

The Strength Connection
Michael Kurkowski
Connecting with the top minds in strength to share stories, insights and experiences to help the world get stronger everyday!I'm Michael Kurkowski, strength coach, Kettlebell Instructor and everyday strength seeker for over 13 years. The world of strength is riddled with so much information and marketing that it can be downright impossible to know what is best for you. From reading, studying, and practicing over the years, I've found how impactful being strong is to everything we do in our lives. But the thing that helped me more than anything is connection.Connecting with others and hearing about their experiences, their stories in life has given me a better education and understanding of living a strong life than anything. After co-hosting the very popular Breakthrough Secrets Podcast, I created The Strength Connection to speak with the best of the best to help the audience live stronger, healthier and happier lives.Strength has different meanings for all of us, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. But being stronger and knowing how helps all of us. Enjoy the show!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 7, 2022 • 51min
#58 - Scott Dickenson: NecksLevel
In the 58th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Founder and Inventor of NecksLevel, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Scott Dickenson will talk about the creation of NecksLevel, the success of NecksLevel in Physical therapy and in the Professional sports field, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter you will discover:(1:00) Introducing our special guest Founder and Inventor of NecksLevel, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Scott Dickenson @neckslevel(1:10) Shout out to Antonio Squillante @antonio_squillantecscs(2:15) Scott’s origin story(2:30) Scott’s ankle surgery(3:05) Inversion ankle sprain(3:45) Playing volleyball and soccer(7:00) Attending the University of Southern California(7:35) Rehabbing at Physical Therapy clinics(7:55) Neck pain treatment at Physical Therapy clinics(8:45) Scott’s inspiration(9:10) Creating a prototype(9:15) Scott’s life before NecksLevel(10:05) The first prototype(10:40) Experience with the first prototype(10:50) Checking for patent(11:10) Adding resistance to the design(12:00) Original patent(13:20) Scott’s original idea(13:50) Messaging Formula 1 drivers(14:25) The strengthening component (15:25) Drive to survive(15:30) Neck strengthening exercises for Formula 1 drivers(16:50) Shout out to James R Fuller @strongman_archaeology(18:35) How much resistance?(19:10) Weight vs. required effort(19:50) Client’s reaction(20:15) Design challenge(22:00) Why is neck training uncommon?(22:35) Physical training history(23:05) Neck manipulation(23:55) Neck injuries during mainstream sports(25:00) Correlation between neck strength and concussion(27:45) Sending 10 prototypes to PT clinics(29:10) Positive Feedback(29:20) Shout out to Graham Gage(30:00) Improving the design(30:25) Launching NecksLevel(32:05) NecksLevel’s consumer market(33:45) Shout out to Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(34:15) “Learning how to get the full range of motion actually strengthens your neck.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(34:20) “Teach someone how to tackle before you give them a helmet.” - Scott Dickenson @neckslevel(35:45) What does a helmet do?(36:05) Airbag on the helmet(38:50) The jugular vein collar(41:05) The inherent risk of sports(43:05) Prevention after accidents(44:50) Shout out to Monica Boldt @boldfittechnique(45:45) Benefits of neck strengthening(45:55) “There's a multifaceted improvement that you'll feel in both performance and symptoms when you're training the right region.” - Scott Dickenson @neckslevel(46:10) Starting Jiu-Jitsu(48:20) Scott’s thought process(49:40) Where to find Scott Dickenson? @neckslevelLinkedin: Scott Dickenson, PT, DPT, ATC https://neckslevel.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8puuVJa3Fosw82WQa1fRbA

