Welcome to the Strength Connection!

In episode 303, Marco Benitez shares his journey from a Taekwondo champion to a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur. 

The evolution of wearable technology, the mission of his company Rook, and the importance of transforming health data into actionable insights. Marco emphasizes the challenges of data integration, the significance of mental health, and the startup journey's ups and downs. 

He highlights the potential of wearable technology in chronic disease management and the future of health data utilization.

Connect with Marco on LinkedIN at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Marco Benitez

04:44 Martial Arts and Its Life Lessons

09:44 The Evolution of Wearable Technology

14:50 Rook's Mission and Vision

19:53 Challenges in Data Utilization

24:49 The Rook Score Explained

29:43 Mental Health and Wearable Technology

34:33 Future Directions for Rook

Welcome to the Strength Connection.

In the 302nd episode, Tom LaGrave shares his transformative journey from a troubled adolescence marked by addiction to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping young people navigate their own challenges. 

He discusses the impact of technology on today's youth, the common struggles across generations, and the essential role of love in adolescent development. Tom also delves into the complexities of addiction, the evolving definition of masculinity, and the importance of finding balance and spirituality in life. 

His insights are rooted in personal experience and professional expertise, offering valuable perspectives for parents and educators alike.

Follow more from Tom at: 

https://thomasjlagravejr.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom LaGrave's Journey

03:00 From Military to Recovery: A Personal Transformation

06:09 Finding Purpose Through Helping Adolescents

08:45 The Impact of Technology on Youth

11:57 Generational Differences in Youth Challenges

14:42 The Importance of Rites of Passage

17:47 Navigating Adolescence: Love and Support

20:37 Conclusion: The Path Forward for Youth

25:14 The Importance of Individualized Parenting

28:03 Understanding Addiction and Its Patterns

33:01 Redefining Masculinity in Modern Society

37:10 The Role of Spirituality in Personal Growth

42:37 The Power of Letting Go of Ego

Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast.

In this conversation, Dr. Pam Theriot discusses the importance of proactive eye health, the impact of digital devices on vision, and the role of nutrition in maintaining eye health. She emphasizes the need for regular eye exams, preventative measures, and daily habits that can enhance eye comfort and clarity. The discussion also covers the effects of blue light, the significance of long-distance gazing, and the evolution of LASIK surgery.

Check out more from Dr. Theriot at:

https://www.pamtheriot.com

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Eye Health

02:49 The Impact of Eye Health on Mood and Focus

05:54 The Role of Digital Devices in Eye Health

08:48 Preventative Measures for Eye Health

11:52 The Importance of Blinking and Eye Care

15:00 The Effects of Blue Light on Eye Health

17:54 Nutrition and Eye Health Myths and Facts

25:14 Debunking Eye Health Myths

28:14 Nutrients for Optimal Vision

30:50 Daily Eye Care Practices

39:35 Understanding Vision and Genetics

44:37 The Evolution of LASIK Surgery

Welcome to the Strength Connection!

A milestone episode of the Strength Connection Podcast. Number 300!

I reflect on the journey of 300 episodes, sharing ten key lessons learned from guests and experiences. 

Thank you all for being a part of this awesome journey.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating 300 Episodes

01:21 The Journey of Curiosity and Connection

03:11 Mastery Through Ordinary Days

06:56 Staying Present in Routine

10:58 Flow State: The Natural Default

13:33 Change vs. Transformation

16:48 Embracing Nervous Energy

19:41 Raising Your Standards

21:20 The Power of Silence

23:36 Over Preparation for Presence

25:47 Structure Over Intuition

28:50 The Superpower of Solitude

Welcome to the Strength Connection!

Troy Laing is the founder of Culture OC, a “biohacking social wellness club” helping those find their optimal health in mind, body, spirit and community.

Troy shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming a leader in the biohacking and wellness community. He discusses the profound impact of physical movement on mental health, his transformative experience in the Himalayas, and the evolution of his practices in biohacking. Troy emphasizes the importance of combining various modalities for optimal health and the role of community in fostering wellness. He also highlights the shift in awareness around biohacking post-pandemic and the significance of mindset in healing.

Check out more from Troy at:

https://cultureoc.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Health and Fitness

02:56 Mental Health and Physical Movement

06:03 Life-Changing Experiences in the Himalayas

08:47 The Shift to Biohacking and Optimization

11:47 Exploring Breath Work and Cold Immersion

14:53 Building a Business Around Wellness

17:47 Combining Modalities for Optimal Health

21:06 Creating a Unique Wellness Environment

23:52 The Science Behind Healing Technologies

27:37 Harnessing Light for Wellness

28:45 Educating Clients on Wellness Methods

30:40 The Power of Mindset in Healing

32:05 Real-Life Healing Success Stories

33:55 The Role of Optimism in Health

35:53 Cold Water Immersion and Recovery

38:57 Understanding Individual Responses to Biohacking

40:57 Mainstreaming Biohacking Post-Pandemic

43:22 Empowering Patients Through Education

45:14 Building Community in Wellness Spaces

Welcome to The Strength Connection!

