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The journey of creating ‘The Lion Within Us’ has been fueled by Chris Grainger’s desire to help others and glorify God.  He is blessed to be in several leadership positions in a professional and spiritual capacity. First and foremost, He is a devoted husband to a loving wife. Together, they lead a family of three beautiful girls and one amazing son.

There was a point in time where Chris's life was spiraling out of control and he felt helpless. By the Grace of God, he was able to take inventory of his life, analyze and improve habits, and become the man that God had called him to be. Though he has faced difficult storms involving love and loss, he has been blessed beyond measure and God has never left his side. He wants to use his testimony to encourage others and let them know that they too can find joy and fulfillment in the midst of the most difficult storm.

On this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Chris and host Jared Haley discuss the importance of father's being the spiritual leader in the home, as opposed to outsourcing it to the local schools or church. What does this look like practically? Listen and learn how you can be intentional in these areas, and allowing God to reveal his design for the family.



"Let's view our calendar through the lens of priorities, and put the big rocks in first." — Chris Grainger



Time Stamps  

00:41 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast

02:24 - Get to know today's special guest, Chris Grainger, founder of 'The Lion Within Us'

07:37 - Leading with Faith: Chris on the father's role in a family 

10:40 - What does spiritual leadership look like in the home?

15:27 - Chris on viewing your calendar through a Christian lens

19:50 - What is the number one thing holding dads back from jumping in and being intentional? 

21:22 - Why we need to disconnect to reconnect

27:08 - Digital safety 101: How to protect kids from sexual immorality

32:00 - Preventing porn exposure: Why sex education matters

37:51 - Chosen to lead: Dads and their spiritual responsibility 

49:15 - Why it's important to pray with (and for) your spouse

52:23 - Ready to UNLEASH the LION within? Connect with Chris Grainger



Resources:

·       TheLionWithin.Us

Connect w/ Chris: 

·       YouTube

·       Instagram

·       Facebook

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Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brontosaurus, Velociraptor, Triceratops… all fake?!?

No way?! It can’t be?! What about all of the fossils they’ve found over the past 150+ years? Why would the Smithsonian and other institutions ever promote an extinct animal species that never really existed? What did they have to gain?

We all grew up learning about the amazing, wonderful and terrifying world of the dinosaur. Giant reptiles that roamed the earth 25-65 million years ago and have been extinct for as long.

Geez! How did their bones survive such a long period of time and stay fully intact? Why do we never find an entire dinosaur but instead just a few bones here and there… but we’ve filled in the gaps with such detail? Why do museums all over the world never show the actual bones but replicas of the ‘real thing’ and the real bones are tucked away somewhere else? Why is there nothing recorded about dinosaurs before 1842?

And what about ‘Giants’? Supersized people that may have existed in many different cultures all over the globe in various time periods that ranged from 7 to over 10 feet tall? Is everyone just telling fairy tales and stories or did extra-large people or human-like creatures once walk the planet?

These are all great questions that the Tin Foil Hat Club will investigate in the 2nd Conspiracy Theory episode here on the Strong By Design podcast show! And we just scratched the surface with our third topic of debate… to be continued!



"Once you accept the premise, your mind is then trying to create truth from that premise." — Stephen Ohocinski



Time Stamps  

00:37 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
 01:01 - Get to know today's special guests, the Tin Foil Hat Club
 04:07 - Last time with the Tin Foil Hat Club: Popular conspiracy recap! 
 06:30 - How stories change the world
 08:15 - Conspiracy theory #1: Dinosaurs never existed?
 12:01 - How what you believe shapes what you conspire
 13:41 - Meet the man who invented the dinosaur
 24:41 - Cui Bono? Exploring the motives behind dinosaur fakery
 35:19 - 'Is Genesis History?': How science connects to the Bible
 36:00 - The Tin Foil Hat Club's take on reimagining a dinosaur-free world 
 39:53 - Conspiracy theory #2: Were giant humans real?
 48:44 - How the society benefits from hoaxing giant people
 56:10 - Understanding the 'Slow Drip' theory
 57:47 - Conspiracy theory #3: The unsolved mystery of JonBenét Ramsey… to be continued

Resources:

Got Questions or other good topics? Email us at [email protected]

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Pastor Daryl Black delivered a message several months ago titled 'Biblical Sexuality - You Asked For It' 

This message at Grace Family Church in Florida is based on feedback from the congregation... what did they want the church to talk about. His words are truthful, kind and powerful. 

Our host Jared Haley attends GFC and found the message to be one of the best he's ever heard on the topic. Today he and host Chris Wilson dig deeper on what biblical sexuality is and what it means to us now in a time of confusion.

Pastor Daryl believes the only controversial subjects are the ones we aren't willing to talk about with both grace and truth. We are truly honored to have him on the show!

Side Note - Pastor Daryl was an X Factor contestant several years ago and we open the show discussing this amazing adventure. As you will discover in the video link below, his voice is phenomenal.

From the GFC Florida page on YouTube...
No matter who you are, you are an image bearer of God! He created you with glory, dignity, purpose, and diversity. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.


"We don't let them choose what food to eat. We don't let them choose whether or not they're going to go to school. But we're going to let them pick their gender for the rest of their life." — Pastor Daryl Black


Time Stamps
00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
01:45 - Get to know today's special guest, Pastor Daryl Black
06:38 - Pastor Daryl shares his 'X Factor' audition story
18:25 - The power of worship: Pastor Daryl on connecting with God through music
21:56 - From California to Florida: Pastor Daryl's calling to Grace Family Church
27:40 - The 'WHY' behind his unique service sign-offs
31:33 - The TV effect: How transgender representation shapes society
35:13 - Transgenderism's impact: Why it's stronger on the younger generation
40:50 - Pastor Daryl's challenge to believers: Standing firm in God's truth
47:44 - Understanding the push for transgenderism
55:05 - Will you follow God or follow yourself?
59:58 - Pastor Daryl on discerning God's truth vs. worldly truth
1:06:11 - Why listening is an act of Faith
1:13:23 - Why you shouldn't let your fear keep you from God's truth


Connect with Pastor Daryl:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

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Today’s guest on the Strong By Design podcast can help you create space in your mind.

Scott Paglia is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine in Bellingham, WA. Scott got into acupuncture and herbs after almost dying in South Korea while pursuing the practice of meditation.

Over the decades since his early pursuits, Scott has met many great teachers and applied their teaching to his practice. He has focused most of his studies on neuroplasticity and the effect meditation has on the nervous system. Find out in today’s episode how to simply begin the practice of meditation.

FUN FACT: Scott has actually been into meditation since he was in middle school until the present moment.



"As thoughts lessen, as that peace increases, part of that comes back with you."— Scott Paglia



Time Stamps  

00:45 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
 03:24 - Get to know today's special guest, Scott Paglia
 05:13 - Scott shares his early love for meditation and his journey into Chinese medicine
 10:10 - How to hear your inner voice through meditation
 13:01 - Discover how consistent meditation changed his mind and body over time
 16:00 - Scott discusses common reasons for acupuncture visit, top conditions treated, and the treatment plans they offer
 22:01 - Acupuncture 101: Here's what you can expect during a treatment
 29:14 - The cons of Western medicine
 36:09 - The difference between traditional Eastern and modern Western healthcare practices
 42:18 - Healing from the root: Why choose Acupuncture Health Center?
 44:04 - The healing power of meditation
 51:30 - One minute to spare? Learn how to meditate with these tips!
 1:04:51 - How are you managing your resources?
 1:11:32 - Where you can go to connect with Scott Paglia

 Resources:

·       Acupuncture Health Center

Connect w/ Scott:

·       Instagram

·       Facebook 

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We all have moments of doubt in our lives. Times when we feel God has abandoned us or that we are separated from God. So, is it okay to have these feelings, is it normal to have these thoughts?

Have you ever asked the question:

• Why me Lord? 
• How can God be good if He let this happen to me? 
• Why would a good God let that happen to someone else? 
• Has God forsaken me? 
• Am I under attack right now? 
• Why am I struggling to believe in God right now?

In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast, hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley talk about doubting our faith in God, what it looks like to experience feelings of unbelief, questioning God’s plan for our life and feeling like we are under attack.


"It's okay to question. It's okay to wrestle.... It's okay to have emotions with God that isn't just all lovey-dovey." — Jared Haley

The Great Commission even mentions doubt…

Matthew 28: 16-20

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 
 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Time Stamps  

00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
03:40 - Hosts Jared and Chris' perspective on the act of questioning God
05:42 - Jared reveals how he came to accept questioning and wrestling with God
17:19 - How wrestling with God helps you grow spiritually
18:40 - The importance of feeling safe to question
20:58 - Chris and Jared discuss the connection between science and faith 
23:43 - Is it possible for a Christian to doubt God and still have Faith?
40:24 - Bible verses about Faith and Doubt
50:03 - What does Jesus mean by 'Whatever You Ask in My Name' in John 14:13-14?
54:00 - Who is the greatest man in history?
57:21 - Struggling with doubt? The power of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance

Resources:

·         The Bible App
 
 

Connect w/ Chris & Jared:

·         Instagram - Chris

·         Instagram - Jared

·         Facebook - Chris

·         Facebook - Jared

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Erik is truly a man of integrity, work ethic and an overcomer.

