What if a lot of the ideas in the self-help books we read today aren't actually new?

In this shorter solo episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg explores his growing interest in philosophy and why going back to the original philosophical texts has completely changed the way he approaches personal development.

From Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism to modern interpretations of ancient ideas, this episode explores how principles around emotional regulation, self-awareness, resilience, anxiety and controlling the controllables have been discussed for thousands of years.

Rather than having those ideas filtered through another author's interpretation, sometimes there's enormous value in going directly to the source—and deciding what they mean for yourself.

In this episode:

• Why so much modern self-help can be traced back to philosophy

• Marcus Aurelius' Meditations and why it's such a powerful starting point

• Stoicism and the principle of controlling the controllables

• Using philosophy to manage anxiety and emotional reactions

• Why reading philosophy requires reflection rather than simply consuming information

• The surprising crossover between philosophy and spirituality

• Modern writers who make philosophical ideas more accessible

• Books and resources for anyone wanting to start exploring philosophy

You don't need a philosophy degree.

You don't need to understand every sentence.

And you certainly don't have to agree with every philosopher you read.

The value is in engaging with the ideas, questioning them, and figuring out what you can actually apply to your own life.

Sometimes the best personal-development book isn't sitting in the self-help section.

It was written 2,000 years ago.

🎙 Hosted by Josh Sternberg

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Purpose.

It's one of the biggest questions we ask ourselves.

"What am I meant to do?"

"What if I never find it?"

"What if I'm already too late?"

In this solo episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg unpacks one of the biggest misconceptions around purpose—and why most people spend years searching for something that was never lost in the first place.

Drawing from his own journey through coaching, business, mental health, sobriety, relationships, and personal growth, Josh reflects on the moments that made him question everything, the seasons where he felt completely disconnected from his purpose, and the lessons that ultimately brought him back to it.

This isn't a conversation about finding the perfect career.

It's about understanding who you are beneath the labels, recognising that purpose evolves with you, and learning to build a life that aligns with your values rather than your job title.

In this episode we cover:

• Why your career isn't your purpose

• The difference between purpose and the vessel that expresses it

• Losing yourself and finding your way back

• Mental health, sobriety and personal transformation

• Helping others without losing yourself

• Internal fulfilment versus external achievement

• Building your life around values instead of outcomes

• Why purpose changes through different seasons of life

Whether you're feeling lost, questioning your direction, or simply looking for more meaning in your life, I hope this episode reminds you that purpose isn't something waiting to be discovered.

It's something you choose to live every day.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg shares a personal life update and reflects on one of the most challenging seasons he's faced.

Following his father's lymphoma diagnosis, Josh opens up about the emotions, perspective shifts, and lessons that have come from navigating uncertainty, family, and the reality that life can change in an instant.

This isn't an episode about sadness.

It's an episode about perspective.

About appreciating the moments we often take for granted, focusing on what we can control, and learning how adversity can shape us into stronger, more present people.

Alongside this personal reflection, Josh also shares updates on his training, coaching, podcast, school speaking program, and what's ahead over the coming months.

In this episode we cover:

• My father's lymphoma diagnosis and what it's taught me

• Finding gratitude during difficult seasons

• The importance of presence and emotional resilience

• Controlling what you can and letting go of what you can't

• Lessons from philosophy and self-reflection

• Updates on running, powerlifting, coaching and the podcast

• Why hard seasons often become our greatest teachers

Life won't always go to plan.

But how we respond to it will always shape who we become.

If you're navigating a difficult season of your own, I hope this conversation reminds you that there is still beauty to be found, even in the hardest moments.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg sits down with Meghan Brazh for a fascinating conversation around self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationships, and the role astrology can play in understanding ourselves on a deeper level.

This isn't a conversation about daily horoscopes or predicting the future.

Instead, Meghan explains how birth charts can be used as a framework for recognising subconscious patterns, understanding personality traits, and developing greater awareness of the beliefs and behaviours that shape our lives.

Together, Josh and Meghan explore how this understanding can improve communication, strengthen relationships, support parenting, and create lasting personal growth.

In this episode we cover:

• The difference between pop astrology and psychological astrology

• How birth charts can uncover subconscious patterns

• Emotional regulation and self-awareness

• Relationships, communication, and healthy boundaries

• Parenting through understanding different personalities

• The role of resilience and childhood experiences

• Plant medicine, healing, and personal transformation

• Why humans are naturally cyclical and how that influences our wellbeing

Whether astrology resonates with you or not, this conversation is ultimately about one thing:

Understanding yourself better so you can build better relationships, make better decisions, and live with greater awareness.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg sits down with Australian powerlifting champion Lily Riley for one of the most inspiring conversations of the season.

While many know Lily for her success on the platform, this conversation explores the experiences that shaped the person behind the athlete.

After overcoming cancer, Lily's perspective on life completely changed. Rather than waiting for the "right time," she began embracing every opportunity to compete, travel, challenge herself, and live with greater intention.

Together, Josh and Lily discuss what it means to pursue excellence while staying grounded in gratitude, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode we cover:

• Lily's journey through powerlifting and international competition

• How overcoming cancer reshaped her outlook on life

• The role discipline plays in long-term success

• Building mental resilience through adversity

• Managing anxiety by staying present

• Why sharing your story can change someone else's life

• The future of powerlifting in Australia

• The importance of community, sacrifice, and consistency

This is far more than a conversation about strength sport.

It's a conversation about perspective, courage, and making the most of every opportunity life gives you.

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Turning 30 felt like the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask one simple question:

What has life actually taught me?

In this special episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, I share the 30 biggest lessons I've learnt across my first 30 years—through relationships, coaching, business, loss, failure, healing, discipline, and everything in between.

Some of these lessons came through incredible highs.

Many came through some of the hardest periods of my life.

Together, they've shaped how I train, how I coach, how I love, and how I choose to show up every single day.

In this episode we cover:

• Why discipline will always outperform motivation

• The truth about healing and emotional regulation

• Learning to trust your intuition and your nervous system

• How consistency compounds into extraordinary results

• Self-respect, boundaries and protecting your peace

• The influence your environment has on your success

• Why failure is one of life's greatest teachers

• The difference between being busy and actually being productive

• Building a life based on purpose, presence and long-term fulfilment

Whether you're 18, 30 or 60, my hope is that one of these lessons resonates with you, challenges the way you think, or helps you navigate whatever season of life you're currently in.

Thank you to everyone who's been part of my journey so far.

Here's to the next chapter.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg sits down with strength coach, educator and industry leader Jamie Smith for one of the most open and honest conversations of the season.

Known for his work through Melbourne Strength Culture and his impact on the strength training industry, Jamie shares a side of his journey that many people haven't heard before.

Together, they explore identity, mental health, therapy, self-awareness, coaching culture, and what happens when the thing you've built no longer aligns with who you're becoming.

This conversation goes far beyond training.

It dives into growth, reinvention, and the challenges that come with evolving both personally and professionally.

In this episode we cover:

• The closure of Melbourne Strength Culture and lessons learned

• Transitioning from gym owner to educator

• Identity, purpose and navigating change

• Mental health, therapy and self-awareness

• Building strong coaching cultures and communities

• The realities of online coaching

• The future of strength training education

• Why growth often requires letting go

This is a conversation about resilience, reflection, and having the courage to evolve.

Whether you're a coach, business owner, athlete or simply someone navigating change, there is a lot to take away from this one.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg sits down with Jeremiah Uzel for a powerful conversation around gratitude, resilience, fatherhood, and the habits that shape who we become.

Jeremiah shares his journey through fitness, community building, and personal growth, reflecting on how gratitude and perspective have helped him navigate challenges, develop resilience, and create a meaningful life.

This episode explores the connection between habits, mindset, leadership, and personal responsibility, while also diving into the role fatherhood plays in shaping identity and growth.

We also discuss the importance of community, the influence of social media on personal development, and why learning to appreciate the process can completely change the way you experience life.

In this episode we cover:

• The power of gratitude in overcoming adversity

• Building resilience through habits and perspective

• Fatherhood and personal growth

• The importance of community in fitness and life

• Leadership, mindset, and responsibility

• Finding joy in the journey rather than chasing outcomes

• How habits shape long-term success

This is a conversation about perspective, growth, and becoming someone capable of leading both themselves and others well.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg sits down with Rachael Heaton for a powerful conversation around entrepreneurship, intuition, spirituality, and finding balance in a world obsessed with hustle culture.

Rachael shares her journey from starting a marketing agency at just 19 years old to building a thriving business while also cultivating a deep connection to nature, off-grid living, and personal growth.

This episode explores the contrast between high-performance business environments and the grounding impact of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and learning to trust your intuition.

We also dive into leadership, communication, company culture, and the importance of maintaining genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode we cover:

• Building a marketing agency from a young age

• Balancing ambition with rest and recovery

• How hiking, travel, and nature changed Rachael’s perspective

• The role of intuition and spirituality in business decisions

• Leadership, communication, and building strong company culture

• Why human connection matters more than ever

• Overcoming self-doubt as a young female entrepreneur

• The importance of curiosity, gratitude, and lifelong growth

This is a conversation about building success in a way that actually feels aligned, without sacrificing your health, relationships, or sense of self in the process.

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In this episode of The Your Everyday Strength Podcast, Josh Sternberg sits down with Chris Mott for a real conversation around powerlifting, coaching, mental health, and what it actually takes to stay consistent long term.

Chris shares his journey through powerlifting, his experiences as a coach, and how community, resilience, and personal identity outside the gym all play a role in long-term success.

This episode dives into the balance between pushing hard in training and managing life’s stresses. Highlighting the importance of communication, adaptability, and maintaining a genuine passion for the process.

We also explore how personal pursuits like music influence coaching philosophy and why having outlets outside of training can improve both performance and mental health.

In this episode we cover:

• Chris Mott’s journey through powerlifting and coaching

• The importance of community and support in strength sports

• Balancing training with life, stress, and mental health

• Coaching communication and athlete development

• Injury prevention and movement variability

• Building resilience and staying consistent long term

• The role of identity outside the gym

This is a conversation about building strength that lasts, physically, mentally, and socially.

If you want to keep progressing without burning out, this episode will give you a grounded, real-world perspective.

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