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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson is back with nutrition and weight-loss expert William Grazione (The Educated Dieter) to dig even deeper into the real reasons people struggle with fat loss, cravings, and lasting health change.

This episode breaks down why your body craves the wrong foods, how ultra-processed foods hijack blood sugar and appetite, and why most diets fail because they ignore the fundamentals of whole foods, fiber, and consistency.

Chris and William also discuss how fasting can impact the brain and hunger signals, when carbs actually make sense for performance and muscle growth, and why “detox” is often misunderstood. You’ll also hear practical strategies like the “90% trick” for dieting success and simple daily habits that make staying on track feel effortless.

Plus, the conversation wraps with an important discussion on Apple Cider Vinegar, gut health, and how ACV gummies may support appetite control and healthier blood sugar levels.

If you want real nutrition talk without the nonsense — this is the episode.

Time Stamps

0:00 – Why your body craves the wrong foods

0:56 – Welcome to the Strong by Design Podcast!

1:49 – The whole-food rule most diets ignore

4:55 – Fiber vs. Ultra-Processed Foods: The blood sugar battle

5:51 – The surprising brain hack in fasting

6:43 – When to eat carbs to fuel performance and build muscle

7:44 – The story behind 'Family Fueled Nutrition'

10:37 – Discover the amino acid that builds muscle fast

12:42 – Apple Cider Vinegar’s surprising effect on appetite and sugar

13:45 – Eating healthy? Your body might disagree

16:29 – Why your health keeps stalling, and how to fix it

18:05 – What truly happens during a detox?

21:02 – The simple habit that keeps nutrition on track

25:13 – The 90% trick that makes dieting easy

29:48 – Discover the diet rule nobody talks about

31:47 – How tiny, consistent steps lead to lasting change

34:12 – One gummy a day for a healthier gut? Try ACV gummies

35:50 – Why it’s never too late to take control of your health

36:28 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

TheEducatedDieter.com

Connect with William:

Instagram

Connect with Chris:

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Did the original Food Pyramid quietly help create America’s modern health crisis?

In this eye-opening episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with nutrition and weight-loss expert William Grazione (The Educated Dieter) to unpack one of the most controversial topics in modern nutrition history — the 1992 Food Pyramid and its long-term consequences.

This isn’t political spin or diet culture noise. It’s a fact-based, no-nonsense discussion about how government nutrition guidance, ultra-processed foods, and profit-driven food systems collided — and why obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease exploded in the decades that followed.

You’ll learn how ultra-processed foods became “normal,” why cereal and refined carbs sabotage blood sugar, and why most dieting strategies fail people long-term. Chris and William also break down why body composition matters more than the scale, how muscle protects your metabolism, and what actually works if you want to lose fat and keep it off.

This is Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation that challenges outdated nutrition advice and gives you a smarter framework for health. Look for Part 2 of this conversation on Saturday, Feb. 7th.

Time Stamps

0:05 – Did the Food Pyramid set up a whole generation for disease?

0:54 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

03:39 - Join Coach Chris along with our special guest William Grazione

9:01 – How the old Food Pyramid made ultra-processed foods “normal”

9:24 – The shocking public health disaster they don’t want you to know about

10:07 – Know who really profited from the original 1992 Food Pyramid

16:51 – Why ultra-processed foods are literally designed to be addictive

21:17 – Why cereal spikes your blood sugar—and leaves you starving

23:37 – Learn why 'body composition' matters more than what you weigh

25:30 – Discover why building muscle is the secret most diets ignore

27:38 – Why dieting often makes you gain back more fat

35:13 – Could swapping carbs for protein fix America’s health?

48:19 – The Biggest Loser study: Extreme dieting and metabolic damage

49:01 – Learn a smarter way to diet that actually keeps weight off

51:45 – Can a short fast reset insulin resistance?

54:04 – How to go from pre-diabetic to normal blood sugar in 5 days

01:04:45 – Make sure to come back for Part 2! Share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

TheEducatedDieter.com

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Instagram

Connect with Chris:

Instagram 

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What really happened behind the scenes of The Biggest Loser—and what did it cost the contestants?

