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The Strength Connection

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Jun 24, 2023 • 16min

#179 - In Helping Others, You Help Yourself - Michael Kurkowski

In the 179th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike will talk about obsessively looking inside the box, improving everything, passion and love for what you do, and how you can help yourself by helping others.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:50) A Lesson of Strength from Mike’s sister.(1:20) Remembering Dr. Patt Davidson’s @dr.patdavidson interview. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1860981/13083185 (1:45) Shout out to Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(2:40) “I obsessively look inside the box.” - Dr. Patt Davidson’s @dr.patdavidson(3:20) “I'm gonna ask two questions, and the answer to both is yes. Does the movement look good? Yes. Can we make it better? Yes.” - Fabio Zonin @x_fab_69(4:00) If something isn’t broken, should you fix it?(5:00) The Secrets of The Snatch Seminar is Live. https://www.facebook.com/groups/246922387454298 (6:10) Mike’s and his sister childhood’s story.(6:40) Mike’s sister is awesome.(7:50) She loves music.(9:00) Mike’s sister starting a DJ business.(10:20) Passion for music as a business.(12:00) Excited to talk to people.(13:10) How do I help others be more successful?(13:40) How can you be the best service to everything around you?(14:40) How do I bring the best out of the people around me? 
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Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 6min

#178 - The Generosity of Creation - Dr. Pat Davidson

In the 178th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Phd. in Exercise Physiology, Dr. Pat Davidson will talk about Ideas vs Execution, Excitement is a good direction for ideas, Use science to find the truth, Why is so beautiful to watch Michael Jordan playing basketball? You cannot define good, and therefore you cannot begin to explore it, and much more!Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:30) Introducing our special guest Phd. in Exercise Physiology, Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson(1:30) Shout out to Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(1:40) Athletic weapon.(2:00) So people can do what I do.(3:20) I care about my training more than anything.(4:40) The better I do physically the better the program does financially.(6:30) I detail every single thing I do daily. (7:50) I kind of accidentally got into good enough shape.(9:40) Ideas vs Execution.(10:30) Artists don’t like when you ask: “Where do ideas come from?”(11:10) The creation process.(11:30) “Anytime you're thinking about what would other people want, actually, what you're thinking about is how do I get money out of other people?” - Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson(12:20) “Excitement is a good direction for ideas” - Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson(12:50) Persona vs Person.(14:30) “Most of the things that I create are based on solving problems - Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson(14:45) “If you want to find problems, the fitness industry is a great place to go” - Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson(19:30) What you don’t want to do if you are lifting weights.(20:30) Use science to find the truth.(21:40) Science is a self-aware religion.(23:00) What drives the actual origins of movement.(23:50) Why is so beautiful to watch Michael Jordan playing basketball?(24:45) You cannot define good, and therefore you cannot begin to explore it.(25:00) “Good” is subjective.(28:50) The integration of concepts into a holistic presentation.(34:20) Growth happens when you realize you’re wrong(36:40) The McDonald's cashier analogy(37:20) Directing movement towards accomplishing goals(37:30) I have a classification system that's based on 13 fundamental motor patterns that are the big trainable motor patterns, and it's, locomotion, change of direction, throwing, triple extension, breathing, core exercises for the pelvis, core exercises, squatting, hinging press, horizontal pressing, horizontal pulling, vertical pressing, vertical pulling.(38:50) You’re dancing to dance, to be a better dancer.(40:00) Squat pattern with moderate loads.(40:30) The power of standardization.(46:20) “Anything that you do hard enough ceases to be fun” - Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson(50:00) Eliminate the bias.(50:40) Every person is guilty of subconscious bias.(51:00) I trust algorithms more than I trust my own mind.(57:30) Emotions out, let’s use a system.(59:50) Start from the beginning of everything(1:02:10) The skill of thinking(1:03:20) The power of being self-critical(1:04:10) Where to follow Dr. Pat Davidson @dr.patdavidson https://www.instagram.com/dr.patdavidson/ 
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Jun 17, 2023 • 17min

#177 - Intuitive Training For Everybody - Michael Kurkowski

In the 177th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike will talk about how Akshay Nanavati is currently training for an expedition through the Arctic. It's 110 days, 1700-mile, solo trek through the Arctic, The 4 Pillars of Mastery, don’t forget to recover from your self-limiting beliefs, and how to register for free for the Secrets of The Snatch Seminar on June 22nd.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:20) Register for Free for the Secrets of The Snatch Seminar. June 22nd. https://www.facebook.com/groups/246922387454298 (2:00) All attendees will receive a free copy of the Secrets of the Snatch Playbook.(2:00) To Register go to my Facebook group or email me at mike@breakthroughsecrets.net(3:10) Shout out to Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(3:20) Akshay Nanavati is currently training for an expedition through the Arctic. It's 110 day, 1700-mile, solo trek through the Arctic.(4:20) “If you don’t find a worthy struggle, struggle will find you anyway.” - Akshay Nanavati @fearvana(5:00) Mike’s evolution and Intuitive training.(5:30) The 4 Pillars of Mastery: RecoveryDiscovery creation and mastery.(6:20) Don’t forget to recover from your self-limiting beliefs.(7:00) Creation is Intuitive Training.(7:40) Using intuition to find your own way.(8:30) Is it ok to blindly follow the next program?(8:40) Ask yourself what is valuable to you.(9:30) Wanting vs Needing a coach.(10:00) Shout out to Peter Nieman @icebox_kettlebell(10:20) Hybrid model of mobility and strength using principles of FRC as well as Strongfirst and putting them together. (10:45) “Training is the opportunity to have a conversation with my body.” - Peter Nieman @icebox_kettlebell(10:55) “You should go to your session with a question to your body, not an answer.” - Frankie Faires @frankiefaires(12:00) Can everyone benefit from Intuitive Training?(12:20) Shout out to Joel Jamieson @coachjoeljamieson(12:30) Morpheus. First-ever recovery app.(12:50) Dynamic energy control.(13:30) Building confidence in understanding your body.(14:10) Understanding what your body is asking you to do.(15:10) Intuitive Training For Everybody
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Jun 13, 2023 • 55min

#176 - The Gift of Suffering - Akshay Nanavati

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/ 
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Jun 10, 2023 • 16min

#175 - Check In With Your Story - Michael Kurkowski

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!
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Jun 6, 2023 • 51min

#174 - True Flow State - Tim Bui

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/ 
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Jun 3, 2023 • 15min

#173 - A Worthy Struggle - Michael Kurkowski

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
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May 30, 2023 • 54min

#172 - Healthy Feet: Dr. Emily Splichal

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/ 
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May 26, 2023 • 20min

#171 - How The Universe Speaks - Michael Kurkowski

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
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May 23, 2023 • 45min

#170 - Adam Lucero: Meant To Live

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/ 

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