The Strength Connection

Michael Kurkowski
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Oct 6, 2025 • 49min

Empowering the NEXT Generation w/ Thomas LaGrave Jr.

Welcome to the Strength Connection.In the 302nd episode, Tom LaGrave shares his transformative journey from a troubled adolescence marked by addiction to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping young people navigate their own challenges. He discusses the impact of technology on today's youth, the common struggles across generations, and the essential role of love in adolescent development. Tom also delves into the complexities of addiction, the evolving definition of masculinity, and the importance of finding balance and spirituality in life. His insights are rooted in personal experience and professional expertise, offering valuable perspectives for parents and educators alike.Follow more from Tom at: https://thomasjlagravejr.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tom LaGrave's Journey03:00 From Military to Recovery: A Personal Transformation06:09 Finding Purpose Through Helping Adolescents08:45 The Impact of Technology on Youth11:57 Generational Differences in Youth Challenges14:42 The Importance of Rites of Passage17:47 Navigating Adolescence: Love and Support20:37 Conclusion: The Path Forward for Youth25:14 The Importance of Individualized Parenting28:03 Understanding Addiction and Its Patterns33:01 Redefining Masculinity in Modern Society37:10 The Role of Spirituality in Personal Growth42:37 The Power of Letting Go of Ego
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Sep 29, 2025 • 48min

The Hidden Importance of EYE Health w/ Dr. Pam Theriot

Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast.In this conversation, Dr. Pam Theriot discusses the importance of proactive eye health, the impact of digital devices on vision, and the role of nutrition in maintaining eye health. She emphasizes the need for regular eye exams, preventative measures, and daily habits that can enhance eye comfort and clarity. The discussion also covers the effects of blue light, the significance of long-distance gazing, and the evolution of LASIK surgery.Check out more from Dr. Theriot at:https://www.pamtheriot.comChapters00:00 Understanding Eye Health02:49 The Impact of Eye Health on Mood and Focus05:54 The Role of Digital Devices in Eye Health08:48 Preventative Measures for Eye Health11:52 The Importance of Blinking and Eye Care15:00 The Effects of Blue Light on Eye Health17:54 Nutrition and Eye Health Myths and Facts25:14 Debunking Eye Health Myths28:14 Nutrients for Optimal Vision30:50 Daily Eye Care Practices39:35 Understanding Vision and Genetics44:37 The Evolution of LASIK Surgery
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Sep 22, 2025 • 32min

Ep 300: A milestone episode, 10 Lessons that Reshaped my Foundation of Strength

Welcome to the Strength Connection!A milestone episode of the Strength Connection Podcast. Number 300!I reflect on the journey of 300 episodes, sharing ten key lessons learned from guests and experiences. Thank you all for being a part of this awesome journey.Chapters00:00 Celebrating 300 Episodes01:21 The Journey of Curiosity and Connection03:11 Mastery Through Ordinary Days06:56 Staying Present in Routine10:58 Flow State: The Natural Default13:33 Change vs. Transformation16:48 Embracing Nervous Energy19:41 Raising Your Standards21:20 The Power of Silence23:36 Over Preparation for Presence25:47 Structure Over Intuition28:50 The Superpower of Solitude
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Sep 15, 2025 • 52min

Where to start in BIOHACKING w/ Troy Laing

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Troy Laing is the founder of Culture OC, a “biohacking social wellness club” helping those find their optimal health in mind, body, spirit and community.Troy shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming a leader in the biohacking and wellness community. He discusses the profound impact of physical movement on mental health, his transformative experience in the Himalayas, and the evolution of his practices in biohacking. Troy emphasizes the importance of combining various modalities for optimal health and the role of community in fostering wellness. He also highlights the shift in awareness around biohacking post-pandemic and the significance of mindset in healing.Check out more from Troy at:https://cultureoc.com/Chapters00:00 The Journey into Health and Fitness02:56 Mental Health and Physical Movement06:03 Life-Changing Experiences in the Himalayas08:47 The Shift to Biohacking and Optimization11:47 Exploring Breath Work and Cold Immersion14:53 Building a Business Around Wellness17:47 Combining Modalities for Optimal Health21:06 Creating a Unique Wellness Environment23:52 The Science Behind Healing Technologies27:37 Harnessing Light for Wellness28:45 Educating Clients on Wellness Methods30:40 The Power of Mindset in Healing32:05 Real-Life Healing Success Stories33:55 The Role of Optimism in Health35:53 Cold Water Immersion and Recovery38:57 Understanding Individual Responses to Biohacking40:57 Mainstreaming Biohacking Post-Pandemic43:22 Empowering Patients Through Education45:14 Building Community in Wellness Spaces
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Sep 8, 2025 • 55min

How to FLIP your mental script w/ Mitchell Osmond

Welcome to The Strength Connection!Mitchell Osmond is founder of Dad Nation and a performance coach for men looking to maximize their relationships, health and vitality along with their high performing careers. Mitchell shares his personal journey of transformation from a place of burnout and disconnection to a life of purpose and fulfillment, the importance of community, accountability, and mindset in achieving personal growth. Mitchell introduces his frameworks, including the CLEAR Thinking Process and the Iron Five, which help men navigate their challenges and build meaningful connections. A great conversation on the need for modern masculinity that balances strength with emotional intelligence, ultimately guiding men to live lives worthy of imitation.Check out more from Mitchell at:https://www.dadnationco.com/And a FREE gift of “The Connection Code” herehttps://www.dadnationco.com/codeChapters00:00 Introduction to Mitchell Osmond and His Work01:47 Mitchell's Personal Transformation Journey09:29 The Importance of Community and Accountability14:24 Mindset and Mental Performance20:27 The CLEAR Thinking Process30:17 The Iron Five Framework43:15 Resonating Messages for Modern Men
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Sep 1, 2025 • 53min

The Art of Coaching w/ Dan John

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dan John, Legendary Coach and Author, joins me again on the podcast to go into his latest book, The Art of Coaching.In this engaging conversation, Coach Dan John shares insights from his extensive coaching career and how he began and ultimately completed The Art of Coaching. Emphasizing the importance of values, the relationship between goals and assessments, and the role of storytelling in coaching, Dan reflects on the writing process, the challenges of simplifying complex concepts, and the significance of mentorship and preparation in effective coaching.Grab your copy of The Art of Coaching exclusively on Amazon Now.00:00 Reconnecting and Introduction to Coaching01:28 The Genesis of 'The Art of Coaching'04:21 Values and Coaching Philosophy07:18 Goals, Assessments, and the Coaching Journey10:13 Writing Process and Challenges13:25 The Importance of Storytelling in Coaching16:21 Simplifying Complex Concepts19:12 The Art of Coaching Explained22:08 Dunning-Kruger Effect and Mastery24:50 Learning from Experience and Mentorship27:51 The Role of Preparation in Coaching30:49 Subtraction vs. Addition in Coaching33:42 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion
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Jul 26, 2025 • 49min

The Path to Optimal Health and Vitality w/ Mike Salemi

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Mike Salemi is a men’s performance coach, creator of the Vital Man Collective, and host of The Path podcast.In this conversation, Mike Salemi shares his journey from a competitive athlete to a holistic coach focusing on men's vitality and strength. He discusses the importance of personal experiences in shaping his understanding of health, the significance of men's work, and the balance between discipline and play. The dialogue emphasizes the need for connection, the power of solitude versus isolation, and the role of devotion in personal growth.Check out more from Mike at:https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/
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Jul 19, 2025 • 55min

Primal Foundations w/ Tony Pascolla

Welcome to the Strength Connection.Tony Pascolla is a Physical Education teacher (Chicago,IL), strength coach, StrongFirst Kettlebell & Barbell Instructor, personal trainer, and carnivore/fasting coach.He is also the host of the Primal Foundations Podcast, where he explores topics related to strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle optimization (which I’ve had the privilege of being a guest on.)In this episode, Tony dives into early days of endurance training, what wrestling taught him about mindset for competition, completing the IronMan, and his evolution of teaching in Strength.Follow Tony at:Website: https://www.primalfoundations.com/Instagram: @tony_primalfoundationsPodcast: Primal Foundations Podcast 
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Jul 7, 2025 • 55min

The Science of Strength after 40 w/ Geoff Neupert

Welcome to the Strength Connection!One of the most popular guests ever to come on the show, Geoff Neupert of Chasing Strength is back for the 3rd time on the podcast.Geoff’s ability to refine, and articulate the principles of strengths is top shelf, and has been a huge help to me and many others in strength, health and fitness.In this episode, I wanted to take some of the lessons he’s given on his Youtube channel, and dive deeper into them, specifically with staying healthy and strong over 40 years old and entering this new season of life.Check out more from Geoff on his IG and Youtube ChannelIG: https://www.instagram.com/geoff.neupert/#Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeoffNeupert
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Jun 28, 2025 • 50min

The 5 Fundamentals of Optimal Health w/ Jim Laird

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Jim Laird is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach with a career spanning back to 1997. He has helped everyone from casual fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes in the NFL, CFL, LPGA, and MLB achieve their goals.Jim's unique approach focuses on getting results efficiently. His motto, "Training Smarter, Not Harder," has resonated with both clients and industry experts. In recent years, he has teamed up with Dr. Leland Stillman to combine fitness coaching with medical insights, promoting a holistic approach to health through fitness and outdoor activities.Now living in beautiful Nicaragua, Jim works with a local professional baseball team while focusing on helping men over 40 improve their health and fitness. He also supports women in finding a balanced approach to wellness.Check out more from Jim at:https://www.vitalitybrotherhood.comhttps://www.vitalitysisterhood.com

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