In this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson is joined by fitness industry veteran Mike Westerdal and super fan and fitness enthusiast Lindsay Hurley for a powerful reaction to Netflix’s eye-opening documentary Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser. 

Together, they break down how one of the most popular reality TV shows of all time captivated millions through extreme transformations—while quietly pushing bodies to dangerous limits.

From brutal workouts and starvation-level diets to near-death moments, abuse allegations, and massive rebound weight gain after the cameras stopped rolling, this conversation exposes why extremes make great television—but terrible health strategies. You’ll hear why responsible coaches would never train clients this way, how rapid weight loss wrecks metabolism, and what the show actually changed in the fitness and reality TV industries.

Most importantly, this episode drives home the lesson that real transformation isn’t flashy—it’s built on consistency, sustainability, and long-term habits. If you’ve ever been inspired, disturbed, or conflicted by transformation TV, this is a must-listen conversation that separates entertainment from evidence-based health.

Listen in, share the episode, and leave a rating and review to support the Strong by Design Podcast.

Time Stamps

0:00 – See how abuse claims sparked controversy

01:10 — Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

01:34 — Coach Chris with special guests Lindsay Hurley and Mike Westerdal

1:55 – Uncover what 'Fit for TV' revealed about The Biggest Loser

3:02 – Find out why extreme transformations hooked millions

3:32 – See what happens when weight loss goes too far

6:02 – Understand how rapid weight loss strains the body

8:59 – Peek behind the scenes of brutal workouts and diets

10:10 – Hear why coaches would not train clients this way

13:30 – Follow heroes, villains, and a near-death moment

14:50 – Learn what happens after the show

16:45 – Find out why rebound weight gain happens

23:32 – Discover how the show carried NBC and changed reality TV

28:04 – See when challenges pushed bodies too far

31:27 – Why extremes make great TV—but terrible health

36:50 – Explore what a billion-dollar show really changed

40:02 – Find out how consistency beats extremes

44:15 – See why sustainable change always wins

45:42 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Check out Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser

Connect with Mike: Instagram

Connect with Lindsay: Instagram

Connect with Chris: Instagram

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Losing weight after 40 can backfire if it’s done the wrong way—and in this episode of the Strong By Design Podcast, we uncover why that matters more than ever. Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Dr. Ron Eccles to explore the growing role of peptides and GLP-based therapies in sustainable weight and fat loss. 

Dr. Eccles breaks down peptides in simple terms, explaining how gut hormones like GLP-1, GLP-2, and GIP influence hunger, metabolism, and body composition. Together, they discuss why weight loss alone doesn’t equal better health—and how preserving muscle, protecting joints, and improving metabolic health must be part of the equation.

The conversation also tackles America’s declining health outcomes, the concept of the “bliss point” in eating behavior, and what truly happens after you reach your target weight. Dr. Eccles shares insights on emerging peptide technologies, common myths around GLPs, and why lifestyle factors like sleep, movement, and nutrition determine long-term success. 

You’ll also hear real-world lessons from clinical practice, including differences between men and women and the key health metrics that actually matter. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about modern weight-loss solutions and how to approach them safely, intelligently, and with long-term health in mind.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Lose weight the wrong way: Hidden dangers for anyone over 40

