In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci welcomes back Functional Medicine Nutritionist Rachel Scheer—the very first returning guest on the show. With a background in Nutrition Science and Dietetics from Baylor University and certification from the Kalish Institute, Rachel brings science-backed expertise and real-world insight to the table.

Together, Kenny and Rachel dive deep into essential health and wellness topics, including the critical role of gut health, common misconceptions around plant-based diets, and the best ways to build and maintain muscle mass. They also explore the latest thinking on supplements, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome.

Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or just looking to level up your health, this episode is packed with practical tips and no-nonsense advice. Tune in and get stronger from the inside out.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout

00:15 Strong New York Event Announcement

00:38 Podcast Milestone and Guest Introduction

01:48 Guest's Recent Activities and Peter Hurley

02:53 Discussion on Plant-Based Diets and Gut Health

11:42 Cholesterol, Blood Tests, and Diet Recommendations

16:11 Testosterone and Hormone Optimization

21:12 Women's Health and Thyroid Issues

27:14 Metabolic Issues and GLP-1 Medications

28:22 The Risks and Benefits of GLP-1

28:55 Gut Health and GLP-1

29:51 Responsible Use of Medications

32:14 Post-Menopause Health Tips

33:27 Essential Supplements for Everyone

36:10 The Importance of Blood Work

40:07 Muscle Mass and Aging

41:12 Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

45:03 Dietary Changes and Gut Health

46:26 Personal Experiences with Diet and Fitness

49:43 The Impact of Bodybuilding on Health

53:32 The Truth About Instagram Fitness Models

55:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

On this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, Kenny Santucci sits down with Max Siegelman, the founder of Siegelman Stable, to unpack the brand’s unexpected rise from a pandemic passion project to a viral sensation. Recorded in East Hampton, the conversation traces Max’s journey from creative consulting for athletes and musicians to building a globally recognized apparel brand rooted in authenticity, storytelling, and quality. Max shares lessons from navigating the fashion industry, collaborating with major sports teams, and leaning on the fitness community for support. If you're interested in the intersection of sports, fashion, and entrepreneurship, this one’s for you. 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:15 Strong New York Event Announcement

00:38 Interview with Max Siegelman Begins

01:17 The Origin of Siegelman Stable

03:23 Challenges and Growth in Business

05:04 Collaborations and Brand Recognition

10:26 Fashion and Cultural Influence

12:17 East Hampton Pop-Up Experience

14:01 Future Plans and Reflections

20:07 The Illusion of Knowing What You're Doing

20:41 The Importance of Good Energy and Humility

21:30 Facing Setbacks and Challenges

24:27 Drawing Inspiration and Building a Brand

30:51 Fitness and Personal Stories

38:15 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. Jordan Shallow—a global authority in sports performance, biomechanics, and athletic education. Known for his work with elite athletes, professional teams, and major corporations, Dr. Shallow brings a cutting-edge, holistic approach to optimizing human performance—from the treatment table to the training floor and onto the field of play.

Jordan shares his remarkable journey from living out of his car to becoming one of the most respected voices in fitness. He opens up about the challenges he's faced, the lessons he's learned, and the evolution of the industry—especially as AI and technology begin to reshape how we train.

This episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real talk for anyone passionate about fitness, wellness, and pushing human potential. Don't miss it.

00:00 Introduction and Event Promotion

00:43 Welcome to the Strong New York Podcast

01:00 Guest Introduction: Dr. Jordan Shallows

01:25 Dr. Shallows' Journey: From Struggles to Success

06:32 The Turning Point: Strong New York Event

12:29 Training Shaquille O'Neal

16:53 Working with Andrew Schultz and Akosh Singh

23:56 The Evolution of Personal Training

26:17 Impact of COVID-19 on Business

33:41 Advanced Training Techniques and Certifications

40:14 The Influence of Science in Bodybuilding

40:35 The Importance of Knowing Industry History

41:48 Early Inspirations and Influencers

44:18 The Evolution of Fitness Trends

45:01 The Role of Digital Media in Fitness

53:13 The Impact of AI and Technology in Gyms

58:53 Personal Training Experiences and Gym Culture

01:05:32 Tattoo Stories and Personal Reflections

01:15:22 Advice on Steroid Use and Longevity in Fitness

01:18:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. Jonathann Kuo — a double board-certified anesthesiologist, pain management expert, and pioneering voice in regenerative and longevity medicine.

As the Founder & CEO of Extension Health, Dr. Kuo is on a mission to redefine aging by merging advanced diagnostics, peptide therapy, and precision therapeutics to optimize healthspan, cellular regeneration, and human performance. With over 2,000 regenerative procedures under his belt, he's helped thousands unlock long-term vitality through cutting-edge treatments.

Together, Kenny and Dr. Kuo explore the future of medicine — shifting the conversation from reactive pain management to proactive health optimization. They dive deep into topics like: therapeutic plasma exchange, GLP-1 peptides & hormone optimization, testosterone replacement therapy, mitochondrial enhancers & exercise mimetics, and the power of regenerative medicine.

