Strong By Design Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 212 Top 10 Mistakes Candidates Make During the Interview Process with Mike & Sam Jan 19, 2022

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When’s the last time you interviewed for a job? How did it go? This episode on Strong By Design discusses the mistakes many job candidates make on the day of their interview.

Remember, first impressions matter. When you’re attempting to gain employment with a small business or a large company, there are things to avoid and things you must get right. As they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

"Be on time, it's one of our values we don't deviate from... so being a minute late automatically eliminates people." -Mike Westerdal

Time Stamps

0:50 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

1:14 – Mike Westerdal and Samantha Harrison reveal what to AVOID in an interview

5:52 – Why you should tailor your cover letter for each job

6:31 – The importance of punctuality during an interview

08:42 – Why you should research the company before an interview

10:50 – Mike and Sam give samples of good questions to ask the employer during an interviewer

14:00 – How to make a good first impression at a job interview

15:15 – The downside of talking too much during an interview

19:16 – The power of showing enthusiasm in an interview

20:04 – Discover the biggest red flags in an interview

23:16 – The importance of being patient

25:26 – Key takeaways from the episode

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Ep 211 Most Memorable Moments of 2021 on Strong By Design Jan 12, 2022

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Over the course of 2021 the Strong By Design podcast has had some unbelievable and truly fascinating conversations with men and women all over the globe.

Our team takes great pride in the ability to discuss the most important issues facing the world today from physical fitness to the vaccine debate to finding joy in our lives and even what our poop is trying to tell us!

This episode is a tribute to the TOP 10 most memorable moments on the SBD podcast in 2021. Prepare to cry, laugh, get angry and feel joy in this week’s powerful show!

"You are Strong By Design, made in God's image to have a strong body, mind and spirit." -Team Critical Bench

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

01:58 – Rescuing the Next Generation ft. Dr. Mike Higgins

7:18 – Team Critical Bench shares their most embarrassing moment ever

14:22 – Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time? ft. Dr. John Jaquish

19:11 – The healing power of coffee enemas and sauna therapy with ‘Creatix Solutions’ founder Eileen Durfee

22:27 – Team Critical Bench weighs in whether to get the vaccine or not

29:19 – Discover the #1 move to survive & defend yourself in any situation

34:28 – Are you mentally tough?

37:22 – As Long As It Makes You Happy... ft. Bob Brubaker & John Trebino

41:10 – Understanding your gut and bowel movements with Dr. Ann Marie Barter

49:22 – Could an Eye Exam SAVE YOUR LIFE? ft. Dr. Travis Zigler

57:10 – The Bootstrap Billionaire: Randy Davis speaks about his journey from a poor working-class family to becoming a highly successful entrepreneur

1:07:59 – Key takeaways from the episode

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Ep 210 Repairing a Destroyed Metabolism with the Educated Dieter Will Grazione Jan 05, 2022

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The struggle is seriously real when it comes to eating clean, working out consistently and developing healthy, sustainable habits. And few people understand this like today’s guest, the Educated Dieter, Will Grazione.

Will is a pro natural bodybuilder with over 10 years of experience helping people transform their lives by providing his diet and nutrition expertise. His super power along with his brilliant team of top-level coaches is actually educating his clients so that they are taught the foundational skills they need for a lifetime of healthy living and physical transformation.

Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson sit down with their friend and coach to share Will’s love and passion for helping people along with their own personal journey working with him.

"If anybody was ever to tell you, 'Hey, cut all this out!' chances are they are taking you down a slippery slope road." -Will Grazione

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast

01:06 - Meet 'The Educated Dieter's' CEO, Will Grazione

03:44 - Will recounts where his love and passion for fitness comes from

11:16 - Will on helping people reach their health and fitness goals

14:13 - Will talks about one of his most impressive client transformations

20:29 - Will discusses what kinds of clients he works with, and how he can help them

22:30 - Will talks about the lessons learned from bodybuilding experience

30:05 - Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson's personal experiences with 'The Educated Dieter's' fat loss program

38:36 - The secret to sustainable fat loss

42:30 - The importance of tracking your macros

43:56 - Why food is not the enemy

51:14 - Will gives tips to improve your body composition

55:43 - The power of sleep

1:00:18 - Mike and Chris talk about their respective fat loss experiences through 'The Educated Dieter'

1:10:14 - Connect with Will Grazione through his social media channels, official website and podcast channel

Resources:

The Educated Dieter

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Ep 209 Rescuing the Next Generation ft. Dr. Mike Higgins Dec 29, 2021

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Today on Strong By Design we finish 2021 with the most POWERFRUL conversation of the year… and that’s saying a lot!

Something very special has been happening for children in Tampa, FL for over 50 years and it is our great honor at Critical Bench to share this message with you.

Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson visited Hope Children’s Home and sat down with Director Dr. Mike Higgins to talk about all the many blessings and some of the tear-jerking stories at Hope.

From Hope Children’s Home official website:

Founded in 1968, Hope Children’s Home has rescued nearly 5,000 children between the ages of infant to 18 years of age. The type of children we care for are not juvenile delinquents, but rather children that, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a situation of needed rescue. Some children simply come out of a situation where a parent just needs a little help.

We believe that a personal relationship with Christ, combined with an excellent education and a well-rounded sports program is the key to Hope’s success.

We feel that God has called us to help rebuild the broken lives of these children and to build the bridge, when possible, between home, parent, and child.

"The children see first-hand that God will never leave them nor forsake them." -Dr. Mike Higgins

Time Stamps

00:00 - The boat load of bread story 01:24 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 03:48 - 'Hope Children's Home': Providing hope and love to the next generation 10:12 - Dr. Mike Higgins recounts how he got involved with the organization 13:02 - What makes 'Hope Children's Home' different? 16:02 - Understanding the organization's mission 23:52 - What life looks like for the children in 'Hope Children's Home' 29:16 - Dr. Mike shares another 'Hope Children's Home' success story 36:58 - Dr. Mike on rescuing the next generation throughout Tampa, Honduras and New Mexico 42:57 - Dr. Mike shares what’s next for the organization 49:58 - Where you can go to donate and learn more about 'Hope Children's Home'

Resources:

Hope Children’s Home

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Ep 208 Why You Can't Live Without Hope ft. Bob Brubaker & John Trebino Dec 22, 2021

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“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” -Andy Dufresne (Shawshank Redemption)

If we don’t have hope in our lives, then what do we have and what are we living for? A great question to ponder and the topic of our conversation today on the Strong By Design podcast.

Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson are joined by friends and favorite repeat guests Bob Brubaker and John Trebino, hosts of the Powerbreak Podcast.

During the Christmas season we are reminded of the One who brought hope to the whole world and the Son of God continues to inspire hope over 2,000 years later.

"People today have a 'hope' that's kind of like a wish, it's not based on anything that is concrete. -Bob Brubaker

Time Stamps

0:00 – The power of Hope

01:59 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

07:58 – Hope: What is the biblical definition and why do we need it?

14:57 – Why should we rejoice in times of suffering?

21:25 – Mike Westerdal’s personal testimony of hope

25:38 – Bob Brubaker on what to do while waiting on God to act

28:59 – What happens when you do not have hope?

37:02 – The valley of Achor: A door of hope

39:60 – Bob, John, Mike and Chris give advice to someone who feels hopeless

46:27 – John Trebino on where hope begins

52:08 – Understanding God’s promise: ‘A Bruised Reed - Bent but not broken’

Resources:

BobBrubaker.com

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Ep 207 At What Expense? ft. Mike Westerdal Dec 15, 2021

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Is ‘life balance’ a myth or the most important goal each of us has in life?

Can you get an A+ in the buckets of life across the board (probably not) or does something have to give in all other categories if you’re going to be ‘The Best’ in any one area of your life?

This episode features Mike Westerdal, founder of Critical Bench, as he and co-host Chris Wilson explore what it means to perform at your personal best in the buckets of life; business success, at home with family, your physical fitness, spiritual walk and in all meaningful relationships personal and professional.

What is a realistic approach to all life has to offer? You don’t want to miss this conversation!

"It's about setting your priorities and having different seasons and not letting anything sink too small." -Mike Westerdal

Time Stamps

0:01 – What does it mean to live a balanced life?

1:27 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

3:30 – Is a ‘balanced life’ a myth? Founder of ‘The Critical Bench’ Mike Westerdal weighs in

10:05 – The importance of setting your priorities in life

13:02 - Why practicing self-care is important

20:14 – The power of relying on His strength

21:23 – Let's pause for a moment of scripture

22:56 – Mike on what it means to perform at your best in every area of your life

24:36 – Why you should be careful in choosing your role model in life

28:25 – How to manage and master every area of life

33:02 – Why do small things make a big difference?

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Ep 206 Finding Courage to Fight for Your Marriage, Children and Faith ft. Matt Hammitt Dec 08, 2021

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Matt Hammitt made one of the hardest decisions of his life 5 years ago to leave his highly successful music career to focus on his marriage and family.

Matt is a singer, songwriter, husband, father of four and now speaker. He was the singer for the band Sanctus Real for 20 yrs., from 1996 to 2016 and the recipient of 3 Dove Awards, Christian music's most coveted honor. He's also been nominated for two Grammy Awards.

But when his bands success was pulling him away from his marriage and family, Matt had to find the courage to fight to save it. This is his story.

"Every marriage is either moving towards isolation or oneness." -Matt Hammitt

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:19 – Meet Matt Hammitt, singer-songwriter and author of the book ‘LEAD ME’

9:16 – Matt recalls first meeting with wife Sarah Hammitt

11:42 – Growing together or growing apart: How his busy schedule as the lead singer of the band ‘Sanctus Real’ affected their marriage

15:40 – The power of oneness

18:05 – Matt on what led him to step away from the band

25:30 – Who am I vs. Who do I want to be?

31:51 – Matt recounts his discussion with band mates regarding his departure

35:25 – Matt on leaving his music career to live out a greater calling as husband and father

42:13 – Matt shares a fun story from a recent family trip

47:22 – Where you can go to connect with Matt Hammitt

Resources:

MattHammitt.com

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Ep 205 Do You Want Recognition or Appreciation? ft. Dr. Paul White Dec 01, 2021

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What is your #1 reason for staying at a job? Most might think it’s making more money or being in a position of power but you’d be wrong.

About 80% of people will either stay or leave a job based on how ‘valued’ they feel… and not only as an employee but as a human being.

Dr. Paul White, co-author of the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (based on the #1 best-selling book the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman) has devoted his career to making work relationships work.

In this insightful conversation on SBD Dr. Paul addresses the difference between workplace recognition and true appreciation.

"Appreciation isn't just words... if we only use 'words' we are missing more than HALF our people in the workforce." -Dr. Paul White

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:03 – Get to know Dr. Paul White, psychologist and author of ‘5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace’

3:46 – Recognition vs. Appreciation: What’s the difference?

8:38 – Why appreciation in the workplace matters

11:55 – How can you show appreciation to your employees?

16:02 – Dr. Paul on why people do not feel valued at work

21:26 – Discover the 4 ways to value people

25:33 – Understanding the 5 love languages

30:50 – Learn the differing types of appreciation people value

34:38 – Do remote employees want to be shown appreciation differently than on-site employees?

40:15 – Where you can go to connect with Dr. Paul White

Resources:

DrPaulWhite.com

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Ep 204 This Emotion FIGHTS Depression ft. Team Critical Bench Nov 24, 2021

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What does ‘gratitude’ mean to you?

How often in life do you focus on the blessings and show appreciation to those who mean the most to you?

This one emotion can be life changing if you allow yourself to live in the present and see the world for its beauty. It’s what makes us truly human and provides much needed perspective.

In today’s episode on Strong By Design co-host Chris Wilson discusses the power of gratitude with friends and colleagues Samanatha Harrison and Kristen Dixon. Giving thanks and praise for every breath we take, for every day we have and for our connection to nature and our relationships helps give true meaning to our lives.

"Gratitude comes in all different forms. We need to slow down a bit to acknowledge and embrace it in order to show [gratitude] to others. -Kristen Dixon

Time Stamps

0:24 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

4:25 – Team Critical Bench on what does it really mean to be grateful

11:36 – Why little things in life matter the most

14:28 – Ways to practice gratitude

21:06 – Host Chris Wilson shares bible verses that remind us to be grateful

25:50 – Is it possible to feel grateful and sad at the same time?

30:22 – How gratitude helps you get a better night’s sleep

34:32 – Team Critical Bench reveals the no. 1 thing they are most grateful for

40:40 – Key takeaways from the episode

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Ep 203 75 HARD & Carb Cycling ft. Shaun Hadsall [Part 2] Nov 20, 2021

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This is PART 2 to a life changing conversation that will reset your brain and your body if you’re willing to be disciplined for 75 days!

Over 40 hormonal fat loss expert and best-selling online nutrition author Shaun Hadsall speaks with friend and co-host Chris Wilson about Andy Frisella’s 75 HARD program.

As Shaun says in the episode, it’s not 75 “kind of” HARD! It’s time to make a life changing decision and be ALL IN!

Shaun continues the conversation going into great detail about his diet of choice (carb cycling), the power of accountability with trusted friends and his workout habits.

"You can't speed up or slow down time, TIME IS TIME... you can only manage focus." -Shaun Hadsall

Time Stamps

0:24 - Welcome to the 'Strong By Design' podcast

1:20 - The power of protein for weight loss

5:16 - Discover the downside of too much cardio

7:50 - Shaun Hadsall on how to do carb cycling for weight loss

13:20 - Macro tracking: How to count macros for weight loss

15:14 - The importance of having an accountability partner

19:02 - The power of planning

25:42 - Shaun discusses the 3 steps to burning fat cells

32:45 - Where you can go to connect with Shaun Hadsall

34:20 - The power of positive thinking