Strong By Design Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 392 Neglecting Self-Care ft. Chris Wilson Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

So, what are the Dangers and Pitfalls of not making time for YOU?

In this episode coach Chris Wilson explores the concept of ‘Me Time’ and how valuable this is for your soul and for those depending on us to be at our best. And this is not a selfish practice but a necessary one.

Self-care eludes many of us because all too often we find ourselves so focused on other people, other things, and other responsibilities that we mistakenly neglect our own needs. But those needs don’t just vanish because we’re ignoring them.

It is always the right time to closely examine your life and find the time to feed and nurture your soul. You cannot add more hours to the day but you can add more value to your hours. It’s time to evaluate how you’re spending your time each day and to start doing what’s necessary to fill your cup so that you can pour into others.

"Your relationships with the people you spend the most time with will be 100% negatively affected if you don't set aside time for yourself to do the things that fill your cup." — Chris Wilson

Time Stamps

00:33 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
00:58 - Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode
02:19 - What happens when you neglect yourself?
06:07 - How to balance hustle and relationships
10:02 - What builds a better version of YOU
13:19 - The value of sleep and engaging in regular physical activity
17:55 - The dangers and pitfalls of neglecting self-care
21:00 - Discovering your joy and doing what you love
24:47 - Why neglecting self-care can harm your health
27:18 - Embracing what you love without guilt
29:00 - Strategies for setting priorities in your life
34:56 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!
Connect with Coach Chris:

· Instagram

· Facebook

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 391 Best Of 2024 on Strong By Design (Top 10 episodes) Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Our most compelling, eye opening, thought provoking and controversial episodes of the year…

2024 was another extraordinary year for the Strong By Design podcast filled with some truly powerful conversations. So, we simply looked at the most downloaded episodes of the year and compiled a Top Ten list for your enjoyment!

While we don’t do a ‘Best Of’ episode every year on SBD, we felt 2024 deserved it and we hope you find this special New Year’s Day episode entertaining as it gives you a glimpse into what our show is all about covering all things Body, Mind and Spirit.

This Top Ten list has some remarkable people speaking truth about God, thinking big, mindset training, finding true health, having a passion for fitness and much much more!

Thank you very much for listening and following our show. We are grateful for you and hope that the Strong By Design experience is providing value in your life.

1. Ep 351 - Master Your Marriage
2. Ep 352 - Killing it in Health & Fitness
3. Ep 361 - Transgender and the Battle for Identity
4. Ep 344 - When did Jesus Leave the Government?
5. Ep 348 - Falling Short: A Failed Pastor's Journey to Restoration
6. Ep 349 - Vote with Your Fork! Naturally Prevent Disease & Illness
7. Ep 343 - Breathing for Better Sleep
8. Ep 346 - Seeds of Hope - Sowing Life, Love and Laughter
9. Ep 350 - How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?
10. Ep 353 - Release Your Diet Baggage with God's Grace

"We don't let them choose what food to eat. We don't let them choose whether or not they're going to go to school. But we're going to let them pick their gender?"

— Pastor Daryl Black

Time Stamps

00:00 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:07 - Join host Chris Wilson for today’s exciting episode, where he introduces the Top 10 episodes of the year
04:08 - Divine Institution: How Marriage mirrors the process of becoming a better spouse
05:04 - Marriage Masterclass: The goal and mission of parents
08:25 - Dan shares insights on how to learn from your failures
09:24 - Billionaires vs Millionaires: What is the difference?
12:05 - Pastor Daryl Black shares the TV effect and how transgender representation shapes society
15:43 - The Guiding Principles: Why we should read and follow practitioners
21:20 - Discover the two main passages of Spiritual Leadership with Pastor Anthony McDaniel
24:30- Jeff shares the two highest callings in life
28:22- Correcting the misconception and understanding of what is love and discipline
31:39 - Nutrition is Key: How did Jennifer get started in fitness and wellness
35:13 - Zach highlights the significance of sleep
35:58 - Find out why people's brains can't shut off
38:58 - John shares insights on building a relationship with God and responding to His calling
44:44 - Fixed mindset vs Growth mindset: Ways to keep mentally fit
46:52 - Dan discusses what it takes to be a great leader
51:11 - Why do we need God's grace in our eating
54:13 - How to align body image with God's word
57:12 - Brandice shares that 'God is the weight loss plan'
1:01:12 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 390 Finding Your People (a Christmas Special Edition) Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

We are not meant to live a life of solitude but of community.

Most of us long for connection with others. To be included, to be part of something bigger than ourselves. And there is no time of the year where this feeling of togetherness and relationship is stronger than Christmas time.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson have a conversation about the importance of finding your people in life.

The two greatest commandments in the bible, to love God and to love others. Both require community.