00:56 — Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

02:20 – Join Coach Chris and special guest Dr. Ron Eccles

03:11 – Dr. Ron’s 4 pillars of life balance—and why health is a top priority

05:06 – Peptides explained: What they are and how they work

06:56 – Discover the peptide that started it all

10:38 – GLP-1, GLP-2, and GIP: the gut peptides that silence hunger

12:53 – Why losing weight isn’t the same as building a better body

14:48 - Discussion of the abysmal health outcomes in America

16:59 – The concept of the “Bliss Point” explained

19:06 – What comes next? 3 options after hitting your target

21:02 – Next-level peptides: control appetite, burn fat, and save muscle

26:50 – The future of peptides: No injections required

29:12 – Debunking myths about GLPs

33:30 – How chronic joint pain affected Dr. Eccles's wife

36:33 – Weight loss differences between men and women

37:56 – The 5 key metrics Dr. Eccles tracks with his clients

39:18 – The science behind Alpha Shred revealed

43:35 – Lifestyle factors that make peptides work

47:02 – Why sleep is essential for brain health

53:31 – Key advice before your peptide journey

55:39 – Why some “unconventional” doctors get it right

1:00:26 - Stay connected beyond the episode with Ron Eccles

1:03:23 - Fun fact about the Strong by Design Podcast name

1:05:23 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

• 15-minute Consultation at 941-799-6583
• Connect with Dr Ron: Instagram

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In this special Christmas episode, Coach Chris Wilson and Jared Haley reflect on the deeper meaning of the season through the lens of Philippians 4:4–13. 

While many know verse 4:13 by heart, this conversation slows down to explore the powerful truths that come before it—rejoicing in the Lord, trusting God in prayer, and experiencing peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Chris and Jared discuss what it truly means to live as peacemakers, and how peace begins in our own hearts and minds. Drawing from Scripture, they talk about the responsibility we have to take our thoughts captive and focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. 

The episode also challenges listeners to move beyond simply hearing God’s Word and into living it out through obedience and trust. Ultimately, this conversation points back to Christ as the source of our strength, peace, and hope. Especially during the Christmas season, it’s a reminder that we are not meant to do life on our own. 

In Christ, we find the strength to walk forward—no matter the circumstances. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the peace only Jesus can give. Merry Christmas!

Time Stamps

00:00 - The Peace of God that Transcends all understanding

00:47 — Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

01:12 - Join Hosts Chris and Jared for today’s exciting Christmas special

02:50 – Christmas decorations and putting up the tree

06:50 – A Thanksgiving meme that sends them into laughter

08:58 – The powerful lessons in the book of Philippians

13:00 – Redefining what PEACE actually means

16:40 – Learn how to protect your heart and mind

20:15 - How negative thinking hijacks your mind

26:55 - Small actions that make you a peacemaker

32:00 - Chris and Jared on the hard truth about peacemaking

35:52 - The brain hack nobody told you about

38:55 - This is the peace the world can’t offer

44:00 - Why Philippians 4:13 isn’t exactly what you think

48:25 - The Christmas blessing you need to hear 

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App

Connect with Jared:

Instagram

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

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In this special episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, host Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Coach Zach Zenios, creator of Ageless Shoulders, and Coach Andy Tzinberg, a seasoned pickleball instructor, for an eye-opening discussion about shoulder health and longevity on the court. 

Together, they explore why pickleball has exploded in popularity—especially among players over 50—and the hidden toll it can take on your body if you’re not prepared.

You’ll discover what makes pickleball so addictive, the real reason so many players develop shoulder pain, and how small daily habits can make or break your performance. Coach Zach breaks down the concept of Frozen Blood Flow and explains why dynamic movement—not rest or ice—is the secret to lasting joint health. Coach Andy shares practical insights from his years coaching players of all levels, including smart warm-up strategies and techniques to avoid repetitive stress.

Stay tuned as the conversation dives into the power of Indian Club training and how the Ageless Shoulders program is helping players restore mobility, strength, and confidence—so they can keep playing the game they love, pain-free, for years to come.

Time Stamps

00:46 — Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

01:19 — Host Chris Wilson with special guests: Coaches Zach Zenios & Andy Tzinberg

01:58 — What you’ll uncover in today’s episode

03:20 — Get to know Coach Zach & Coach Andy

06:25 — Why pickleball is exploding and what draws people in

10:59 — Pickleball rating system… decoded

14:28 — How Andy went from the classroom to the pickleball court

16:22 — Inside Coach Zach’s daily routine

21:10 — What really attracts people to pickleball

24:58 — Smart strategies for managing repetitive stress

28:40 — One thing you should never forget before playing

33:32 — Secrets to staying injury-free and performing at your peak

41:25 — Hear Andy’s first-ever Indian Club experience

45:13 — Tips for anyone struggling with body pain

49:25 — What really happens when we stop moving dynamically?

