The Strength Connection

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Today I am joined by Zar Horton, Master SFG within the community of Strongfirst. Zar has been teaching workshops in hardstyle strength nationally and internationally for over 12 years, and…was a battalion chief and firefighter in Albuquerque fire and rescue for 32 years. In this conversation, Zar shares his journey from a firefighter to a master instructor in strength training, emphasizing the importance of functional fitness for first responders. He discusses the challenges of introducing kettlebell training to traditional firefighting methods, the significance of mobility and breathwork, and the lessons learned in leadership throughout his career. Zar reflects on his transition into retirement and the changes in his lifestyle, while also outlining his future plans for workshops and certifications.Check out more from Zar at:https://linktr.ee/zarhortonChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:21 The Shift to Hardstyle Strength Training12:49 Implementing Change in Firefighting Training18:19 Transitioning from Firefighting to Retirement27:45 The Importance of Sleep and Breathwork29:54 Teaching Movement: Lessons Learned Over Time32:37 Mastering Movement: The Kettlebell Experience35:34 Mobility and Aging: A Shift in Focus38:20 The Value of Tai Chi and Breathwork42:38 Leadership Lessons from the Fire Service47:29 Upcoming Workshops and Future Plans

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Megan Henry is a mindset performance coach, SupraHuman performance coach, Former Team USA skeleton athlete, World Record holder and recent IFBB pro athlete.Meg is really interesting, we connected a couple years ago, she came on the show, it was one of the most memorable conversations I had early on about practical mindset training, specifically in the athletic realm.In this episode, Meg emphasizes the importance of self-image and visualization in achieving personal and professional goals. She discusses how one's perception of themselves is the key to their ability to reach their aspirations in health, athletics, business, and relationships.To check out more from Megan:https://beacons.ai/thesavagemeglet

Welcome to the Strength Connection!In this episode I am joined by Hewitt Tomlin, founder and CEO of TeamBuildr. Hewitt Tomlin shares his journey from being a college athlete to becoming an entrepreneur with Team Builder, a software platform designed to empower strength coaches. He discusses the challenges faced during the transition, the pivotal moment that led him to fully commit to his business, and the evolution of Team Builder's mission. The conversation also touches on the importance of strength training, the impact of COVID on business growth, and the balance between personal health and professional responsibilities.Check out more from Hewitt at:Email: hewitt@teambuildr.comLinkedIn: Hewitt TomlinChapters00:00 Introduction to Team Builder and Leadership Journey03:01 Transition from Athlete to Entrepreneur05:57 The Leap into Entrepreneurship08:52 Building Team Builder: The Early Days11:40 The Evolution of Team Builder14:55 Navigating Challenges as a Strength Coach17:54 Growth and Brand Equity During COVID20:42 Reflections on Leadership and Business Growth25:19 Navigating Feature Requests and Customer Feedback27:18 The Importance of Strength Training in Athletic Development30:35 The Evolution of Strength and Conditioning in Sports34:26 Trends in General Population Training and Tactical Fitness40:39 Balancing Health and Performance in a Busy Life

Welcome to the Strength Connection!I am joined in this episode by Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind and Mark Subias, AKA The Iron Council.We first came together in a roundtable discussion in April 2024 at Queen City Kettlebell, and have reconnected to talk strength, health and all things in the culture of performance and coaching.In this episode, Brett, DJ, Mark and I talk about our personal evolutions of coaching in the information age, how things have changed over the years, and the keys to training for longevity and healthspan.Follow Brett, DJ, and Mark at:Brett: https://www.instagram.com/brettjonessfg/?hl=enDJ: https://www.instagram.com/queencitykettlebell/Mark: https://www.instagram.com/subiasm/?hl=en

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dr. Chris Holder is a renowned Strength and Conditioning coach, former Master RKC instructor, Doctor of Medical QiGong, and currently a teacher and leader in Christian Mysticism.In this episode, Dr. Holder shares his journey from a successful career in strength coaching to embracing Chinese medicine and spirituality. He discusses the importance of integrating physical and spiritual practices for holistic health, emphasizing how energy healing can enhance recovery and performance in athletes. Dr. Holder also explores the challenges of bridging Eastern and Western medicine, the significance of community, and the role of sleep in spiritual health. He highlights the transformative power of practices like Qigong and Christian mysticism in fostering personal growth and well-being.Join Dr. Holder mornings at 7am PST for a FREE QiGong practice at:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84404332459?pwd=pO6W0vrOmmlHCvgI7BbFLbOC3rlIZV.1And find out more from Dr. Holder at:https://www.christianmysticism.online

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dr. Robb Kelly is a renowned Addiction expert, creating the Robb Kelly group, a Telehealth Neuroscience Coaching company with a 98% success rate,working with patients to improve their optimal performance by using Brain Spotting and other neuroscience coaching evidence based approaches.In this episode, Dr. Robb shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind addiction. He discusses his unique approach to treatment, which boasts a 98% success rate, and highlights the significance of the subconscious mind in overcoming addiction. Dr. Kelly also explores the impact of environment and relationships on recovery, advocating for a positive mindset and the power of community support.Connect directly with Dr. Robb at:https://robbkelly.com/Or his personal cell: (214) 600-0210Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rob Kelly's Journey02:41 The Roots of Addiction and Personal Struggles05:42 The Turning Point: A Moment of Surrender08:48 The Role of Spirituality in Recovery11:36 Innovative Approaches to Addiction Treatment14:49 Understanding the Neuroscience of Addiction17:42 The Importance of Living in the Now26:48 Understanding the Addictive Mindset30:47 Transforming Neural Pathways for Recovery35:50 The Power of Subliminal Messaging40:40 Surrounding Yourself with Success46:00 The Ripple Effect of Positivity

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Sylvia Takada is a SFG II, SFL Instructor in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Sylvia helps empower women 40+ to embrace strength and health in the next stages of life.In this 304th episode, Sylvia discusses the societal perceptions surrounding women and aging, particularly the negative stereotypes associated with turning 40. She expresses her frustration with the idea that women's value diminishes with age, emphasizing instead the wisdom and strength gained through life experiences.Follow Sylvia on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/sylvia_takada/

Marco Benitez, a former Taekwondo champion turned biomedical engineer and entrepreneur, discusses his journey in wearable technology and health data. He shares the mission of his company, Rook, which aims to transform fragmented health data into actionable insights for personalized wellness. The conversation delves into the challenges of integrating mental health measurement, the development of the Rook Score to standardize health metrics, and the future potential of wearables in chronic disease management.

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

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