
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

Feb 24, 2024 • 43min
Ep 222 Jack Thomas: Building an Olympic Mindset
Jack Thomas is a former Skeleton Athlete for the Great Britain Olympic team, and Olympic performance coach to both the United States and China.Competing at world class level takes many areas of strength and resilience, and Jack dove into the training programs, physical and mental demands of being an Olympian, and the transition between athlete and coach.A great discussion on what resilience is, how and when to mentally prepare to step onto the biggest stage, and lessons that can be used in any arena of life.

Feb 17, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep 221 Dr. Jeremy Koenig: The Key Component to Optimization
On the 221st episode of the Strength Connection, Dr. Jeremy Koenig dropped some serious knowledge bombs in the world of metagenomics.Jeremy is a leading mind in precision medicine, genomics and human performance optimization. He's developed a unique framework for human performance coaching called "Iris Infinity."Dr. Koenig's work stands at the crossroads of non-overlapping magisteria, a testament to his belief that humanity is at a pivotal moment. As we grapple with the potential to outsmart our genes, he guides us through this labyrinth, not just as a scientist but as a philosopher and visionary, challenging us to choose our destiny wisely.One of the most interesting conversations I’ve had on the podcast!

Feb 13, 2024 • 11min
Ep 220: You're doing better than you think!
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!After speaking with Sam Miller from Proteus Motion, and a powerful meeting with a new client made me think about the power of knowing where you are, and the clarity it provides.How often we think we are lost, unmotivated, or helpless in our pursuits of health, fitness, and life goals, when in reality…We are not lost…we are just unclear. Strong lesson on not just aiming at where you are going, but knowing where you are.Check it out!

Feb 7, 2024 • 58min
Ep 219 Sam Miller: Proteus Motion
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast!On the 219th episode, Sam Miller, Owner of Proteus Motion, the game changing company is revolutionizing strength and performance assessment in the industry.The versatility of Proteus is impacting the way top coaches are training athletic performance, and recently got huge exposure on the #1 Netflix documentary Quarterback.In this episode, Sam details the initial concept of Proteus, what they saw was a gaping hole in fitness and athletic training, and how it has evolved over the past decade to become the huge success it is today.To learn more about Proteus, check outproteusmotion.com

Feb 2, 2024 • 10min
Ep 218 Michael Kurkowski: Do this for Daily Serenity
In the 218th Episode of the Strength Connection Podcast, I share my personal feelings in closing out 2023 and entering the New Year.I had some goals I was aiming at for 2023 that didn’t come to fruition, which put me into a state of self-criticism and judgment for the last couple of weeks of the year.It wasn’t till I went back to a specific practice that helped we get out of this state of mind, and into a better form of serenity.Check it out!

Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep 217 Brandon Day: Neuro Flow Coaching
What is Flow State? And why is it so important to us?In the 217th episode of the Strength Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Brandon Day, Neuro coach and Flow trainer, and the owner of Odyssey Health, Brandon has created a program using the renowned system of Next Level Neuro, and combining it with the practices of creating Flow State.The topic of Flow is widely discussed with many different interpretations and understandings, and I asked Brandon if he would clear the clutter of myths surrounding flow, and how to create this state in physical and mental fitness pursuits.To check out more on Brandon,InstagramFacebookWebsite

Jan 10, 2024 • 50min
Ep 216 Jonathan Goodman: Million Dollar Mindset shift
Round 2 coming at you!Jonathan Goodman joins me for the 2nd part of our podcast!Jon has been one of the great coaches, writers, and entrepreneurs in the fitness industry for over 15 years, creating world renowned platforms such as the Personal Trainer Development Center, and QuickCoach Training, and Online Trainer Academy.He made a post on his SM about the 20 mindset shifts that have been massively helpful to him in his most recent years in training, business, and family life, leading him to write his newest book.In this episode, Jon and I continued the deep dive into these insights.To check out more of Jon’s work, IG: @itscoachgoodmanWebsite: theptdc.comCheck out Jon’s podcast: The Obvious Choice

Jan 3, 2024 • 58min
Ep 215 Jen Broxterman _ How to WIN every day!
Jen is Back! One of the best nutrition coaches I’ve spoken to rejoins me on the podcast to talking strategies to WIN every day of your life!Jennifer Broxterman is a Registered Dietitian & Sports Nutritionist. She’s the founder of PROSPER Nutrition Coaching, a world-class nutrition certification designed specifically for gym owners and coaches. She's also a Foods & Nutrition university prof, writer for Precision Nutrition, and owns her own private practice called NutritionRx. She's worked with clients from NHL hockey players and Olympic athletes, to everyday folks looking to eat and feel better.Show Notes:Jen Broxterman | Prosper Nutrition CoachingFree LIFTOFF Nutrition Masterclass: https://www.prospernutritioncoaching.com/liftoffProsper Nutrition Certification: https://www.prospernutritioncoaching.com/certification Instagram: @prosper_ncWebsite: https://www.prospernutritioncoaching.com/Email: info@prosperNC.com

Dec 25, 2023 • 35min
Ep 214 14 lessons of 2023
It’s been an amazing year on the Strength Connection Podcast!So many incredible people joined me on the show, sharing their stories, insights and experiences in strength, success, and life.On this special solo episode, I wanted to share the biggest lessons I’ve learned in 2023, and how they have impacted my life in fitness, mindset, relationships, entrepreneurship, and living everyday.Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me!

Dec 21, 2023 • 57min
Ep 213 Clifton Harski: The Kettlebell Athlete
I’ve been pumped to talk with Clifton for a while now.Clifton Harski is the creator of the Functional Kettlebell Training (FKT) program, a system designed to maximize athletic performance through Kettlebell training.Clifton is a veteran of many modalities, being a 21 year veteran of Kettlebells, Animal Flow, Movnat, and strength and conditioning.With his main training mission being “what will help me be the best basketball player?”, he has taken numerous philosophies of training to combine them into the FKT program.Check out more of Clifton’s work at:IG: cliftonharskiSite: getppsc.com