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No matter where we turn or which way we look, it seems chaos is right there looking straight as us. But hope is here and peace can be found in the midst of it all.

We are in a peculiar time right now and we all are in desperate need of community, confidence and a cure.

Finding and knowing peace in a middle of a crisis is just one personal decision away. 

As we try to adjust to new and stronger restrictions due to the growing pandemic it's extremely important that we internalize what's going on and ask ourselves the tough questions we often avoid.

What is this all about? What's next? What if things get worse?

Tune in to today's episode as Strong By Design Co-host Brian Klepacki sits down with his neighbor and friend, Joe Walser, as they talk about a peace that surpasses all understanding. 

We encourage you to listen in on this life-changing episode as you will discover a peace that will crush any doubt or fear in an instant and it's here for you right now. 

"Where is God? The reality of death, it's always been there. Now that it's right in our face, we're having to ask these questions." -Joe Walser

Time Stamps

1:40 – Get to know Pastor Joe Walser

6:44 – Opening Prayer

7:54 – Where is God in this pandemic?

14:29 – The power of the Resurrection

17:03 – What is the message in suffering?

22:30 – The meaning and significance of Easter

28:17 – How to see God through your pain and suffering

36:53 – How contemplating death teaches us to live fully

39:40 – Simple ways to help others during the crisis

44:34 – What is the vaccine against death and how do you get it?

48:59 – Get in touch with Pastor Joe Walser

Connect w/ Joe: 

• Facebook
• LifeBridge Church of Pinellas

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

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• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Matt Walter has lived a truly incredible life and he’s not done yet...

Over the past 30+ years he has served our country in the Marine Corps, raised 7 children with his amazing bride, become fluent in Arabic and lived in Jordan teaching Arabic to Christians to better connect with Muslims.

There’s really nothing more awe inspiring than hearing how the love of Jesus can affect and change the heart and mind of someone from the Muslim community.

Our guest today Matt Walter had such an encounter while living in the Middle East. And he’s devoted his life to reaching the fast-growing Muslim population in this country, right here in Tampa Bay, FL… to befriend them, serve them and inform them of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Very simply, The Tampa Muslim Outreach, est. 2013, exists in order to help churches and individual Christians share the love of Christ with Muslims.  Matt and his team work with churches and individuals to provide inspiration, encouragement, training, and coordination.

"God has brought this about because He wants these people in this place because they might find Him.” -Matt Walter

Time Stamps

0:25 – Get to know Tampa Muslim Outreach’s founder, Matt Walter

4:30 – The Great Commission: What it is and why is it important?

11:36 – Matt Walter reveals what led him to embrace Christianity

14:44 – The unexpected answers of God

24:00 – Matt Walter recounts his experience doing missionary work in the Middle East

26:41 – The difference between the terms Islam and Muslim

28:19 – How did Muslims and Christians part ways?

36:51 – Matt Walter on what it is like to go to seminary and diving deep into God’s word

41:10 – The rise of Islam in the United States

46:10 – Why you should distinguish the person from his ideology

48:38 – Matt Walter on sharing the word of God in an unexpected moment

53:42 – Matt Walter shares his 5-10-year plan for Tampa Muslim Outreach

58:42 – The power of trusting God with all your heart

59:25 – Get in touch with Matt Walter and Tampa Muslim Outreach

Resources:

• Tampa Muslim Outreach

Connect w/ Matt & TMO: 

• Facebook

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

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In times like these, we need increased communication, empathy, kindness and hope!

We Believe that you are Strong By Design, Made in God's image to have a Strong Body, Mind & Spirit.

Thank you so much for listening to the SBD podcast show, we feel truly honored to have amazing listeners like you!

Subscribe to iTunes, Love the podcast? Leave a review on iTunes!

What do you want to hear from the Critical Bench Podcast?

Tell us here!

Resources:

• The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
• Why Stretching Won't Make You Flexible
• The 5-Minute Glute Workout
• The 5 Best Core Killer Exercises
• 5 Ways to Become Tough as Nails

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

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

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Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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You’ve probably followed every diet guru's advice, spent hours on the treadmill, and restricted calories to obscene levels. Maybe you’ve seen some success, but it’s most likely left you feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and out of control.

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Personal Trainer, Amanda Tress spent years in the gym working with people who were doing all the right things—without seeing results. 

Frustrated, she began experimenting with cutting-edge nutrition strategies and her clients immediately started to see a change. Amanda spent years fine-tuning these strategies to work together for optimal results.

Knowing she couldn’t possibly reach the masses alone, she created the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® Coach Certification Program, which allows individuals to coach the program who are passionate about helping others with their health and fitness goals.

Since inception nearly two years ago, the program has grown to over 1,000 coaches and is impacting thousands of lives daily worldwide.

So if you're ready to wake up every morning full of energy so you can give your family, business and community the best version of yourself, you have to listen to today's episode as host Brian Klepacki talks with Amanda Tress, the creator of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss®, the Premier Virtual Intermittent Fasting Fitness and Nutrition Program. 

"I like to go 7 layers deep, well why... and by the 7th layer people are just in tears, this is the deep reason that I'm going to stay disciplined."  -Amanda Tress

Time Stamps

0:25 – Get to know the creator of the ‘FASTer Way to Fat Loss,’ Amanda Tress

5:41 – The difference between fat loss and weight loss

8:01 – Why crash diets don’t work

11:25 – Importance of accountability

16:03 – Why discovering your ‘WHY’ matters

19:01 – Importance of choosing a diet that’s right for you

22:58 – Counting macros: What it is and why is this vital to fitness success?

26:45 – Why gut health matters

30:37 – Why variety is important in your exercise routine

33:17 – The power of having a strong community

36:56 – The role of ‘FASTer Way to Fat Loss’ certified coaches

39:40 – Who is the ‘FASTer Way to Fat Loss’ for?

43:15 – The importance of rest days

47:45 – Why taking care of your body matters

50:58 – Best way to reach out Amanda Tress and ‘FASTer Way to Fat Loss’ team

Resources:

• The FASTer Way to Fat Loss
• FASTer Way Podcast Show

Connect w/ Amanda & FASTer Way: 

• FASTer Way on Instagram
• Amanda Tress on Instagram

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

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Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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

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“Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” -Peter McWilliams

This quote encapsulates the conversation between Founder of Critical Bench and SBD host Mike Westerdal and his long-time mentor and close friend Vince Del Monte.

Vince is a World-Renowned On-line Business Coach, Best-Selling Author and WBFF Pro Fitness Model & Competitor.

He is also the Founder of The 7-Figure Mastermind and 6-Figure Coach Program designed to catapult hardworking entrepreneurs to NEW LEVELS of success in their businesses. His background in health and fitness goes back decades having been named the “Skinny Guy Savior” landing on magazine covers and helping men everywhere build their physiques naturally.

But the most important parts of Vince’s life are his 3 beautiful children, his amazing wife and his deeply rooted Christian faith. You’re in for a real treat and tons of value!!

"I've always found my credibility in the quality of information I put forth. Yeah, I market aggressively, I'll never apologize for that." -Vince Del Monte

Time Stamps

2:02 – Vince Del Monte shares how he got into the fitness industry

7:10 – Vince Del Monte talks about how he started helping skinny guys bulk up through digital marketing

11:22 – The power of beliefs in business

15:35 – Why speed matters

19:51 – The importance of investing in yourself

24:32 – Fear is the path to freedom

28:11 – What it means to be a good steward of God’s money

35:44 – Why the environment you surround yourself with is important

40:02 – What it really takes to go to the next level

42:40 – How Vince Del Monte started the ‘7-Figure Mastermind’

46:20 – The importance of having a mentor and/or coach

54:05 – Asking for help reveals strength, not weakness

58:35 – Why beginnings are always the hardest

1:04:57 – Connect with Vince Del Monte through YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Resources:

• Vince Del Monte’s 7 Figure Mastermind

Connect w/ Vince: 

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram

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

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It's all anyone is talking about right now...

The Coronavirus has taken over as the only thing on our mind and the talk of the town. It's officially a pandemic that's altering the course of modern history.

So Team Critical Bench sat down to speak openly, honestly and candidly about this very serious issue... To better understand WHY things are unfolding the way that they are.

Listen as hosts Tonya Fines, Brian Klepacki and Chris Wilson have an unscripted conversation about COVID-19 and its impact on our world.

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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

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Our direction in life is directly tied to our decision making (good or bad) and the people we choose to surround ourselves with.

So that begs the question, who do you have in your inner circle and why have you chosen them?

In this very personal story of risk, faith, friendship and love, we discover the heart and strength of entrepreneur and Get Lean After 40 co-founder Ryan Colby.

Ryan shares his rollercoaster journey to success over the past 20 years with SBD host and close friend Mike Westerdal. Get to know this amazing man through his business struggles, finding the love of his life, his taking a massive leap of faith in business with a close friend and most of all his commitment to his faith in God.

"My identity is I'm a successful entrepreneur and that's what I do, I've "made it"...but until eternity you haven't made it." -Ryan Colby

Time Stamps

0:25 – Get to know Ryan Colby

1:34 – How ‘Get Lean After 40’ started 

4:43 – Ryan Colby recounts early business struggles and successes

10:56 – Taking a leap of faith

15:30 – The power of surrounding yourself with the right people

21:40 – Importance of knowing your ‘WHY’

25:00 – Why having a supportive spouse is key to achieving success

31:44 – Building your life on a solid foundation

33:37 – How the highs and lows of life help strengthen Ryan Colby’s relationship with God

38:23 – What is your identity?

40:34 – The importance of giving glory to God

45:31 – Trusting God’s plan for your life

48:27 – Why a change of heart changes everything

54:30 – Key takeaways from the episode

57:24 – Where you can go to connect with Ryan Colby and ‘Get Lean After 40’

Connect w/ Ryan & Resources: 

• Facebook
• Get Lean After 40 on Facebook
• Get Lean After 40 on YouTube

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

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

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Grit. The opposite of quit.

The ability to overcome obstacles small and large and persevere. To press on, grind and Get Stuff Done (GSD)!

This one 4 letter word has been a prevalent fixture at Critical Bench, the internet’s #1 strength and health authority since 1999.

In this very special 100th episode of Strong By Design, Founder Mike Westerdal sits down with long time friend and SBD host Chris Wilson to discuss how Critical Bench came to be over 20 years ago.

Mike reveals his top 3 secrets to business success that changed everything for him and his company.

Mike goes into great detail about the last few decades touching on the importance of hard work, showing up, your environment and giving back. Mike breaks down 3 pivotal moments in his life and leaves the audience with some powerful advice for all business leaders and entrepreneurs to be successful.

"I just did the important things and I stopped all the busy work... being 'busy' is not being productive." -Mike Westerdal

Time Stamps

0:25 – Get to know Critical Bench’s founder, Mike Westerdal

2:00 –Mike recounts life before Critical Bench

6:15 – Mike reveals meaning behind company’s name and how it all started

11:53 – How he managed a day job and business at the same time

19:17 – Importance of taking massive action and surrounding yourself with the right people

29:00 – Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness

35:55 – The value of investing in yourself

38:25 – What is Servant Leadership?

41:10 – The difference between being busy and being productive

44:53 – Finding freedom through structure

48:00 – What it means to surrender everything to God

53:34 – The power of prayer

54:52 – Mike gives powerful tips to first-time business owners

1:03:56 – The power of passion and perseverance

1:12:59 – Critical Bench’s website and social media channels 

Resources

• Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success

Connect w/ Mike:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
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Stephen Christian, the former lead vocalist and songwriter of Anberlin, one of the greatest alternative (Christian) rock bands, is as talented and brilliant as musicians get. His writing and vocal style is a combination that is unlike any other, one you'll never forget.

Anberlin having sold more than a million albums in their 12-year existence, this Floridian band has toured the world with some of the biggest names and their music has peaked in the top ten on various Billboard charts.

Stephen, a devout follower of Jesus Christ, used (and continues to use) his talents to spread the word of hope through writing and singing about real life events and the struggles and victories we face or will face.

On today's episode, SBD Co-Host and Anberlin-fan Brian Klepacki sat down with Stephen Christian Arnold and had an awesome chat about passion, purpose, struggles, and hope.

You will not want to skip over this inspiring and raw conversation that really dug down deep into the 'stuff' we all carry with us each day.

(And if you haven't heard any of their music, you definitely need to add Anberlin to your playlist. They rock!)

"I am waking up and my teeth are clenched, my hands are squeezed so tight there's no blood in them... Where are you God, what is happening!?" -Stephen Christian Arnold

Time Stamps

0:25 – Get to know Anberlin lead singer, Stephen Christian Arnold

3:48 – Stephen Christian Arnold on how he started in music

5:56 – When passion leads to burnout

7:00 – What’s kept Anberlin together for 12 years?

9:16 – Stephen Christian Arnold shares where he finds musical inspiration

13:19 – Here’s how his song writing style reflects who he is

15:42 – What were you wrestling with God about?

18:45 – Stephen Christian Arnold gives an encouraging message to those who are wrestling with God

20:43 – Do you take your faith to work?

24:05 – Stephen Christian Arnold shares what called him into pastoral ministry

31:08 – Signs you are right where you’re supposed to be

34:01 – How do you want people to remember Anberlin?

35:03 – His ideal face-to-face conversation with God

37:33 – Stephen Christian Arnold on walking in God’s plan

42:03 – Stephen Christian Arnold shares some parting words of inspiration

Connect w/ Anberlin: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

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

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Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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

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What if there was a way to quickly and easily improve your flexibility while torching fat and building strength? Would you do it?

The real secret to flexibility and burning fat is the same: movement.

But the fitness industry wants to convince you otherwise… That you need to starve yourself with crash diets, you need to follow complicated 12-week programs and you need to spend hours doing cardio every day.

Nope. Wrong.

Listen in as Coaches Brian Klepacki and Chris Wilson shatter those perceptions about fat loss and getting fit. The great news is you can do it much faster and easier than what you’ve been conditioned to believe. It’s time to find out about this one specific way of stretching that can torch body fat and burn through 400 calories per hour!

"It's a movement pattern that wakes up everything from your brain all the way down to your feet because you're using everything in between." -Brian Klepacki

Time Stamps

4:03 – Difference between flexibility and mobility

9:12 – Why stretching is extremely important

13:21 – Wake up your entire body by doing THIS

16:19 – Everything you need to know about Metabolic Stretching

21:51 – Coaches Brian and Chris reveal inspiration behind Metabolic Stretching program

24:40 – 3 lies the weight loss industry needs you to believe

27:50 – Is the program suitable for a beginner?

31:13 – Static Stretching vs. Dynamic Stretching: Which is better?

34:05 – Types of modalities incorporated in the program

38:57 – Why Metabolic Stretching is the first and only fat burning stretching routine

41:02 – Reach out to us through social media channels

Resources

• Metabolic Stretching Program

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