The Strong New York Podcast

In this week's episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci dives into the intriguing world where fitness meets beauty with special guest Melinda Farina, also known as The Beauty Broker.Melinda is the founder of Integrated Aesthetics Consulting Inc. and Beauty Brokers Inc., two globally recognized consulting firms in the health and beauty industry. With her vast expertise, she’s earned praise from leading organizations such as New York Women in Communications, ASAPS, ASPS, and the Aesthetic Advantage Continuum at NYU. Her insights have been featured in top-tier publications like Entrepreneur, Allure, Glamour, Coveteur, Elle, and Fortune.Join Kenny and Melinda as they discuss the pressures society places on appearance, the growing trend of biohacking and plastic surgery, and the importance of self-confidence. Melinda offers her expert perspective on popular surgery trends, ethical practices, and common procedures. Plus, they have a bit of fun analyzing celebrity transformations. Whether you're into fitness, beauty, or just curious about the latest in plastic surgery, this episode is a must-listen!00:00 Introduction to the Strong New York Podcast00:35 Meet the Beauty Broker: Melinda Farina01:59 The Intersection of Fitness and Beauty02:24 The Plastic Surgery Debate07:25 Social Media and Beauty Standards09:40 The Rise of Elective Surgeries17:46 Patient Advocacy and Consulting23:13 Understanding Facelift Procedures24:00 The Controversy of BBLs24:48 The Importance of Exercise with Plastic Surgery26:07 Celebrity Plastic Surgery: Lindsay Lohan28:14 Celebrity Plastic Surgery: JLo29:57 Celebrity Plastic Surgery: Madonna and Aging33:49 Celebrity Plastic Surgery: Tom Brady36:53 Celebrity Plastic Surgery: Zac Efron38:35 Celebrity Plastic Surgery: Natural Beauties41:13 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

This week, Kenny sits down with Mike Stella, sports rehab and performance coach, and the founder of The Movement Underground. After facing a personal injury and feeling failed by the healthcare system, Mike took matters into his own hands, embarking on a mission to become one of the best in the field. The Movement Underground was built by athletes for athletes, offering a comprehensive approach to performance rehab, training, and recovery.In this episode, Kenny and Mike dive into his journey into athletic training, how personal struggles shaped his career, and his perspective on the fitness industry’s mindset. They explore the balance between training methods like Pilates and weightlifting, discuss the physical and emotional toll of professional sports, and highlight the importance of consistency in training. They also examine how genetic and circumstantial factors influence fitness outcomes.Whether you're passionate about fitness, rehabilitation, or the real stories behind professional success, this episode is a must-listen.00:00 Introduction to the Strong as F#ck Podcast00:41 Guest Introduction: Mike Stella01:24 Nostalgia and New York City Memories03:06 Expansion Plans and Business Insights06:00 Masterminds and Personal Growth09:17 Overcoming Personal Struggles15:01 The Importance of Movement and Health20:04 Healthcare System Critique29:33 The Value of Expertise and Personalized Care41:34 The Science Behind Sweating and Heat42:42 Benefits and Misconceptions of Hot Yoga and Pilates45:26 Understanding Muscle Physiology and Training48:45 The Role of Consistency in Fitness Programs50:30 Balancing Exercise and Recovery54:35 Genetics and Performance Enhancing Drugs01:01:58 The Rigors of Professional Wrestling01:04:20 Admiration for Fitness Influencers01:16:23 Challenges in the Fitness Industry01:22:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Strong as F#ck Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dan Goodman, co-owner of Varsity House Gym. They discuss Dan's journey from gym owner to helping others efficiently run their gyms. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and strategies involved in managing a gym, post-COVID industry changes, the importance of planning and maximizing time as a trainer, and the balance of personal and professional life. Dan also shares insights into the pivot from brick-and-mortar gyms to coaching businesses, the significance of community and client connections, and how to outperform corporate gym giants. This episode is packed with valuable advice for gym owners, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts looking to thrive in the fitness industry.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Transitioning from Gym Owner to Consultant01:12 The Challenges of Being a Trainer02:41 Leading by Example in Fitness05:45 Balancing Work and Personal Life10:44 Importance of Core Values and Team Development17:54 From Brick and Mortar to Coaching Business25:29 International Influence and Strength Culture27:10 Early Development in Rugby and Entertainment28:01 Empowering Seminars and Personal Growth29:02 Consistency and Influence of Jay Farooj29:49 Value of Mentorship and Paying Homage33:30 Training Evolution and Client Engagement39:30 The Importance of Personal Connection in Training45:44 Challenges and Strategies in Boutique Gym Business56:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Strong As F*ck Podcast, host Kenny Santucci welcomes renowned nutritionist Dr. Jamie Schehr for an in-depth conversation about health, wellness, and personal growth. They discuss their long-standing friendship, common health myths, and the importance of self-awareness in achieving wellness goals. The duo explores the impact of emotional health on weight management, societal influences on personal health decisions, and how to establish healthier habits for 2025. With varying views on topics like GLP-1 and Ozempic, they provide a balanced and nuanced discussion about modern health trends. Whether you're interested in nutrition, mental health, or just want to hear insightful dialogue, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:14  Meet Dr.Jaime Schehr00:56 Strong Week and Public Speaking03:00 Health and Wellness in 202505:43 Individuality in Medicine15:55 Emotional Connections to Food32:30 Navigating Social Dynamics and Personal Choices33:20 Childhood Influences on Adult Behavior33:40 The Impact of Social Media and Trends34:03 Holistic Health Approaches35:07 Political Influence on Health and Wellness38:56 The Broken Healthcare System46:47 Personal Responsibility in Health58:03 The Role of GLP-1 and Ozempic in Modern Medicine01:02:54 Final Thoughts and Announcements