Whether you're an athlete, biohacker, or simply curious about how to live longer and feel better, this episode offers eye-opening insights and practical tools to help you elevate your performance and extend your vitality. Don’t miss it!

00:00 Introduction and Event Promotion
00:50 Meet Dr. Jonathann Kuo
02:25 Understanding Plasmapheresis
03:27 The Rise of Peptide Therapy
04:52 Personal Health Journey and Testosterone Therapy
07:32 Navigating Hormone Therapy
12:26 Mitochondrial Enhancers and Peptides
16:59 Ethical Considerations in Modern Therapies
19:28 Regenerative Medicine and Pain Management
31:25 The Importance of Hormone Levels
32:23 Estrogen Replacement for Women
33:19 Stem Cell Therapy Developments
35:25 PRP for Hair Growth
37:11 Peptides and Muscle Growth
38:22 Statins and Cardiovascular Health
41:18 Innovative Therapies at Extension Health
44:09 The Future of Longevity and Health
47:01 Digital Cloning and Medical Advancements
51:12 The Role of Exercise in Health
56:39 Psychedelics and Mental Health
59:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Yanni Hufnagel, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Lemon Perfect Company, to explore the journey of building one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in America.

Yanni shares the highs and lows of launching Lemon Perfect—a flavorful, zero-sugar lemon water —and what it takes to stand out in the highly competitive beverage industry. From reformulating products and landing major retail partnerships to maintaining resilience through it all, Yanni offers a candid look at the entrepreneurial grit behind his success.

They discuss the health benefits of Lemon Perfect, its mission to revolutionize how America hydrates, and Yanni’s unexpected path from NCAA basketball coach to wellness-driven CEO. With only 10 calories and packed with vitamin C, Lemon Perfect is more than a beverage—it’s a movement.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about hustle, hydration, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:15 Strong New York Event Announcement

00:38 Welcome to the Podcast

00:56 Guest Introduction: Yani Huff Nagel

01:15 Discovering Lemon Perfect

01:36 Challenges in the Beverage Industry

02:55 The Evolution of Lemon Perfect

04:55 Overcoming Setbacks and Reformulation

12:49 Packaging and Market Strategy

28:49 Future Goals and Reflections

30:22 Building a Culture of Retention and Health

30:43 Disrupting the Beverage Industry

32:48 From Basketball Coach to Entrepreneur

36:47 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

40:28 Celebrity Endorsements and Strategic Partnerships

44:30 Innovation and Future Plans

48:03 Expanding Distribution and Market Reach

56:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, Kenny sits down with Vincent Pitstick — a health expert, author, and pioneer in functional nutrition — who has helped thousands transform their lives through a holistic and personalized approach to wellness.

With over 18 years of experience in health and fitness, Vincent takes us on a deep dive into the roots of modern health challenges, the flaws of mainstream diet culture, and how emotional addiction often holds people back from true transformation. He shares key insights from his groundbreaking new book, The Flush Method, and explains how community, mindset training, and functional medicine play a critical role in sustainable weight loss and long-term well-being.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or someone looking to reclaim control of your health, this episode offers game-changing strategies that could redefine your approach to fitness and healing.

00:00 Welcome to the Strong New York Podcast

00:14 Introducing Vincent Pitstick

00:45 The Importance of Real Success Stories

01:15 Commitment and Consistency in Fitness

01:45 The History and Evolution of Weight Loss

03:14 The Role of Community in Fitness

06:09 Functional Medicine and Root Cause Analysis

10:32 The Impact of Emotional Addiction

14:21 The Pursuit of Dopamine and Addiction

17:06 Understanding the Body's Ecosystem

17:29 Dopamine and Its Effects

18:06 The Struggle with Dopamine Deficiency

21:06 The Role of Community and Support

24:53 The Importance of Consistency and Investment

28:27 Innovative Health Solutions and Programs

31:06 The Flush Method and Metabolic Optimization

37:50 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Christian Toetzke, the visionary founder and CEO of HYROX—the global fitness race that's redefining competition. Christian shares the incredible story of how HYROX evolved from a niche pop-up to an international movement with nearly a million participants worldwide.

They dive into the inspiration behind the hybrid fitness concept, the challenges of scaling massive events across continents, and how the team navigated the pandemic to come back stronger than ever. From business strategy to community impact, Christian offers a rare inside look at what it takes to build a brand that's changing the fitness landscape.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or fitness fan, this episode is packed with motivation and insight. Tune in to hear how HYROX is raising the bar—and how you can be part of the movement.  Listen now and get inspired to #LiveFit with HYROX.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:19 Meeting Christian Toetzke: The Birth of Hyrox

