The Strong New York Podcast

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Christian Toetzke, the visionary founder and CEO of HYROX—the global fitness race that's redefining competition. Christian shares the incredible story of how HYROX evolved from a niche pop-up to an international movement with nearly a million participants worldwide.They dive into the inspiration behind the hybrid fitness concept, the challenges of scaling massive events across continents, and how the team navigated the pandemic to come back stronger than ever. From business strategy to community impact, Christian offers a rare inside look at what it takes to build a brand that's changing the fitness landscape.Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or fitness fan, this episode is packed with motivation and insight. Tune in to hear how HYROX is raising the bar—and how you can be part of the movement.  Listen now and get inspired to #LiveFit with HYROX.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:19 Meeting Christian Toetzke: The Birth of Hyrox01:00 Creating the Hybrid Athlete01:56 The Purpose Behind Hyrox03:34 The Genesis of Hyrox07:19 Navigating the Challenges of COVID-1912:21 Post-COVID Success and Expansion15:42 Future Plans and Innovations18:32 Entertainment Value in Sports19:26 Consistency in Hyrox24:25 Natural Movements and Inclusivity27:04 Celebrity Participation and Community Impact30:20 Logistics and Future Plans35:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Carl Daikeler — visionary entrepreneur, CEO, and co-founder of The Beachbody Company (now BODi) — for an inspiring conversation about the evolution of fitness, entrepreneurship, and the power of community.This episode dives deep into Carl’s four-decade journey in health and wellness, from the early days of infomercials to building one of the most recognized fitness empires in the world. Carl reflects on the creation of game-changing programs like P90X, Insanity, and Shakeology, and shares his perspective on navigating the modern fitness landscape shaped by AI, technology, and shifting consumer habits.As a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, podcast host, and tech investor, Carl offers unique insights into creativity, leadership, and staying true to your mission in a fast-changing world. Whether you're a fitness professional, entrepreneur, or just passionate about personal growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Learn more about BODi: https://www.bodi.com/Follow Carl on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carldaikeler/Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daikeler-carl/00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout00:25 Meet Carl Daikeler: The Man Behind Beachbody01:10 The Birth of 8-Minute Abs02:16 Infomercial Landscape and Fitness Trends03:30 Creating Legitimate Fitness Programs04:49 The Rise of Celebrity Trainers08:34 The Success of P90X15:43 The Importance of Fitness and Overcoming Comfort21:08 Carl's Journey and Passion for Fitness28:30 Innovative Fitness Programs and Business Insights32:51 Autumn Calabrese's Impact on Fitness Programs33:45 The Success of 21 Day Fix35:00 The Rise of Sean T and Insanity39:12 Transition to Digital and the Pandemic Boom45:10 Rebranding from Beachbody to Body50:37 Challenges and Future of Fitness Industry01:03:48 The Role of AI in Fitness01:09:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with two fitness industry legends—Joe DeFranco and Chris Tutela—for an honest, insightful conversation about what it takes to build, run, and grow a successful gym.Joe DeFranco is a world-renowned strength and conditioning coach and the founder of DeFranco’s Gym. For over 20 years, he’s trained elite athletes from the NFL, WWE, UFC, and beyond. Joe helped revolutionize the garage/warehouse gym model and built a globally recognized brand known for performance, innovation, and impact. His work has been featured on ESPN, Men’s Health, and in The 4-Hour Body, and he continues to educate through his podcast The Industrial Strength Show and the CPPS certification program.Chris Tutela is a coach, speaker, author, and gym business mentor. He’s the owner of Tutela Training Systems in New Jersey and co-founder of The Iron Business Blueprint, where he helps gym owners grow profitable, purpose-driven businesses. Chris is known for his no-nonsense approach to personal development, leadership, and helping others unlock their full potential—on the gym floor and in life.Together, they share their journeys, lessons from decades in the industry, and strategies for creating strong gym cultures, retaining clients, and marketing in today’s landscape. Whether you’re a trainer, gym owner, or fitness enthusiast, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:19 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds01:00 Starting and Growing a Gym Business03:38 Training Philosophy and Methods07:19 Challenges and Evolution in the Fitness Industry10:54 Marketing and Business Strategies13:21 The Importance of Community and Personal Connection17:43 Hiring and Training Quality Staff21:30 The Birth of Iron Business Blueprint29:19 Key Marketing Strategies for Gym Owners34:14 Supporting Local Businesses34:40 Maximizing Client Referrals36:15 Reflecting on Years in the Fitness Industry36:51 Memorable Client Encounters38:38 Gym Culture and Vibes48:03 Starting and Growing a Gym Business50:28 Client Retention and Influences56:45 Wrestling and Mainstream Influence01:00:15 Backstage Wrestling Stories01:03:44 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week on The Strong New York Podcast, Kenny sits down with Kate Shelor — certified hypnotherapist, intimacy coach, host of The Dirty Secrets Podcast, and a top 0.1% creator on OnlyFans.Known for her bold, no-BS approach to intimacy and empowerment, Kate helps people overcome shame, heal from trauma, and unapologetically own their desires. Based in Las Vegas, she brings a smart, sexy, and slightly rebellious energy to conversations around confidence, relationships, and personal growth.In this episode, Kenny and Kate dive deep into topics that often get pushed aside — from body confidence and sex to mental health and the power of human connection. They explore the toll of hyper-individualism, the rise in loneliness and anxiety, and how small shifts — like prioritizing physical health and nurturing social bonds — can spark profound transformation.Tune in for a candid, eye-opening conversation that just might change how you think about intimacy, community, and self-worth.