Growing up with a complicated childhood and broken home, to raising himself from the age of 14. Unfortunately, finding trouble along the way, desperately trying to fill the gaping voids in his life.

As a young man Erik found himself empty and tired of settling for less. After the feverish pursuit of the Holy Spirit, Erik decided to surrender and trust the One that would never let him down.

Now, Erik and his wife of nearly 19+ years and their two children live in Northern Idaho and live a humble and blessed life. Together they are breaking the cycles handed down to them of divorce, addictions, depression, abuse, and lies. They are leaving a new legacy for their next generation built on a biblical foundation.

On this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Jared and Erik discuss the value of establishing and maintaining healthy rhythms, and how those rhythms affect your mind, body, and spirit. 



“A divorce can cause generational struggles to get back on track.” -Erik Allen

 

Time Stamps  

00:47 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
02:25 - Get to know today's special guest, Erik Allen, founder and host of 'The Erik Allen Show' and 'Top MMA Podcast' 
07:05 - Erik's jail experience: How his complicated, abusive childhood affected him
08:45 - How a simple church invitation from a woman reshaped the course of his entire life
10:40 - Erik talks about his calling to break the cycle of abuse, addiction and divorce
18:34 - Discover how he is helping entrepreneurs get known and noticed online
20:06 - Erik on managing the chaos of daily life
22:56 - The power of leading your kids by example
29:25 - How to stay connected with God through community
36:25 - The power of Prayer
38:14 - Where you can go to connect with Erik Allen

 Resources:

·         ErikAllenMedia.com
 
 

Connect w/ Erik:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook 

·         YouTube

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No one really goes to see bulging biceps and Godzilla sized quads at the Mr. Olympia thinking their ‘true love’ is there waiting for them…

But in this case, true love for Micah and Diana was exactly what the Mr. O provided.

Our guests today on Strong By Design are Micah LaCerte, magazine cover model, world champion WBFF muscle model and owner of Hitch Fit Gym and his beautiful wife Diana, fitness expert, personal trainer, gym owner, model and fitness competitor.

And boy are they in GREAT shape!

But what makes them really ‘tick’ is their passion for people and for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Their story of love and helping others transform their bodies and minds is truly fantastic and inspiring! 

From their highly successful personal training gym, HitchFit, in Kansas City, MO and online, to their SoulFIT Retreats and now live events, Micah and Diana are changing the world but it feels like they’re just getting started.

 

“So many people think it’s just a physical transformation, but it’s so much more.” -Micah & Diana LaCerte

 

Time Stamps  

00:56 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
 03:57 - Get to know today's special guests, Micah & Diana LaCerte of Hitch Fit
 05:43 - Love at Mr. Olympia: Micah and Diana's instant connection 
 11:17 - Micah and Diana talk about how they started Hitch Fit
 15: 40 - Fit anywhere, anytime: How Hitch Fit works
 23:07 - Discover the Hitch Fit-Critical Bench connection
 27:34 - Micah and Diana on transforming lives both in-person and online through fitness
 30:51 - Faith-fueled fitness: How they began incorporating faith into their fitness journey
 38:28 - Micah and Diana on nurturing mind, body and spirit through 'SoulFIT Retreats'
 46:50 - Learn how to 'Lean In' to your challenges and 'Level Up' in your life
 52:56 - What's next for Micah and Diana?
 56:38 - Where you can go to connect with Micah & Diana LaCerte

 Resources:

·         HitchFit.com

·         SoulFitRetreats.com
 
 

Connect w/ Micah & Diana:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook 

·         YouTube

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Bridgette is a firecracker, best-selling author, speaker, mother of 4 and loves Jesus. Oh, and she’s the sister of Kirk and Candace Cameron.

In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast host Chris Wilson speaks to Bridgette Cameron, younger sister to superstar Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains, Fireproof, Left Behind) and the little ‘big’ sister of Candace Cameron Bure (Full House / Fuller House) and Melissa Fleming. 

Have you ever wondered what life would be like with famous family members? Well, Bridgette had not just one famous sibling but two! Find out what growing up in a house with two famous child actors was like, the realization that God’s plan and our plan can look very different and that His plans for us are far better than our own.

