Strong By Design Podcast

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In this powerful episode of Strong By Design, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Preston Ely, founder of Comeback Kings, to talk about the journey every man faces between worldly success and spiritual surrender. 

Together, they unpack what happens when chasing money, fame, and achievement leaves you empty at the top — and how true peace and identity are only found in Christ.

From deep personal stories to hard-won lessons about purpose, loss, and reconciliation, Chris and Preston dive into what it means to be stripped of everything so God can rebuild you stronger in spirit. 

Whether you’re struggling with success, faith, or finding real meaning in life, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to put Jesus at the center of it all.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this powerful and deeply personal conversation – coming out Saturday, October 18th!

Time Stamps

00:55 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
01:45 – Join Coach Chris, along with our special guest, Preston Ely
04:20 – Chris and Preston share about their kids’ hobbies
06:39 – Why engage kids early with things they are passionate about
09:44 – What happened when the success ceased?
16:33 – Conscious vs Subconscious goals: Which one drives you?
21:10 – Is technology making the world a better place?
23:00 – Preston shares his biggest regret
25:18 – Learn the key to genuine reconciliation
29:00 – Should we just sin so that grace may abound?
31:01 – Chris's most vulnerable childhood moment
35:00 – Story of hope in darkest times
40:00 – How to have a real conversation with God
48:42 – What to look for in a mentor
52:27 – Discover our connection to each other through God
54:56 – Know the true value of community
56:40 – How to handle your highest highs and lowest lows
1:00:30 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Comeback Kings

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If you’re a man who wants to stay strong, lean, and full of vitality as the years stack up, this episode is for you.

Back in the day, 411 was the number you dialed to get the info you needed fast. In this special Episode 411, Coach Chris Wilson delivers the real 411 every man must know about strength, testosterone, mobility, nutrition, and mindset.

This isn’t fluff. It’s the raw truth about:

• The 411 on testosterone — why it matters and how to keep it optimized naturally
• The 411 on strength after 40 — the smartest way to train for muscle, power, and longevity
• The 411 on mobility — the secret weapon for staying pain-free and in the game
• The 411 on nutrition — simple, no-nonsense strategies that fuel energy and performance
• The 411 on mindset — building discipline, confidence, and drive that carry over into every area of life

You’ll walk away with the essential knowledge that men in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond must hear if they want to stay at the top of their game.

This is the episode you’ll want to bookmark and share with a brother, because every man deserves to have the 411 on his health, strength, and future.

Time Stamps

00:29 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
00:53 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode
03:37 – What is the #1 Thing Men should be mindful of?
06:12 – High vs. Low testosterone: What you need to know
10:07 – How training changes as you age
17:03 – The 411 on Mobility and Injury Prevention
21:33 – Aches and pains: What to do
25:14 – The 411 on Nutrition for Vitality
34:29 – Mindset and Discipline essentials
38:50 – Replace ONE bad habit with ONE good habit
42:00 – Final thoughts to apply the '411 tips' in your life!
43:30 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Check Out Critical T on Critical Nutrition Labs!

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Instagram

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In this special episode of the Strong By Design Podcast, we come together not only as co-workers but as brothers in Christ, as husbands, and as fathers. We reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk — a man whose voice and convictions inspired millions and whose absence is deeply felt.

Regardless of political beliefs, every life is made in God’s image. The tragic loss of a husband and father should never be mocked or celebrated. In our conversation, we share personal thoughts and emotions about what this moment means for our families, our communities, our nation, and the world.

We discuss:

The value of life and the human cost of this tragedy.

The danger of silencing speech with violence.

How attempts to destroy a messenger can only amplify the message.

The state of our nation in a culture of division and unrest.

Our responsibility as Christian men to lead our families and communities with faith, courage, and unity.

This episode is not about politics, but about people, faith, and the call to stand boldly for truth in difficult times. Join us as we honor Charlie Kirk’s life, pray for his family, and reflect on the greater meaning of this moment.


Time Stamps:
coming soon...


Resources:
Strong By Design Podcast - https://www.strongbydesignpodcast.com

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In this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, host Jared Haley explores how we can truly hear and recognize God’s voice in our lives. 

Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” So, what does it mean to know His voice—and how do we learn to listen?

