In the 127th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, NCSF Certified Personal Trainer, StrongFirst SFG II, USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach and owner of Semper Stronger, Rebecca Rouse, will talk about the origin of Semper Stronger, Rebecca’s 2022’s goal, sleep schedule, the three questions to ask yourself, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:05) Introducing our special guest NCSF Certified Personal Trainer, StrongFirst SFG II, USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach and owner of Semper Stronger, Rebecca Rouse @rebecca.rouse(1:40) Rebecca’s uncommon lift increase(2:30) Shout out to Greg Everett @catalystathletics(2:50) Tough by Greg Everett @catalystathleticshttps://www.amazon.com/Tough-Building-Emotional-Toughness-Fulfillment/dp/1970123001 (3:55) 2022-goal(5:45) Rebecca’s first time weightlifting(8:00) The 2 gyms that Mike worked out at(9:05) Did Rebecca know anyone in the weightlifting realm?(9:55) Rebecca’s “aha moment”(11:40) “Hunger is a different type of fuel you need.” - Unknown(11:55) Rebecca’s recovery goal(12:00) “If you haven't nailed your sleep, then none of the rest of the recovery process matters.” Rebecca Rouse @rebecca.rouse(12:05) “Sleep is the gold mine.” - Rebecca Rouse @rebecca.rouse(12:15) About sleep schedule(13:35) Evolution of Rebecca’s attitude toward recovery(14:55) “Be tired by the end of the day.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(15:20) Love and hate relationship with clean and jerk(16:30) A creature of habit(18:20) Rebecca’s current clientele(19:05) Taking a step back from coaching(19:40) Shout out to Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(21:15) The origin of Semper Stronger(22:35) More about 2022-goal(23:10) The application launch(23:50) “Having a vision is important. But having a crystal ball is something completely different.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(24:30) Results of the Yes-Year(27:40) The three questions to ask yourself(31:00) About mindset(35:00) Shout out to Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(36:15) About journaling(40:45) “The results you're looking for are found in the work that you are avoiding.” - Unknown(41:15) The attachment theory(42:50) “All cliches are built in truth.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(44:00) About imposter syndrome(47:05) Where to find Rebecca Rouse? @rebecca.rouse

In the 126th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Holistic Career and Leadership Coach, Belma McCaffrey, will talk about the impact of being a refugee, finding your purpose, strengths finder, the fear of rejection, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:05) Introducing our special guest, Holistic Career and Leadership Coach, Belma McCaffrey @workbigger(2:55) Belma’s origin story(3:00) Leaving Albania(3:35) Coming to the US(4:10) Impact of being a refugee(4:30) Learning work ethics from her parents(4:55) “To work hard is to love life.” - Belma’s mother(6:50) Belma’s father’s biggest dream(7:35) Being in a communist state(10:00) Trying to find her passion(11:20) The reason for going to business school(12:10) Discovering coaching(13:15) Bold, Belma’s first business(14:30) Starting blogging(16:00) A few things Belma knew already(16:35) Finding your purpose(18:00) “What do you really value the most? And are you actually putting time towards what you value the most?” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(18:25) About value(19:15) Belma’s blog writing process(20:30) Benefits of starting a blog(20:55) The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron @juliacameronlivehttps://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 (22:30) The 3 steps to find your purpose(23:40) “Your interests can really serve as a vehicle to your values.” - Belma McCaffrey @workbigger(25:20) “We downplay our own strengths.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(26:05) Is finding value difficult for people?(27:05) Strengths finder(27:40) The feedback process(27:55) “Seeking out feedback from people that you trust and who you know have your best interest in mind can be so powerful. “ - Belma McCaffrey @workbigger(28:10) The self-reflection piece(29:25) Belma’s challenges with feedback(30:00) The fear of rejection(31:45) Belma’s first conversation with her clients(33:40) What fits best for you?(35:20) Step 2: Research(36:45) Customize and negotiate(37:25) Shout out Mark Ashby LinkedIn: Mark Ashby M.A(39:30) Why did Michael start The Strength Connection?(42:15) The recovery time frame(44:05) About burnout(44:35) Shout out to Sifu Singh @sifusingh(45:10) The reasons behind a burnout(46:20) Imperfect action(47:50) Where to find Belma McCaffrey? @workbigger

