The Strong New York Podcast

In this captivating episode of the Strong as F#CK podcast, Kenny welcomes business mentor Ian Jarvis. Ian shares his dramatic and colorful past, including running from the law after a massive drug bust in the 70s, living as a federal fugitive in Europe, and eventually turning his life around to become a successful corporate executive and business consultant. Ian shares valuable insights on running a business, overcoming obstacles, the importance of delegation, and how to succeed in by focusing on people and solving problems. "I rarely tell anyone how to run their business. I tell them how to run their company. They learn that money is not a goal. Money is an outcome. My clients also understand that everything they say and do inside their firm is messaging. In most cases those messages—and the culture they drive—are at best confusing, at worst, toxic. We change that, change lives, and companies too.”This episode is a mix of thrilling personal stories and practical business advice that you won't want to miss!00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:25 Meet Ian Jarvis: From Delinquent to Business Coach01:08 Ian's Wild Youth: Running from the Law01:35 Adventures in Europe: Drugs, Escapes, and Survival04:34 Life on the Run: From Ibiza to Paris11:36 Turning Point: From Fugitive to Family Man25:38 Business Insights: The Human Condition and Habits30:51 Parallels Between Fitness and Business35:54 The Importance of Personal Involvement36:25 Predictability in Business36:42 The Value of Genuine Advice37:13 Building a Successful Gym39:04 Life Lessons from Working with At-Risk Youth41:52 The Role of Education and Real-World Experience44:11 Hiring the Right People47:59 The Challenges of Managing Different Personalities50:46 The Importance of Character in Hiring55:34 The Unique Diversity of New York59:09 Starting and Structuring a Business01:07:04 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In today's episode of the Strong as F#CK Podcast, Kenny sits down with physical therapist and chronic pain specialist in NYC, Dr. Danny Shapiro. Kenny and Danny discuss a variety of topics, including health, fitness, chronic pain management, and Dr. Shapiro's journey from professional ballroom dancing to becoming a medical professional. Dr. Shapiro shares insights and personal experiences that highlight how movement and lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact chronic pain and overall wellbeing. The episode delves into the shortcomings of traditional medical advice and the importance of a holistic approach to health. Danny also reveals his own health challenges and how he overcame them, offering valuable advice for anyone dealing with chronic pain or looking for a healthier lifestyle. Tune in to explore the power of movement, the importance of personalized care, and the critical role of self-awareness in health management.To connect with Dr. Danny, click HERETo learn more about his practice, Project Physical Therapy, click HERETo connect with Kenny, click HERE

In this episode of The Strong as F#CK Podcast, Kenny Santucci talks with Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, founder and CEO of Chillhouse, a self-care spa & wellness cafe in the heart of Soho. Cyndi shares her entrepreneurial journey, from starting a blog to creating the unique Chillhouse brand in New York City's challenging landscape. They discuss the trials and tribulations of running a brick-and-mortar business, navigating the complexities of the health department, and pivoting during the pandemic. Cyndi also opens up about balancing business with family life, making thoughtful decisions on brand evolution, and finding peace in Miami. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation about resilience, creativity, and business growth!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:37 Starting a Business in New York02:40 Challenges of Running a Physical Space05:38 Navigating COVID-1906:49 Pivoting the Business Model08:40 Product Development Journey16:51 Partnership Dynamics and Personal Insights21:01 Expanding Business Ventures21:41 Doubling Down on Success22:01 Balancing Creativity and Replication23:58 Navigating New Opportunities25:24 Brand Refresh and Audience Engagement26:57 Wellness and Lifestyle Choices29:56 Parenting in the Digital Age36:33 Future Plans and Reflections39:56 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationBorn and raised in New York City, Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is the founder & CEO of self-care brand, Chillhouse. She is also the First Lady of hospitality brand, The Garret Group, where her husband is the founding partner. Chillhouse was born when Ramirez-Fulton realized the city didn’t offer an aspirational massage place that was affordable. Reflecting on her upbringing as the daughter of an esthetician, Cyndi opened Chillhouse is 2017 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and was immediately remarked as one of the most innovative wellness brands of that time. Chillhouse currently has a flagship in Soho which offers a suite of spa services. In addition to their physical destination, Chillhouse has a line of products ranging from press-ons to body care. The brand is carried by the likes of Target, Saks, Urban Outfitters, Shopbop & more. Ramirez has been honored on Create & Cultivate's 100 list, WWD’s 40 of Tomorrow, Nylon’s Inventor of the Year, Guest of a Guest 20 Hottest CEOs, and has appeared in campaigns with Nike, Fossil, amongst others. Additionally, she has been featured in Vogue, the Drew Barrymore Show, Forbes, CNN, WWD, Arch Digest, and more. She splits her time between Manhattan & Miami with her husband and their kids Hendrix and Stevie.To connect with Cyndi, click HERETo check out Chillhouse, click HERETo connect with Kenny, click HERETo Watch the Show on YouTube, click HERE

In this episode of the Strong as F#CK Podcast, host Kenny Santucci welcomes his longtime friend, Eric Brody, a top real estate developer, to share their journeys of overcoming personal and professional challenges. Eric delves into his rise and fall in the New York real estate world, the impact of COVID-19 on his career, and how he rebuilt his life by embracing fitness, meditation, and jiu-jitsu. Kenny and Eric dive into the importance of vulnerability for growth, the power of resilience, and why cultivating a positive environment can lead to greater success. Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation on bouncing back stronger from life's toughest moments.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:12 Meet Eric Brody: Real Estate Mogul03:45 The Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate05:01 Rebuilding and Resilience08:47 The Power of Fitness and Mental Health17:04 Embracing Vulnerability and Emotional Growth19:59 Emotional Resilience and Grieving20:51 The Power of Vulnerability in Business23:04 Hitting Rock Bottom and Bouncing Back23:59 Fitness as a Lifeline25:34 The Importance of Small Wins26:46 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles28:56 The Value of Continuous Improvement32:08 Navigating Business and Personal Relationships39:15 Promoting and Wrapping UpEric Brody is an accomplished developer and investor in New York City with nearly two decades of experience in the mid-market multifamily sector. The son of an architect, Eric has developed approximately 800 units across NYC, totaling nearly $1 billion worth of real estate.Understanding developers’ limited access to capital given the shifting real estate market, Eric founded ANAX Real Estate Partners, a real estate capital advisory firm. At ANAX, Eric leverages his deep understanding of the costs associated with commercial real estate projects to structure creative solutions across the capital stack.In addition, Eric also founded ANAX Ventures, an early-stage PropTech investment fund. Born from an unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology within the construction and development industries, ANAX Ventures identifies, tests, and invests in solutions that redefine urban landscapes.Complementing his experience, Eric is the host of the Real Tech Talk podcast where he interviews leading technologists, CEOs, and creators in the PropTech space about how their technology can affect change within the industry.To connect with Eric, click HERETo connect with Kenny, click HERETo Watch the Show on YouTube, click HERE

In this episode, Kenny sits down with Mark Mullett, the co-founder of obé Fitness, to discuss his inspiring journey from the entertainment industry to launching one of the most successful online fitness platforms. They explore the highs and lows of transitioning into the digital fitness space, the evolving trends in the industry, and how Mark has shaped a positive corporate culture and strong team dynamic.Tune in for a dynamic conversation about the future of fitness, the influence of social media, and the power of authenticity in building a lasting brand. Don’t miss this deep dive into entrepreneurship, health, and the business of fitness!00:00 Welcome to the Strongest Podcast00:16 Introducing Special Guest Mark00:41 Mark's Journey from Entertainment to Fitness01:41 Starting at the Bottom: Lessons from the Mailroom04:32 Building a Strong Corporate Culture06:58 Handling Team Accountability12:35 Transitioning to Obey Fitness15:59 The Impact of Social Media and the Pandemic on Fitness22:12 The Future of Online Fitness24:44 The Importance of Variety in Fitness26:00 Engagement and Content Quality26:58 Community and Boutique Gyms28:11 Brand Aesthetics and Experience30:27 AI and Personalization in Fitness34:00 Challenges in the Fitness Market34:39 Understanding the Female Demographic37:36 Personal Hygiene and Grooming42:56 Health and Aging Concerns45:12 Conclusion and FarewellMark is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of obé, a premium at-home fitness platform that offers live and on-demand workouts and lifestyle programming through a proprietary technical experience. An entertainment industry veteran, Mark spent the first 15 years of his career representing television’s top talent and content creators across various platforms. Mark began his foray into entertainment at the William Morris Agency on their television and lifestyle teams, before accepting a position at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2014. Mark has worked with household names and brands across media and television as well as culture-informing creators and production companies, all while working closely with content providers such as Bravo, Food Network, Fox, NBC, HGTV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Discovery, and many others.Mark focused the greater part of his career developing and selling programming to a millennial-minded consumer and fostering a deep understanding of what they value. As a lover of wellness and the broader lifestyle sector, he quickly realized a large portion of this demographic was being underserved in the fitness category. This consumer wanted access to varied, premium fitness experiences led by the best talent in the business that didn’t also only come with a Park Avenue zip code or price tag. Mark left CAA in 2017, setting out to democratize the boutique fitness experience for a captive audience, while emphasizing accountability and community as key elements for a workout routine and healthy lifestyle. obé launched in March 2018 and has since merged premium content with a unique technical experience and technicolor brand, catering to one of the most engaged demographics in the category today. Mark was named one of Goldman Sachs’ “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” and obé has received numerous accolades including Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies, a Webby for Best Health & Wellness App, as well as Glamour Magazines’ Changemaker award.Learn more about Mark at @themarkmullet - https://www.instagram.com/themarkmullett/Learn more about obé Fitness - https://obefitness.com/

