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Ep 401 God’s Work in Zambia: Giving Forgotten Children a Future ft. John Chalkias May 21, 2025

Show notes

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In today’s deeply inspiring episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson introduces his friend and ministry leader, John Chalkias, founder of Seeds of Hope Children’s Ministry™. John prerecorded a very special message directly from Zambia.

What began in 1996 as a single home for children with HIV/AIDS in Thailand has grown into a world-changing mission — one that’s saving and transforming lives in Zambia today. A 72-acre self-sustaining refuge for African children.

Through the Buseko Children’s Home and Grace Academy, John and his team are doing something no one else in the world is doing:

Providing love, family, medical care, and education to children affected by HIV/AIDS in a Christ-centered boarding school environment.

This is powerful testimony from John about faith in action, the value of every child, and the kind of healing that happens when someone is told, “You matter. You are not forgotten.”

John is the true definition of a Kingdom man. He is doing God’s good work half a world away and changing the lives of children forever. Thank you John for all that you do, we love you!

Time Stamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
00:35 – Meet today’s special guest, John Chalkias
03:42 – John on transforming lives at Grace Academy, Zambia
06:30 – What they were able to develop at Grace Academy
07:43 – John highlights unique skills and strengths seen in the kids
10:00 – Why forgiveness is so important for these kids
18:45 – Learn how bonds at Grace Academy last beyond graduation
21:05 – John shares updates on international project expansion
24:09 – How can people support John’s mission, get involved, and learn more
25:55 – Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

We need your help!

If you haven’t yet left a Rating or Review for the Strong By Design Podcast we would be honored if you would.

Resources:

Seeds of Hope Children’s Ministry

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Ep 400 Most Iconic Episodes on Strong By Design (7 Year Anniversary Special) May 07, 2025

Show notes

Celebrating 7 Years of Strong By Design – Our Most Iconic Episodes Ever!

400 episodes. 7 years. Countless lives impacted.

This special anniversary episode of the Strong By Design podcast is one for the books.

Co-hosts Coach Chris Wilson and Jared Haley take a walk down memory lane to celebrate the conversations that have left a lasting mark — from the most controversial to the most heartfelt.

Chris shares his personal favorites, including deep dives on brain health, the power of hope, fatherhood, and unexpected health hacks (like coffee enemas and saunas). Jared brings the heat with powerful episodes on faith, culture, education, and parenting in a world that often feels upside down.

Their top picks include:

🔞 The Truth About Porn (Ep 109–213, S2–S4)
🧠 5 Habits to Protect Your Brain (Parts 1 & 2) (Ep 305–306, S6)
🌅 Why You Can’t Live Without Hope (Ep 208, S4)
🧔 Why Dads Matter (Ep 326, S6)
🏋️ Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time (Ep 149, S3)
🤝 An Unbreakable Bond for Life (Ep 217, S4)
☕ Are Coffee Enemas and Saunas the Answer to ALL Health Issues? ft. Eileen Durfee (Ep 199, S4)
📖 Faith and Family BANNED in America ft. Kirk Cameron (Ep 316, S6)
🏫 Education vs. Indoctrination – How the Public School System is Hijacking Your Kids ft. Sam Sorbo (Ep 320, S6)
❤️ Why Love Does NOT Equal Acceptance ft. Pastor Q – Mark Quattrochi (Ep 323, S6)
🎯 The 5 C’s of Credibility ft. John Streitmatter (Ep 335, S6)
🎸 I Almost Lost My Family to Rock ‘n’ Roll ft. Stephen Christian (Ep 337, S6)
👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting the Way God Designed ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel (Ep 395, S7)

If you’ve ever been moved by a Strong By Design episode — this is the one you don’t want to miss. It’s a celebration of our mission to help men and women become strong in body, mind, and spirit… and a bold look at what’s next.

🎧 Thank you for helping us reach 400 episodes. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:30 – Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for our 400th-episode anniversary special
01:38 – Can you guess how long we’ve been podcasting?
03:40 – What makes this 400th episode so special?
08:30 – Should everyone consider homeschooling?
15:55 – Key considerations for our health
27:48 – What are the hidden consequences of adult content?
31:40 – Why it’s vital to guide kids through today’s media and messages
35:51 – How do we truly define love?
39:36 – Why aren’t Christians producing engaging entertainment?
46:13 – Jared confesses to his hilariously epic spelling fails
57:16 – Chris on The PowerBreak podcast
01:02:18 – Jared explores the personas people adopt
01:10:55 – Exploring the unique bond between mothers and their babies
01:15:30 – Listener feedback: What our audience is saying
01:23:03 – Curious why Chris got so irritated in this episode?
01:31:19 – Can any piece of equipment truly deliver results?
01:38:00 – Why should we choose to live a life filled with hope?
01:43:53 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

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Ep 399 The Truth About Food, Farming & Pharma (The Cow Is How) ft. Noel Heiks & Kevin Key Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

· The Cow is How – Check out the book!

Today on Strong By Design Engineer-turned-cattle-enthusiast Noel Heiks and cowboy-commando Kevin Key dive into the impacts of Big Food, Farming, and Pharma.

The authors embark on an adventure of food and diet, away from standard insulin-heavy fare and toward better ways of beef, keto, and carnivore.

Their book encourages us to break the shackles of the modern medical system keeping us fat and sick, and turn to the thriving doctors embracing beef, butter, and bacon. The story rides through the ranches to meet the producers who are key to an animal-based future filled with cows.

Noel Heiks and Kevin Key are the authors of The Cow Is How: To Fix Food, Farming, and Pharma. The book is a saga inspired by fighting a family's diabetes, Parkinson's, and mental health issues induced by a Standard American Diet. The authors travel on a journey through Industrial Agriculture in America, where the food we grow destroys not only the health of our people, but that of our heartland.

Through this book, the authors share the secret to restore our country to vitality and prosperity. The Cow Is How.

Time Stamps

00:56 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:20 – Meet today’s special guests, Noel Heiks & Kevin Key
03:05 – How it all started: Noel & Kevin's career background revealed
09:12 – Farm facts: Misconceptions about raising cows
19:43 – How marketing influences what you eat
25:39 – Noel talks about her father’s health
29:59 – What is the carnivore keto diet all about?
38:50 – Challenges Noel & Kevin faced writing the book
41:00 – What should you do to feel better?
46:05 – Key takeaways from Noel and Kevin
51:15 – For more from Noel Heiks & Kevin Key, read The Cow Is How
51:52 – Please share and leave a rating & review for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Connect with Noel & Kevin:

· Noel on Instagram

· Kevin on Instagram

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Ep 398 One Year Sober: What drove me to Quit Drinking? ft. Abby Clapper Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Strong by Design podcast, host Jared Haley sits down with local business owner and health trainer Abby Clapper.

Abby is dedicated to helping people build sustainable fitness routines, lose weight, and feel strong in their bodies. With a passion for making fitness accessible and enjoyable, Abby combines expert knowledge with a real-life approach, encouraging clients to focus on strength, consistency, and confidence over quick fixes.

She also hosts the podcast ‘Talk Your Abs Off’ and shares insights on fitness, well-being, and mindset.
During their conversation, Abby opens up about her struggle with alcohol, and shares her story on her road to sobriety.

Not only does she share the spiritual implications of being a slave to alcohol, she also shares how her sobriety has transformed her mentally and physically as well. Take a listen and learn how a healthy relationship with alcohol can lead you to a life that is Strong by Design.

Time Stamps

00:52 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!

01:44 – Meet today’s special guest, Abby Clapper

03:10 – Abby reflects on when she began drinking and the effects it had on her

12:02 – What Jared's parents instilled in him about responsibility and driving

13:33 – The lesson Abby took away from reading 'Quit Like a Woman'

16:50 – Abby unpacks the deeper consequences of alcohol over time

20:53 – The moment Abby realized something in her life had to change

22:24 – Can you guess how long Abby’s been sober?

28:27 – Does Abby’s faith in Jesus play a role in her sobriety?

30:33 – What the Bible says about drinking

34:45 – Helpful strategies Abby used to quit drinking

38:22 – Navigating relationships that make it harder to stay sober

41:52 – Abby introduces her podcast, Talk Your Abs Off, and what it's all about

43:24 – Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

· Talk Your Abs Off Podcast

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Ep 397 Reset Your Muscle Clock Back 20 Years (Return to Prime) ft. Nick Nilsson Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Ep 282 – The MAD Scientist of Muscle ft. Nick Nilsson

The Mad Scientist of Muscle is back…

If you are looking for some new muscle building methods, this is the guy to listen to!

Our friend Nick Nilsson has released a new book titled, Return to Prime – Reset Your Muscle Clock Back 20 Years.

So naturally we just named the episode after his book 😉

Every stone has been turned over and every corner of the globe explored.

Nick is known as the mad scientist of muscle because he tries EVERYTHING possible to naturally build muscle from his home gym.

And he has gotten pretty darn good at it over the last 20+ years!

If you are not familiar with Nick, we encourage you to go back and listen to past episodes listed below and be sure to follow him on IG, FB and YouTube for more of his extraordinary content.

Past episodes with Nick:

Ep 41 – Metamorphosis – Rebuilding Your Body from the Inside Out with Nick Nilsson

Time Stamps

01:01 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:44 – Meet today’s special guest, Nick Nilsson
05:38 – Nick shares insights into the gaps and mistakes in his training
10:59 – Maximizing training with simple equipment
15:43 – Understanding sarcopenia and how to maintain muscle mass
20:30 – The effects of disrupting testosterone levels
26:19 – Discovering Angiogenesis Training and its benefits
34:06 – An introduction to Connective Tissue Training
43:42 – What is Hyperplasia Training, and how does it work?
47:20 – Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers: What’s the difference?
50:53 – Understanding Nervous System Efficiency Training
58:59 – Controlled overtraining - Accumulation vs. Intensification
1:01:45 – What’s the main purpose of Return to Prime? Nick explains
1:09:41 – Want more from Nick Nilsson? Visit his website to learn more
1:11:14 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

· Check out Nick’s book, Return to Prime

Connect with Nick:

· YouTube

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Ep 396 Real Life Iron Woman & HOF Powerlifting Champion ft. Suzanne (Sioux-z) Hartwig-Gary Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Ep 385 – Believe Big, Love Heals ft. Jo ‘Animal’ Miller

She is a FORCE to be reckoned with…

She is small but MIGHTY and a pocket-sized POWERHOUSE.

Suzanne Hartwig-Gary embodies all of this and more.

But you can just call her Sioux-z.

Sioux-z has been in competitive lifting for 35 years. In that time, she has done 33 international competitions:

1 – Pan American, 2 – World Games, 2 – NAPF (North American Powerlifting Fed.), and 28 - World Championship Competitions (once WDFPF)

She is an 8-time World Champion, 2-time NAPF Champion, 33-time National Champion and a World Record Holder in multiple lifts!

In 2010 Sioux-z was inducted into the USAPL Women’s Hall of Fame.

She is the recipient of the Brother Bennett Award (a prestigious honor by USA Powerlifting recognizing extraordinary individuals in the sport).

Sioux-z is also a personal and head coach to multiple World Champions.

There is so much more to say about this outstanding human being so let’s dive into the conversation with today’s host Jo ‘Animal’ Miller.

A few past SBD episodes hosted / guested by Jo Miller:

Ep 228 – Never Defeated: It’s About the Size of the Fight Inside ft. Jo and Matt Miller

Ep 217 – An Unbreakable Bond for Life ft. Jo Miller

Time Stamps

01:05 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:29 - Meet today’s special guest, Suzanne Hartwig-Gary, aka Sioux-z
03:15 - Host Jo Miller shares how she first met Sioux-z
07:31 - How she got into lifting and eventually powerlifting
15:00 - Do you need to be genetically gifted to excel in powerlifting?
18:22 - Sioux-z’s secret to effortlessly connect with people
25:16 - What gave Sioux-z the courage to move across the country
29:33 - Sioux-z shares what fueled her competitive drive
36:26 - Sioux-z's story about her mother and competing after her passing
44:42 - How to master the art of discipline
54:22 - Guess Sioux-z's best raw squat!?
56:34 - How to handle 'game day' pressure like a Pro
1:05:40 - What do Game Day coaches actually do?
1:13:50 - Sioux-z shares her journey to a World Record
1:19:30 - Her go-to music playlist revealed
1:23:10 - Jo delivers a heartfelt message
1:25:25 - Follow and learn more about Sioux-z on social media
1:26:56 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

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Ep 395 Parenting the Way God Designed ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Ep 344 – When did Jesus Leave the Government? Ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel

Being a parent is hard.
As a Christian parent, we desire to raise our kids to know and love Jesus. Does God have a plan or give any direction when it comes to raising our kids?
Pastor Anthony McDaniel joins us today on the Strong by Design Podcast in order to share his personal insights on what he and his wife did to raise three girls who continue to follow Jesus as adults.
Trust me, if you are looking for God’s design for parenting, you do not want to miss listening to this episode.

Past episode:

Time Stamps

00:44 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!

01:07 - Meet today’s special guest, Pastor Anthony McDaniel

02:47 - Opening prayer from Jared

04:07 - Pastor Anthony shares his beginnings

12:25 - How discipline & setting boundaries early shapes your child’s future

16:18 - Is 'physical' discipline ever appropriate?

24:21 - Does parenting ever really stop?

34:39 - Parenting with heart—how do you do it?

40:33 - Teaching kids to use technology in a healthy way

49:52 - How self-discipline brings life

55:15 - Should we always favor the new over the old?

58:46 - Pastor Anthony reveals his parenting secret

1:06:42 - Understanding the Great Commission

1:10:53 - What does 'discipleship' really mean?

1:14:55 - Speaking a blessing over your child at 13—why it matters

1:21:30 - Why the hierarchy in the home is rarely discussed today

1:26:26 - Why patriarchy matters

1:31:53 - How we can bring revival and transformation to our country

1:37:10 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

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Ep 394 Healthful Aging - Age with Grace & Strength ft. Dr. Heather Stone Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

· Thyroid Transformation Quick-Start

Dr. Heather Stone DC is one of the top functional medicine practitioners in the world.

She has over 20 years of clinical experience in private practice. During that time, she has successfully helped thousands of women overcome the symptoms of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her thyroid transformation blueprint has been used by hundreds of doctors, and thus has helped countless women return to happy, healthy, & lean.

Her mission is to change the face of healthcare through her private practice, books, masterclasses, webinars, education programs, and retreats on her ranch in Texas.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather Stone, DC, one of the world’s leading functional medicine practitioners, to uncover the secrets of healthful longevity. With over two decades of clinical experience and a globally recognized thyroid transformation blueprint, Dr. Stone has helped thousands of women reclaim their health and vitality.

This conversation is rich with actionable insights on how to maintain energy, prevent disease, and age with grace and strength. Whether you're in your prime or planning for the years ahead, Dr. Stone’s expertise and passion will leave you feeling empowered to make health decisions that can extend and enhance your life.

Time Stamps

00:37 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
1:01 – Meet today’s special guest, Dr. Heather Stone
02:45 – What inspired & motivated Dr. Stone to start a private practice
05:45 – What happens when you share your feelings and others dismiss them
08:34 – How can you pay attention to your body and its symptoms
14:45 – How does STRESS help or harm you?
19:21 – What the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems do
24:13 – The long-term impact of healing your body
30:03 – Health: Is it a path or a finish line?
34:41 – The KEY to preserving brain function and muscle mass
39:49 – Ways to maximize your quality of life
44:56 – Why looks don’t always reflect true health
45:55 – Dr. Stone explains how thyroid hormones work
54:24 – What should you do when you know something isn’t right
58:11 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

· ReverseMyCondition.com

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Ep 393 Why Resolutions FAIL (and what to do instead) ft. Jared & Chris Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

1 month into the new year... now what?!
New Years resolution episodes are a plenty on podcasts everywhere in January... in fact we have made them before ourselves.

So how about an episode dedicated to people already giving up and throwing in the towel on their 2025 goals and dreams after 30 days. The statistics are not optimistic.

Maybe we need to change the language from resolution to commitment to get the results we are after?

Creating lofty goals and dreaming big isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The trouble is that to make those goals and dreams a reality we need specific steps to get there.

And acting without those tactical action steps in place leads nowhere fast!

Today Jared Haley and Chris Wilson talk about what is going on and the possible ways to fix the often-broken process.

“Just because I didn’t do it yesterday, doesn’t mean I couldn’t do it today.”

— Chris Wilson

Time Stamps

00:42 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:06 - Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for today’s special episode
03:47 - New Year’s buzz: Goals, dreams, and fresh starts - Day 30
06:47 - End of the chapter: What’s on people’s minds?
09:29 - What About Bob? Jared’s thoughts on this classic movie
11:36 - What truly drives people?
17:09 - Sorting it out: What are your real priorities?
19:57 - Redefining the everyday: “Have to” or “Get to”?
24:45 - Chris shares his 40-day challenge: Lessons and wins
29:50 - Unveiling TRUTH through scripture
32:10 - How to set healthy boundaries
36:16 - Are you ready to embrace change?
39:23 - Why a made bed can change your day
43:32 - Final Thought - How a 100-day challenge can transform you
46:20 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

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