

The Strength Connection
Michael Kurkowski
Exploring Strength: Body, Mind and Spirit. The Strength Connection goes beyond the gym to uncover the lessons, stories, and wisdom that build resilience and purpose in every area of life. Join host Michael Kurkowski as he connects with world-class coaches, athletes, and leaders to reveal what true strength really means.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Ep 264 Kathy Mauck: The Evolution of Neuro Training
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In this episode, Kathy Mauck joins me to dive deep into the evolution of Applied Neurology in the fitness, health, and business industries, and her mission to “normalize neuro.”Kathy has spent the last 15 years as a successful entrepreneur in the health, wellness, and fitness industry. After years of sharing her passion for professionals and clients to recognize and utilize the power of the human brain’s neuroplasticity for training and pain relief, she is not rocking the world of business consulting and High Performance Coaching with her expert angle on neuroscience and human performance.To check out more from Kathy, and the Next Level Neuro Mentorship programs, check out:nextlevelneuro.com and https://www.kathymauck.com/

Oct 15, 2024 • 48min
Ep 263 Rob Tracz: Build Unstoppable Resilience
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In the 263rd episode, I connect with Rob Tracz, founder of Prime Performance Coaching.Rob has a unique system of blending physical, mental, and emotional strategies that foster resilience, clarity, and peak performance. With a focus on creating awareness and avoiding burnout, Rob's methods empower entrepreneurs to elevate their lives and businesses simultaneously.Resilience, intentional consumption, and the power of communication and networking…all in this great conversation.Check out more from Rob at:https://survivingthesidehustle.com/freecall

Oct 8, 2024 • 59min
Ep 262 Craig Marker: VO2 Max, Explosive Strength, and Longevity
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!One of my favorite guests ever to dive deep into training and protocols is back on the show with me in this episode.Craig Marker is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to health, from both the physical and the psychological side.We’ve had some incredible conversations over the years, and in this episode, Craig talks in detail about longevity and the keys to training for both lifespan and healthspan.VO2 Max, explosive strength, Misogi challenges, overcoming anxiety…all in this episode.

Oct 2, 2024 • 59min
Ep 261 Matt Bush: How to Get Good Sleep
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In this episode, Matt Bush, Founder of Next Level Neuro is back on the podcast.Matt joined me before to talk about his work with NLN, and helping coaches and trainers understand and use Neuroscience as a tool for optimizing strength, conditioning, and health.He recently hosted a seminar on “The Neurology of Good Sleep and Brain Activation”, and after watching it, I had to have him come on the show to dive into quality sleep.In this episode, Matt talks about “Why” we need sleep, what is happening to the Brain when we sleep, and specific strategies and routines you can implement to maximize your sleep quality.To Check out more of Matt and Next Level Neuro, click on this link for a FREE sneak peak seminar into the NLN mentorship program here: https://www.nextlevelneuro.com/a/2147972052/jr5HdkT8

Sep 24, 2024 • 56min
Ep 260 Mary Beth Schrudder: One Day Coaching
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In the 260th episode, Mary Beth Schrudder joins me to talk about recovery, mindset, and overcoming addiction in life and personal growth.After decades spent in the corporate world, juggling being a single mom while secretly battling addictions to alcohol, food, and toxic relationships, today's guest is now an expert in Spiritual Recovery, and she is passionate about empowering others to live their best life. She is a Spiritual and Transformational Life Coach and founder of Day One Life Coaching. To check out more from Mary Beth, check out:Addiction Recovery with the Law of Attraction:https://www.dayonelifecoaching.com/shopHere's my LinkTree with all of my platforms:https://linktr.ee/DayOneLifeCoaching

Sep 20, 2024 • 17min
Ep 259 Michael Kurkowski: Resilience, Reduction, The Winter Phase
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!There've been a couple great insights and lessons I’ve learned in recent episodes from guests on the show, and in this solo episode, I broke down these lessons, why I found them important, and how to implement them and use them in pursuit of strength.Stress Resilence over Stress ReductionThe Winter Phase

Sep 13, 2024 • 53min
Ep 258 Eric Bach: The Keys to Lifelong Fitness
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!I’ve been a fan of Eric Bach’s work and the consistent, authentic message that he puts out on strength and conditioning, so I was really excited to share some time with him on the show.Eric’s a 15+ year veteran coach, working with professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, and NHL, along with his client base at Bach Performance.In this episode, Eric shares some great insights in beginner fitness, consistency, mindset, nutrition, and life transitions.To check out more from Eric, go to bachperformance.com, or check out his IG at @backperformance

Sep 3, 2024 • 51min
Ep 257 Ben Olliver: SupraHuman Fitness, Nutrition and Success
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!In this episode, I am joined by Ben Olliver, Head Performance Instructor at SupraHuman Coaching.Ben is one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the online training and nutrition industry, working with 100’s of individuals in physical transformation and lifestyle.In this conversation, Ben drops some great insights on the foundations of nutrition, how mindset plays a role in transformation, and the importance of metabolic recovery.To check out more from Ben, go to https://suprahuman.com

Aug 27, 2024 • 54min
Ep 256 Matt O'Neill: Happiness is a Choice
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!Matt O’Neill is a happiness expert. What a crazy job and passion, but after studying and researching the work and success he has created in the world of happiness, I knew I had to have a talk with him.Matt teaches that happiness is a choice, even when life gets tough. His work has positively impacted the lives of over 100,000 people worldwide. As a recognized leader in happiness education, Matt teaches audiences how to live a life of 'Conscious Happiness'. His work includes the "Good Mood Revolution" book and podcast where he explains the importance of conquering negative thought patterns while embracing habits that lead to a happier life.

Aug 22, 2024 • 52min
Ep 255 Os Aponte: 3 years on Enter the Kettlebell
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!On the 255th episode, my good friend Osvaldo Aponte is back on the show for the 3rd time.Owner of IronCore Way, and StrongFirst Team Leader, Os is one of the strongest and most intelligent coaches in movement I’ve ever met, combining his experience in training, martial arts and dance.In this episode, Os talks about how he spent 3 years doing the same program, and continuing to make progress in his strength the entire time. This is an amazing conversation about the power of consistency, focus, and daily effort as the catalyst for success.