01:00 Creating the Hybrid Athlete

01:56 The Purpose Behind Hyrox

03:34 The Genesis of Hyrox

07:19 Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19

12:21 Post-COVID Success and Expansion

15:42 Future Plans and Innovations

18:32 Entertainment Value in Sports

19:26 Consistency in Hyrox

24:25 Natural Movements and Inclusivity

27:04 Celebrity Participation and Community Impact

30:20 Logistics and Future Plans

35:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this solo episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci takes the mic to reflect, share, and get real. Kenny dives into what’s coming up for the Strong New York health and wellness festival on September 27th, opens up with personal stories, and reveals how the movement first began. He talks about the power of collaboration, the mindset that keeps him going, and his journey through various fitness routines and nutrition strategies. Tune in for an honest, inspiring, and energizing episode straight from the source. 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout

00:15 Welcome to the Strong New York Podcast

00:34 Peach Vibe Review

01:28 Strong New York Event Overview

02:41 Challenges of Organizing Fitness Events

03:58 Partnerships and Collaborations

05:09 The Story Behind Strong New York

06:36 The Stone Soup Story

08:58 The Importance of Collaboration

11:53 Men's Night Event Experience

22:25 Nutrition and Training Insights

26:39 The Role of AI in Event Planning

27:35 Terrible Therapy Experience

28:14 Finding Solace in Physical Activity

29:21 Networking with Creators

30:42 Opportunities in Content Creation

31:22 Bizarre Online Trends

38:20 Cultural Differences in Food Quality

41:36 Upcoming Podcast Guests and Events

44:24 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Shoutout

In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Carl Daikeler — visionary entrepreneur, CEO, and co-founder of The Beachbody Company (now BODi) — for an inspiring conversation about the evolution of fitness, entrepreneurship, and the power of community.

This episode dives deep into Carl’s four-decade journey in health and wellness, from the early days of infomercials to building one of the most recognized fitness empires in the world. Carl reflects on the creation of game-changing programs like P90X, Insanity, and Shakeology, and shares his perspective on navigating the modern fitness landscape shaped by AI, technology, and shifting consumer habits.

As a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, podcast host, and tech investor, Carl offers unique insights into creativity, leadership, and staying true to your mission in a fast-changing world. Whether you're a fitness professional, entrepreneur, or just passionate about personal growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about BODi: https://www.bodi.com/

Follow Carl on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carldaikeler/

Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daikeler-carl/

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout

00:25 Meet Carl Daikeler: The Man Behind Beachbody

01:10 The Birth of 8-Minute Abs

02:16 Infomercial Landscape and Fitness Trends

03:30 Creating Legitimate Fitness Programs

04:49 The Rise of Celebrity Trainers

08:34 The Success of P90X

15:43 The Importance of Fitness and Overcoming Comfort

21:08 Carl's Journey and Passion for Fitness

28:30 Innovative Fitness Programs and Business Insights

32:51 Autumn Calabrese's Impact on Fitness Programs

33:45 The Success of 21 Day Fix

35:00 The Rise of Sean T and Insanity

39:12 Transition to Digital and the Pandemic Boom

45:10 Rebranding from Beachbody to Body

50:37 Challenges and Future of Fitness Industry

01:03:48 The Role of AI in Fitness

01:09:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with two fitness industry legends—Joe DeFranco and Chris Tutela—for an honest, insightful conversation about what it takes to build, run, and grow a successful gym.

Joe DeFranco is a world-renowned strength and conditioning coach and the founder of DeFranco’s Gym. For over 20 years, he’s trained elite athletes from the NFL, WWE, UFC, and beyond. Joe helped revolutionize the garage/warehouse gym model and built a globally recognized brand known for performance, innovation, and impact. His work has been featured on ESPN, Men’s Health, and in The 4-Hour Body, and he continues to educate through his podcast The Industrial Strength Show and the CPPS certification program.

Chris Tutela is a coach, speaker, author, and gym business mentor. He’s the owner of Tutela Training Systems in New Jersey and co-founder of The Iron Business Blueprint, where he helps gym owners grow profitable, purpose-driven businesses. Chris is known for his no-nonsense approach to personal development, leadership, and helping others unlock their full potential—on the gym floor and in life.

Together, they share their journeys, lessons from decades in the industry, and strategies for creating strong gym cultures, retaining clients, and marketing in today’s landscape. Whether you’re a trainer, gym owner, or fitness enthusiast, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds

01:00 Starting and Growing a Gym Business

03:38 Training Philosophy and Methods

07:19 Challenges and Evolution in the Fitness Industry

10:54 Marketing and Business Strategies

13:21 The Importance of Community and Personal Connection

17:43 Hiring and Training Quality Staff

21:30 The Birth of Iron Business Blueprint

29:19 Key Marketing Strategies for Gym Owners

34:14 Supporting Local Businesses

34:40 Maximizing Client Referrals

36:15 Reflecting on Years in the Fitness Industry

36:51 Memorable Client Encounters

38:38 Gym Culture and Vibes

48:03 Starting and Growing a Gym Business

50:28 Client Retention and Influences

56:45 Wrestling and Mainstream Influence

01:00:15 Backstage Wrestling Stories

01:03:44 Conclusion and Contact Information