53:44 — What’s the most dominant motion in pickleball?

58:18 — How do you train to truly get better?

01:04:19 — Surprising ways Indian Clubs reshape your body and movement

01:09:15 — Andy opens up about how the game transforms people’s lives

01:11:46 — How Ageless Shoulders can help you—revealed here!

01:13:26 — Curious about the Ageless Shoulders program?

01:14:39 — Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the Strong by Design podcast!

Resources:

AgelessShoulders.com

Connect with Coach Zach:

Instagram

Connect with Coach Andy:

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In this special Thanksgiving episode, Coach Chris Wilson dives into the timeless ideas from Adam Grant’s bestselling book Give and Take — exploring how gratitude, generosity, and giving back can transform not just your relationships, but your success and happiness as well.

As the world slows down for the holiday, this is the perfect time to reflect on who’s helped you get where you are, and how you can pour back into others. Chris breaks down the three types of people — Givers, Takers, and Matchers — and shares how adopting a giver’s mindset can multiply your impact without burning out.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How gratitude fuels generosity — and how giving deepens gratitude.
• The difference between selfless and “otherish” giving (and why one sustains you while the other drains you).
• Why leading with generosity creates stronger relationships, richer opportunities, and lasting fulfillment.
• How to make Thanksgiving more than a holiday — but a habit of the heart.

Chris also shares practical ways to live these ideas daily — from small acts of kindness to building a gratitude and giving practice that rewires how you lead, live, and love.

This is a heartfelt reminder that success isn’t just about what you get — it’s about what you give. Because when you give first, everyone wins.

Share it with a friend, family member, or teammate who’s made a difference in your life. Let them know how much they matter — that’s the real spirit of Thanksgiving.

Time Stamps

00:55 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
01:19 – Join Chris Wilson for a special solo episode
04:00 – What this episode is all about
07:14 – A book that changed Chris’s perspective
09:28 – Discover the three types of people in life
13:45 – Unlocking the concept of 'Otherish Giving'
18:31 – How generosity drives long-term impact
21:35 – Connecting it all to Thanksgiving
24:29 – The power of being in a state of gratitude
28:00 – Simple ways to show thankfulness every day
31:09 – The ripple effect: small actions, big impact
33:35 – A powerful, heartfelt reflection from Chris
1:09:42 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Give and Take – The Book

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

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Today on Strong By Design, we’re joined by Ben Velazquez, an award-winning strength and conditioning coach and one of the nation’s top experts in concussion recovery and corrective movement. 

As the founder of Grey Matters Sports Group, Ben has worked with elite athletes from the MLB, NFL, and NHL — including legends like Mariano Rivera and Connor McDavid — helping them recover from injuries, correct imbalances, and extend their careers.

In this episode, Ben shares the science behind his five-tier concussion recovery system, reveals the most common movement imbalances that lead to injury, and explains how small corrections can create major performance breakthroughs. He also discusses what separates good athletes from great ones and why understanding the brain-body connection is essential for true athletic longevity.

If you want to move better, stay injury-free, and perform at your best for years to come, you will not want to miss this conversation. 

Learn more about Ben’s work at benvelazquez.com

Time Stamps

01:02 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
02:42 – Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Ben Velazquez
04:00 – Sharing memories with their old friend & mentor Ben Prentiss
07:42 – Ben's memorable success from working with a pro athlete
11:47 – What inspired a career as a strength coach & movement specialist?
17:55 – What your body needs before getting stronger
23:53 – Comparing force production: Pro football vs Pro hockey
24:05 – #1 issue Ben sees with older high-level athletes
27:14 – Strength blueprint: Steps before targeting a body part
29:51 – Sharing insights about various elite athletes
45:24 – How teams and athletes often misjudge concussions or injuries
51:27 – Key factors to perform at your highest level
55:20 – What causes early retirement among athletes?
1:00:27 – Spotting and addressing concussions early in Youth sports
1:06:02 – The importance of combining postural and movement training
1:08:38 – Stay connected beyond the episode with Ben Velazquez
1:09:42 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

BenVelazquez.com

Connect with Ben:

Instagram

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
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When you look at what’s happening in the world today—wars, division, moral confusion—it’s hard not to wonder: Are we in the end times? 

In this compelling and timely episode, hosts Jared Haley and Mike Westerdal dive into the fascinating world of Biblical prophecy and what Scripture says about the signs of the end. Drawing from the Book of Revelation, the teachings of Jesus, and other prophetic passages, they explore how ancient words may connect to the realities of our modern world—from global politics and technology to cultural shifts that blur the line between good and evil.

While opinions and interpretations vary, Jared and Mike’s goal isn’t to predict dates or feed fear—it’s to encourage awareness, faith, and readiness. Through clear, relatable discussion, they unpack complex theological ideas like the “mark of the beast,” the rebuilding of the Jewish temple, and the symbolism of the red heifer in a way that’s easy to follow and thought-provoking for believers and seekers alike. They also discuss how the Bible’s references to wars, rumors of wars, moral decay, and the rise of global governance might resonate with today’s headlines.

Most importantly, this conversation reminds listeners that Jesus’ message was never about fear, but about faithfulness, urgency, and hope. As Jared and Mike emphasize, no one knows the day or hour—but we are called to be ready. This episode challenges listeners to stay awake, stand firm, and live with purpose in uncertain times by following Christ boldly, sharing the Gospel, and living prepared for His return.

Time Stamps

00:16 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
 00:40 - Join hosts Mike Westerdal & Jared Haley for today's special episode
 01:10 - What exactly do people mean by 'End Times'?
 04:45 - The unmistakable signs: Are we living in the last days?
 05:55 – Diving into the Book of Revelation
 12:22 - Unpacking the Biblical significance of the Third Shrine
 19:00 – Uncovering the meaning of the Red Heifer in prophecy
 23:50 - The dangers of the last days
 29:53 - The true meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins
 33:20 - In these last days, who will stand for the great commission?
 39:55 - What is Christ’s 1,000-Year Reign?
 45:13 - This episode's challenge: Read the Word!

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App

Connect with Mike:

Instagram

Connect with Jared:

Instagram

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Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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

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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson continues his heartfelt discussion with Preston Ely, founder of Comeback Kings, diving even deeper into what it means to live a life of true purpose and faith. 

Together, they unpack the struggles men face when measuring their worth by worldly standards and reveal how genuine strength comes only through surrender and identity in Christ.

Preston opens up about his biggest obsession, the birth of Comeback Kings, and how faith and success can coexist when Jesus remains at the center. Chris and Preston also explore the power of simplicity, the meaning of real character, and how doing good impacts the world around us. 

The episode closes with a moving prayer and reflection — a reminder that we are all clay in the hands of the ultimate Maker, being shaped for His glory.

Time Stamps

00:53 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
01:17 – In Part 2, Coach Chris continues his candid and insightful discussion with special guest Preston Ely
05:33 – Years ago, what really measured a man’s worth? 
08:43 – Preston’s biggest obsession revealed
14:14 – Success and faith: Can the two truly co-exist?
17:40 – The origin of Comeback Kings
20:46 – Learn the 7 core values of Critical Bench
25:03 – Understanding the two seasons of life
31:06 – Would you rather be a caricature of a character or have real character?
34:36 – Preston shares what physical fitness truly means to him
39:30 – How doing good changes the world around you
42:45 – Why simplicity speaks volumes
47:10 – Chris on the powerful biblical Claymaker story (Romans 9:19-23)
51:10 – Stay connected beyond the episode with Preston Ely
52:33 – A moment of reflection: closing prayer by Chris
53:56 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Comeback Kings

Connect with Preston:

Instagram

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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• Facebook
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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
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