

Strong By Design Podcast
Team CriticalBench
We believe that you are STRONG BY DESIGN. We believe you were made in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. The Strong by Design podcast is the #1 resource for strength, health, and fitness solutions in the world. Tune in for expert interviews, fitness tips, nutrition advice, free workout sheets, supplement giveaways all while being encouraged, inspired and entertained. Brought to you by Critical Bench who reaches over 30 million fans per month between our email newsletter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. If you're interested in being a guest on the show or doing a collaboration please send an email to strongbydesignpodcast@gmail.comNew Episodes go LIVE every week on Wednesday and sometimes bonus releases on Saturday. So let’s get ready to unlock your potential and transform your life!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 12, 2021 • 56min
Ep 177 If You Don't Use It, You WILL LOSE IT! ft. Chris Wilson
Send us a textWhat is the true definition of sedentary and what does that life look like in today’s world? Can you be highly active but also sedentary at the same time? The answers will shock you. Sadly, in our ever-advancing tech savvy world we are losing our fitness and ultimately our physical health and well-being… Movement itself is on the losing end of 21st century advancements in modern day conveniences and commerce. And this decline in activity and exercise actually begins in our 20s and often even earlier! The age-old saying is absolutely true: “Use it or lose it.” -Jimmy Connors (Tennis Legend and Champion) Today co-hosts Tonya Fines and Chris Wilson tackle this extraordinary concept. That as intelligent and health conscious as we are right now, we’ve never been more obese and unhealthier as a society. We are living longer than ever before but are we actually healthier, stronger and more fit? "As adults we don't have recreation anymore and our bodies are not subject to all of those different angles and all of a sudden, we feel old." -Chris Wilson Time Stamps 0:24 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 3:48 – The importance of everyday movement 7:34 – Sedentary lifestyle: What does it really mean? 16:28 – The power of moving like a kid 20:03 – The impact of technology on people’s physical activity 26:22 – How daily movement affects your mental health 30:40 – The physiological benefits of moving frequently 32:40 – ‘Active Couch Potato’ syndrome: What you need to know 36:38 – How to break free from the ‘Active Couch Potato’ syndrome 47:29 – What happens to your body when you stop moving? 53:17 – Key takeaways from the episode Resources Metabolic Stretching Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Jun 9, 2021 • 54min
Ep 176 Forget Everything You Know About Networking ft. Travis Chappell
Send us a textTravis Chappell is a podcasting consultant, real estate investor, and professional connector. He is the creator and host of Build Your Network, a Top 25 Business podcast with over 600 episodes! dedicated to helping entrepreneurs cultivate genuine relationships, grow their inner circle, and leverage a powerful network the right way. As an international speaker, he has had the privilege of speaking to audiences all across the US, Puerto Rico, and Australia. With his podcast as evidence, his mission is to put excellence into the creation of valuable, high-quality content and to leave every relationship better than he found it. Travis and co-host of Strong By Design, Mike Westerdal, dig deep into the world of networking. Recently Travis has used his networking genius to create his new business venture called Guestio, helping connect podcasters to amazing guests and more. Now it’s time to forget everything you currently know about networking and listen to Travis! "Everyone wants to be best friends with the person they just met and bottom line is that's not going to happen." -Travis Chappell Time Stamps 0:25 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 1:18 – Get to know Travis Chappell, founder of ‘Build Your Network’ 5:39 – Travis shares his entrepreneurial journey and the struggles that comes with it 10:18 – Podcasting for beginners: Is it too late to start? 15:34 – Networking 101: What is it and why is it important? 19:02 – Travis talks about the most common networking mistakes people make 27:09 – The art of networking like an introvert 33:16 – The power of remembering people’s names 38:10 – Travis gives tips for post-networking events follow-up 41:49 – Travis gives advice on overcoming rejection 47:59 – Guestio: Everything you need to know 52:26 – Where you can go to connect with Travis Chappell Resources TravisChappell.com PodcastProfitCourse.com Connect w/ Travis: Instagram Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Jun 5, 2021 • 58min
Ep 175 Taking the Leap ft. Todd Lamb from PureLife Organics
Send us a textFrom police officer to entrepreneur, Todd Lamb has a unique understanding when it comes to public service and working for yourself in the private sector. This was a massive shift in his professional career after 20 years of serving the public but it was one that he knew could be a game changer. Either risk big and go all in or stay where you’re at and live with regret… Luckily for Todd he took the leap and is now flying high in his new career as CEO of PureLife Organics. This episode on Strong by Design is hosted by friend Mike Westerdal who gets Todd to open up about the emotions and challenges he faced in this change from law enforcement and type A personalities to the world of entrepreneurship and the unknown. "There is no perfect plan. 60% or better is your window. Let's get it out there, we need information fast." -Todd Lamb Time Stamps 0:24 - Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 3:28 – PureLife Organics’ CEO Todd Lamb shares his transition from police officer to entrepreneur 9:11 – Todd on why he chose to give up his career to start a health company 16:49 – Todd talks about PureLife Organics’ mission to reduce CO2 through worldwide reforestation projects 22:22 – Todd shares the struggles and challenges he faced when starting his business 24:40 – Discover the keys to a successful business 32:18 – Why decisive action matters in business 39:15 – Todd shares some insights into what it takes to go from 7 to 8 figures 43:32 – The importance of knowing your numbers 53:09 – Find out Todd’s #1 tip for fellow entrepreneurs 56:30 – Where you can go to connect with Todd Lamb Resources PureLifeOrganics.com Connect w/ Todd at PureLife Organics: Instagram Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Jun 2, 2021 • 44min
Ep 174 REAL LIFE Self Defense ft. Mike Gillette [PART 2]
Send us a textFind out about the #1 move to survive and defend yourself as explained in detail by our special guest Mike Gillette in this Part 2 episode about the REAL-LIFE Self Defense program. In this episode Mike talks about creating your MAGIC MOMENT if attacked and what ALL women need to know when it comes to fighting back and overcoming an attacker in an assault. If you or someone you love needs to hear this message, please be sure to share this conversation with them… it could just save their life! "One of the reasons bad guys are so effective is they’re fluent in a language that most people don’t even want to think about." -Mike Gillette Time Stamps 0:24 – Mike reveals the #1 move to survive & defend yourself in any situation 7:12 – How to create a magic moment to survive a life-or-death situation 14:12 – The power of mental preparation for self-defense 20:59 – Women’s self-defense: Mike on where you can find the strength to fight back and survive a life-or-death attack 25:58 – What's different about the ‘REAL LIFE Self Defense’ program? 32:57 – Mike shares highlights and memorable moments during the program’s creation 39:21 – Where you can go to learn more about ‘REAL LIFE Self Defense’ 41:14 – Connect with Mike Gillette through his social media channels and official website Resources REAL-LIFE Self Defense Mike Gillette Official Website Connect w/ Mike: Instagram Facebook Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 29, 2021 • 55min
Ep 173 REAL LIFE Self Defense ft. Mike Gillette [PART 1]
Send us a textMike Gillette is a world-renowned tactical trainer and fear management expert who has trained more elite agents and individuals in the art of handling “complex” situations than anyone else. Mike is truly the embodiment of toughness. He was one of the smallest and weakest kids in his class who grew up in a household overwhelmed by domestic violence and substance abuse. And he overcame all of this to become a REAL-LIFE action hero. Find out in this special 2-part episode what makes Mike “tick” and why he’s literally the best man on the planet to help you survive and defend yourself in any life-or-death struggle. "Every day people are assaulted, the ones who deal with that successfully were not trained... they were willing to resist the situation forced upon them." -Mike Gillette Time Stamps 0:24 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:28 – Meet Mike Gillette, a world-renowned mind coach and tactical training specialist 9:10 – Mike recounts experiences with law enforcement and tactical training 15:32 – The power of trusting your intuition 26:36 – Mike shares lessons learned from his early days as an officer 28:00 – Mike gives self-defense tips to protect yourself in any situation 36:00 – The importance of mental toughness 41:54 – The art of knowing how to respond to life threatening situations 45:36 – Who is the ‘REAL LIFE Self Defense’ for? Resources REAL-LIFE Self Defense Mike Gillette Official Website Connect w/ Mike: Instagram Facebook Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 26, 2021 • 42min
Ep 172 How to Sell on Instagram ft. Michelle Kavanagh “The Sales Queen”
Send us a textMichelle Kavanagh is a serial entrepreneur and speaker. She's the founder of The Sales Queen - an online program that helps business owners have more confidence in sales conversations & in overcoming objections. Michelle’s love for sales came from working at Vega foods and traveling the world convincing strangers to try new food products. In 2015 Michelle decided to start her own company in the health industry. Now she helps others get their mindset right, elevates confidence and unleash their inner sales skills. So many people make tons of mistakes that are actually super simple to fix. Find out what you can start doing today to be a selling machine on IG or anywhere. Today’s episode on Strong By Design is hosted by Mike Westerdal. “I like to look at sales as you’re honestly offering solutions for someone’s pain, to someone’s problems.” -Michelle Kavanagh Time Stamps 0:47 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:27 – Get to know more about Michelle Kavanagh and her entrepreneurial journey 6:50 – Michelle on what it means to be bold 7:50 – Michelle gives tips on how to successfully build an online brand 11:12 – Michelle on how to sell on Instagram successfully 14:01 – Tips to overcome fear of being on camera 18:18 – The power of Call-To-Actions (CTAs) 19:26 – How to build rapport with prospects through social media 25:04 – Michelle talks about the struggles and challenges she faces on selling online 30:44 – Social media content 101 40:40 – Where you can go to connect with Michelle Kavanagh Resources MichelleKavanagh.com Connect w/ Michelle: Instagram Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 22, 2021 • 52min
Ep 171 Why is Collagen Good for You? ft. Charlie Bailes
Send us a textWhen his infant daughter continued to be sick experiencing far too many trips to the hospital, it was then that today’s guest took it upon himself to discover WHY her gut wasn’t improving. Several years later, he is the founder and owner of a collagen only supplement company, CB Supplements, that is helping people young and old get healthier, stronger and reinvigorated. Sometimes in life we are thrust into a mission to serve someone close to us that we love and in doing that, we can end up serving the world. With that same passion and determination, our special guest today, Charlie Bailes, shares his amazing journey with co-host Chris Wilson. Charlie is also a dedicated husband, father of 3, health enthusiast, CrossFitter and loves his Florida Gators! "Restore, reinvigorate and support digestive health. Collagen is not the silver bullet, it's part of the pie." -Charlie Bailes Time Stamps 0:24 – Welcoming CB Supplements' Founder & CEO Charlie Bailes on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 6:02 – How his daughter’s health battle pushed him to start a supplement company 13:21 – Gut health: What is it, why it is important and how to improve it 22:05 – Charlie takes a deep dive into the digestive system 26:40 – Charlie on why collagen is good for you 31:16 – Signs of digestive problems 36:03 – The role of collagen in your skin, hair and digestive health 42:15 – Charline on what makes CB Supplements different 47:33 – Key takeaways from the episode Resources CB Supplements *Enter Code strongbydesign for a Special Discount! CharlieBailes.com Connect w/ Charlie: Instagram Facebook Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 19, 2021 • 51min
Ep 170 Things You Don't Learn in College ft. Zander Fryer
Send us a textZander Fryer, best-selling author, internationally renowned speaker, and world traveler, is more than just a corporate dropout. After quitting his successful corporate career at age 27, Zander launched his company, High Impact Coaching, to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while adding value to the world. From ZERO to 6 figures in 3 months and 7 figures in 12, his training now impacts over 50,000 people in 22 different countries and at more than 300 organizations. A mentor to millionaires, Grammy-winning artists, and bestselling authors alike, he is praised as “the next generation leader” by #1 best-selling author Jack Canfield and regarded as “unstoppable” by the president of Massively Human Leadership, Kathleen Seeley. Zander’s passion to drive the next generation of leaders and shake this world up is creating a movement. Referred to as ‘The Coach of Coaches’ and along with co-host Mike Westerdal, a fellow 100 Million Mastermind Experience Member, get ready for a high impact conversation with today’s very special guest on Strong by Design. "Our brains are 95% subconscious. This programming dictates a majority of our lives... our outcomes, actions and how we feel." -Zander Fryer Time Stamps 0:24 – Welcoming High Impact Coaching’s CEO Zander Fryer on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:10 – Why Zander quit his corporate career to start his own company 9:55 – Stepping into fear: Zander on finding the courage to pursue your dream 14:10 – How the schooling system is turning students into robots 21:06 – Why college is not for everyone 25:49 – Zander gives tips on how to find clarity and true purpose in life 32:00 – The power of finding out what you’re good at 33:48 – The difference between stress and worry 41:01 – Why keeping promises you make to yourself is important 44:15 – The power of belief 50:21 – Where you can go to connect with Zander Fryer Resources ZanderFryer.com Connect w/ Zander: Instagram Facebook Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 15, 2021 • 55min
Ep 169 6 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Youth Athletes Make ft. Steve Konopka
Send us a textGood and bad nutritional habits are developed during our formative years in youth sports. From adolescence to young adulthood, we are faced with food choices every day. For athletes, the fuel that they use significantly dictates performance on the field or on the court. Our guest today, Steve Konopka, along with longtime friend and co-host Mike Westerdal, uncovers 6 of the biggest nutrition mistakes youth athletes make that impacts both how they feel and perform and what parents and coaches can do to help. Now Steve owns Strength N Honor Training Facility which currently has 2 locations. Steve is from West Hartford CT and lives in Simsbury CT with his wife and two sons. He went to CCSU where he played football with Mike Westerdal and pursued a degree in exercise science. Steve went on to a brief stint in the NFL with the New York Giants and then played Arena Football for 8 years. "Refueling on the way home (from sports) is simple and easy and helps them unwind and gives them something to look forward to." -Steve Konopka Time Stamps 0:24 – Meet Steve Konopka, head Strength and Athletic conditioning coach and owner of Strength N Honor Training Facility 2:30 – Steve shares his experience and thoughts on training youth athletes 7:46 – Discover the most important meal for youth athletes 14:29 – The cons of processed foods 17:05 – Steve on why parents should not use processed foods as reward 20:35 – Macronutrients 101: What is it and why you should track it 26:06 – Post-workout recovery: Steve on what to eat after a competition 32:02 – Steve on why kids should not diet, and what to do instead 35:45 – Vitamin supplements: Do kids really need them? 38:45 – The importance of hydration for youth athletes 41:10 – Steve gives tips on how to gain weight healthily 53:00 – Connect with Steve Konopka through his social media channels, official website Resources www.strengthnhonortraining.com Connect w/ Steve: Instagram Facebook Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 12, 2021 • 45min
Ep 168 Stay in Your Lane to WIN in Business (and in Life) ft. Adam Linkenauger
Send us a textWhat are you personally genius in? Is it storytelling, writing, making others laugh, inspiring others to be great leaders or maybe it’s art, painting, sports or listening? What is that thing you do better than just about anyone else you know? And other people have noticed this about you for years. It’s time for reflection. Because once you have that figured out and focus your efforts there, life changes forever. Nearly all people have strengths in one or more things in life. So, stop spreading your greatness so thin into other areas that don’t suit you as well. Stay in your lane in business and in life and find a way to devote most of your time and energy into those things you’re amazing in. Today’s podcast is with co-host Chris Wilson and Adam Linkenauger, video marketing guru, online business coach and creator of I Love Basketball TV on YouTube. "I think the mistake that people make is they'll get started and stay consistent but lack the learning aspect...so they will consistently do the wrong things." -Adam Linkenauger Time Stamps 0:25 – Welcoming today’s special guest on ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 3:03 – Meet Adam Linkenauger, owner of the world's largest basketball training community 11:00 – Why consistency is the key to success 13:35 – Adam shares key strategies for growing a business 18:40 – The benefits of being patient 22:17 – Adam shares the winning formula for a successful business 28:14 – Adam on the importance of staying in your lane 34:22 – The power of having a mentor 39:57 – Where you can go to connect with Adam Linkenauger Resources ILoveBasketballTV Connect w/ Adam: Facebook Instagram Connect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com