Remember, Jesus is not just the reason for the season, Jesus is the reason period.

It is only through Jesus that we are able to enter into a space of eternal acceptance and community. It is only through Jesus we can uphold the most important commandments.
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” - Genesis 1:26
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. - Revelation 21:3

"The reality is that we need people and connection, even if it's just with a few." — Jared Haley

Time Stamps

00:37 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:00 - Join Hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for today’s exciting Christmas special episode
03:24 - Why community matters and its true importance
10:12 - How single and married folks connect differently
13:54 - Unwrapping the true meaning of Christmas
21:21 - The power of getting kids into the Bible
27:52 - How to courageously stand for Jesus in public
31:42 - How to show that we are strong by design
39:07 - From gangster to grace: A life changed by a small group
43:30 - What is the missing piece in life's puzzle?
45:30 - What is the true meaning behind the season?
47:03 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 389 Unlock Your Brain's Power: Neuroplasticity and the Aging Brain ft. Dr. Cody Sipe (FAI) Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

As the global population ages, brain health is becoming a critical focus.

What we must all realize is the role that exercise plays in our ability to maintain and improve cognitive function as we age. Our ability to move and play might just be the number one factor in slowing down the brain’s age.

The latest research continues to show that various exercise strategies positively impact brain health and overall cognitive function.

Today on Strong By Design, we welcome Dr. Cody Sipe from the Functional Aging Institute (FAI). Cody is the co-founder of FAI along with Dan Ritchie. Their mission is to educate health and fitness professionals about the aging population and how exercise is key in the longevity of their client base. FAI, established in 2013, also provides these health experts with an online platform and live events for continuous learning and growth opportunities.

Host of this week’s episode is coach Chris Wilson, who is very familiar with FAI, having both a Brain Health Trainer and Mastering Movement Disorders certification through FAI. Discover how to unlock your brain’s full power by enhancing cognitive function through exercise!
Cody Sipe has an extensive background in the fitness industry with 20 years of experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, program director, exercise physiologist and club owner. He is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Research in the physical therapy program at Harding University.

“More and more people are realizing how important power training for older adults is.” -Dr. Cody Sipe

Time Stamps

00:47 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:10 - Meet today’s special guest, Dr. Cody Sipe co-founder of Functional Aging Institute (FAI)
04:31 - Discover the factors that contribute to improving our cognitive function
08:09 - Dr. Cody shares the story of how FAI was founded
10:12 - Discussing the significant impact you can have on a person's life and well-being
17:30 - Strategies for attracting people with strong expertise
20:16 - What is power training?
24:54 - Why is it crucial to build healthy exercise habits early in life
31:58 - Physical job vs Desk job: Which one wins?
35:48 - Dr. Cody highlights success stories from his program
38:17 - What challenges does physical therapy face with older adults
40:00 - Why should we treat exercise like kids do as we age
44:20 - How to combine technology with brain and body training
48:23 - Older adults’ greatest fear revealed
51:26 - Follow Dr. Cody to learn more about his work and FAI
52:31 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

· FunctionalAgingInstitute.com

Connect with Dr. Cody:

· Instagram

· Facebook

· YouTube

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 388 How Porn Affects Your Brain, Nervous System & Gut ft. Frank Rich Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Mr. Super Human Life himself is back at the Critical Bench Compound!

We welcome back our old friend Frank Rich to the Strong By Design podcast for his 4th time behind the mic.

In the past few years since his last visit, Frank has grown his platform Rebuilt Recovery which continues to help men struggling with their porn addiction. Today we discuss how the gut plays a huge role in our brain function, mental clarity and decision making when it comes to pornography.

Frank also talks about how our nervous system is negatively affected by this impulse and some of the best natural ways we can begin to positively improve our overall health and lifestyle.

Ultimately if you think porn isn’t a bad thing, are not sure ‘if’ you are addicted, or know ‘why’ porn is bad to begin with, you should go back and listen to Frank in The Truth About Porn - Part 1 and Part 2 – which are Episode 109 and Episode 213 respectively.

