
The Strength Connection
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!
Latest episodes

Jul 9, 2024 • 52min
Ep 249 Dr. Michael Hartle: Kettlebell Strength & Anatomy
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!Dr. Michael Hartle joins me again on the show in the 249th episode.Being a Master SFG instructor, Chiropractic physician and former nationally ranked powerlifter, there are few people I enjoy talking about strength with more than Doc.Doc’s combined experience of clinical application and strength training has given him one of the best perspectives and philosophies of proper physical training I’ve known, and he put all his knowledge and expertise into his new book Kettlebell Strength Training Anatomy.Deep diving into his book, along with many insights and experiences, this was an absolute pleasure of a conversation.You can grab a copy of Kettlebell Strength Training Anatomy by going to:https://us.humankinetics.com/products/kettlebell-strength-training-anatomy

Jul 2, 2024 • 54min
Ep 248 Roger Parks: Kettlebell Ballistics
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast.On the 248th episode, I am joined by Roger Parks, Kettlebell coach and founder of Iron Revival.Roger is a coach who dives deep, not resting on the surface level of information, and wanting to know how things work from the inside out, and he’s done that most recently in his new book Kettlebell Ballistics.From how he got into Kettlebell training after 20 years of coaching, to why it is so important for coaches to understand the science behind movement, this was a beautiful conversation of diving into the deep end of a very specific area of training.Check out more from Roger at theironrevival.com, and Instagram at @theironrevival

Jun 24, 2024 • 52min
Ep 247 Carrie Campbell: Level up your Standards!
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!Carrie Campbell is truly one of my favorite people on the planet.Her energy, insight, and experience in the world of mindset and performance has taught me so much over the last few years, and she is back on the show, because she is on a serious mission.Carrie’s impact and influence over her life as changed countless lives, and now, she has created the Unstoppable Womens Project and Her-dentity, a system that “literally is for every woman alive.”In this episode, I catch up with Carrie and find out about her revelation about her mission, why she is so inspired to do this, and what the future looks like for these incredible programs.Check out Carrie on IG and FB - Carrie CampbellAnd see Carrie on Tour at bandc.life

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep 246 Joe Stauffacher: Everything Creates an Input!
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!Joe Stauffacher is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, and he joins me after a long time coming in the 246th episode.Joe’s commitment to studying optimal health in mindset, gut health, and neuro training is next level, and in this episode, he shares his personal journey into what got him interested in these worlds, and what to do to optimize your health.Check him out on FB:Joe Stauffacher

Jun 10, 2024 • 60min
Ep 245 Dr. Kathy Dooley: Anatomy of Next Level Fitness
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In the 245th episode, I am joined by Dr. Kathy Dooley, rehabilitative Chiropractor, Co-Founder of Immaculate Dissection, lead instructor for NeuroKinetic Therapy, and Gross Anatomy Instructor at multiple higher learning universities.Dr. Dooley’s wisdom into anatomy and physiology, and connecting rehabilitation and strength training is second to none, and I was so excited to dive into her journey, insights and experiences.From the differences between traditional and rehabilitative chiropractors, how the kettlebell is a great rehab tool, and best ways of assessing movement, this conversation was filled with incredible information.Check out more from Dr. Kathy at:immaculatedissection.comFB: Kathy DooleyIG: immaculatedissection

Jun 2, 2024 • 53min
Ep 244 Matt Tack and Dr. Alfred Alessi: Living Full Fueled
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In the 244th episode, the boys from the Full Fueled Podcast, Matt Tack and Dr. Alfred Alessi joined me on the show.Matt and Alfred have a great dynamic with their show, as well as their training in Tampa, FL, where they work with individuals on optimizing their lives with 6 pillars.These guys have such incredible energy, and their stories and insights are fantastic in strength, nutrition, and spirit.Check them out on IG at…Matt Tack- human.optimizerDr. Alessi- fullfueled_doc

May 27, 2024 • 55min
Ep 243 Jim Laird: Train Smarter, Not Harder
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In the 243rd episode, Jim Laird, 25 year strength and conditioning legend joins me on the show.Jim Laird has been in the game since 1997, empowering clients from diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals. From everyday individuals to professional athletes in the NFL, CFL, LPGA, and MLB, Jim helps clients unlock their potential. He's renowned for delivering exceptional outcomes efficiently, focusing on optimal health along with strength. With his motto "Training Smarter, Not Harder," Jim's approach has earned praise from experts.Partnering with Dr. Leland Stillman at Stillman Wellness, he brings a unique coaching style that combines fitness, nature, and outdoor activities for overall well-being.

May 22, 2024 • 53min
Ep 242 Yuri Elkaim: Why you need to INVEST in your Health
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In this episode, I am joined by Yuri Elkaim, CEO of Healthpreneur and NY Times bestselling author who’s helped over 500,000 people better their health from his business, books, and personal story.Yuri’s life completely changed at 17 years old when he began losing all of his hair, and suffered immense fatigue that no doctor could figure out, till eventually finding his solution through health and nutritional practices.His story of self-exploration and how he turned his own success into a model to help thousands afterward is truly inspiring, and we dove into all the details in this episode.Check out more from Yuri at:IG= Healthprenuerhealthpreneurgroup.com

May 17, 2024 • 23min
Ep 241 Why "Trust the Process?"
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!I’ve had some amazing conversations over the past few weeks, and in this episode I share my biggest takeaways on fitness, nutrition, movement, and technology from Aram Grigorian, Gray Cook, and Jason Moore.As well, one question has sparked a big breakthrough for me on how to fuel everyday with the energy and enthusiasm to do the simple, consistent things that produce the greatest results.

May 14, 2024 • 52min
Ep 240 Jason Moore: Spren and the Future of Fitness
Jason Moore, Founder of Spren Technology, discusses the intersection of technology and fitness for proactive health management. He highlights the significance of HRV as a biomarker for stress and recovery, emphasizing the evolution of his fitness app into a multifunctional tool for wellness. The podcast explores challenges in the fitness technology industry and the importance of empowering personal health through data tracking.