Apr 4, 2022 • 49min
#57 - Chris Mattice: Eliminate Your Limits
In the 57th episode of The Strenght Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Coach at Eliminate Your Limits Partners Program, Chris Mattice, will talk about creating a high-end personal training program, getting depression, working on the mindset side of training with Brian Grasso and Carrie Campbell, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover: (0:55) Introducing our special guest Coach at Eliminate Your Limits Partners Program, Chris Mattice @eliminateyourlimitscoachesonly https://www.facebook.com/cmattice07 (1:20) Shout out to Brian Grasso (Facebook: Brian Grasso)(2:30) Chris’ origin story(2:45) Being a personal trainer in Washington, BC(3:20) Consulting gigs(3:50) When Chris broke(4:30) Failed marriage(4:45) Doing things within the corporation(4:50) First version of Partners(5:3) Wrong tactics or self-sabotage(6:15) About clarity(6:55) A burnt-out industry(7:30) “Passion gets burnt after a while.” - Chris Mattice @eliminateyourlimitscoachesonly(8:45) Mindset aspect of a coach(9:00) About teaching business(9:50) “To help clients overcome the story, we need to understand their language” Chris Mattice @eliminateyourlimitscoachesonly(12:00) “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fears are powerful above measure.” Marianne Williamson(12:25) Shout out to Carrie Campbell @Carrie_Campbellwbffpro(13:30) Going back to dirt(14:10) Why do people go back?(14:50) The truth behind new year's resolutions(16:30) Understand your language!(17:40) Self-awareness: definition(18:25) Changing the story(18:55) Building a new habit(19:10) Counting your wins(22:05) The Breakthrough Secrets Podcast: Ep #51 - Brian Grasso: Mindset Matters Mosthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brian-grasso-mindset-matters-most/id1551573443?i=1000517893775 (23:05) Counting wins(24:30) The artist way by Julia Cameron @juliacameronlive(25:45) Get one thing done!(26:50) “The simplicity of the simple things that we replicate and reproduce daily is what really gets us traction over time.” Chris Mattice @eliminateyourlimitscoachesonly(27:20) Dynamic vs. fixed goals(28:40) The issue with fixed goals(28:40) The entry-level question(30:00) Dynamic mindset(31:45) Retribution story(31:50) Shout out to Justin Devonshire @justindevonshire(32:20) “We are perfectly imperfect.” - Chris Mattice @eliminateyourlimitscoachesonly(33:20) Conventional coaching process(34:40) Chris’ negative cycle(35:05) Types of ego(36:40) Why is Chris's coaching effective?(38:35) Better coach: definition(39:25) About Neuro-Biomechanical aspect(41:05) Brain’s overflow valve(41:30) Overflow valve’s example(42:20) About posture(44:05) Hemochromatosis(47:35) Where to find Chris Mattice? https://www.facebook.com/cmattice07 Eliminate Your Limits Coaches Only

Mar 30, 2022 • 57min
#56 - Jeff Sokol: Sokol Strong
In the 56th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Founder of Sokol Strong, StrongFirst Elite Instructor in Seattle, Washington, Jeff Sokol, will talk about how he got into strength from a dark part of his life.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover: (00:55) Introducing our special guest Founder of Sokol Strong, StrongFirst Elite Instructor in Seattle, Washington, Jeff Sokol @sokolstrong(2:05) Sharing content from the start(3:05) What brought Jeff to RKC?(3:30) Jeff's origin story(3:45) A sports background(4:05) Early goal(4:40) Weight Lifting(5:05) Getting to RKC in the mid-30s(5:15) Going to the Military(5:40) Lack of brotherhood after the Military(6:10) Life-changing after moving(7:10) Lack of passion(8:00) Working for the Department of Transportation(8:20) Getting depression(9:00) Losing connection with fitness(10:35) The housing crash and divorce(11:30) Starting to drink(11:50) The plan(12:30) Ordering the “Kettleworx” infomercial(13:30) Doing Gunslinger (14:00) Kettlebell was therapeutic(14:40) Inviting friend for Kettlebell burn workout(15:20) Finding Pavel Tsatsouline @strongfirst(15:40) Buying 24 KG kettlebells(16:20) Getting back in martial arts(16:25) “Having a mission of trying to get good at something, this kind of can change everything.” - Jeff Sokol @sokolstrong(17:20) First professional coaching with weight(17:50) Doing HKC(17:55) Shout out to Zar Horton @zarhorton_kbx(18:30) The funny thing(19:10) Kajukenbo(20:00) RKC earlier challenge(20:20) Getting kettlebell in a martial arts studio(20:45) Starting coaching accidentally(21:15) Getting church gym for training(21:50) A donation class(22:50) Training for RKC(23:00) Shout out to Dan John @coachdanjohn(23:25) The resemblance with the Military(24:00) The RKC weekend(26:00) Not an everlasting business model(26:35) Shout out to Max Shank @maxshank(26:55) Training the victim(28:15) Getting certified(28:40) Starting mentoring(29:45) Jeff’s first client(32:10) Shout out to Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(32:40) Just start!(33:35) What does Jeff love about Strong First?(33:55) “Strength is a skill.” - Jeff Sokol @sokolstrong(34:55) Why is it easy to get in a flow state via kettlebell?(36:50) Bonding with StrongFirst coaches(37:35) Jeff’s current client(38:50) Playing football as a kid(39:35) Jeff’s experience with Kettleworks(40:20) Shout out to Doctor Lisa Lewis @drlewisconsulting(41:45) Jeff’s pre covid mission(45:10) Beauty of Kettlebell(46:20) Getting on social media(48:20) Frustration toward early kettlebell practices(49:45) Keeping things simple(50:30) “In the gym, variety can be a source of weakness.” - Jeff Sokol @sokolstrong(51:15) Jeff’s weekly routine(52:15) Jeff’s programs(54:45) Where to find Jeff Sokol? @sokolstrong(52:50) Jeff Sokol on Amazon Halo! coming soon…

Mar 28, 2022 • 59min
#55 - Monica Boldt: Indian Clubs
In the 55th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest Founder of BoldFitTechnique, Strong First Elite, Indian Clubs Coach, and Stick Mobility Coach, Monica Boldt, will talk about her experience in strength training, incorporating Indian Clubs & stick mobility for her clients and herself, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter you will discover: (00:45) Introducing our special guest Founder of BoldFitTechnique, Strong First Elite, Indian Clubs Coach, and Stick Mobility Coach, Monica Boldt @boldfittechnique(2:00) Monica’s origin story(2:15) The personal component(2:50) The mental aspect(3:00) The framework(3:15) Beginning of Monica’s vision(3:30) Starting training at 15(3:45) Music vs. kinesiology(4:00) Getting the certification(4:22) Certification vs. being in the field(4:45) Introduction to Kettlebell(5:15) Learning from Strong First @strongfirst(5:30) Monica’s ultimate goal(5:40) Effective modalities, according to Monica(7:15) About figure skating(8:00) Getting better at figure skating after years(9:45) Mindset while skating(10:25) 26 positions(10:40) Flow state in skating(11:20) The art of kettlebell(11:55) Layering finesse(12:10) Making it artistic(12:50) Adding finesse: explanation(14:55) Making it look easy(15:30) Your goal vs. the client’s goal(16:20) Monica’s other modalities(16:50) Working with bodyweight(17:10) Why Elite?(18:25) Getting involved with stick modality(18:30) Shout out to Kelly Manzone @kellsbells88(18:35) Shout out to John Parker @johnparker__(18:50) Getting acquainted with Indian clubs(18:55) Shout out to Paul Wolkowinski @wolkowinski(19:20) Old school learning(19:45) Learning historical aspects(20:00) Coordination through Indian Club(20:55) Anecdotal information about Indian clubs' benefits(21:30) Lack of scientific research about Indian clubs(22:15) Brain activity while swinging clubs(23:15) Shout out to Antonio Squillante @antonio_squillantecscs(23:50) Mike’s experience with Indian Clubs(24:00) Shout out to Brett Jones @brettjonessfg(24:55) Monica’s clubs’ weight(25:10) Light club swinging(25:40) What’s the light club swinging?(25:55) Why do people choose light clubs?(26:30) Are clients afraid of Indian clubs?(27:15) Monica’s theory about Indian clubs(27:35) “Perception is reality.” - Monica Boldt @boldfittechnique(29:20) Indian clubs appeal to different demographic(30:10) Indian clubs strength related effects(30:50) Different components of strength (31:50) Maintaining structure while swinging(32:50) Bringing movement awareness(33:20) Artistic practices(33:40) A common struggle with Indian club swinging(34:30) Monica’s Indian club training process(34:50) Pendulum rhythm(35:15) Breaking down the pattern(35:30) Focusing on joints(36:50) Indian club swinging vs. stick mobility(39:25) Shout out to Denzel Allen @powerofstrenght(40:05) Different ways of learning(41:20) Shout out to Nick Winkleman @nickwinkelman(42:05) Importance of imagery(42:35) Non-verbal cues

Mar 25, 2022 • 1h 1min
#54 - Dax Moy: Making Miracles
In the 54th episode of The Strength connection podcast, Mike and our special guest Transformational Coach, Neuroscience Educator, Public Speaker, and Author of several best selling books, Dax Moy, will talk about the process that helped Dax in gaining his success, his coaching style, creating success in our lives, and defining words based on feelings.(1:00) Introducing our special guest Transformational Coach, Neuroscience Educator, Public Speaker, and Author of several best selling books, Dax Moy https://daxmoy.com/ (2:00) Dax’s origin story(3:30) Different jobs before coaching(4:00) Joining Fireman service(4:40) Dax’s job in the Military(5:10) Becoming a senior consultant(5:30) Specializing in Neuro rehab(6:25) Opening personal training studios(6:35) Teaching neuroscience(6:50) Clearing neuro pathways(7:30) Conventional vs. Dax’s therapy method(7:55) Benefits of a different approach(9:30) Dax’s instinct(10:40) Change in Dax’s workout(11:50) Lack of sustainability(12:35) Change vs. transformation(14:10) Change contests(14:45) Dax’s thought process(15:00) “Physical transformation follows mental transformation.” - Dax Moy(15:15) Change analogy(15:40) The reason behind Dax’s overnight success(17:00) The right approach(17:15) Dax’s coaching calls(19:10) “We can get hypnotized by the goal and miss out on the purpose of the goal.” - Dax Moy(20:35) Are consulting calls uncomfortable?(24:20) Show up as all that you are!(27:45) “Suppression and repression always lead to depression.” - Dax Moy(28:45) The Guru Project(29:00) “Know yourself, grow yourself, show yourself.” - Dax Moy(29:25) Define, Refine, and Align(30:40) Commonly misrepresented words(32:10) 100 different words for snow(34:00) Navigate your life(34:25) Success or peace(36:30) Worksheets and homework(37:15) Definition zone(37:55) Pseudo accountability buddies(39:45) The frustration and the breakthrough(40:45) Pseudo enlightenment(41:20) “When the answers are given to you, you have a tendency to put them in the box.” - Dax Moy(43:25) Challenge with high-performance clients(46:15) Shout out to Peter Crone @petercroneofficial(47:00) Immediate actions(48:55) 2nd principle: Break the…(51:05) “You don't transform why you're certain of your current behaviors. You transform when you're doubtful of your current behaviors.” - Dax Moy(51:30) Dax’s client selection process(53:10) “You can't make the right choice for yourself unless you know all the bad choices that you can make as well.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(53:25) Fairness vs. kindness(57:05) Confrontation vs. conflict(58:10) Dax’s focus on kindness(59:20) Where to find Dax Moy? https://daxmoy.com/ www.mindmapcoach.com

Mar 21, 2022 • 1h 3min
#53 Sven Rieger: The Dinnie Stones
In the 53rd episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest Strong First Team Leader, and coach at Kraftmanufaktur Stuttgart, Sven Rieger, will talk about his Dinnie Stones training protocol, his general training, structure vs. intuition, mindset work, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover:(0:55) Introducing our special guest BA Healthcare Management, Strong First Team Leader, FMS Level 1, and coach at Kraftmanufaktur Stuttgart, Sven Rieger @sven_rieger(1:20) Birthday in Austria(2:10) Sven’s usual routine(2:45) Weather in Austria(3:55) Trouble with the hook grip(4:15) Shout out to Jason Marshall @strongfirst_marshall(4:20) Shout out to John Otton(4:55) Dinnie stones: explanation(5:40) Dinnie stones vs. barbell(5:50) Origin of Dinnie stones(6:15) STONELAND: An Original Film by Rogue Fitness @roguefitnesshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhQlNwxn5oo (6:30) History of Dinnie Stones(7:10) The first woman who lifted Dinnie stones(7:25) The guy beyond the record(7:55) The legend of Donald Dinnie(8:25) The original challenge(8:40) Jack Shanks: the first personhttp://www.thedinniestones.com/Lifters%20Pages/Jack%20Shanks.html (9:55) Mindset behind Sven’s Dinnie Stones goal(11:25) Change in the challenge(12:20) July 19th, Sven’s attempt date(13:20) Sven’s current program(14:50) Zercher squats: Sven’s favorite squat(15:35) Barbell Press: 4 times a week(17:10) The Built Strong program(17:45) Sven’s program vs. Easy Strength(19:25) The truth behind the smaller rings(21:20) The Jefferson Deadlift(21:35) Shout out to Pavel Macek @pavelmacekcom(21:50) Jefferson Deadlift: explanation(22:30) About Kettlebell(23:35) One arm vs. two arms swings(24:50) Deadlift Dynamite by Pavel Tsatsouline @strongfirsthttps://www.amazon.com/Deadlift-Dynamite-Master-Strength-Exercises/dp/0938045822 (26:25) Double swings(27:05) Foot position for Dinnie Stones(28:25) Training for everything(30:45) Structured training(31:15) Shout out to Brett Jones @brettjonessfg(32:00) “Even a very structured program gives you some leeway to adjust on a daily basis on how you feel.” - Sven Rieger @sven_rieger(33:15) Shout out to Dan John @coachdanjohn(34:25) Shout out to Fabio Zonin @x_fab_69(34:55) Shout out to Tim Almond(35:25) “Your character to a certain degree determines how many reps you need or should have in a program.” - Sven Rieger @sven_rieger(35:45) Mike’s favorite workout(36:15) Shout out to Grant Anderson @kettlebellgrant(37:45) About Grant Anderson @kettlebellgrant(38:20) Sven’s thoughts about snatches(38:35) Shout out to Hector Gutierrezhttps://strongashec.com (38:35) Breakthrough Secrets Podcast #16 - Hector Gutierrez: The 5 Elements Of A Strong Man

Mar 17, 2022 • 1h 20min
#52 - Shane Farmer: Dark Horse Rowing
In the 52nd episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest, Founder of Dark Horse Rowing, Shane Farmer will talk about his origin story, his background with strength and conditioning, finding rowing crew in college, his introduction to Crossfit Invictus, teaching rowing worldwide, founding Dark Horse Rowing, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter you will discover:(1:00) Introducing our special guest Founder of Dark Horse Rowing, Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(1:05) Shout out to Eric Malzone @emalzone(2:05) Shane’s origin story(2:50) Lack of fitness in high school years(3:15) Joining track and field(3:35) Joining Baseball club(3:45) Transferring to University of Santiago(4:00) Baseball Team tryouts(4:50) Trying Rowing for free(6:05) About leaving Colorado(7:50) Lack of a mentor(8:00) Getting better at school(8:25) “Somebody who truly believes in you can change your entire future.” - Shane Framer @darkhorserowing(8:55) Job in a Mexican hospital(10:05) What Shane loved about sports(10:40) Shane’s parent’s athletic background(11:35) Love for competition, adventure, and fitness(13:10) Visceral elements of baseball(15:25) About being naturally good at Rowing(15:40) Attending sports fair(16:45) Baseball practice doing 6K(21:50) Rowing on a machine(24:40) Water Rowing(25:10) “When you are rowing in a boat you want to disappear. If you are a standout athlete in a boat you are doing something wrong.” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(25:30) The objective when Rowing(27:05) Dark Horse Rowing’s goal(29:05) The art of Rowing(29:40) Military analogy(30:10) Shane’s seat in the boat(30:40) “Rowing is the only sport where you finish the crossline backward.” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(30:55) Shane’s job on the team(33:00) Coxswain vs rowers(35:10) Rowing competitions(37:15) Shane’s introduction to Crossfit(37:20) Shout out to Stephane Rochet Linkedin Stephane Rochet (38:40) Strength conditioning before Crossfit(38:55) Shout out Jim Harbaugh @coachjim4um(40:00) What to do when nobody cares(42:15) Senior year training plan(42:40) Entitled sports team(51:00) Starting coaching(51:40) Black sheep of Crossfit community(53:00) Shout out to Kelly Starrett Twitter @thereadystate(53:00) Shout out to Carl Paoli @carlpaoli(53:00) Shout out to Mike Burgener @mikeburgener(53:05) Shout out to James FitzGerald @opexfitness(57:30) Dark Horse Rowing’s objective(58:30) The free bagel story(59:20) “I’m in the business of building character, not about teaching people how to row.” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(59:40) “You learn who you want to have in your life and you have to act on it.” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(1:00:30) “We can’t control the outcome, we can only control our process.” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(1:02:55) “Regrets come from not putting effort.” - Michael Kurkowski @mike_strength_connection(1:03:35) “No matter how much we want, we can't control anyone else but ourselves.” - Shane Farmer @darkhorserowing(1:05:00) Anti dogmatism(1:06:15) Mastery by Robert Greene(1:07:35) Finite vs infinite game format(1:08:15) World rowing championship(1:10:25) Having a heart of student(1:12:40) Best changes in Shane’s life(1:13:00) Learning from successful people(1:16:05) Shout out to Kevin Hart @kevinhart4real(1:16:30) Just listen!(1:17:30) USD Men's Rowing @usdmrowing(1:19:20) Where can you find Shane Farmer? @darkhorserowingYoutube: Dark Horse Rowing

Mar 14, 2022 • 53min
#51 - Geoff Neupert: Chasing Strength
In the 51st episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest Founder of Chasing Strength, Former RKC and SFG Master Instructor, and Author, Geoff Neupert will talk about complexes, co-founding original strength, mental strength, how to be stronger in all areas of our lives, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter, you will discover: (1:05) Introducing our special guest Founder of Chasing Strength, Former RKC and SFG Master Instructor, and Author, Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(1:40) Shout out to Huggy McNiff @huggybear_mc(3:35) Complexes(4:20) Geoff’s programming target audience(5:15) Kettlebell Muscle by Geoff Neupert @geoff.neuperthttps://www.amazon.com/Kettlebell-Muscle-Secrets-Compound-Lifting/dp/B0040NJXC4 (5:30) Shout out to Kenneth Jay @drkennethjay(5:30) Viking Warrior Conditioning by Kenneth Jay @drkennethjay https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Warrior-Conditioning-Kenneth-Jay/dp/0938045040 (6:10) Shout out to Tim Anderson @tim_sonofander(6:15) Shout out to Doug Nepodal, Master kettlebell instructor at StrongFirst, Linkedin Doug Nepodal(6:25) Ginnie pigs for Kettlebell Muscle(7:50) Geoff’s reaction to his program’s result(9:25) “If you are caloric neutral you will strip down body fat and put muscle on without being caloric deficit.” - Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(9:45) How are Geoff’s programs designed(10:20) Shout out to Wesley Barnett Linkedin Wes Barnett(11:05) The secret behind Kettlebell muscles’ success(11:40) “Anyone who follows a program and isn’t afraid to eat will put muscle on.” - Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(13:50) Geoff’s experience with Original Strength @original_strength(16:05) Rebranding Original Strength @original_strength(16:50) Testing 5 resets(17:30) Becoming bulletproof(20:15) Getting back with weight lifting(20:40) Geoff’s goal(22:00) Why did Geoff choose to crawl(22:35) The success rate of crawling(23:05) Original Strength before 2015 @original_strength(24:00) Why crawling works(24:55) Access to absolute strength(26:15) How does Geoff train himself(26:55) The issue with the lunge position(29:40) Mental toughness training: a means to an end(30:35) “In order to be mentally tough, you have to know why you have to be mentally tough.” - Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(31:00) The vision(32:00) Geoff’s theory behind being focused(33:10) Shout out to J.J. Jude(35:00) The contrast(36:15) How did Geoff restart his strength journey(37:15) “Most people won’t take the time to find their why.” - Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(39:00) Shout out to Dr. Lisa Lewis @drlewisconsulting(42:00) Cons of shorter attention span(43:30) Just stop eating!(45:45) Lack of critical thinking(47:10) It’s ok to fail(50:30) “Competence breeds confidence.” - Unknown(52:30) Where to find Geoff Neupert? @geoff.neuperthttps://chasingstrength.com/ support@chasingstrength.com

Mar 10, 2022 • 1h 18min
#50 - Graham Tuttle: The Barefoot Sprinter
In the 50th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest Coach of ATG, and the Barefoot Sprinter Coach, Graham Tuttle will talk about sprinting and foot training, proper sprint mechanics to unlock speed, mobility, the science behind sprint mechanics, how to develop strength and speed, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter you will discover: (1:00) Introducing our special guest Coach of ATG, and the Barefoot Sprinter Coach, Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(1:15) The Breakthrough Secrets Podcast: #116 - Graham Tuttle: Love For Every Sporthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/116-graham-tuttle-love-for-every-sport/id1551573443?i=1000526871068 (2:05) ATG coaching(2:50) The ATG process analogy(3:55) Stretching vs ATG(4:45) “Any significant training has a long-lasting effect.” - Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(6:05) The main philosophy of ATG(7:00) Misconception about Yoga(7:40) Shout out to Ben Patrick @kneesovertoesguy(8:00) Benefits of walking backward with sled(8:25) Shout out to Charles Poliquin(8:30) “A lot of things that we have as a standard for how we do things now, they came from happy accidents in the past” Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(9:10) Main idea behind walking backward(9:20) Short-range vs long-range training(10:10) About using the sled(12:00) Impact heavy movement(12:10) Remodeling the fascia(13:30) Forward on the sled(15:00) The beauty of sled(16:00) Dumb joints vs smart joints(16:40) “When you have dumb joints you can do dumb exercises.” - Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(17:05) Bunion(19:05) Graham’s origin story(20:05) The effects of non-functioning big toes(21:20) What’s a bunion(21:50) Innovative fascia(23:40) Graham’s father’s Parkinson’s disease(24:25) A study about fascia and Achilles tendon(25:10) What if you can’t extend your big toe?(27:20) “You can have healthy feet and have problems up the chain. But you cannot have unhealthy feet and not be affected up the chain.” - Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(28:50) Let’s talk about feet(30:50) What shoes can and can’t do(32:00) About feet fetish(32:30) Healthy feet: a sign of vitality(33:40) Name of the wind book(35:05) The main problem(36:30) “The ideal situation is that your feet should be trained as a byproduct of everything else.” - Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(37:35) Foot drills(38:25) Why Graham does barefoot sprinting(40:50) Graham’s three-part process(47:40) Upstream vs downstream(48:45) Shout out to Doctor Burke(50:00) Can people run correctly?(50:55) Shout out to Eliud Kipchoge @kipchogeeliud(51:30) “If running feels difficult you are doing it wrong.” - Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(52:10) What matters when running?(55:05) “Too many people overvalue effort and undervalue grace.” - Graham Tuttle @thebarefootsprinter(55:10) Bulking vs grace(57:35) 5 exercises for foot strength(59:50) The two most important muscles(1:03:00) Continuation of the same problem(1:05:25) Shout out to Tim Anderson @original_strength(1:06:25) Graham’s&

Mar 8, 2022 • 1h 24min
#49 - Aleks Salkin: The Hebrew Hammer
In the 49th episode of The Strength Connection Podcast, Mike and our special guest Level II StrongFirst Certified kettlebell instructor (SFG II), Original Strength Instructor The Hebrew Hammer AKA Aleks Salkin will talk about his journey in fitness and business, losing his brand and remaking it, and more.Join us in this insightful and captivating talk! In this chapter you will discover: (1:30) Introducing our special guest Level II StrongFirst Certified kettlebell instructor (SFG II), Original Strength Instructor, The Hebrew Hammer AKA Aleks Salkin @aleks_salkin(2:35) The Breakthrough Secrets Podcast: #33 - Aleks Salkin: Calisthenics, Generating Tension From Nothing(2:45) Aleks origin story(3:20) Aleks’ original plan(3:50) Lack of future plans(4:00) Speaking with a Professor(4:15) Shout out to Rami Arav Linkedin: Rami Arav(5:20) Aleks’ discovery: Hebrew class(7:30) December 2010, feeling lost(9:15) Something better than academia(9:45) Direct sales job(10:05) Fast food restaurant job(10:25) Zig Ziglar convention Twitter @thezigziglar(11:25) Aleks at Cutco(12:35) Shout out to Dane, Alek’s manager(12:50) “People are generally more willing to let themselves down than to let others down.” - Aleks Salkin @aleks_salkin(13:55) Aleks’ training for the salesman job(15:25) The turning point(16:40) Starting to train people(19:50) Moving to Israel(22:10) Aleks’ purpose at first(25:15) After moving to Israel(26:15) Aleks’ love for languages(27:40) First Hebrew class(28:15) How to learn any language book(28:40) Self-learning Hebrew(29:40) 4th grade Hebrew at the Absorption Center(35:15) Shout out to Pavel Macek @pavelmacekcom(35:35) Straight arm strength training(36:40) Shout out to Geoff Neupert @geoff.neupert(37:35) Calisthenics in Australia(38:45) Shout out to Tim Anderson @tim_sonofander(39:15) The reason why it Aleks was a hit(39:55) Convict Conditioning by Paul Wade @convictconditioning(40:45) Building the Gymnastic Body by Christopher Sommer @christophersommer1 (43:35) “You can't be too quick to let your goals go for the sake of somebody else. Because if it really is meant to be, then you should be able to continue to go down that path.” Aleks Salkin @aleks_salkin(45:30) English Language Teaching company job(46:00) Shout out to Alek’s friend, David Ben Moshe(49:25) Shout out to Pat Flynn @chroniclesofstrength(50:15) Killing it with Kettlebell workshop(51:50) The call with Pat Flynn @chroniclesofstrength(57:30) “It is very easy to allow things to get in the way when you are not as focused as you should be.” - Aleks Salkin @aleks_salkin(58:55) The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida @daviddeida.live(59:15) The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron @juliacameronlive(1:00:00) A double edge sword(1:03:05) Aleks’ mindset(1:06:00) Shout out to Rebecca Rouse @rebecca.rouse (1:07:00) Jim Carrey’s Yes Man(1:07:50) Shout out to Greg Giraldo Twitter @greggiraldo (1:07:50) Hate towards the word “humble”(1:09:25) Shout out to Dan John @coachdanjohn(1:10:40) Habit vs decision(1:10:50) Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frank(1:13:20) “The end doesn’t have to be better.” - Aleks Salkin @aleks_salkin(1:13:40) Aleks right now(1:16:10) The choice(1:17:20) “Just say it’s not a priority, do not lie.” - Aleks Salkin @aleks_salkin(1:19:00) Expand your comfort zone!(1:21:10) Where to find Aleks Salkin? @aleks_salkinwww.9minutechallange.com www.alekssalkin.com