"When you get healthier and clean up your gut, you think differently and see the world more efficiently. Not only will you see porn for what it really is, but you'll also see it as a damaging thing." — Frank Rich

Time Stamps

00:33 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
00:57 - Meet today’s special guest, Frank Rich of ‘The Super Human Life’ podcast
04:00 - Frank’s podcast journey with us: How it all began
07:39 - Frank’s incredible transformation story
10:16 - Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle
11:56 - Trials that shaped Frank’s mission to help others
15:28 - The hidden struggles and shortcomings of broken people
23:06 - How gut health connects to brain function and porn addiction
26:50 - Unlocking the healing power of fasting
35:10 - Does healing your gut change how you see porn?
40:58 - What role does the nervous system play in all this?
45:16 - Dive into the effects of ice baths
54:26 - Frank’s toughest challenge in helping others
58:08 - How to become the best version of yourself
01:07:12 - Addressing pornography and becoming a better parent
01:15:30 - Connect with Coach Frank Rich on social media and learn more about his work
01:17:43 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

· Rebuilt Recovery

· The Super Human Life Podcast

Connect with Frank:

· Instagram

· Facebook

· YouTube

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 387 Unlocking Hormonal Harmony ft. Dr. Beth Westie Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Dr. Beth Westie – bestselling author of The Female Fat Solution and The Female Menopause Solution, creator of the 12 Week Female Hormone Solution Program, and host of The Female Health Solution Podcast. Dr. Beth has dedicated her career to revolutionizing women’s health by helping them understand and work with their bodies, rather than against them.

Dr. Beth dives into her unique approach to health and wellness, focusing on eating for your hormone cycle. She explains how cycle syncing can lead to more effective, long-lasting results, whether your goal is weight loss, energy improvement, or overall wellness. Dr. Beth shares why traditional dieting doesn’t work for most women and offers powerful insights on aligning nutrition with hormonal phases to maximize health benefits.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to embrace a sustainable, science-backed approach to wellness, customized for each phase of your cycle. Dr. Beth shares practical tips for understanding and working with hormonal shifts rather than resisting them. We discuss what foods can fuel specific parts of your cycle and how hormone-aligned eating can help you shed weight, increase energy, and reclaim your health – all without restrictive dieting.

If you’re ready to ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and harness the natural rhythm of your body for real results, tune in to this must-listen conversation with Dr. Beth Westie!

"Having that time to dedicate to yourself is what your system needs." — Dr. Beth Westie

Time Stamps

00:50 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
1:14 - Meet today’s special guest, Dr. Beth Westie
02:55 - Hormone Cycle & Cycle Syncing: The key to unlocking your potential
05:42 - Cycle Syncing: Where do we start?
09:49 - Unlocking strategies to optimize your health
16:45 - Simple and empowering first steps for women
19:27 - Recognizing signs of change in your body
23:10 - Menopause: Not an end, but a new beginning
30:30 - Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Quick fixes vs. Long-term solutions
35:42 - Why menopause can begin sooner than you think
39:29 - Honoring your body through every stage
41:41 - Find Dr. Beth Westie on social media and learn more about her work
42:20 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

· DrBethWestie.com

Connect with Dr Beth:

· Instagram

· Facebook

· TikTok

· YouTube

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 386 What Does the Bible Say About Gratitude? Thanksgiving Day Special Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Good food, good meat, good God, let’s eat!

God is good, God is great, put that turkey on my plate!!

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Thanks for the Grub!

Who doesn’t love a good ole Thanksgiving Day blessing!?

It is a wonderful time of year to spend time with loved ones and to gather around the table to eat our favorite holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Day is a special day for us to connect with friends and family members we do not see throughout the year. It is also the most traveled day of the holiday season which has its own frustrations and drawbacks.

Today on Strong By Design, hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson recall their favorite Thanksgiving Day foods, most cherished Thanksgiving memories and what it means to live in gratitude, what matters most and to be truly thankful for our many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, we are SO GRATEFUL for you!

"We might not have everything that we think we want, but in reality, we actually do have everything." — Jared Haley

Time Stamps

00:30 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast
00:54 - Join Hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for today’s exciting special episode
02:28 - Discover the Thanksgiving table essentials you simply can't miss
09:35 - The Thanksgiving favorite that Chris and Jared avoid!
15:23 - The most memorable highlights of Thanksgiving
21:00 - Thanksgiving: What’s the first thing that comes to mind?
24:46 - Why practicing gratitude changes everything
28:18 - Rewards vs. Responsibility: Are you avoiding the hard part?
31:15 - The power of praising Jesus in times of suffering
34:20 - How to live your life to the fullest
40:46 - Chris' challenge to listeners this Thanksgiving
42:37 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 385 Believe Big, Love Heals ft. Jo 'Animal' Miller Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

After two and a half years, our friend, host and fitness phenom Jo Ann Miller is back!

In early 2022, Jo was a regular guest and host on the podcast for several months but after a series of life changing events, she unfortunately had to step away from the SBD show.

If you believe in miracles or are in need of hearing one, strap in and get ready for the one and only Jo ‘Animal’ Miller as she and her superman husband Matt open up about the birth of their daughter, her scary diagnosis, her healing process and how she has learned to finally love herself.

The old saying, ‘God certainly broke the mold after He made Jo’ seems especially appropriate for this amazing human being. She is truly one of a kind!

"I'm going to heal you of cancer, but even more than that, I'm going to heal you of the lack of love you show for yourself." — Jo Miller

Time Stamps

00:58 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:22 - Meet today’s special guests, Matt and Jo 'Animal' Miller
05:33 - Where has Jo been over the past 2.5 years?
08:56 - Jo's shocking discovery: Finding light in the midst of darkness
14:01 - What her cancer treatment was like
16:36 - Matt discusses life with a newborn and his wife’s health revelations
22:37 - Jo reveals her ultimate health secret
28:14 - Jo, Matt, and Chris discuss life with their kids
33:18 - How to build Self-Love and Self-Compassion
43:42 - Can love truly heal wounds faster?
46:13 - Love, Medicine and Miracles
51:26 - How you can grow your capacity for love
55:13 - A look back at Jo’s appearances on the SBD podcast
56:39 - A peek into Jo’s weekly fitness schedule
59:21 - Understanding Qigong and its benefits
1:01:56 - Jo shares her healing puzzle and life’s non-negotiables
1:09:17 - Follow Jo and Matt’s journey on social media
1:14:38 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

· BelieveBig.org

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 384 The Won't Quit Kid ft. Football Great David Pollack Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

He is a 3x All-American Georgia Bulldog, Lombardi and Bednarik Award recipient, former first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and featured on ESPN’s College GameDay as a football analyst for 13 years…

Yeah, I would say that qualifies our guest as a ‘football great.’ But what makes him truly great has more to do with his heart for God and people.

Today’s special guest on SBD is David Pollack, husband, father, and Kingdom man.

David is using his gift of speaking and passion for his Christian faith to go beyond the football field and into the home, helping parents teach their children life’s most important values through sports.

Partnering up with Brave, his new children's book, The Won’t Quit Kid, is designed to help kids understand the value of perseverance, teamwork, and hard work.

"There's so many lessons that I learned that God showed me through my journey... Not the way I wanted to end, but (I'm) very thankful." — David Pollack

Time Stamps

01:00 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:26 - Meet today’s special guest, David Pollack: 3x All-American, former NFL first-round pick, College football Hall of Famer, author, and former ESPN College GameDay Analyst
04:00 - David reveals the roots of his passion for coaching and sports
09:42 - Was David good at football in high school?
14:31 - Redefining goals: Path to creating a new purpose
19:27 - Unforgettable GameDay moments highlighted
23:47 - What inspires David's speaking engagements with parents and coaches
28:15 - Why modeling failure and our response is crucial for kids
32:20 - Introducing the 'Won't Quit Kid' Brave book and its inspiring message
39:23 - What is the Family Goals Podcast all about?
42:49 - The Pollack Family Foundation: Origins and Mission
48:35 - Support David: the Pollack Family Foundation & The Won’t Quit Kid
50:13 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

· DavidPollack.com

· The Won’t Quit Kid [BRAVE BOOKS]

· The Pollack Family Foundation

· Family Goals Podcast

Connect with David:

· Instagram

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 383 A Nation Divided or United? Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

The 2024 Presidential Election is here…

And it ‘feels’ as if our country is as divided as ever between our two candidates, former President, Donald J. Trump (R) and current Vice President, Kamala Harris (D).

Much of the news coverage and social media posts are largely ‘Anti’ one candidate over another rather than each side promoting what they stand for and why we should consider giving them our vote.

Today, four members of the Critical Bench team discuss the political climate we are living in. A huge thank you to Tim Nixon, Samantha Harrison, and David Sautter for participating.

One thing we MUST remember as our friend Dr. Frank Turek says routinely on his podcast, Cross Examined:

‘We are not voting in one person to office. We are voting for a platform and policies. Our vote brings in an administration of 5,000 people to influence change in our country.’
We must also remember that both candidates are flawed, broken people and we need to look beyond their character issues, which they both have many, to see what they stand for and how will they influence law, policy, and the American way of life for the next 4 years.

Your vote matters!

"Whoever wins needs to have a diversification of thought, constituents and people voting for them.” -Tim Nixon

Time Stamps

00:51 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:15 - Join us today as the Critical Bench Team hosts a special episode
04:04 - What would our forefathers think of us today?
08:25 - The CB team shares thoughts on the two-party system
19:54 - Are political views driving us apart?
27:45 - How do social media and the media shape our votes?
34:45 - How to remain united with different political views
39:19 - Sam shares powerful lessons from Adam Grant’s book
42:22 - Popular Vote vs. Electoral College: What’s the difference?
46:00 - Voting with due diligence: What you need to know
52:50 - Life's priorities: What really matters?
1:00:09 - What’s the real definition of tolerance?
1:05:50 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

· The Constitution of the United States of America

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected