In the 176th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, adventurer, speaker, and author, Akshay Nanavati will talk about polar expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic, put your life on the line for another human being, the value of adversity, live for something greater than yourself, dark therapy, and much more!Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:30) Introducing our remarkable guest adventurer, speaker, and author, Akshay Nanavati(1:50) What does Akshay Nanavati do?(2:00) Polar expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.(3:50) Akshay Nanavati lost a finger when doing polar expeditions.(4:40) I like extreme challenges.(5:20) Akshay Nanavati used to be into alcohol and drugs.(5:30) Black Hawk Down film changed my life.(5:50) Put your life on the line for another human being.(6:00) The value of adversity.(6:10) Live for something greater than yourself.(7:00) Looking for scary things.(8:30) Shout out to Adam Rodriguez @adamrodriguez.one(9:00) What scene from the Black Hawk Down film impacted the life of Akshay Nanavati?(12:30) “You have to put your kids in situations where they suffer and they learn to live for something bigger than themselves.” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(13:30) “Be part of something bigger than you.” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(15:00) Dark therapy(15:20) “Belief is built in the battlefield.” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(15:40) Don’t worry about fixing your limiting beliefs first. First, go to war.(17:10) “Go to war with yourself.” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(18:00) Is there a method to pick different challenges?(18:20) Outdoors nature is such a beautiful playground because it doesn't act out of malice or intent when it's hostile.(19:00) Polar exploration is at once the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time, which has been devised.(20:50) With polar travel you HAVE TO control your own mind.(22:40) Alex Honnold - Free Solo film(23:30) There are 2 kinds of meditation.(24:00) “Only in real silence, you get to start to hear.” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(30:00) Gradually, put yourself in chaos.(32:30) Learn how to integrate the things that you are scared of into your life.(38:20) We are scared of being alone with ourselves. Carl Jung.(39:00) Comfortable making new friends.(40:30) Studying method acting.(42:30) Man on the Moon film with Jim Carrey.(45:25) Black Mamba Kobe Bryant listening to the Halloween Theme Song.(46:00) What can you learn from a murderer?(46:30) Approach everything like a Savage.(49:00) The unknown is scary.(49:50) You can't have darkness without light.(52:10) “Gratitude is not a mere practice. It's an act of courage.” - Michael Kurkowski(54:10) Where to follow Akshay Nanavati @fearvana https://www.instagram.com/fearvana/ 

In the 175th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike will talk about the polarity of life, staying focused on the bad times, realizing you are fully capable of accomplishing your goals, and changing your beliefs about yourself.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:00) Tim Bowie, True Flow State https://www.buzzsprout.com/1860981/12988992 (2:20) June 22nd at 5 pm Eastern Time I will host my new Kettlebell Mastery Seminar(3:00) How to register for my Kettlebell Mastery Seminar https://www.facebook.com/groups/246922387454298 (4:30) The polarity of life(5:10) Staying focused on the bad times(5:30) “I don’t know what I’m fully capable of, but I know I’m fully capable” - The Strength Connection(6:30) Realizing you are fully capable of accomplishing your goals(8:10) Elevating yourself in the bad times(9:00) Changing the story that we tell ourselves(9:30) Changing your beliefs about yourself(10:00) We’re designed to find threats(10:20) I’m really good at following patterns and building habits(11:15) “All the habits, all the patterns, all the good stuff that can benefit you, it falls on deaf ears if you don’t change the story” - Michael Kurkowski(11:20) You forget you have tattoos(13:00) Check in with your story(13:50) You’re not alone in this(14:20) Know your own story(14:40) Thank you for listening!

In the 174th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Flow State Coach, Tim Bui, will talk about why you should pick a time that works for you to meditate, journaling after meditation, the best meditation app that actually works, playing is the key to be in flow state, and more!Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:30) Flow state in theory and practice(0:45) Introducing our special guest Flow State Coach, Tim Bui @timdinhbui(1:50) Mindset and Flow State(2:00) First meditation experience for Tim Bui(2:20) Tim was raised a Buddhist(3:30) Life was not what I believed it was(4:50) I felt like I stopped breathing before getting into the flow state(6:10) “When you let go of your trauma there’s so much more you’re capable of” - Tim Bui @timdinhbui(10:35) When did Tim start practicing martial arts?(12:00) How are meditation and flow state practical things?(12:50) Everything comes down to discipline, consistency, and commitment(14:00) Feeling love for yourself(14:40) Meditation is medicine(15:20) Don’t forget to sharpen the axe(16:40) Why you should pick a time that works for you to meditate(17:30) “Whatever shows up when you’re in the flow state is the truth” - Tim Bui @timdinhbui(18:20) Journaling after meditation(21:20) “There’s no knowledge more than self-knowledge” - Tim Bui @timdinhbui(21:40) Should you use meditation apps?(23:30) Doing it is the best technique(24:40) Is it teachable to get into flow state?(25:40) Playing is the key to be in flow state(26:45) Using flow state in a street fight. Shout out to Sifu Singh @sifusingh(28:00) Dance to get into flow state(28:45) Humility is being in flow state(29:40) How do you help someone get into a practice of finding their flow?(30:40) What is my intention right now?(31:15) Eliminate distractions(32:00) The beauty of music(32:20) Do people get nervous when they get into flow state for the first time?(33:20) Being in flow is a feeling of fulfillment(34:50) Flow state is an act of faith(36:20) Is it easier to get into flow state when the body is in movement?(37:15) What are the most common struggles with people that prevent them from getting into flow state?(39:20) Negative thoughts will get you out of flow state(41:10) The most common mistakes in goal setting(44:00) Tim Bui is writing his book and growing his company to make it global(46:00) The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128 (47:00) Abundance vs Scarcity(48:30) Serving people is being the strongest version of yourself(49:50) Where to find more about Tim Bui @timdinhbui https://www.instagram.com/timdinhbui/ 

In the 173rd episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike will talk about a sciatic issue after heavy squats, strength and health in the feet, “FEARVANA” the book by Akshay Nanavati, if you don’t find a worthy struggle, struggle will find you anyway, people will do anything no matter how absurd, to avoid their own soul, and more!Join us in this insightful and captivating episode! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:50) Remembering our interview with Functional Podiatrist, Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc https://www.buzzsprout.com/1860981/12941909 (2:00) Sciatic issue after heavy squats: Take your feet' health seriously before it’s too late(2:40) Ankle and midfoot (3:00) Strength and health in the feet(3:30) Are you doing enough for your feet' health?(3:45) Our coming interview with Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(4:05) FEARVANA by Akshay Nanavati https://www.amazon.com/FEARVANA-Revolutionary-Science-Health-Happiness/dp/1630476056 (4:20) Physical, mental, and spiritual strength(4:45) “If you don’t find a worthy struggle, struggle will find you anyway” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(5:30) Inaction might be the reason for your stress(7:00) What is Darkness Therapy(7:40) “People will do anything no matter how absurd, to avoid their own soul” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(10:20) How much time do you spend with yourself?(10:40) See what happens, shout out to Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(11:30) Sometimes what you need is just blind faith(12:20) “Geniuses are seldom credited for their stupidity” - Friedrich Nietzsche

In the 172nd episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Functional Podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal, will talk about how to fix Plantar Fasciitis, how to improve sensory stimulation in the feet, how to do an external rotation spiral, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:30) Introducing our special guest, Functional Podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc(1:30) How did Mike meet Dr. Emily Splichal?(2:30) What is a Functional Podiatrist.(3:30) Holistic approach.(3:50) Dr. Splichal started in fitness.(4:50) The power of sleep patterns and stress management.(6:00) I can’t get out of my scope.(6:20) “Western medicine is fear-based” - Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc(9:20) Mike’s problems with his ankle.(10:00) How common are problems in the feet?(11:30) “The body is a crazy place to live” - Brett Jones @brettjonessfg(11:50) Plantar fasciitis: What are the most common issues with most people's feet?(15:00) Mike’s lateral foot pain for doing heavy lifting.(16:30) What is the best approach for foot control?(16:50) How to do external rotation spiral.(17:30) Finding your foot position in KB swings.(17:50) Sensory stimulation in the feet.(18:10) How to have healthy feet.(18:40) “Sensory stimulation of nerves ultimately leads to muscle contractions” - Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc(18:55) “If you do not have accurate foot awareness, how could you have accurate movement awareness?” - Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc(19:20) Working with a lot of golfers.(19:40) The weight shift and the timing of a weight shift during a golf swing is really important.(20:30) The importance of total body postural awareness.(21:00) Without sensory information we wouldn’t move.(22:20) Dancers and athletes are very connected with their body.(22:50) Bring awareness to your pinky toe.(23:20) Cueing is an art.(23:50) Film your clients and show them their movement.(23:20) Sense your errors.(24:50) Is the sensory part difficult to develop for athletes?(26:20) Golfing barefoot vs using shoes.(28:30) Prepping the body or prepping the nervous system.(28:50) Waking up the feet.(30:20) The earth has a negative charge.(31:20) Cardiologist Dr. Frank Sinatra.(33:30) Training with Kettlebells barefoot.(34:30) Walk barefoot for the first 30 min of the day.(35:50) The shorter your contact time, the faster you’re going to run.(40:00) Everyone wants everything at the same time.(42:10) You need at least 30 degrees to then be able to take nice long steps.(42:20) When I do a gait assessment, I'm looking at big toe ankle mobility.(44:35) “You will know you are at the proper speed when you fall into momentum” - Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc(47:55) Is there any big thing that you've changed your mind on in over time? (49:55) Not every foot can tolerate being in minimal shoes or doing dynamic ballistic movements like box jump barefoot.(51:30) Dr. Splichal is about to launch his new product to help with sensory stimulation to everyone(52:50) How to follow Dr. Emily Splichal @thefunctionalfootdoc https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfootdoc/ 

In the 171st episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike will talk about the man who survived a knife attack, 7 days in a comma, signs from the universe, if you’re not sure ask someone who is, get over the fear of asking a question, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating episode! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:00) Shout out to Adam Lucero @adamlucero1, Founder of Superhuman CEO(1:30) If you’re not sure ask someone who is(1:30) Leverage your motivation(2:30) The crazy story of Adam Lucero(3:00) The man who survived a knife attack(3:20) 7 days in a comma(4:00) A millimeter one way or the other, and he would be dead(4:50) There are reasons why we go through challenges(5:30) The biggest transition in my life(5:50) My transition in 2017(7:10) I don’t know if this is where I am supposed to be(8:30) I need a sign of what I need to do(9:00) 3 hours after praying, Chris messaged Mike(10:50) There are reasons behind the good and the bad things(11:20) “If you’re not sure, ask someone who is” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(11:30) Shout out to Shane Farmer, Founder of Dark Horse Rowing(12:10) Cold calling people to invite them a coffee and ask them what they do(13:50) As humans we love to talk about what we do(14:20) “Get over the fear of asking a question” - Michael Kurkowski(15:20) “Leverage your motivation” - Dr. Lisa Lewis @drlewisconsulting(15:20) Shout out to Doctor of Dr. Lisa Lewis, Psychology and Addiction Counsellor, and the Creator of Psych Skills for Fitness Pro course(16:00) “There’s no such thing as a bad motivator” - Michael Kurkowski(17:00) Running away from what you don’t want is a great motivator

In the 170th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Adam Lucero, Founder of Superhuman CEO, will talk about how Adam almost gets killed in 2016, being stabbed by a schizophrenic, negativity will never serve you, the power of efficiency, what is procrastination, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:30) Introducing our special guest Adam Lucero, Founder of Superhuman CEO(2:00) How Adam almost gets killed in 2016(2:50) I’ve been stabbed!(3:20) Should we call 911?(5:30) The terrible effects on Adam’s health after being close to death(6:20) Being a victim wasn’t serving me(7:00) This is how Adam decided to take care of his health(7:30) Did Adam know the man who stabbed him?(7:30) Being stabbed by a schizophrenic(8:00) The wrong person at the wrong time(9:00) “I can't change what happened to me. All I can do is choose how I want to respond moving forward.” - Adam Lucero @adamlucero1(9:50) Do I at least deserve to get a refund for this movie ticket?(11:30) In 1 year I will be faster and stronger than I’ve ever been(12:40) You were meant to live(16:00) Doctors said this is the exact spot to be stabbed if you want to survive(17:30) Unlucky and lucky(17:50) How was the recovery process for Adam after being close to death?(19:00) Even reading was tough for Adam for a while(20:10) To think clearly was very difficult(21:10) “Once you fully accept the situation, the negative emotions go away” - Adam Lucero @adamlucero1(22:30) Every single day will be a struggle(23:40) Negativity will never serve you(26:00) The power of efficiency(29:10) “Most entrepreneurs are not at the point to recognize they are their own bottlenecks” - Adam Lucero @adamlucero1(29:40) What is procrastination(32:30) The #1 thing is your sleep(33:10) Look at your nutrition(39:00) Feeling like a superhuman(39:40) After the transition you will know how much you were missing out(40:10) Having more energy and motivation than ever(40:40) “The best thing and the worst thing of our body is its ability to adapt” - The Strength Connection(43:00) How would you personally define being the strongest version of yourself(43:20) Where to follow Adam Lucero @adamlucero1 https://www.instagram.com/adamlucero1/ 

In the 169th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Mental Martial Artist, Owner of Strother PT, Garnett Strother, will talk about Garnett in MMA, skill and awareness to improve, Garnett’s severe asthma, the deadly art of survival, the art of listening, and more!Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:40) Introducing our special guest, Mental Martial Artist, Owner of Strother PT, Garnett Strother @strother_pt(1:30) "Sometimes you're the hammer, sometimes you're the nail" - Garnett Strother @strother_pt(1:30) Garnett in MMA(2:00) Shout out to Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(2:10) The School of Atypical Insights podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-school-of-atypical-insights/id1618776731 (2:50) How Garnett got interested in fitness?(3:40) Sick until he couldn't breathe without assistance?(4:50) Severe asthma(8:20) Skill and awareness to improve(11:00) How did Garnett decide to become a personal trainer?(12:10) "I'd rather die on my shield, doing what I love to do" - Garnett Strother @strother_pt(12:20) "I'll figure out my own limits" - Garnett Strother @strother_pt(12:30) Shout out to legendary Garnett's instructor(12:40) A martial arts instructor who stopped a bank robbery(14:00) The deadly art of Survival(15:20) A true dojo(15:50) The fastest black belt, training 5 hours a day(17:20) What sacrifices Garnett had to do right after being a dad(22:00) Pour into books, start your own self-education journey(23:10) Reading martial arts books in high school(25:00) The power of being formless(27:40) It's about excellence, it's about being your best(28:20) You allow yourself to be distracted(28:30) "Are you living or are you existing?" - Garnett Strother @strother_pt(29:20) Distractions are always an option(30:50) The path to mastery is not finite(31:30) How did Garnett get interested in the art of communication(32:40) Why not be aware of the structure of language itself(33:00) Shout out to Brian Grasso(35:00) Everybody is hallucinating(35:30) The #1 fear is public speaking(36:30) "You don't know who you are until you get into a fight" - Garnett Strother @strother_pt(38:30) No one has to believe what you say, they have to believe that you believe what you say(39:00) The art of listening is more than just listening(40:30) The art of listening is playful(43:00) The gym is the most insecure place?(44:30) Airplanes and gyms are places people hate?(50:00) Communication is the strongest tool in a gym and as a coach(52:00) You need synergy to improve your gym(54:00) Garnett's book is finished!(56:20) Where to follow Garnett Strother @strother_pt: https://www.instagram.com/strother_pt/ 

In the 168th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Strongfirst Certified Elite Instructor, John Morgan, will talk about the principles of Strongfirst, a simple kettlebell can teach you humility, how can you master something that is continuously evolving, the 3 phases of mastery, and more!Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:00) Introducing our special guest, Strongfirst Certified Elite Instructor, John Morgan @striking_strength(1:30) How did Mike meet John Morgan(3:30) Shout out to Fabio Zonin @x_fab_69(5:00) The principles of Strongfirst(7:00) John’s family story(10:00) No influence, total exploration(11:10) John’s football coach in high school(11:10) John’s strength program in high school(13:30) John’s first inspiration in strength and training(13:40) Deadlifting 500 lbs at 19(14:00) John had natural strength(14:50) When did John start training with Kettlebells(16:20) Injured after doing 1 Swing?(16:50) “A simple kettlebell taught me humility” - John Morgan @striking_strength(18:20) Shout out to Brett Jones @brettjonessfg(20:20) I am hypercompetitive(20:50) “How can you master something that is continuously evolving” - John Morgan @striking_strength(21:40) Mastery by Robert Greene https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Robert-Greene/dp/014312417X (21:50) The 3 phases of mastery(23:20) I learn something new every time I do a Turkish Get Up(24:40) The problem of Mainstream messaging(25:20) The problem with the way visual messaging is used nowadays(26:10) People have a hard time differentiating what is factual and what is merely an opinion(26:50) Writing vs typing(28:40) Fitness is a lifetime pursuit(30:40) Sometimes you have to dive deep into the darkness to find purpose - John Morgan @striking_strength(32:00) Should we see the whole journey at the beginning?(33:00) How did John get into bodybuilding(36:00) Ballistics and grinds with Kettlebells(40:00) A master of nothing?(46:40) Intuitive training and consistency(48:10) I like standardized testing(52:00) How would you personally describe being the best version of yourself?(52:40) The best gift to anyone: The knowledge to develop strength and maintain strength

In the 167th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike will talk about you have to show every bell love, the focus required when lifting heavy vs lifting light, training helps with your focus, and shutting up the noiseJoin us in this insightful and captivating episode! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:10) Shout out to the Kettlebell Queen, Nichole Gallagher @kettlebellqueen_(1:20) How did Mike meet Nichole(2:00) “You have to show every bell love” - Nichole Gallagher @kettlebellqueen_(2:40) You respect the challenging lifts, but you dont’ respect the light lifts(3:30) Fabio Zonin @x_fab_69 on the focus required when lifting heavy vs lifting light(5:00) “Stay out of the automatic zone” - Diane Webb @thatspiritualshrink(5:40) Be always completely present(6:00) Training helps with your focus(6:20) Work on your focus on your light days(6:50) Shout out to Garnett Strother(7:00) “What you hear in the macro, doesn’t have to affect you on the micro” - The Strength Connection(8:00) The success story of Garnett Strother(8:50) The failure rates in fitness(9:00) “Shut up the noise” - The Strength Connection(11:30) Don’t fall into the comparison track(12:15) Join the Strength Connection Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/246922387454298