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**Strong By Design Podcast**

We believe that you are STRONG BY DESIGN. We believe you were made in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. The Strong by Design podcast is the #1 resource for strength, health, and fitness solutions in the world. Tune in for expert interviews, fitness tips, nutrition advice, free workout sheets, supplement giveaways all while being encouraged, inspired and entertained. Brought to you by Critical Bench who reaches over 30 million fans per month between our email newsletter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or doing a collaboration please send an email to strongbydesignpodcast@gmail.comNew Episodes go LIVE every week on Wednesday and sometimes bonus releases on Saturday. So let’s get ready to unlock your potential and transform your life!

Latest Episodes:

Ep 362 Are Dinosaurs a Hoax? ft. The Tin Foil Hat Club Jun 12, 2024

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Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brontosaurus, Velociraptor, Triceratops… all fake?!?
No way?! It can’t be?! What about all of the fossils they’ve found over the past 150+ years? Why would the Smithsonian and other institutions ever promote an extinct animal species that never really existed? What did they have to gain?
We all grew up learning about the amazing, wonderful and terrifying world of the dinosaur. Giant reptiles that roamed the earth 25-65 million years ago and have been extinct for as long.
Geez! How did their bones survive such a long period of time and stay fully intact? Why do we never find an entire dinosaur but instead just a few bones here and there… but we’ve filled in the gaps with such detail? Why do museums all over the world never show the actual bones but replicas of the ‘real thing’ and the real bones are tucked away somewhere else? Why is there nothing recorded about dinosaurs before 1842?
And what about ‘Giants’? Supersized people that may have existed in many different cultures all over the globe in various time periods that ranged from 7 to over 10 feet tall? Is everyone just telling fairy tales and stories or did extra-large people or human-like creatures once walk the planet?
These are all great questions that the Tin Foil Hat Club will investigate in the 2nd Conspiracy Theory episode here on the Strong By Design podcast show! And we just scratched the surface with our third topic of debate… to be continued!
"Once you accept the premise, your mind is then trying to create truth from that premise." — Stephen Ohocinski
Time Stamps

00:37 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
01:01 - Get to know today's special guests, the Tin Foil Hat Club
04:07 - Last time with the Tin Foil Hat Club: Popular conspiracy recap!
06:30 - How stories change the world
08:15 - Conspiracy theory #1: Dinosaurs never existed?
12:01 - How what you believe shapes what you conspire
13:41 - Meet the man who invented the dinosaur
24:41 - Cui Bono? Exploring the motives behind dinosaur fakery
35:19 - 'Is Genesis History?': How science connects to the Bible
36:00 - The Tin Foil Hat Club's take on reimagining a dinosaur-free world
39:53 - Conspiracy theory #2: Were giant humans real?
48:44 - How the society benefits from hoaxing giant people
56:10 - Understanding the 'Slow Drip' theory
57:47 - Conspiracy theory #3: The unsolved mystery of JonBenét Ramsey… to be continued

Resources:

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Ep 361 Transgender and the Battle for Identity ft. Pastor Daryl Black Jun 05, 2024

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Pastor Daryl Black delivered a message several months ago titled 'Biblical Sexuality - You Asked For It'
This message at Grace Family Church in Florida is based on feedback from the congregation... what did they want the church to talk about. His words are truthful, kind and powerful.
Our host Jared Haley attends GFC and found the message to be one of the best he's ever heard on the topic. Today he and host Chris Wilson dig deeper on what biblical sexuality is and what it means to us now in a time of confusion.
Pastor Daryl believes the only controversial subjects are the ones we aren't willing to talk about with both grace and truth. We are truly honored to have him on the show!
Side Note - Pastor Daryl was an X Factor contestant several years ago and we open the show discussing this amazing adventure. As you will discover in the video link below, his voice is phenomenal.

Biblical Sexuality | You Asked For It Wk# 3| Daryl Black

From the GFC Florida page on YouTube...
No matter who you are, you are an image bearer of God! He created you with glory, dignity, purpose, and diversity. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
"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 for the rest of their life." — Pastor Daryl Black
Time Stamps
00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
01:45 - Get to know today's special guest, Pastor Daryl Black
06:38 - Pastor Daryl shares his 'X Factor' audition story
18:25 - The power of worship: Pastor Daryl on connecting with God through music
21:56 - From California to Florida: Pastor Daryl's calling to Grace Family Church
27:40 - The 'WHY' behind his unique service sign-offs
31:33 - The TV effect: How transgender representation shapes society
35:13 - Transgenderism's impact: Why it's stronger on the younger generation
40:50 - Pastor Daryl's challenge to believers: Standing firm in God's truth
47:44 - Understanding the push for transgenderism
55:05 - Will you follow God or follow yourself?
59:58 - Pastor Daryl on discerning God's truth vs. worldly truth
1:06:11 - Why listening is an act of Faith
1:13:23 - Why you shouldn't let your fear keep you from God's truth
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Ep 360 Create Space in your Mind ft. Scott Paglia May 29, 2024

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Today’s guest on the Strong By Design podcast can help you create space in your mind.
Scott Paglia is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine in Bellingham, WA. Scott got into acupuncture and herbs after almost dying in South Korea while pursuing the practice of meditation.
Over the decades since his early pursuits, Scott has met many great teachers and applied their teaching to his practice. He has focused most of his studies on neuroplasticity and the effect meditation has on the nervous system. Find out in today’s episode how to simply begin the practice of meditation.
FUN FACT: Scott has actually been into meditation since he was in middle school until the present moment.
"As thoughts lessen, as that peace increases, part of that comes back with you."— Scott Paglia
Time Stamps

00:45 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
03:24 - Get to know today's special guest, Scott Paglia
05:13 - Scott shares his early love for meditation and his journey into Chinese medicine
10:10 - How to hear your inner voice through meditation
13:01 - Discover how consistent meditation changed his mind and body over time
16:00 - Scott discusses common reasons for acupuncture visit, top conditions treated, and the treatment plans they offer
22:01 - Acupuncture 101: Here's what you can expect during a treatment
29:14 - The cons of Western medicine
36:09 - The difference between traditional Eastern and modern Western healthcare practices
42:18 - Healing from the root: Why choose Acupuncture Health Center?
44:04 - The healing power of meditation
51:30 - One minute to spare? Learn how to meditate with these tips!
1:04:51 - How are you managing your resources?
1:11:32 - Where you can go to connect with Scott Paglia

Resources:

· Acupuncture Health Center

Connect w/ Scott:

· Instagram

· Facebook

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Ep 359 Is it Okay to Doubt God? ft. Chris Wilson & Jared Haley May 22, 2024

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We all have moments of doubt in our lives. Times when we feel God has abandoned us or that we are separated from God. So, is it okay to have these feelings, is it normal to have these thoughts?
Have you ever asked the question:

Why me Lord?
How can God be good if He let this happen to me?
Why would a good God let that happen to someone else?
Has God forsaken me?
Am I under attack right now?
Why am I struggling to believe in God right now?

In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast, hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley talk about doubting our faith in God, what it looks like to experience feelings of unbelief, questioning God’s plan for our life and feeling like we are under attack.
"It's okay to question. It's okay to wrestle.... It's okay to have emotions with God that isn't just all lovey-dovey." — Jared Haley

The Great Commission even mentions doubt…

Matthew 28: 16-20

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Time Stamps
00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
03:40 - Hosts Jared and Chris' perspective on the act of questioning God
05:42 - Jared reveals how he came to accept questioning and wrestling with God
17:19 - How wrestling with God helps you grow spiritually
18:40 - The importance of feeling safe to question
20:58 - Chris and Jared discuss the connection between science and faith
23:43 - Is it possible for a Christian to doubt God and still have Faith?
40:24 - Bible verses about Faith and Doubt
50:03 - What does Jesus mean by 'Whatever You Ask in My Name' in John 14:13-14?
54:00 - Who is the greatest man in history?
57:21 - Struggling with doubt? The power of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance

Resources:

· The Bible App

Connect w/ Chris & Jared:

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Ep 358 Breaking Generational Sin ft. Erik Allen May 15, 2024

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Erik is truly a man of integrity, work ethic and an overcomer.
Growing up with a complicated childhood and broken home, to raising himself from the age of 14. Unfortunately, finding trouble along the way, desperately trying to fill the gaping voids in his life.
As a young man Erik found himself empty and tired of settling for less. After the feverish pursuit of the Holy Spirit, Erik decided to surrender and trust the One that would never let him down.
Now, Erik and his wife of nearly 19+ years and their two children live in Northern Idaho and live a humble and blessed life. Together they are breaking the cycles handed down to them of divorce, addictions, depression, abuse, and lies. They are leaving a new legacy for their next generation built on a biblical foundation.
On this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Jared and Erik discuss the value of establishing and maintaining healthy rhythms, and how those rhythms affect your mind, body, and spirit.
“A divorce can cause generational struggles to get back on track.” -Erik Allen

Time Stamps

00:47 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
02:25 - Get to know today's special guest, Erik Allen, founder and host of 'The Erik Allen Show' and 'Top MMA Podcast'
07:05 - Erik's jail experience: How his complicated, abusive childhood affected him
08:45 - How a simple church invitation from a woman reshaped the course of his entire life
10:40 - Erik talks about his calling to break the cycle of abuse, addiction and divorce
18:34 - Discover how he is helping entrepreneurs get known and noticed online
20:06 - Erik on managing the chaos of daily life
22:56 - The power of leading your kids by example
29:25 - How to stay connected with God through community
36:25 - The power of Prayer
38:14 - Where you can go to connect with Erik Allen

Resources:

· ErikAllenMedia.com

Connect w/ Erik:

· Instagram

· Facebook

· YouTube

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Ep 357 We Fell in Love at the Mr. Olympia ft. Micah & Diana LaCerte May 08, 2024

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No one really goes to see bulging biceps and Godzilla sized quads at the Mr. Olympia thinking their ‘true love’ is there waiting for them…
But in this case, true love for Micah and Diana was exactly what the Mr. O provided.
Our guests today on Strong By Design are Micah LaCerte, magazine cover model, world champion WBFF muscle model and owner of Hitch Fit Gym and his beautiful wife Diana, fitness expert, personal trainer, gym owner, model and fitness competitor.
And boy are they in GREAT shape!
But what makes them really ‘tick’ is their passion for people and for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Their story of love and helping others transform their bodies and minds is truly fantastic and inspiring!
From their highly successful personal training gym, HitchFit, in Kansas City, MO and online, to their SoulFIT Retreats and now live events, Micah and Diana are changing the world but it feels like they’re just getting started.

“So many people think it’s just a physical transformation, but it’s so much more.” -Micah & Diana LaCerte

Time Stamps

00:56 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
03:57 - Get to know today's special guests, Micah & Diana LaCerte of Hitch Fit
05:43 - Love at Mr. Olympia: Micah and Diana's instant connection
11:17 - Micah and Diana talk about how they started Hitch Fit
15: 40 - Fit anywhere, anytime: How Hitch Fit works
23:07 - Discover the Hitch Fit-Critical Bench connection
27:34 - Micah and Diana on transforming lives both in-person and online through fitness
30:51 - Faith-fueled fitness: How they began incorporating faith into their fitness journey
38:28 - Micah and Diana on nurturing mind, body and spirit through 'SoulFIT Retreats'
46:50 - Learn how to 'Lean In' to your challenges and 'Level Up' in your life
52:56 - What's next for Micah and Diana?
56:38 - Where you can go to connect with Micah & Diana LaCerte

Resources:

· HitchFit.com

· SoulFitRetreats.com

Connect w/ Micah & Diana:

· Instagram

· Facebook

· YouTube

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Ep 356 Am I Overlooked? ft. Bridgette Cameron Ridenour May 01, 2024

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Bridgette is a firecracker, best-selling author, speaker, mother of 4 and loves Jesus. Oh, and she’s the sister of Kirk and Candace Cameron.
In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast host Chris Wilson speaks to Bridgette Cameron, younger sister to superstar Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains, Fireproof, Left Behind) and the little ‘big’ sister of Candace Cameron Bure (Full House / Fuller House) and Melissa Fleming.
Have you ever wondered what life would be like with famous family members? Well, Bridgette had not just one famous sibling but two! Find out what growing up in a house with two famous child actors was like, the realization that God’s plan and our plan can look very different and that His plans for us are far better than our own.
Also be sure to check out Bridgette’s best-selling book ‘Overlooked’ on her website which shares her journey and recounts a terrifying, life-changing moment that brought her closer to God.

"I felt overlooked, like, 'God, did you forget about me? You created me, but you're not opening any doors for me’.” — Bridgette Cameron

Time Stamps

1:16 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
3:08 - Meet today's special guest, Bridgette Cameron Ridenour
3:58 - What's it like growing up with celebrity siblings, Kirk and Candace?
11:36 - How she and her brother started their spiritual journey despite not growing up in a Christian home
16:06 - Discover how their spiritual journey influenced the whole family and saved her parents' marriage
19:32 - How a terrifying, life-changing event brought her closer to God and her purpose
23:45 - Bridgette shares a profound moment when she felt God's presence speaking to her through Jeremiah 29:11
30:05 - Little fun fact about their childhood pets!
32:30 - Bridgette's speaking career: How her new book emphasizes faith and trust in God's timing
36:40 - The power of handing the pen over
40:39 - Bridgette acknowledges God for the meaningful work their family is doing
48:48 - Where you can go to connect with Bridgette Cameron Ridenour and get her new book, 'Overlooked'

Resources:

· BridgetteCameron.com

Connect w/ Bridgette:

· Instagram

· Facebook

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Ep 355 Does the Bible Speak to You? ft. James Early Apr 24, 2024

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Discover the transformative power of God’s Word with our special guest James Early.
James started an amazing bible ministry years ago that is reaching men and women who need it most, behind bars.
While many people in our society consider prisoners to be beyond help, it is clear in our conversation with James that God’s Word can work miracles anywhere it’s heard.
Please join us today for this heartwarming message about discipleship, courage and obedience hosted by Chris Wilson and Jared Haley. Plus, there is some fun storytelling about James and Chris’s ‘Connecticut Connection’ and Jared’s short stint in a Colorado prison.

"I've planted seeds, I've watered the seeds, but like the Bible says, 'God gives the increase'." — James Early

Time Stamps

00:49 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
2:40 - Meet today's special guest, James Early, Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster
3:55 - Discover the surprising connection between Host Chris Wilson and James
10:30 - James recounts the roots of his passion for sharing God's word, and his journey into podcasting and Bible ministry
14:45 - Discover his prison ministry's transformative impact, bringing hope and redemption to confined hearts
21:00 - Witnessing an inmate's remarkable transformation
30:02 - Finding spiritual connection through our questions and doubts
36:47 - Co-host Jared Haley shares his prison venture
44:10 - When faith is restored from responding to the Bible
48:53 - How to connect with James Early, 'The Bible Speaks to You' Podcast + Free Resources & Coaching Program

Resources:

· TheBibleSpeaksToYou.com

· The Bible Speaks To You Podcast

Connect w/ James:

· Instagram

· Facebook

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Ep 354 Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking ft. Sabine Kvenberg Apr 17, 2024

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Is public speaking really feared more than death?
Actually, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health, 75% of people rank the fear of public speaking number one.
Fortunately for our amazing Strong By Design audience, we have an expert public speaker on the show today. Sabine Kvenberg is an author, actress, singer, songwriter, coach and amazing human being.
Sabine shares her passion for coaching others to overcome their fears of speaking and performing in front of others to become their best selves. If you need that spark and courage to speak in front of others, you’re in the right place. Plus, listen up closely as this is the first and only episode in nearly 7 years with a guest who sings during the interview!
“We have to become the person we are meant to be, to live the life we are destined to live.” -Sabine Kvenberg
Time Stamps

00:59 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast
2:38 - Meet today's special guest, Sabine Kvenberg
4:37 - Sabine's passion for public speaking: Innate or developed?
11:10 - Sabine on transforming fear of the unknown into fuel for dreams
14:52 - Real vs. Reel: The difference between live stage and filming
23:54 - Sabine recounts the moment that lifted her to new heights of success
29:02 - Just do it: The power of making things happen
34:31 - Sabine's success stories: Transforming clients into confident public speakers
38:50 - Sabine talks about her new book, 'Become Empowered,' and the inspiration behind it
45:32 - Discover how her podcast aims to empower listeners to take action and make a lasting impact
53:04 - The power of expertise: Why hiring a coach matters
55:04 - Where you can go to connect with Sabine Kvenberg, and level up your communication skills

Resources:

· SabineKvenberg.com

· VIP Guest List – Become Book Launch

Connect w/ Sabine:

· Instagram

· Facebook

· YouTube

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Ep 353 Release Your Diet Baggage With God’s Grace ft. Brandice Lardner Apr 10, 2024

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In this episode, we delve into a transformative approach to weight loss and wellness with Brandice Lardner, the visionary behind Grace Filled Plate. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Brandice offers a fresh perspective that goes beyond conventional dieting methods.
Brandice's philosophy is simple yet profound … she believes that there's more to life than endless cycles of restriction and guilt. Rooted in her faith, she champions the idea that God's grace extends to every aspect of our lives, including our relationship with food.
Throughout the conversation, Brandice shares practical insights and strategies to help listeners break free from the shackles of diet culture and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to eating. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness, urging her audience to release themselves from the burden of "diet baggage."
Drawing on her own experiences and those of her clients, Brandice demonstrates how cultivating a mindset of grace can lead to profound transformation, both physically and emotionally. By shifting the focus from deprivation to abundance, she empowers individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes that honor their bodies and nourish their souls as God intended for us.

"God's grace gives us the strength to accomplish our diet goals." -Brandice Lardner
Time Stamps
1:15 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast
1:21 – Meet today's special guest, Brandice Lardner
3:11 - Her struggle with food since her teenage years, overeating and eating disorders
3:58 - Creating her ministry, Grace Filled Plate
5:47 - Why do we need God's grace in our eating?
9:45 - How to open a conversation with someone about faith-based dieting
10:51 - Brandice believes that God's biblical principles work for everyone
12:26 - Give ourselves a week, three days, or 24 hours to celebrate our wins!
16:17 - How to align body image with God's word
17:52 - Appreciation for all things; God calls us to be thankful in all circumstances
23:09 - Brandice shares that 'God is the weight loss plan'
25:07 - Follow your gut instinct - Why we cannot do everything all at once!
27:23 - Her group coaching program - Graduate School for Food Freedom
36:45 - Can faith-based nutrition be available to the youth?
45:05 - How to connect with Brandice, her Podcast, programs, and courses
Resources: