Strong By Design Podcast

Send us a text  God says over and over again.  Fear not!  Do not be afraid.  Be strong and courageous.  Trust me.    Why?  Fear doesn’t seem like the most serious of vices, it’s not one of the 7 deadly sins, nor is it the object of church discipline.  So why does God tell us to stop being afraid more often than he tells us anything else?    It’s not to spare us from emotional discomfort.  Rather it is because fear sabotages flourishing.  Fear keeps us from following God wholeheartedly.  As John Orberg says, “Fear is the number one reason human beings are tempted to avoid doing what God asks them to do.”    Today on the Strong By Design podcast show, host Mike Westerdal sits down with friend and pastor of Skycrest Community Church, Chris Stephens, to discuss the topic of fear and the impact on flourishing.    "Failure is essential because there are some lessons we are not going to learn if we don’t fail... So don’t be paralyzed in fear of making the wrong decision.” - Pastor Chris Stephens      Time Stamps   00:00 – Choosing courage over fear  01:22 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  01:45 – Get to know today’s special guest, Pastor Chris Stephens  06:44 – Pastor Chris on what does the Bible mean when it tells us to FEAR NOT  11:58 – The power of decisiveness  15:20 – Pastor Chris dives deep into the types of fear  26:29 – What to do when fear interferes?  30:55 – Training for courage: How to liveSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a text  Ever wish you had more time to get stuff done?  Time is a constant… the one thing we all get the same amount of each day no matter our level of success, wealth or determination to GSD.  And for many, the feelings of overwhelm and anxiety has reached an all time due to the increasing speed of life. So, what can we do?  In today’s episode, host Chris Wilson discusses the many strategies we can all apply in our lives to create more time, live our best lives and slow down time. (Insights based on an article he recently read).    "I wish we could just press a giant red button and press pause to get done what's in front of us so that we could be prepared for the stuff that's coming."  -Chris Wilson    Time Stamps   00:00 – Do you wish time would slow down?  00:52 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  05:12 – Host Chris Wilson gives tips on how to slow down time  11:02 – Why time slows down when you’re traveling  13:43 – The power of breaking down your goals into manageable pieces  18:18 – Why are new experiences important to our lives?  22:28 – The magic of enjoying the sound of silence  24:40 - Chris on how journaling prompts to slow down time  29:38 – Why it’s important to capture those special moments  Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a text One thing is for sure, we are all designed differently.  The definition of temperament: a person’s or animal’s nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior.  In this façade-removing episode of the Strong By Design podcast show, guest Jared Haley and host Chris Wilson discuss what Jared refers to as the BIG ugly: Who we actually are and who we portray ourselves to be in the world.  Both guys reveal their personal Enneagram test results and take a closer look at how to truly know ourselves on a deeper level and understand that God designed us all with a plan and a purpose…     "As you learn about yourself, you learn what your weaknesses and strengths are so that you can develop and get better, and not so you can use it as an excuse." - Jared Haley    Time Stamps   01:09 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  05:10 – Temperament: What is it and why it’s important to know your personality type  10:44 – Jared Haley and Chris Wilson on building better relationships by understanding personality types  16:38 – The Enneagram Personality Test: Jared and Chris talk about their experience  20:19 – Jared and Chris share the results of the Enneagram test  26:26 – Discover the 9 Enneagram personality types  34:28 – Advantages and disadvantages of learning your personality type  36:22 – Jared and Chris on our reactions towards others in stressful times  Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a text  From where we stand, things can "appear" to look better off in the distance.    The famous saying ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ is often referred to by people pursuing interests other than the ones they’re currently involved with.   However, in reality it’s more like the other famous phrase that goes like this, ‘good from afar but far from good’.   Honestly, how well do we really know other people's stuff? Most people post their highlight reel life and not the day-to-day grind and frustrations but the image they want others to see.    The grass from afar looks perfect, green and full.  However, when you examine it up close you realize it's not so perfect, it's flawed, needs weeding, has dry patches and needs to be cared for just the same as the grass you're standing in.    Remember, the enemy wants us looking backwards... but we are called to look to the present and the future. So, take care of the grass where you are and spend time focused on it.    "The windshield is much larger than the rear window for a reason. Why? Because we need to see where we are headed, more than we need to see where we've been." - Chris Wilson    Time Stamps   00:41 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 4:29 – Is the grass REALLY greener on the other side?  06:57 – Host Chris Wilson explores why do we compare ourselves to others 10:20 – What does the Bible say about the 'Grass is Greener" syndrome?  14:57 – The importance of living in the moment  16:14 – Chris on why you should focus on your own grass  18:49 – The power of gratitudeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a text  “Real heroes are all around us. They face challenges with fear and grace.” Our special guest today on the Strong By Design podcast show is the embodiment of selflessness, courage, faith, and inspiration.    “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” (Maya Angelou) Matthew Miller, also affectionately known as Superman, shares how God prepared him to do something BRAVE and HEROIC for the sister he prayed God would provide when he was a young boy. His story is inspiring, touching, and educational.    Matt’s incredible story paints a beautiful picture of how God placed him on this earth to accomplish many tasks. One such task was to save his sister. God was developing him for a long time for a unique calling. When God calls, He fully equips you to accomplish His work and will for your life.    You are in for a real treat as Jo Miller interviews her hero and husband Superman. We hope and pray you learn a lot, enjoy the episode, share the podcast, and give it a 5-star review. Thank you for your support.    "She’s family, and I feel so blessed to have been in a position where we didn’t have to have her on the list and wait for months or years, hoping we could find a kidney.”- Matt 'Superman' Miller    Time Stamps   01:20 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  02:41 - Get to know today’s special guest, Matt 'Superman' Miller  06:53 – Matt recalls his first meeting with his wife, Jo Miller  11:33 – What was life like for Matt before the kidney donation  20:03 – Matt shares his experience of the kidney donation process  25:28 – The emotional and mental health support before the surgery  27:35 – What makes him decide to donate his kidney  29:11 – Matt shares his prSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a text What is passion? And are you living a passion filled life?  For our team here at Critical Bench we define passion this way… Passion is a deep love of who we are, what we do and who we serve.  It is one of our 7 core values that guides us, leads us and creates the foundation for our purpose at work and in the world.  Another important question to explore is, “Are you a slave to your work?”   In this episode on SBD, coach Chris Wilson passionately discusses these questions and more based on an article he recently read in Forbes. Remember, you are not a robot, you were designed for greatness and passion is one of the keys to unlocking it.    "When passion is fueling what you do, you will naturally outwork and outlast your competitors." - Chris Wilson    Time Stamps   00:00 – From TGIF to TGIM: Start looking forward to Monday  00:41 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  4:04 – Host Chris Wilson recounts the creation of the company’s core values  09:06 – Why PASSION is the key to success  14:12 – Do you lose yourself in your work?  17:20 – How PASSION sets you apart from your competitors  25:01 – Discover the 7 Keys to be ‘Strong By Design’  26:02 – How can you identify your passion?  Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textIs all of the worry, tension and stress of life festering inside your body? How do we manage our emotional state from one day to the next?  Without establishing healthy outlets to rid yourself of the anxiety of life you will spend your time treading water and fighting for air. Never happy, never content.   Today on SBD coach Chris Wilson talks about the necessity of finding positive ways to deal with the stressors in life. Simple things all people can do to infuse joy and purpose in their lives.  We must discover beneficial habits and routines that can revitalize us while squashing anxiety and worry. Chris covers 15 of his favorite life-giving ways to handle stress.    "I think a lot of us let things overlap and we do a bad job of cutting things off... We let our work life interfere with our personal life." - Chris Wilson      Time Stamps   00:52 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:01 – The importance of understanding and managing life’s stressors 5:09 – Discover the healthy ways to FIGHT stress and anxiety 7:13 – The power of walking 11:10 – Why it helps to put your feelings into words 17:42 – Coach Chris on releasing stress through the power of music, podcasts & audio books 20:00 – The importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life 23:55 – Why date nights matter 31:03 – Coach Chris on how does spending time with your partner reduce stress 33:23 – The power of deep breathing 35:27 – The value in mentoring young kids 37:27 – The importance of planning in life     Connect w/ Chris:  Facebook  Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a text  Baptism does not bring salvation.   So then, why do believers in Jesus Christ as the Son of God get baptized?  The concept of baptism seems so simple, get dunked under water by a church pastor and recognize Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But there are so many differing beliefs about ‘why’ we should or should not be baptized and when that should occur.  Why do babies get baptized in many denominations of the Christian faith? And what are the three big reasons why adults should get baptized?  On today’s SBD episode, our guest Jared Haley, pastor and video production specialist for Critical Bench, answers all of these common questions regarding baptism in the church.    "Baptism is not for salvation... My decision to follow Jesus and my salvation,  I have to be old enough to make that decision in my own heart and for my own life. Nobody can make that decision for me." - Jared Haley      Time Stamps   00:00 – The power of walking in obedience to God  00:48 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  05:55 – Get to know today’s special guest, Jared Haley  07:40 – Jared shares his kids’ baptism experience  12:56 – Is Baptism necessary for salvation?  21:01 – Baby baptism vs. baby dedication: What’s the difference?Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textCertainly, you’ve seen or heard this famous Mark Twain quote before:  It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.  Our guest today on the Strong By Design podcast show exemplifies this statement as good as any human being I’ve ever known or read about.  Get knocked down 7 times, get up 8. This is the motto of powerlifter, strongman competitor, trainer, nutritionist, online coach, sports performance coach and Believe Big advisor Jo ‘ANIMAL’ Miller. Also known as Killer Miller. All 109 pounds of her!  Jo is humble, intelligent, and a passionate woman. But with humility comes a lack of ego which requires a loving, supportive husband like Matt, aka Superman Miller to brag for you. Together on SBD, Jo and Matt talk about Jo’s extraordinary powerlifting and strongman journey.    "She was the best lifter pound for pound... I felt like an unstoppable human, bulletproof."-Matt & Jo 'Animal' Miller    Time Stamps   00:00 – A tale of setback to comeback  01:46 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast  05:13 – Get to know today’s special guests, Jo and Matt Miller  09:52 – Jo recounts how she got into powerlifting  23:21 – Her transition from powerlifting to strongman  26:12 – Jo gets honest about her mastectomy experience, and how it affected her training  30:28 – What was it like to return to competition aftSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textOvercoming the victim mindset begins with you and some accountability. If you see yourself as someone who does not have control over their own life, that everyone is responsible for your feelings, actions and results, then you are suffering from the victim mentality. Your actions can absolutely dictate what does or does not happen to you. In life it is necessary to get uncomfortable to change and to grow. Having the hard talks when you don't want to and the necessary confrontations in the workplace, at home and in any meaningful relationship. Today on SBD coach Chris Wilson shares his personal struggles and successes with accountability and what in his opinion are the best 'simple' strategies to begin holding yourself accountable in life.   "We must train ourselves to use new language in our own heads. The words we use internally matter. What you tell yourself repeatedly you eventually believe... right or wrong." -Chris Wilson   Time Stamps 00:00 – The true meaning of living in the present moment 1:17 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 7:19 – Victim mindset: Ways to navigate through it 11:44 – The power of knowing your ‘WHY’ 14:34 – The importance of living in the moment 16:59 – Host Chris Wilson on dealing with difficult times in life 19:43 – Discover the best strategies to get out of the victim mindset 25:38 – The power of positive self-talk 26:40 – The importance of being grateful     Connect w/ Chris: Facebook Instagram   Connect w/ CriticalBench:  Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com