In this week's episode of the Strong as F#ck Podcast, Kenny sits down with David Ghiyam, spiritual teacher of Kabbalah and co-founder of Mary Ruth’s Organics. One of the most sought after personal coaches and a world renowned speaker, David takes us on a deep dive into spirituality, the principles of Kabbalah, and personal growth.They discuss David’s unique journey from early spiritual studies and professional poker to founding the successful vitamin company, Mary Ruth's.The conversation covers the importance of a positive mindset, overcoming adversity, and the spiritual tools that can transform your life. It also touches on the profound impact of spirituality on relationships, career success, and personal fulfillment.Whether you're looking to enhance your business, improve relationships, or simply find more satisfaction in life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you become your best self.00:00 Welcome to the Strongest Podcast00:24 Meeting David Guillem: First Impressions01:20 David's Journey into Spirituality and Kabbalah02:56 Life Lessons and Early Success05:04 The Impact of Kabbalah on Life and Business07:56 The Power of Spirituality and Personal Growth18:15 Navigating Relationships and Energy26:12 Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Consciousness28:24 Embracing Empathy Through Personal Struggles28:58 The Power of Perspective in Relationships30:27 Overcoming Victimhood and Moving Forward32:00 Finding Control Amidst Political Chaos34:35 Creating Your Own Reality38:59 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth45:50 Building a Business from Scratch54:34 The True Source of Fulfillment57:02 The Importance of Positive Energy59:27 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Dr. Jason Wersland: The Origins and Impact of Theragun, The Importance of Recovery, Creating a Unique Brand & a Positive CommunityIn this episode of the Strong as F#CK Podcast, host Kenny Santucci welcomes Dr. Jason Werslans, the founder of Therabody, to discuss their incredible journey from the inception of the Theragun to its current status as a global brand. Kenny and Dr. Jason delve into the personal sacrifices and passion behind building a successful business, the importance of fostering genuine connections at events like Strong New York, and the impact of Therabody's products on people's lives. Dr. Jason shares his experiences with the challenges and triumphs of staying true to his mission of improving lives through wellness innovations. Tune in for a profound conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the science behind recovery and wellness.Dr. Jason Wersland is the inventor of Theragun and Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Therabody. Actively involved in the company’s research and development process, Dr. Jason has been instrumental in driving the progression of Theragun through 6 generations and in developing the brand’s full ecosystem of award-winning products, content and services. Therabody finished 2023 having launched 10 new products and earning 34 awards including Fast Company 2023 World Changing Ideas, TIME 2023 Best Inventions, Popular Science Best of What's New Awards 2023, and more.00:00 Introduction and Season Two Kickoff00:51 Special Guest Introduction: Dr. Jason01:53 Feedback on Strong New York Event04:49 Theragun and Beyond: Dr. Jason's Journey11:47 Building a Successful Brand15:25 The Importance of Relaxation and Recovery19:29 Creating a Community and Event Reflections32:09 Genuine Passion and Generosity32:44 Creating a Unique Brand Experience34:10 Challenges of Scaling a Business34:59 The Power of Personal Interaction36:47 Early Days and Breakthrough Moments40:53 Dealing with Copycats and Competition43:03 Inspiring Passion in Employees47:59 Balancing Family and Business51:37 Emotional Resilience and Neutral Thinking55:07 Exploring Psychedelics for Healing01:02:09 The Importance of Research and Innovation01:04:31 Conclusion and Future Outlook

This week Kenny sits down with one of his youngest but probably brightest guests, Ben Yanes. Ben is an expert in strength training and biomechanics. He quickly became well-known on social media for taking the intricacies of strength training and breaking down the science into digestible insights for the broader public. In this episode, we cover his journey from failed athlete to one of the most knowledgeable trainers, how he simplifies biomechanics for a broader audience, the importance of learning to experiment on your own and what he believes to be the primary drivers for muscle growth and hypertrophy.Follow Kenny Santucci @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York @strongnewyorkFollow Ben Yanes @ben_yanes

On this week's episode, Kenny is talking diet and nutrition with a leading expert in the space, Rachel Scheer.  Rachel is a certified functional medicine nutritionist who helps her clients improve gut health to optimize their body and hormones.  Kenny and Rachel discuss how her background in bodybuilding and athletic performance paved the way to her career in functional wellness coaching, the critical role of nutrition and gut health in overall well-being, and the challenges of fad diets and misinformation in the industry.Follow Kenny Santucci @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York @strongnewyorkFollow Rachel Scheer @rachelscheer

On this episode of the Strong As F#ck Podcast, we're excited to welcome Manny Lubin - CoFounder of Slate Milk. Manny Lubin co-founded Slate with the goal of creating a healthy chocolate milk you could drink every day. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, an appearance on ABC's Shark Tank, and hundreds of iterations of testing, Slate launched in late 2019 with three delicious chocolate milk flavors. Today, Slate has expanded into new flavors and additional product lines, all of which contain 20g protein, have 0g added sugar, are lactose free, and 100% plastic neutral. In this episode, we will hear Manny's story and what it takes to go from concept to a sponsor of the UFC. Follow Kenny Santucci - @kennysantucciFollow Strong New York - @strongnewyorkFollow Manny Lubin - @mannylubinFollow Slate Milk - @slatemilk