ in the buckets of life across the board (probably not) or does something have to give in all other categories if you’re going to be ‘The Best’ in any one area of your life?

This episode features Mike Westerdal, founder of Critical Bench, as he and co-host Chris Wilson explore what it means to perform at your personal best in the buckets of life; business success, at home with family, your physical fitness, spiritual walk and in all meaningful relationships personal and professional.

What is a realistic approach to all life has to offer? You don’t want to miss this conversation!

 

"It's about setting your priorities and having different seasons and not letting anything sink too small." -Mike Westerdal

 

Time Stamps

0:01 – What does it mean to live a balanced life?

1:27 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

3:30 – Is a ‘balanced life’ a myth? Founder of ‘The Critical Bench’ Mike Westerdal weighs in

10:05 – The importance of setting your priorities in life

13:02 - Why practicing self-care is important

20:14 – The power of relying on His strength

21:23 – Let's pause for a moment of scripture

22:56 – Mike on what it means to perform at your best in every area of your life

24:36 – Why you should be careful in choosing your role model in life

28:25 – How to manage and master every area of life

33:02 – Why do small things make a big difference?

 

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Matt Hammitt made one of the hardest decisions of his life 5 years ago to leave his highly successful music career to focus on his marriage and family.

Matt is a singer, songwriter, husband, father of four and now speaker. He was the singer for the band Sanctus Real for 20 yrs., from 1996 to 2016 and the recipient of 3 Dove Awards, Christian music's most coveted honor. He's also been nominated for two Grammy Awards.

But when his bands success was pulling him away from his marriage and family, Matt had to find the courage to fight to save it. This is his story.

 

"Every marriage is either moving towards isolation or oneness." -Matt Hammitt

 

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:19 – Meet Matt Hammitt, singer-songwriter and author of the book ‘LEAD ME’

9:16 – Matt recalls first meeting with wife Sarah Hammitt

11:42 – Growing together or growing apart: How his busy schedule as the lead singer of the band ‘Sanctus Real’ affected their marriage

15:40 – The power of oneness

18:05 – Matt on what led him to step away from the band

25:30 – Who am I vs. Who do I want to be?

31:51 – Matt recounts his discussion with band mates regarding his departure

35:25 – Matt on leaving his music career to live out a greater calling as husband and father

42:13 – Matt shares a fun story from a recent family trip

47:22 – Where you can go to connect with Matt Hammitt

 

 

Resources:

• MattHammitt.com

 

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What is your #1 reason for staying at a job? Most might think it’s making more money or being in a position of power but you’d be wrong.

About 80% of people will either stay or leave a job based on how ‘valued’ they feel… and not only as an employee but as a human being.

Dr. Paul White, co-author of the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (based on the #1 best-selling book the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman) has devoted his career to making work relationships work.

In this insightful conversation on SBD Dr. Paul addresses the difference between workplace recognition and true appreciation.

 

"Appreciation isn't just words... if we only use 'words' we are missing more than HALF our people in the workforce." -Dr. Paul White

 

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:03 – Get to know Dr. Paul White, psychologist and author of ‘5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace’

3:46 – Recognition vs. Appreciation: What’s the difference?

8:38 – Why appreciation in the workplace matters

11:55 – How can you show appreciation to your employees?

16:02 – Dr. Paul on why people do not feel valued at work

21:26 – Discover the 4 ways to value people

25:33 – Understanding the 5 love languages

30:50 – Learn the differing types of appreciation people value

34:38 – Do remote employees want to be shown appreciation differently than on-site employees?

40:15 – Where you can go to connect with Dr. Paul White

 

Resources:

• DrPaulWhite.com

 

Connect w/ Dr. Paul:

• Facebook
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