Mitchell Osmond is founder of Dad Nation and a performance coach for men looking to maximize their relationships, health and vitality along with their high performing careers. 

Mitchell shares his personal journey of transformation from a place of burnout and disconnection to a life of purpose and fulfillment, the importance of community, accountability, and mindset in achieving personal growth. 

Mitchell introduces his frameworks, including the CLEAR Thinking Process and the Iron Five, which help men navigate their challenges and build meaningful connections. A great conversation on the need for modern masculinity that balances strength with emotional intelligence, ultimately guiding men to live lives worthy of imitation.

Check out more from Mitchell at:

https://www.dadnationco.com/

And a FREE gift of “The Connection Code” here

https://www.dadnationco.com/code

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mitchell Osmond and His Work

01:47 Mitchell's Personal Transformation Journey

09:29 The Importance of Community and Accountability

14:24 Mindset and Mental Performance

20:27 The CLEAR Thinking Process

30:17 The Iron Five Framework

43:15 Resonating Messages for Modern Men

Welcome to the Strength Connection!

Dan John, Legendary Coach and Author, joins me again on the podcast to go into his latest book, The Art of Coaching.

In this engaging conversation, Coach Dan John shares insights from his extensive coaching career and how he began and ultimately completed The Art of Coaching. 

Emphasizing the importance of values, the relationship between goals and assessments, and the role of storytelling in coaching, Dan reflects on the writing process, the challenges of simplifying complex concepts, and the significance of mentorship and preparation in effective coaching.

Grab your copy of The Art of Coaching exclusively on Amazon Now.

00:00 Reconnecting and Introduction to Coaching

01:28 The Genesis of 'The Art of Coaching'

04:21 Values and Coaching Philosophy

07:18 Goals, Assessments, and the Coaching Journey

10:13 Writing Process and Challenges

13:25 The Importance of Storytelling in Coaching

16:21 Simplifying Complex Concepts

19:12 The Art of Coaching Explained

22:08 Dunning-Kruger Effect and Mastery

24:50 Learning from Experience and Mentorship

27:51 The Role of Preparation in Coaching

30:49 Subtraction vs. Addition in Coaching

33:42 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

Welcome to the Strength Connection!

One of the most resilient, and mentally strong coaches I’ve ever known, Anthony Flores comes back on the podcast to discuss FLORESH to win.

In this episode, Anthony discusses his personal journey of overcoming obesity and cancer, celebrating his 'Victory Month' as a reminder of resilience and strength. We dove into FLORESH, a framework designed to help individuals grow through faith, focus, and empowerment. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of resilience, the concept of limitless potential, and the need for self-honor in personal commitments. We also reflect on the impact of their mentor, Tyler Wall, and how his teachings continue to inspire them.

Check out more from Anthony at:

https://floreshinfaith.com/

Chapters

00:00 Victory Month: A Personal Journey

02:42 Resilience Through Adversity

05:41 The Flourish Program: A Framework for Growth

08:47 Faith and Focus: The Foundation of Flourish

11:39 Limitless Potential: Breaking Barriers

14:28 Optimization: The 1% vs. 2% Mindset

17:06 Empowerment: Filling Your Cup

19:46 Honor: Keeping Your Commitments

21:06 Remembering Tyler Wall: A Lasting Impact

Welcome to the Strength Connection!

Mike Salemi is a men’s performance coach, creator of the Vital Man Collective, and host of The Path podcast.

In this conversation, Mike Salemi shares his journey from a competitive athlete to a holistic coach focusing on men's vitality and strength. He discusses the importance of personal experiences in shaping his understanding of health, the significance of men's work, and the balance between discipline and play. The dialogue emphasizes the need for connection, the power of solitude versus isolation, and the role of devotion in personal growth.

Check out more from Mike at:

https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/

Welcome to the Strength Connection.

Tony Pascolla is a Physical Education teacher (Chicago,IL), strength coach, StrongFirst Kettlebell & Barbell Instructor, personal trainer, and carnivore/fasting coach.

He is also the host of the Primal Foundations Podcast, where he explores topics related to strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle optimization (which I’ve had the privilege of being a guest on.)

In this episode, Tony dives into early days of endurance training, what wrestling taught him about mindset for competition, completing the IronMan, and his evolution of teaching in Strength.

Follow Tony at:

Website: https://www.primalfoundations.com/

Instagram: @tony_primalfoundations

Podcast: 

Primal Foundations Podcast