Can men be both strong and vulnerable? In this powerful episode of the Strong New York podcast powered by Celsius, Kenny Santucci sits down with David Reggina—co-founder of Action Cultivates Excellence (ACE) —for a raw, honest conversation about transformation, masculinity, and purpose.David opens up about his battle with Crohn’s disease, the heartbreak of divorce, and his mother’s addiction—life-altering moments that pushed him to create a leadership movement focused on helping men grow through challenge, connection, and community.They dive deep into:What makes ACE Summits life-changing for menHow to build discipline and emotional strengthThe crossroads of fitness, faith, and leadershipThe role of vulnerability in true masculinity Why community is the secret weapon in personal growthWhether you’re looking to level up your life, redefine what it means to be a strong man, or simply hear a story of resilience—this episode is for you.🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review — and don’t forget to follow @StrongNewYork for more.

On this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, powered by Celsius, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen—triple board-certified physician in Endocrinology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine—to discuss the evolving landscape of weight management and women’s health.A pioneer in the use of GLP-1 medications, Dr. Salas-Whalen explains how these treatments, originally approved for type 2 diabetes, are now transforming approaches to weight loss. She breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of muscle retention, and shares how these medications fit into a sustainable, science-backed health strategy.They also dive into hormone therapy, strength training, and Dr. Salas-Whalen’s empowering approach to perimenopause and menopause—what she calls a “menopause redo.” She offers practical, modern tools to help women navigate midlife with clarity, strength, and confidence.Dr. Salas-Whalen also previews her upcoming book, The GLP-1 Breakthrough, packed with insights on how to take control of your health through medical innovation and thoughtful movement.Want to learn more?  Follow @drsalaswhalen on Instagram.Plus visit strengthMD.co to check out her protein and use code STRONGNY at check-out for 15% off your order.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement00:22 Meet Dr. Rocio Salas-Whelan00:49 The Benefits and Controversies of GLP-1 Medications01:34 Early Adoption and Off-Label Use03:55 FDA Approval and Media Attention05:04 Addressing Negative Press and Misuse06:25 The Importance of Medical Supervision09:50 Muscle Preservation and Weight Loss12:50 Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Condition16:36 Genetics, Hormones, and Environmental Factors18:14 Personal Experiences and Family Struggles19:56 GLP-1 Use in Children and Adolescents21:49 The Role of Exercise and Medical Guidance24:47 Bridging the Gap Between Fitness and Medicine28:53 Success Stories with GLP-129:11 The Psychological Impact of Weight Loss30:20 The Fitness Divide: Fit vs. Unfit31:09 The Role of the Food Industry in Health33:08 The Importance of Motivation and Accessibility37:54 The Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women43:01 Balancing Life and Fitness47:37 Diet and Supplementation Tips52:21 Future of Medical Treatments for Obesity54:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Craig Ballantyne, the "World's Most Disciplined Man." Craig is the author of The Dark Side of Discipline and The Perfect DayFormula, the creator of the Turbulence Training fitness system, and the founder of EarlyToRise.com. Together, they dive into Craig’s latest book, The Dark Side of Discipline, where he shares valuable insights from his personal journey and professional expertise in fitness and self-discipline. The discussion highlights how discipline can be both a powerful tool and a potential pitfall, stressing the need for balance, introspection, and purposeful living. Craig also introduces the concept of effortless discipline systems—strategies that help you achieve your goals without being bound by rigid routines. They touch on the unique pressures faced by high achievers, the impact of extreme discipline on personal relationships, and practical tips for maintaining a well-rounded life. Whether you're passionate about fitness, an entrepreneur, or simply focused on personal growth, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to harness discipline effectively.00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement00:43 Craig's Book Journey01:25 The Dark Side of Discipline02:51 Balancing Discipline and Life04:29 Questioning Common Success Habits15:55 The Role of Mimetic Desire22:35 Alcohol and Social Life35:10 The Turning Point: Discipline and Its Impact36:00 Entrepreneurship Camp in Lithuania37:40 The Struggles of Maintaining Discipline38:55 Balancing Social Life and Discipline39:57 The Importance of Flexibility in Discipline41:19 Personal Reflections on Discipline and Relationships46:15 Balancing Work and Family Life48:00 The Role of Support Systems53:44 The Power of Networking and Helping Others58:14 The Goal of Writing a Book01:06:30 Concluding Thoughts and Final Advice