In the 125th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, a Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and CEO of EnovAte SportsMed, Dr. Emeka Aludogbu, will talk about becoming an unconventional doctor, why non-contact injuries are more difficult?, athlete's nervous system, Dr. Emeka’s mind work process, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:00) Introducing our special guest, a Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and CEO of EnovAte SportsMed, Dr. Emeka Aludogbu @dr.emeka_sports(2:45) Dr. Emeka’s origin story(3:05) A health-conscious family(3:40) The goal to help his family(4:30) Being an active kid(4:50) The career options in nigerian culture(6:00) Getting involved in health and nutrition(6:30) Bursting the achilles tendon(6:50) The epiphany(8:50) Becoming his own doctor(9:40) Becoming an unconventional doctor(12:20) The most difficult ACL injuries(14:25) Why are non-contact injuries more difficult?(16:10) “Understanding your body is one thing but you must take care if every aspect of your body.” - Dr. Emeka Aludogbu @dr.emeka_sports(17:45) Learning about athlete's problems(19:00) “Recovery starts in the mind.” Dr. Emeka Aludogbu  @dr.emeka_sports(19:35) Athlete's nervous system(20:25) “It's a blessing, but it's probably also almost a curse to be so in tune with your body.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(21:15) Athlete's common mindset (21:55) Shout out to Stephen Curry @stephencurry30(22:00) Shout out to LeBron James(22:00) Shout out Kobe Bryant(22:05) Shout out to Dwyane Wades @dwyanewade(23:45) “You must do a lot more outside of your sport in order for you to understand, in the moment of sport, what to take and what to leave.” - Dr. Emeka Aludogbu  @dr.emeka_sports(24:00) Kobe Bryant’s mentality(25:15) Dr. Emeka’s mind work process(26:10) A big advocate of meditation(28:25) “If the mind doesn’t accept it, the body won't.” - Dr. Emeka Aludogbu  @dr.emeka_sports(29:50) The yes-man story(31:35) The perpetual pain mechanism cycle(31:44) “If the mind is blocked, so is the body’s ability to heal.” - Dr. Emeka Aludogbu  @dr.emeka_sports(33:55) Dr. Emeka’s me-time; breathwork, meditation, and gratitude(37:55) Emotional compartmentalization(39:55) Affect of taking other people’s burden(42:40) Emeka’s entrepreneurial spirit(45:20) Where to find Dr. Emeka Aludogbu?  @dr.emeka_sports@terramer_techwww.terramerinc.com 

In the 124th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, the Owner of Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance and Host of Vigor Life Podcast, Luka Hocevar, will talk about the Ferris wheel analogy, explanation of leverages, time asset and time debt, benefits of time audit, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:05) Introducing our special guest, the Owner of Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance, Host of Vigor Life Podcast, Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(1:10) About today(3:40) Luka’s main craft(6:20) Luka’s coaching journey(6:40) From being a basketball player to a coach(7:15) Starting the first coaching gym in the country(7:50) Studying to get better at business(8:20) Starting business mentorship(8:35) Shout out to Pat Rigsbby @patrigsby5(9:35) More about business mentorship(12:00) The Ferris wheel analogy(14:45) Shout out to Patrick Bet David @patrickbetdavid(15:55) The correct way of behavior- and habit-building(16:40) Leverages: explanation(17:30) Shout out to Alex Hormozi @hormozi(19:20) “If you're constantly doing a million things, you can never get to the point where you can buy back your time.” - Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(19:50) Time asset and time debt(20:40) Steve Job’s license plate story(21:40) Benefits of time audit(23:50) Tips to find more time(26:00) The reason behind the reluctance to audit time(27:35) “It is not about will power, it is about skill power.” - Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(27:45) Where are you?(28:40) “Assessment proceeds awareness, and awareness proceeds change.” - Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(30:10) The magic question(30:50) The reason behind self-fulfilling prophecies(31:10) Bio-Physio-Social model(32:55) Benefits of stacking the wins(33:35) Selling the vacation, not the journey(36:25) Two lessons to learn(38:30) Doable vs. scaleable transformation(40:05) Unlocking the creativity(41:05) Downside of social media(41:35) About thinking times(41:45) Shout out to Keith Cunningham @keystothevault(41:55) Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham @keystothevault(42:45) “You get creative, it spurs more creativity.” - Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(46:05) Motion vs. Action(48:55) “Principles work regardless of what level you are at.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(51:00) About goal setting(52:20) The performance matrix(55:00) Finding your identity(55:15) Shout out to James Clear @jamesclear(58:10) Who do you want to become?(58:35) Shout out to Mathew McConaughey @officiallymcconaughey(59:30) Collecting role models(1:00:45) Benefits of having a tribe(1:02:50) The Fastest way to change your life(1:04:40) Shout out to Dax Moy Facebook: Dax Moy(1:04:50) The self-esteem bank account(1:08:50) The right amount of challenge(1:13:15) Sustainability: The secret for making a transformation stick(1:18:15) Will power vs. skill power(1:21:05) Shout out to Joel Jamieson @coachjoeljamieson(1:21:30) Backcasting exercise(1:25:25) “Build skill sets and don’t rely on motivation.” - Luka Hocevar @lukahocevar(1:27:00) The relation between longevity and sustainability (1:32:00) Take action!(1:34:00) Where to find Luka Hocevar? @lukahocevarYoutube: Luka-Hocevar https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XAPodcast: Vigor Life Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583  

In the 123rd episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, StrongFirst Senior Instructor, Owner of Hardstyle Fitness Academy, Hector Gutierrez, will talk about the Strong First barbell certification standards, getting into the program designing, the beauty of limited weights, the power of affirmations, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:00) Introducing our special guest Strong First Senior Instructor, Owner of Hardstyle Fitness Academy, Hector Gutierrez @strongashec_(2:10) The Breakthrough Secrets Podcast #16 - Hector Gutierrez: The 5 Elements Of A Strong Manhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hector-gutierrez-better-man-blueprint-5-elements-strong/id1551573443?i=1000511340170The Breakthrough Secrets Podcast #102 - Hector Gutierrez: The Better Man Blueprinthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/102-hector-gutierrez-the-better-man-blueprint/id1551573443?i=1000524967024 (2:40) Hector’s deadlift origin story(3:00) Jiu Jitsu background(3:15) “You need to be strong in your technique.” - Hector Gutierrez @strongashec_(3:45) Strong First barbell certification, 2013(4:40) Lack of barbell skills(5:00) The Strongfirst barbell certification standards(5:30) Practicing at a friend’s gym(6:25) Easy Strength by Pavel Tsatsouline @strongfirst and Dan John @coachdanjohn(6:40) The results of following Easy Strength(7:15) Doing a programming segment(8:05) Focusing on plans(8:15) Shout out to Pavel Tsatsouline @strongfirst(8:30) Switching to sumo(9:10) Progressing in deadlifting(10:00) Snatching everyday(11:50) Getting into program designing(12:05) About Plan Stronghttps://www.strongfirst.com/special-events/plan-strong-information/ (18:00) #1 Deadlift in the world(19:15) “The same program might not work the same down the line.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(19:50) The truth behind using the same program(20:40) Fast jump(22:40) The reason why Hector was stuck(23:00) Think And Grow Rich by Oliver Napoleon Hillhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 (25:00) The power of affirmations(28:10) Brainwash yourself!(29:05) “The battle is always for the mind.” - Hector Gutierrez @strongashec_(31:50) Shout out to Brett Jones @brettjonessfg(32:55) Higher level of awareness(33:30) Strength engine and power engine(35:40) Beauty of limited weights(36:10) The Less-Is-More approach(39:35) Hector’s skill-training routine(42:00) Shout out to Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(43:05) “Consistency is the mother of progress.” - Hector Gutierrez @strongashec_(43:35) Hector’s coaching style(45:40) Hector’s recent experiment(53:10) The old new-year’s-resolution(53:45) Shout out to Dan John @coachdanjohn(55:50) Planned intuitive training(1:00:00) What did overtraining feel like?(1:02:40) Hector’s current training(1:04:50) More about intuitive training(1:08:00) Where to find Hector Guiterrez? @strongashec_https://strongashec.com

In the 122nd episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guests, Creators of Let’s Eliminate Your Limits Program, Brian Grasso, speaker and author of Mindset Matters Most and Audacity Of Success, and Carrie Campbell, a BFF Pro Athlete, Personal Development Coach, and a Clinical Counselor will talk about the essence of ELI, the truth about depression, generational change, socializing aspect of ELI, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:10) Introducing our special guests, Creators of Let’s Eliminate Your Limits Program, Brian Grasso, speaker and author of Mindset Matters Most and Audacity Of Success, and Carrie Campbell, a BFF Pro Athlete, Personal Development Coach, and a Clinical Counselor @eliminateyourlimits(4:00) Everything about ELI(4:20) EP #115 - Brian and Carrie: Everything About ELIhttps://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/115-brian-and-carrie-everything-about-eli/id1588270298?i=1000584326863 (4:30) Carrie’s idea(5:50) The essence of ELI(7:20) Awareness of adolescents’ struggles(8:15) The fascinating way of looking at statistics(10:10) “Two things can be true at the same time.” - Brian Grasso(10:25) Disdain for the psychological industry(11:00) The truth about depression(11:25) About serotonin(11:55) Lack of emotion management skills(13:15) Generational change(13:55) Medication vs. changing a generation(14:55) Ambassador team of ELI(16:00) Proposals related to teachers(17:40) Unawareness of having a belief system(19:25) Follow the money(20:40) Teachers’ advocate(21:05) “The best way to lead is top down.” - Brian Grasso(21:35) The original plan(22:45) What Mike likes about ELI(23:00) Socializing aspect of ELI(24:30) EYL Model(26:40) Intentions and wins(28:25) The most challenging thing for Carrie(29:05) Temporary safe-guards(29:50) The future plans for the next versions(32:30) ELI concert on the metaverse(33:35) The common response about ELI(37:20) “Enlist no opponent.” - Buddha(38:15) “You can't change anybody's mind. You can just offer a different perspective.” - Daryl Davis @realdaryldavis(40:00) Brian and Carrie’s driving forceWhere to find Brian and Carrie? @eliminateyourlimits

In the 121st episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Coach & Mind Advisor at Contrast By Design, Host of The School of Atypical Insights, Tyler Wall, will talk about identity, what potential actually is choosing your discomfort willingly, how to take an honest look at yourself, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:55) Introducing our special guest Coach & Mind Advisor at Contrast By Design, Host of The School of Atypical Insights, Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(2:45) Tyler’s origin story(2:50) Studying exercise science(3:15) Doing CSES(3:40) Working at a sports rehab Center in Seattle(5:00) Our limitations(5:50) Self-studying psychology(7:00) Becoming Head Coach at Trevor Cashy Nutrition(9:10) Founding Contrast By Design(9:50) Shout out to Deepak Chopra @deepakchopra(10:40) “You are not anything and everything at the same time.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(11:15) Effects of the environment on the mind and body(14:30) The structure of Contrast By Design(16:00) “Pain for a lot of people becomes a story.” - Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(18:15) Body’s self-healing ability(19:00) About using the medicine for pain(20:00) Tyler’s thoughts about therapy(22:35) “Everybody reveals themselves all the time, by what they are saying and not saying.” - Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(22:35) Tyler’s approach toward identity(25:10) Shout out to Jack Nicholson(25:10) Shout out to Adam Sandler @adamsandler(27:00) “Labels can be a beautiful thing. But they are also, but they're also the same thing that constricts us and keeps us stuck.” - Tyler Wall @tylerjameswall(27:15) Meaning of Contrast By Design(32:15) The comfort-seeking nature of human beings(35:50) Shout out to Gregg Goodhart @gregggoodhart_learningcoach(37:05) A few tips for truth seekers(38:20) The steps to start journaling(38:35) Shout out to Stephen King Twitter: @stephenking(39:00) Tyler’s experience with journaling(40:40) Stillness Is The Key by Ryan Holiday @ryanholidayhttps://www.amazon.com/Stillness-Key-Ryan-Holiday/dp/0525538585 (43:00) Choose your discomfort!(44:40) Reframing(48:05) The uncertainty of life(50:30) Shout out to Jordan Peterson(53:25) About meditation(55:35) “When we're constantly seeking comfort, we'll distract ourselves from actually feeling something.” - Tyler Wall @tylerjameswallWhere to find Tyler Wall? @tylerjameswall

In the 120th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Weightlifting Coach and Founder of New York Weightlifting Academy, Danny Casey, will talk about mastery in weightlifting, the problem with rushing, what dictates success, micro-goals of the day, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(1:00) Introducing our special guest Weightlifting Coach and Founder of New York Weightlifting Academy, Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(1:55) Shout out to Eddie McGuire @eddiemacisback(2:30) Shout out to Kari Pearce @karipearcecrossfit(3:50) Strength Mastery Challenge(5:40) Mastery in weightlifting(6:50) Danny’s clientele(6:55) Experience according to Danny(7:00) “Just being subjected to something and doing something doesn't necessarily mean you're experienced.” - Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(9:05) The common bad habits among Danny’s clientele(9:30) Fundamentals of weightlifting(10:40) “How you move is more important than what you move.” - Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(11:05) The problem with rushing(11:30) Danny’s analogy for rushing during weightlifting(13:50) Gift of Injury by Stuart McGill and Brian Carrollhttps://www.amazon.com/Injury-Stuart-McGill-Brian-Carroll/dp/0973501863 (14:15) The mindset behind “keep pushing”(16:20) About Danny’s one physically gifted client(19:00) About the Greek weightlifting team in the 90s(19:10) Shout out to Pyrros Dimas(19:15) Shout out to Kakhi Kakhiashvili(20:55) Effect of personality for weightlifting(22:15) Shout out to Bill Esch @kettlebellwarrior(22:20) Shout out to Denis Vasilev @denisvasilevkbsport(22:50) “You don’t need to be somebody else.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(23:25) What dictates success?(24:10) Self regulation(25:00) “Learn how you are feeling, don’t get greedy.” - Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(25:45) Shout out to Chris Abbott Linkedin: Chris Abbott(26:20) About intuition(26:20) Shout out to Brett Jones @brettjonessfg(26:25) Iron Cardio by Brett Jones @brettjonessfghttps://strongandfit.com/products/iron-cardio-by-brett-jones?gclid=CjwKCAiA68ebBhB-EiwALVC-Nn5DrC62QO3SDIG4ApNZ5zNbTnagTxltL1ZY6164QOJCYU7ngGGrRhoCqMkQAvD_BwE (27:50) The martial arts analogy(31:40) Position, consistency, and control(32:05) “If you don’t have control, you don’t have anything.” - Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(34:00) Shout out to Jerzy Gregorek(35:25) Shout out to Eric D'Agati @ericdagati(36:40) Shout out to Carrie Campbell @eliminateyourlimits(37:40) Online weightlifters’ influence(39:15) Why everyone should compete(42:45) “You can’t teach experience, you have to live it.” - Danny Casey @ny_weightlifting_academy(43:00) Weightlifting competition, January(44:20) What does Danny do on the competition day?(47:50) Micro-goals of the day(49:55) Where to find Danny Casey? @ny_weightlifting_academyhttp://nyweightliftingacademy.com/ 

In the 119th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, the Founder of The Waterhole Leadership Program, Mark Ashby, will talk about what makes a great leader overcoming toxic cultures, how leadership has changed over recent times, individual brilliance, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:50) Introducing our special guest Founder of The Waterhole Leadership Program(2:35) Why was Michael chosen for the manager position?(4:30) Contracting in Iraq(6:40) What actually matters?(7:05) Working for great leaders(8:15) “Good leaders will create good employees or good team members, but the great leaders will create other great leaders.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(8:50) Mark’s origin story(9:00) Relation with surfing(9:50) Fascination for military(10:20) Finally joining the army(10:30) Connection with fitness training(11:15) The twin towers incident(12:00) More about the contract to Iraq(13:30) The mindset during a war(14:55) The wakeup call(15:50) What made Mark a controlling person during the war?(16:55) Taking on a new team(20:20) Individual Brilliance(22:10) The cons of lack of communication(22:45) “Not everybody's gonna be perfect in any role, but at least give it that chance.” - Mark Ashby LinkedIn: Mark Ashby M.A(24:55) “The communication process needs to be a constant, rather than just an activity that you do.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(25:00) The habitual creatures (28:35) Mark’s coaching style(30:45) Good, great, or extraordinary(31:30) The human connection(33:00) Result driven process(33:50) Do the clients always know what they want?(35:25) Sharing your own story(40:20) Optimal performance and fitness(40:30) Shout out to Michael Jordan(43:05) Burning out your potential(44:15) Leadership; talent or learned skill(47:35) What’s it’s all about?(48:20) Masculine vs. feminine work energy(49:55) Middle road; the warzone(55:35) The evolution in the concept of leadership(59:20) “People need the work, but the work needs the people.” - Mark Ashby LinkedIn: Mark Ashby M.A(1:00:40) Where to find Mark Ashby? LinkedIn: Mark Ashby M.AWebsite: https://markashbyconsulting.com Email: mark@markashbyconsulting.com 

In this episode, learning coach Gregg Goodhart discusses the importance of learning how to learn better, deliberate practice, and contextual interference. He challenges the notion of talent, emphasizing that success is determined by how well we learn. The guest shares his journey and research on the topic, highlighting the value of incremental progress and a growth mindset. The chapter explores learning styles, deliberate practice, reflection, and developing a mental model for continuous improvement. The guest also announces plans to write a book and invites listeners to sign up for a sneak peek.