Jared shares his personal journey of growing up in the Friends (Quaker) church, where he learned to discern the Holy Spirit’s leading in a community setting. This episode is a powerful look at spiritual listening, communal discernment, and how every believer can grow in their ability to follow Jesus more closely.

Don’t miss this encouraging and insightful conversation—your faith walk will be better for it.

Time Stamps

0:45 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
03:22 - Host Jared Haley reveals how to begin hearing God
07:41 - Right or wrong? How to navigate life's gray areas as a Christian
09:14 -  Jared on hearing the Holy Spirit in a community of believers 
14:40 - Why no man should rule over your faith
15:56 - The power of waiting on the Holy Spirit
20:49 - Presence in the Midst: What it truly means to hear God’s voice
24:24 - Different ways God speaks to us
27:10 - Christian meditation vs. worldly meditation
32:07 - Jared's challenge: What is the Spirit saying to you today? 

Resources:

You Version Bible App

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Instagram

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Most people don’t realize it, but one of the simplest ways to understand your overall health is by tracking your blood sugar. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Boz, Annette Bosworth, MD and I dive into why blood glucose monitoring—and especially using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)—can give you a clear picture of how your body is functioning.

From energy crashes to long-term chronic disease, blood sugar plays a bigger role in your health than you may think. And the best part? You don’t need to be a scientist to make sense of it.

We break it down in a way anyone can understand—engaging, thought-provoking, and sprinkled with a bit of humor—so you’ll walk away with practical insights you can actually use.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why insulin resistance is at the root of so many modern health struggles.
• How tracking your blood sugar (even with a simple monitor) can transform your health decisions.
• The surprising link between everyday choices and your long-term risk for chronic disease.
• Why CGMs aren’t just for diabetics—they’re a powerful tool for anyone serious about health.
• Simple, actionable tips to start taking control of your blood sugar today.

Time Stamps

01:01 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
 02:21 – Meet today’s special guest, Dr. Boz (Annette Bosworth, MD)
 03:30 – What happened during the first days in Florida
 07:33 – Finding better health in the 21st century
 12:16 – Why knowing more about our bodies hasn’t made us healthier
 13:50 – Learn more about blood sugar and why it matters
 18:15 – Know the real threshold for diabetes
 21:15 – Why the insulin resistance problem is so hard
 27:39 – The hidden reason behind “it’s not working”
 31:21 – Discover the role of muscle mass
 34:54 – The healthy range for ketones revealed
 38:45 – What Chris learned from fasting in the past
 45:12 – Revisiting Dr. Boz’s very first appearance
 46:22 – Everything you need to know about CGM
 51:34 – What healthy eating really looks like
 56:55 – Foods that secretly spike your sugar
 59:58 – Inside the 21-Day Metabolic Kick
 1:06:43 – Why you might be having health issues
 1:09:37 – Stay connected beyond the episode with Dr. Boz
 1:14:00 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Dr Boz YouTube Channel

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Instagram

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In this episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Coach Zach Zenios—licensed neurosomatic therapist, yoga instructor, US Marine and lifelong movement coach—to talk all things shoulder health, healing, and Indian clubs. 

We kick things off by exploring Zach’s unique background and the origin of his passion for Indian club training. From the anatomy of the human shoulder to the difference between raw strength and true functionality, Zach breaks down what most people get wrong about shoulder training. 

He also shares his personal “2-step formula” for shoulder pain relief, plus the overlooked connection between relaxation, barefoot training, and nervous system reset. Around the 30-minute mark, we get into aesthetics, movement quality, and how club training actually builds a more capable, athletic-looking body. 

As the conversation deepens, Zach opens up about the creation of the Ageless Shoulders program, what makes it different, and why Indian clubs offer a timeless solution for stiff, aging joints. We even dive into his bold personal experiments—like dry fasting—and how they’ve impacted his recovery, energy, and mindset. Whether you’re in pain, getting older, or just want to train smarter, this episode delivers the knowledge and inspiration to help you move, feel, and live better.

Time Stamps

0:43 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
3:02 - Get to know today's special guest, neurosomatic therapist and yoga coach Zach Zenios
 10:00 - The power of Indian club training
 12:32 - How unique the human shoulder is
 16:07 – The importance of good dynamic movement
 18:24 - Coach Zach reveals his Indian clubs training secret
 21:30 - Discover the right way to train shoulders - no isolation!
 25:22 - Are you strong or just muscular?
 28:50 - Aesthetic gains through club training
 32:33 – Understanding relaxation vs. tension
 37:02 – Why Indian clubs offer unique benefits
 42:00 – Pros and cons of doing a dead hang
 44:53 - What's the 2-step formula for shoulder pain
 47:48 – How going barefoot can benefit you
 49:39 - Why consistency is the key
 51:42 – A closer look at Coach Zach’s routine
 57:38 – Beyond the basics: Detailed Indian club benefits
 1:03:48 – Inside the Ageless Shoulders program
 1:09:13 – Coach Zach’s experience with a 5-day dry fast
 1:11:58 - How to stay connected with Coach Zach
 1:12:28 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Ageless Shoulders

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Instagram

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Why do so many of us — even the most accomplished, grateful, and faith-filled — still wrestle with feeling like we’re not enough?

In this deeply personal solo episode, Coach Chris Wilson opens up about the quiet struggle of inadequacy — how it’s shaped by childhood wounds, difficult relationships, societal pressure, and spiritual disconnection. He reflects on his own upbringing, including past traumas and a verbally abusive parent, and how those early seeds of doubt can follow us into adulthood.

Chris explores the emotional weight of regret, the trap of comparison, and the idols we unknowingly cling to that pull us away from our true identity in Christ. With Scripture as his guide, he reminds listeners that our worth is not defined by the world — it’s found in the love of a perfect God who created us strong by design.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I’m not enough,” this episode is for you. You’re not alone — and you’re more loved than you realize.

Time Stamps
00:43 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:07 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode
03:49 – Learn what's behind today's topic
07:21 – The impact of opinions: Strangers or those closest to us
11:21 – Chris gets real about his childhood
17:57 – Understanding the feeling of inadequacy
20:51 – Knowing the emotional weight of regret
23:05 – Prioritizing things over meaning: A wake-up call
27:55 – Powerful Bible verses you’ll want to remember
30:08 – Discover the danger of poor influences in our lives
36:37 – Learn the right response to sin
38:48 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App

Soul Fuel by Bear Grylls

Connect with Coach Chris:

Instagram

Facebook

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Some real talk on yoga. Strength, stillness & surprising benefits for everyday life.

In this special episode, Coach Chris Wilson is joined by yoga instructor Jenn Witaconis, along with teammates Stephen Ohocinski Jr. and Lindsay Hurley, for a real and refreshing conversation about yoga — and why it might be exactly what your body and mind need. Together, they dive into the unexpected ways yoga has helped them manage stress, ease chronic pain, improve sleep, and even deepen their faith.

Chris opens up about his initial skepticism and how years of lifting left him stiff, sore, and resistant to slowing down — until yoga changed everything. Jenn shares insights from her teaching journey and how breath, movement, and mindfulness create space for healing on all levels. Stephen and Lindsay chime in with their own experiences, from overcoming hesitation to making yoga a vital part of their weekly rhythm.

Whether you are brand new to yoga or think it's “not for you,” this down-to-earth conversation breaks the myths and shows how anyone — at any age or fitness level — can benefit from the power of intentional movement. If you want to move better, feel better, and gain clarity in body and mind… this one is for you.

Time Stamps

00:20 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast@

00:53 – Join Coach Chris Wilson, Stephen Ohocinski, and Lindsay Hurley along with our special guest, Jenn Witaconis

03:05 – How Jenn found her way to Critical Bench

06:15 – Discover Jenn’s first dive into yoga

15:16 – Top 3 game-changing benefits of yoga

19:14 – Yoga trivia time: Surprising & fun facts

21:20 – Understanding proprioception: Why it matters

21:57 – Yoga styles uncovered: Which one’s right for you

28:18 – Why it’s important to listen to your body

31:03 – Yoga trivia time: More surprising & fun facts

36:36 – Master your practice: Essential yoga tips to know

42:46 – Real-life yoga: How the practice shapes daily living

45:10 – Fun and memorable moments while doing yoga

59:13 – Jenn’s black eye story: You won’t believe what happened

1:02:37 – Practice with Jenn: Where to find her online

1:06:05 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Easy Yoga Flow for Beginners – Digital/DVD

Yoga Follow Along Routines & Vinyasa Flows

Connect with Jenn:

Instagram

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Instagram

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On today’s episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Chris and Jared are joined by Larry Hagner — founder of The Dad Edge, a global movement and top-rated podcast dedicated to helping men live legendary lives. Together they dive into raw, real conversations about fatherhood, leadership, and what it looks like to truly show up at home.