Also be sure to check out Bridgette’s best-selling book ‘Overlooked’ on her website which shares her journey and recounts a terrifying, life-changing moment that brought her closer to God.

"I felt overlooked, like, 'God, did you forget about me? You created me, but you're not opening any doors for me’.” — Bridgette Cameron

 Time Stamps  

1:16 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
3:08 - Meet today's special guest, Bridgette Cameron Ridenour
3:58 - What's it like growing up with celebrity siblings, Kirk and Candace? 
11:36 - How she and her brother started their spiritual journey despite not growing up in a Christian home
16:06 - Discover how their spiritual journey influenced the whole family and saved her parents' marriage
19:32 - How a terrifying, life-changing event brought her closer to God and her purpose
23:45 - Bridgette shares a profound moment when she felt God's presence speaking to her through Jeremiah 29:11
30:05 - Little fun fact about their childhood pets!
32:30 - Bridgette's speaking career: How her new book emphasizes faith and trust in God's timing
36:40 - The power of handing the pen over
40:39 - Bridgette acknowledges God for the meaningful work their family is doing
48:48 - Where you can go to connect with Bridgette Cameron Ridenour and get her new book, 'Overlooked'

 Resources:

·         BridgetteCameron.com

Connect w/ Bridgette:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook 

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• CriticalBench.com
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Discover the transformative power of God’s Word with our special guest James Early.

James started an amazing bible ministry years ago that is reaching men and women who need it most, behind bars.

While many people in our society consider prisoners to be beyond help, it is clear in our conversation with James that God’s Word can work miracles anywhere it’s heard.

Please join us today for this heartwarming message about discipleship, courage and obedience hosted by Chris Wilson and Jared Haley. Plus, there is some fun storytelling about James and Chris’s ‘Connecticut Connection’ and Jared’s short stint in a Colorado prison.

"I've planted seeds, I've watered the seeds, but like the Bible says, 'God gives the increase'."  — James Early

Time Stamps  

00:49 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
2:40 - Meet today's special guest, James Early, Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster
3:55 - Discover the surprising connection between Host Chris Wilson and James
10:30 - James recounts the roots of his passion for sharing God's word, and his journey into podcasting and Bible ministry
14:45 - Discover his prison ministry's transformative impact, bringing hope and redemption to confined hearts
21:00 - Witnessing an inmate's remarkable transformation
30:02 - Finding spiritual connection through our questions and doubts
36:47 - Co-host Jared Haley shares his prison venture
44:10 - When faith is restored from responding to the Bible
48:53 - How to connect with James Early, 'The Bible Speaks to You' Podcast + Free Resources & Coaching Program

 Resources:

·         TheBibleSpeaksToYou.com

·         The Bible Speaks To You Podcast
 
 

Connect w/ James:

·         Instagram

·         Facebook 

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• Facebook
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• CriticalBench.com
• CriticalNutritionLabs.com
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Is public speaking really feared more than death?

Actually, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health, 75% of people rank the fear of public speaking number one.

Fortunately for our amazing Strong By Design audience, we have an expert public speaker on the show today.  Sabine Kvenberg is an author, actress, singer, songwriter, coach and amazing human being.

Sabine shares her passion for coaching others to overcome their fears of speaking and performing in front of others to become their best selves. If you need that spark and courage to speak in front of others, you’re in the right place. Plus, listen up closely as this is the first and only episode in nearly 7 years with a guest who sings during the interview!



“We have to become the person we are meant to be, to live the life we are destined to live.”  -Sabine Kvenberg




Time Stamps  

 
00:59 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
 2:38 - Meet today's special guest, Sabine Kvenberg
 4:37 - Sabine's passion for public speaking: Innate or developed?
 11:10 - Sabine on transforming fear of the unknown into fuel for dreams
 14:52 - Real vs. Reel: The difference between live stage and filming
 23:54 - Sabine recounts the moment that lifted her to new heights of success
 29:02 - Just do it: The power of making things happen
 34:31 - Sabine's success stories: Transforming clients into confident public speakers
 38:50 - Sabine talks about her new book, 'Become Empowered,' and the inspiration behind it
 45:32 - Discover how her podcast aims to empower listeners to take action and make a lasting impact
 53:04 - The power of expertise: Why hiring a coach matters
 55:04 - Where you can go to connect with Sabine Kvenberg, and level up your communication skills

Resources:

·         SabineKvenberg.com

·         VIP Guest List – Become Book Launch
 
 

Connect w/ Sabine:

·       Instagram

·       Facebook 

·       YouTube

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench: 

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• Facebook
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• CriticalBench.com
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• StrongByDesignPodcast.com