In this milestone episode of The Strong As F#ck podcast, host Kenny Santucci introduces his new buddy and fitness phenomenon, Devon Levesque. Recorded from Kenny's brand-new gym, The Strength Club in Caldwell, NJ, this episode dives into Devon's extraordinary journey from a fitness-oriented childhood to blowing up in the fitness industry. Devon shares stories of his upbringing, career transitions, epic feats like bear crawling a marathon, and summiting Everest, emphasizing his core values of health, family, and time freedom. Both Kenny and Devon discuss the importance of having a purpose, the psychology behind consumer products, and how Devon built his brand around his lifestyle. If you're seeking inspiration from a life driven by purpose and mental strength, this episode is a must-watch!00:00 Welcome to the Strong as F#ck Podcast00:26 Introducing Devin Levesque01:12 Devon's Fitness Journey01:48 Building a Health-Centric Life04:19 Defining Success and Values12:42 Mental Strength and Grit16:05 Finding Purpose in Life20:28 The Unending Role of Motherhood21:13 Building a Brand from Scratch22:09 Innovative Marketing Strategies24:35 Hands-On Leadership26:34 The Importance of Purpose30:40 Future Plans and Reflections32:25 Everest Adventures and Challenges35:23 Closing Remarks and Future Events

In this episode of The Strong as F#ck podcast, host Kenny Santucci is joined by fitness icon Jake Steinfeld, famously known as Body by Jake. Jake shares his surreal and emotional experiences of losing his home in the recent LA wildfires and his path to recovery. Despite the significant loss of personal and sentimental items, Jake emphasizes the importance of resilience, routine, and the message of 'Don't Quit' that has shaped his life. The episode delves into Jake's storied career, his impact on the fitness industry, and his current motivational message, providing a powerful narrative of strength, community, and perseverance.00:00 Welcome to the Strongest Podcast00:25 Living in a Hotel: Surreal Experiences01:09 Homelessness and Community Support01:29 Life in the Palisades: Memories and Loss03:44 The Role of an Honorary Mayor08:18 Insurance Woes and Realities11:35 The Fire: A Personal Account18:19 Rebuilding and Moving Forward24:35 The Urgency of Finding a Home25:08 The Emotional Rollercoaster26:20 The Power of Perseverance26:53 Family Support and Gratitude27:27 The Importance of Training28:24 Jake's Intense Workout Routine31:10 Consistency is Key35:46 Personalized Training Programs39:17 Jake's Journey to Success41:56 Reflecting on the Past and Moving Forward

This week on the Strong as F#ck Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with 'Body by Mark'.  Kenny and Mark, long-time veterans of the NYC fitness scene, discuss their journeys in the industry, the challenges they've faced, and how they've adapted their careers in the age of social media. Mark shares his unique approach to fitness content, revealing the motivations behind his popular 'man on the street' interviews. The episode dives into the evolution of gym culture, the impact of social media, and tips for balancing personal achievements with business growth. Tune in for an insightful discussion that's both inspiring and informative for anyone interested in fitness, social media, or business development.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:10 The Evolution of Social Media in Fitness02:32 Starting the Street Interview Journey04:09 Challenges and Successes of Street Interviews10:45 The Impact of Social Media on Personal Training14:54 Building a Fitness Business22:29 Hiring and Managing in the Fitness Industry26:01 Social Media's Influence on Work Ethic31:34 Voyeurism and Raw Content32:16 TikTok vs Instagram: Success and Challenges33:10 The Power of TikTok's Algorithm33:57 The Impact of Social Media Ads35:59 Monetizing Social Media Platforms37:43 Fitness Influencers and Celebrity Encounters54:15 Diet and Fitness Realities56:45 Building a Fitness Business58:11 Hiring and Social Media Influence01:00:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of The Strong as F#ck Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with New York City firefighter and endurance athlete Matt Long. They discuss Matt's inspirational journey from surviving a horrific bus accident to completing the New York City Marathon and Lake Placid Ironman. Matt shares his experiences from running gyms, dealing with life-changing adversity, and excelling in various speaking engagements.. Tune in for a deep dive into resilience, perseverance, and the power of never giving up.00:00 Introduction and Host's Story01:32 Guest Introduction: Matt Long01:59 Life After the Accident02:22 Challenges of Owning a Gym03:54 Navigating Business and Permits05:32 Marketing and Community Engagement13:36 Early Career and Firefighting14:27 Bar Ownership and New York's Drinking Culture20:11 Firefighting Stories and Experiences26:37 Firefighter's Unexpected Rescue Mission28:22 A Calm Captain in the Face of Fire30:50 The Transit Strike and a Life-Altering Accident37:18 Overcoming Adversity: The Road to Recovery41:01 Rediscovering Passion Through Running45:19 Inspiring Speaking Engagements and Reflections51:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

This week, Kenny Santucci sits down with his good friend, client and new reality TV star, Eleonora Srugo for her first ever podcast interview.  They dive deep into her new Netflix show 'Selling the City,' her career in real estate, and the ups and downs she's faced along the way. From her rise in New York City's competitive real estate market to personal scandals and professional triumphs, Eleonora shares her unique story. Don't miss out on this exclusive conversation about resilience, success, and the drive to keep moving forward.00:00 Welcome to the Strong As F#ck Podcast00:14 Introducing Eleonora Srugo01:42 The Scandal and Its Aftermath04:42 Navigating Negative Press06:35 The Reality of Real Estate TV Shows08:41 Building a Career in Real Estate16:14 The Making of 'Selling the City'28:39 Challenges of Filming and Real Estate Industry Insights30:05 New York's Resilience and Comeback33:24 Nostalgia and the Charm of New York Restaurants36:35 Growing Up in Soho and Personal Resilience41:24 The Journey to Success in Real Estate42:02 Reflections on Bullying and Building Character46:24 The Role of the Mayor and Political Insights56:40 Final Thoughts and Excitement for the Show

In this episode of the Strong as F#ck Podcast, host Kenny Santucci welcomes special guest Ian Clark, who shares his incredible journey of overcoming a life-threatening illness through natural healing methods. From mastermind events to battling severe health issues, Ian discusses the importance of perfect health, the body's resilience, and key protocols like proper hydration, percussion therapy, and fat for fuel. They delve into the power of mindset, the dangers of modern eating habits, and natural methods for achieving long-term well-being. Ian also sheds light on his views about the medical industry and how to actively take charge of one's health.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:19 Ian Clark's Health Journey Begins02:45 The Impact of Environment and Lifestyle04:44 Mindset and Self-Healing14:11 The Importance of Perfect Health17:25 The Value of Investing in Health31:53 Hydration and Detoxification32:48 The Importance of Salinity and Blood Production33:19 The Water Bottle Obsession34:32 Electrolytes vs. Water: The Hydration Debate35:09 True Hydration: A Revolutionary Approach35:46 The Role of Fruits in Hydration36:26 Glycogen vs. Fat: Fueling the Body37:27 The Power of Leptin and Hormonal Balance38:05 A Day in the Life: Fat for Fuel Diet43:58 The Benefits of Percussion Therapy50:23 The Controversy and Acceptance of Alternative Therapies01:02:21 Personal Transformation and Overcoming Addiction01:09:27 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information