In this episode of the Strong New York podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Peter Bayne and Devon Price, co-founders of Kenetik, to dive into their game-changing ketone-based functional beverage. Peter and Devon share the story behind Kenetik, from its origins to the development of its unique formula. They explore the science of ketones, the process of refining the beverage's taste, and the impressive health benefits, including enhanced brain function, increased energy, and faster recovery. The conversation also covers the challenges they faced in launching a drink company, the critical role of marketing and education, and the exciting potential of Kenetik to revolutionize the health and wellness industry. Tune in for an inside look at how these entrepreneurs are shaping the future of functional beverages. Try it out for yourself! Visit drinkkenetik.com/discount/STRONGNY and use code STRONGNY for 15% off your first order. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:24 Understanding Ketones and Their Benefits01:20 Current State of the Kinetics Brand02:00 Innovations in Flavor and Functionality03:26 Safety and Usage of Ketones04:16 Ketones vs. Traditional Energy Drinks06:31 Scientific Insights and Research14:03 Founders' Background and Journey23:53 Challenges and Success in the Beverage Industry30:04 Discovering Thesis and Nootropics30:27 Energy Sources: Ketones vs. Caffeine31:28 Military Origins of Drinkable Ketones33:37 Ketone Precursor and Product Ingredients38:34 Challenges in Marketing and Advertising43:41 The Importance of Healthy Lifestyle Choices50:21 Kinetics: A Super Fuel for Everyone51:21 The Journey of Building a Brand52:25 Final Thoughts and Strong New York Event

In this special edition of the Strong New York podcast, Kenny Santucci travels to Ohio for The Arnold Sports Festival and meets up with Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of RP Strength. With a doctorate in Sport Physiology and extensive experience in fitness and performance, Dr. Mike has taught at several universities and served as a sports nutrition consultant for the U.S. Olympic Training Site. He’s shared his expertise at global conferences, including seminars at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, and continues to push his limits as a competitive bodybuilder and professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappler.In this episode, Kenny and Dr. Mike discuss the evolution of fitness education, from in-person seminars to digital platforms, and the importance of practical, hands-on learning in real-world coaching. Dr. Mike shares his insights on bodybuilding, Jiu-Jitsu, and the dedication needed to excel in both sports. They also explore modern training trends, the vital role of nutrition, and the growing influence of social media in fitness. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on what it takes to achieve excellence in personal fitness and coaching others.00:00 Welcome to the Strong New York Podcast00:57 The Evolution of Fitness Education02:20 The Importance of Practical Experience04:04 Bodybuilding vs. Just Lifting05:12 The Discipline of Bodybuilding08:07 The Brutality of Weight Management Sports11:48 Diet and Long-Term Health in Bodybuilding14:04 Alcohol and Fitness Lifestyle16:49 Feeling Good Through Clean Eating17:46 Social Media Fame and Connections18:47 Celebrity Crushes and Preferences20:31 Passion for Jiu Jitsu25:09 Balancing Work and Personal Life27:14 Marketing and Success Strategies29:25 Fun Q&A and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, we dive deep into the life, career, and philosophies of fitness legend Cory Gregory. Cory, who transitioned from a coal miner to a globally recognized fitness entrepreneur, shares his extraordinary journey, including his time with MusclePharm, training with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Westside Barbell, and building his own fitness empire. Learn about his programming principles, business strategies, and personal anecdotes of overcoming adversity and creating generational wealth. This insightful discussion not only covers Corey's career but also delves into the mindsets, habits, and determination required to build and sustain a successful life in the fitness industry. Perfect for anyone looking for inspiration, practical tips, and an inside look into the world of fitness from one of its most dedicated practitioners.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:02 Meet My Friend: The Lunging Legend03:40 Cory's Journey: From Coal Mines to Fitness05:06 Building a Fitness Empire12:23 Influences and Inspirations25:32 Balancing Family and Business29:18 The Power of Personal Development29:56 Proudest Achievements and Milestones35:59 The Journey of a Drug-Free Athlete39:04 Building a Legacy and Impact39:45 Evolving with the Fitness Industry41:41 Creating Authentic Gym Culture47:56 Balancing Ambition and Contentment54:50 The Perfect Day and Future Plans58:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts