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From police officer to entrepreneur, Todd Lamb has a unique understanding when it comes to public service and working for yourself in the private sector.

This was a massive shift in his professional career after 20 years of serving the public but it was one that he knew could be a game changer. Either risk big and go all in or stay where you’re at and live with regret…

Luckily for Todd he took the leap and is now flying high in his new career as CEO of PureLife Organics.

This episode on Strong by Design is hosted by friend Mike Westerdal who gets Todd to open up about the emotions and challenges he faced in this change from law enforcement and type A personalities to the world of entrepreneurship and the unknown.

"There is no perfect plan. 60% or better is your window. Let's get it out there, we need information fast." -Todd Lamb

Time Stamps

0:24 - Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

3:28 – PureLife Organics’ CEO Todd Lamb shares his transition from police officer to entrepreneur

9:11 – Todd on why he chose to give up his career to start a health company

16:49 – Todd talks about PureLife Organics’ mission to reduce CO2 through worldwide reforestation projects

22:22 – Todd shares the struggles and challenges he faced when starting his business

24:40 – Discover the keys to a successful business

32:18 – Why decisive action matters in business

39:15 – Todd shares some insights into what it takes to go from 7 to 8 figures

43:32 – The importance of knowing your numbers

53:09 – Find out Todd’s #1 tip for fellow entrepreneurs

56:30 – Where you can go to connect with Todd Lamb

Resources

• PureLifeOrganics.com

Connect w/ Todd at PureLife Organics:

• Instagram

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• CriticalBench.com
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Find out about the #1 move to survive and defend yourself as explained in detail by our special guest Mike Gillette in this Part 2 episode about the REAL-LIFE Self Defense program.

In this episode Mike talks about creating your MAGIC MOMENT if attacked and what ALL women need to know when it comes to fighting back and overcoming an attacker in an assault.

If you or someone you love needs to hear this message, please be sure to share this conversation with them… it could just save their life!

"One of the reasons bad guys are so effective is they’re fluent in a language that most people don’t even want to think about." -Mike Gillette

Time Stamps

0:24 – Mike reveals the #1 move to survive & defend yourself in any situation

7:12 – How to create a magic moment to survive a life-or-death situation

14:12 – The power of mental preparation for self-defense

20:59 – Women’s self-defense: Mike on where you can find the strength to fight back and survive a life-or-death attack

25:58 – What's different about the ‘REAL LIFE Self Defense’ program?

32:57 – Mike shares highlights and memorable moments during the program’s creation

39:21 – Where you can go to learn more about ‘REAL LIFE Self Defense’

41:14 – Connect with Mike Gillette through his social media channels and official website

Resources

• REAL-LIFE Self Defense
• Mike Gillette Official Website

Connect w/ Mike:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

• Youtube
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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Mike Gillette is a world-renowned tactical trainer and fear management expert who has trained more elite agents and individuals in the art of handling “complex” situations than anyone else.

Mike is truly the embodiment of toughness. He was one of the smallest and weakest kids in his class who grew up in a household overwhelmed by domestic violence and substance abuse.

And he overcame all of this to become a REAL-LIFE action hero. Find out in this special 2-part episode what makes Mike “tick” and why he’s literally the best man on the planet to help you survive and defend yourself in any life-or-death struggle.

"Every day people are assaulted, the ones who deal with that successfully were not trained... they were willing to resist the situation forced upon them." -Mike Gillette

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:28 – Meet Mike Gillette, a world-renowned mind coach and tactical training specialist

9:10 – Mike recounts experiences with law enforcement and tactical training

15:32 – The power of trusting your intuition 

26:36 – Mike shares lessons learned from his early days as an officer

28:00 – Mike gives self-defense tips to protect yourself in any situation

36:00 – The importance of mental toughness

41:54 – The art of knowing how to respond to life threatening situations 

45:36 – Who is the ‘REAL LIFE Self Defense’ for?

Resources

• REAL-LIFE Self Defense
• Mike Gillette Official Website

Connect w/ Mike:

• Instagram
• Facebook

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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Michelle Kavanagh is a serial entrepreneur and speaker. She's the founder of The Sales Queen - an online program that helps business owners have more confidence in sales conversations & in overcoming objections.

Michelle’s love for sales came from working at Vega foods and traveling the world convincing strangers to try new food products. In 2015 Michelle decided to start her own company in the health industry. Now she helps others get their mindset right, elevates confidence and unleash their inner sales skills.

So many people make tons of mistakes that are actually super simple to fix. Find out what you can start doing today to be a selling machine on IG or anywhere. Today’s episode on Strong By Design is hosted by Mike Westerdal.

“I like to look at sales as you’re honestly offering solutions for someone’s pain, to someone’s problems.” -Michelle Kavanagh

Time Stamps

0:47 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:27 – Get to know more about Michelle Kavanagh and her entrepreneurial journey

6:50 – Michelle on what it means to be bold

7:50 – Michelle gives tips on how to successfully build an online brand

11:12 – Michelle on how to sell on Instagram successfully

14:01 – Tips to overcome fear of being on camera

18:18 – The power of Call-To-Actions (CTAs)

19:26 – How to build rapport with prospects through social media

25:04 – Michelle talks about the struggles and challenges she faces on selling online

30:44 – Social media content 101

40:40 – Where you can go to connect with Michelle Kavanagh

Resources

• MichelleKavanagh.com

Connect w/ Michelle:

• Instagram

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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When his infant daughter continued to be sick experiencing far too many trips to the hospital, it was then that today’s guest took it upon himself to discover WHY her gut wasn’t improving.

Several years later, he is the founder and owner of a collagen only supplement company, CB Supplements, that is helping people young and old get healthier, stronger and reinvigorated.

Sometimes in life we are thrust into a mission to serve someone close to us that we love and in doing that, we can end up serving the world.

With that same passion and determination, our special guest today, Charlie Bailes, shares his amazing journey with co-host Chris Wilson. Charlie is also a dedicated husband, father of 3, health enthusiast, CrossFitter and loves his Florida Gators!

"Restore, reinvigorate and support digestive health. Collagen is not the silver bullet, it's part of the pie." -Charlie Bailes

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcoming CB Supplements' Founder & CEO Charlie Bailes on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

6:02 – How his daughter’s health battle pushed him to start a supplement company

13:21 – Gut health: What is it, why it is important and how to improve it

22:05 – Charlie takes a deep dive into the digestive system

26:40 – Charlie on why collagen is good for you

31:16 – Signs of digestive problems

36:03 – The role of collagen in your skin, hair and digestive health

42:15 – Charline on what makes CB Supplements different

47:33 – Key takeaways from the episode

Resources

• CB Supplements *Enter Code strongbydesign for a Special Discount!
• CharlieBailes.com

Connect w/ Charlie:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

• Youtube
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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Zander Fryer, best-selling author, internationally renowned speaker, and world traveler, is more than just a corporate dropout. After quitting his successful corporate career at age 27, Zander launched his company, High Impact Coaching, to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while adding value to the world.

From ZERO to 6 figures in 3 months and 7 figures in 12, his training now impacts over 50,000 people in 22 different countries and at more than 300 organizations.

A mentor to millionaires, Grammy-winning artists, and bestselling authors alike, he is praised as “the next generation leader” by #1 best-selling author Jack Canfield and regarded as “unstoppable” by the president of Massively Human Leadership, Kathleen Seeley. Zander’s passion to drive the next generation of leaders and shake this world up is creating a movement.

Referred to as ‘The Coach of Coaches’ and along with co-host Mike Westerdal, a fellow 100 Million Mastermind Experience Member, get ready for a high impact conversation with today’s very special guest on Strong by Design.

"Our brains are 95% subconscious. This programming dictates a majority of our lives... our outcomes, actions and how we feel." -Zander Fryer

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcoming High Impact Coaching’s CEO Zander Fryer on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:10 – Why Zander quit his corporate career to start his own company

9:55 – Stepping into fear: Zander on finding the courage to pursue your dream

14:10 – How the schooling system is turning students into robots

21:06 – Why college is not for everyone

25:49 – Zander gives tips on how to find clarity and true purpose in life

32:00 – The power of finding out what you’re good at

33:48 – The difference between stress and worry

41:01 – Why keeping promises you make to yourself is important

44:15 – The power of belief

50:21 – Where you can go to connect with Zander Fryer

Resources

• ZanderFryer.com

Connect w/ Zander:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
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Good and bad nutritional habits are developed during our formative years in youth sports. From adolescence to young adulthood, we are faced with food choices every day. For athletes, the fuel that they use significantly dictates performance on the field or on the court.

Our guest today, Steve Konopka, along with longtime friend and co-host Mike Westerdal, uncovers 6 of the biggest nutrition mistakes youth athletes make that impacts both how they feel and perform and what parents and coaches can do to help.

Now Steve owns Strength N Honor Training Facility which currently has 2 locations.

Steve is from West Hartford CT and lives in Simsbury CT with his wife and two sons. He went to CCSU where he played football with Mike Westerdal and pursued a degree in exercise science. Steve went on to a brief stint in the NFL with the New York Giants and then played Arena Football for 8 years.

"Refueling on the way home (from sports) is simple and easy and helps them unwind and gives them something to look forward to." -Steve Konopka

Time Stamps

0:24 – Meet Steve Konopka, head Strength and Athletic conditioning coach and owner of Strength N Honor Training Facility

2:30 – Steve shares his experience and thoughts on training youth athletes

7:46 – Discover the most important meal for youth athletes

14:29 – The cons of processed foods

17:05 – Steve on why parents should not use processed foods as reward

20:35 – Macronutrients 101: What is it and why you should track it

26:06 – Post-workout recovery: Steve on what to eat after a competition

32:02 – Steve on why kids should not diet, and what to do instead

35:45 – Vitamin supplements: Do kids really need them?

38:45 – The importance of hydration for youth athletes

41:10 – Steve gives tips on how to gain weight healthily

53:00 – Connect with Steve Konopka through his social media channels, official website

Resources

• www.strengthnhonortraining.com

Connect w/ Steve:

• Instagram
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• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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What are you personally genius in? Is it storytelling, writing, making others laugh, inspiring others to be great leaders or maybe it’s art, painting, sports or listening?

What is that thing you do better than just about anyone else you know? And other people have noticed this about you for years. It’s time for reflection. Because once you have that figured out and focus your efforts there, life changes forever.

Nearly all people have strengths in one or more things in life. So, stop spreading your greatness so thin into other areas that don’t suit you as well. Stay in your lane in business and in life and find a way to devote most of your time and energy into those things you’re amazing in.

Today’s podcast is with co-host Chris Wilson and Adam Linkenauger, video marketing guru, online business coach and creator of I Love Basketball TV on YouTube.

"I think the mistake that people make is they'll get started and stay consistent but lack the learning aspect...so they will consistently do the wrong things." -Adam Linkenauger

Time Stamps

0:25 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

3:03 – Meet Adam Linkenauger, owner of the world's largest basketball training community

11:00 – Why consistency is the key to success

13:35 – Adam shares key strategies for growing a business

18:40 – The benefits of being patient

22:17 – Adam shares the winning formula for a successful business

28:14 – Adam on the importance of staying in your lane

34:22 – The power of having a mentor

39:57 – Where you can go to connect with Adam Linkenauger

Resources

• ILoveBasketballTV

Connect w/ Adam:

• Facebook
• Instagram

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

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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
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This episode is for all those muscle loving guys and gals!

Building lean muscle and getting into the best shape of your life isn’t as complicated as the fitness industry often makes it sound.

Regardless of your genetics and exercise discipline, there are a few constants that cannot be overlooked for most men and women.

Strength Coach at Critical Bench and co-host of the Strong by Design podcast, Chris Wilson, explores all things MUSCLE with bestselling author of Bigger Leaner Stronger and host of the #1 podcast, Muscle for Life, Mike Matthews.

Listen in as Mike gives you simple, science-based know-how and inspiration that will help you build your best body and life ever!

"Your body's muscle building machinery doesn't work well when the body is under slept." -Mike Matthews

Time Stamps

0:04 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

1:50 – Host Chris Wilson and guest Mike Matthews share their thoughts on the COVID-19 situation

9:14 – COVID-19: Understanding your risk profile

13:42 – Get to know Legion Athletics’ CEO Mike Matthews, and how he got into the fitness industry

15:40 – The origins of ‘Bigger Leaner Stronger’

24:31 – The connection between sleep and muscle growth

31:59 – Effects of sleep deprivation on the physiology of muscle building

36:15 – De-load Week: What is it and why is it important?

40:00 – The difference between training in your 20s, 30s and 40s

49:25 – Mike on how to overcome fitness challenges

53:40 – Muscle and strength gain: Why it is important to start training in your 20s

55:00 – Mike on building muscle in your 30s, 40s and beyond

1:02:28 – How genetics affect your fitness and health goals

1:05:36 – Connect with Mike Matthews through his social media channels, official website

Resources

• LegionAthletics.com
• Muscle for Life Podcast

Connect w/ Mike:

• Instagram
• Facebook

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

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Ask 10 people that simple question and you’ll get 10 different answers. Men today are confused about what it means to be manly.

Sadly, masculinity, which is a good and necessary thing, is under attack. But the world needs strong men to step up and be the leaders of their families, work places and communities. To set things right in a world filled with confusion, lies and naysayers.

In today’s episode coach Chris Wilson speaks with Order of Man’s Ryan Michler about the importance of men in society, defending our significance in the home, professional environment and in all relationships.

"You don't need to say biological male, it's redundant, a male is by its very definition biologically male...And I had people push back on that."
-Ryan Michler

Time Stamps

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

2:05 – Meet Ryan Michler, Founder of Order of Man

6:22 – The evolution of masculinity

8:00 – Discover how growing up without a permanent father figure inspired him to start ‘Order of Man’

12:10 – Ryan on placing the concept of fatherhood on a pedestal

18:29 – Rising above the victim mentality

24:00 – The importance of having a strong support system

28:30 – Ryan on dealing with changing relationships

35:06 – Malehood vs Manhood: What’s the difference?

41:33 – Ryan on toxic masculinity, and what does it mean to be a man

48:29 – Ryan talks about oppressive patriarchy

55:28 – The downside of social media activism

1:02:28 – Where you can go to learn more about Ryan Michler’s ‘Order of Man’

Resources

• Order of Man Podcast
• Order of Man Official Website

Connect w/ Ryan:

• Instagram
• Facebook Group

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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