Larry opens up about raising four boys, the bittersweet reality of kids leaving the nest, and how powerful rites of passage have shaped his sons into confident young men. He shares eye-opening lessons from SEAL-led father-son crucibles, where trust and communication were tested in ways that mirror life’s biggest challenges.

The guys also unpack how cultural portrayals of dads as clueless or weak undermine the vital role fathers play — and why leading by example in fitness, faith, and family is non-negotiable. Larry delivers hard truths about fatherhood, like prioritizing your marriage over your kids so they witness what a loving partnership looks like.

They explore practical wisdom for marriage, including Larry’s “cube” conflict resolution method and why most wives don’t want quick solutions — they want your connection and empathy. Jared and Chris both relate with stories from their own homes, making this a rich, relatable conversation for every dad or husband.

Plus, hear about Larry’s extraordinary Daddy Daughter retreat designed to forge unbreakable bonds that last a lifetime. This episode is packed with humor, humility, and profound insights that will challenge and inspire you to become a better man, husband, and father.

Tune in, share it with a friend, and take another step toward becoming strong by design — at home and beyond.

Time Stamps

01:01 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!

02:05 – Join Coach Chris Wilson, Jared Haley and special guest, Larry Hagner
03:53 – Larry talks about his children and the origin of ‘The Dad Edge’
08:53 - Dive into the varying personalities among children
11:43 – Understanding the concept of a rite of passage
19:44 – A look back at standout guests from ‘The Dad Edge Podcast’
25:20 – What you’ll learn in the Extraordinary Marriage course
32:48 – Discover the most popular skill taught in the course
43:05 – Inside ‘The Cube’: A framework for resolving conflict in relationships
50:20 – Recognizing and respecting differences in temperament
52:38 – A look at strong, intentional leadership within the home
57:13 – Why prioritizing your marriage truly matters
1:02:50 – Staying in touch: Connect with Larry Hagner online
1:05:42 -Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources

The Dad Edge Website

Connect with Larry:

Instagram

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What if the key to a healthier, sharper brain wasn’t a pill or a special diet—but simply getting up and moving your body every day? 

In this episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Dr. Charles Hillman, a world-renowned expert in cognitive neuroscience, exercise science, and neurocognitive kinesiology. Dr. Hillman has dedicated his career to understanding how physical activity affects brain function and cognitive performance, especially in children and older adults.

Their conversation explores how movement shapes the brain across the lifespan, from childhood to old age. Dr. Hillman shares groundbreaking research—like how fit kids have larger hippocampal volumes and stronger memory skills, and how lifelong activity can help protect against age-related cognitive decline. 

He also discusses how a sedentary lifestyle can harm both physical and cognitive health, why schools need to prioritize physical education, and how parents can create movement-rich environments at home to support their kids’ brain development. Dr. Hillman’s work has even influenced U.S. public health policy through the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, showing that staying active isn’t just good for the body—it’s essential for brain health and lifelong learning.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to stay sharp, feel energized, and keep their brain and body healthy for years to come.

Time Stamps

00:39 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:24 – Join Coach Chris Wilson with special guest, Dr Charles Hillman
04:34 – How Dr. Charles (Chuck) developed his fascination with the brain 
12:30 – Coach Chris shares his passion for fitness and health
14:25 – How early-life activities influence the way we age
18:49 – What is the main reason many people don’t exercise?
22:08 – Learn about the health risks of being out of shape
26:51 – Our lack of emphasis on physical activity and physical education
31:26 – How other countries prioritize physical activity and health
36:04 – How physical movement influences key areas of brain function
40:45 – Chuck talks about sports and the study of movement
49:14 – Can your body easily bounce back after years without exercise?
54:50 – Benefits of being physically active as a family
59:33 – Please share and leave ratings and reviews for the SBD podcast!

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Resources:

TEDx Talk - How lifelong movement supports your brain - Christopher Wilson

Connect with Chuck:

Northeastern University College of Science

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