

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

May 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep 359 Is it Okay to Doubt God? ft. Chris Wilson & Jared Haley
Send us a textWe all have moments of doubt in our lives. Times when we feel God has abandoned us or that we are separated from God. So, is it okay to have these feelings, is it normal to have these thoughts?Have you ever asked the question:Why me Lord? How can God be good if He let this happen to me? Why would a good God let that happen to someone else? Has God forsaken me? Am I under attack right now? Why am I struggling to believe in God right now?In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast, hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley talk about doubting our faith in God, what it looks like to experience feelings of unbelief, questioning God’s plan for our life and feeling like we are under attack."It's okay to question. It's okay to wrestle.... It's okay to have emotions with God that isn't just all lovey-dovey." — Jared HaleyThe Great Commission even mentions doubt…Matthew 28: 16-2016 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. Time Stamps 00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast 03:40 - Hosts Jared and Chris' perspective on the act of questioning God 05:42 - Jared reveals how he came to accept questioning and wrestling with God 17:19 - How wrestling with God helps you grow spiritually 18:40 - The importance of feeling safe to question 20:58 - Chris and Jared discuss the connection between science and faith 23:43 - Is it possible for a Christian to doubt God and still have Faith? 40:24 - Bible verses about Faith and Doubt 50:03 - What does Jesus mean by 'Whatever You Ask in My Name' in John 14:13-14? 54:00 - Who is the greatest man in history? 57:21 - Struggling with doubt? The power of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance Resources:· The Bible App Connect w/ Chris & Jared:· Instagram - Chris· Instagram - Jared· Facebook - Chris· Facebook - JaredSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 15, 2024 • 40min
Ep 358 Breaking Generational Sin ft. Erik Allen
Send us a textErik is truly a man of integrity, work ethic and an overcomer. Growing up with a complicated childhood and broken home, to raising himself from the age of 14. Unfortunately, finding trouble along the way, desperately trying to fill the gaping voids in his life. As a young man Erik found himself empty and tired of settling for less. After the feverish pursuit of the Holy Spirit, Erik decided to surrender and trust the One that would never let him down.Now, Erik and his wife of nearly 19+ years and their two children live in Northern Idaho and live a humble and blessed life. Together they are breaking the cycles handed down to them of divorce, addictions, depression, abuse, and lies. They are leaving a new legacy for their next generation built on a biblical foundation.On this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Jared and Erik discuss the value of establishing and maintaining healthy rhythms, and how those rhythms affect your mind, body, and spirit. “A divorce can cause generational struggles to get back on track.” -Erik Allen Time Stamps 00:47 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast02:25 - Get to know today's special guest, Erik Allen, founder and host of 'The Erik Allen Show' and 'Top MMA Podcast' 07:05 - Erik's jail experience: How his complicated, abusive childhood affected him08:45 - How a simple church invitation from a woman reshaped the course of his entire life10:40 - Erik talks about his calling to break the cycle of abuse, addiction and divorce18:34 - Discover how he is helping entrepreneurs get known and noticed online20:06 - Erik on managing the chaos of daily life22:56 - The power of leading your kids by example29:25 - How to stay connected with God through community36:25 - The power of Prayer38:14 - Where you can go to connect with Erik Allen Resources:· ErikAllenMedia.com Connect w/ Erik:· Instagram· Facebook · YouTubeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 8, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep 357 We Fell in Love at the Mr. Olympia ft. Micah & Diana LaCerte
Send us a textNo one really goes to see bulging biceps and Godzilla sized quads at the Mr. Olympia thinking their ‘true love’ is there waiting for them…But in this case, true love for Micah and Diana was exactly what the Mr. O provided.Our guests today on Strong By Design are Micah LaCerte, magazine cover model, world champion WBFF muscle model and owner of Hitch Fit Gym and his beautiful wife Diana, fitness expert, personal trainer, gym owner, model and fitness competitor.And boy are they in GREAT shape!But what makes them really ‘tick’ is their passion for people and for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Their story of love and helping others transform their bodies and minds is truly fantastic and inspiring! From their highly successful personal training gym, HitchFit, in Kansas City, MO and online, to their SoulFIT Retreats and now live events, Micah and Diana are changing the world but it feels like they’re just getting started. “So many people think it’s just a physical transformation, but it’s so much more.” -Micah & Diana LaCerte Time Stamps 00:56 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast 03:57 - Get to know today's special guests, Micah & Diana LaCerte of Hitch Fit 05:43 - Love at Mr. Olympia: Micah and Diana's instant connection 11:17 - Micah and Diana talk about how they started Hitch Fit 15: 40 - Fit anywhere, anytime: How Hitch Fit works 23:07 - Discover the Hitch Fit-Critical Bench connection 27:34 - Micah and Diana on transforming lives both in-person and online through fitness 30:51 - Faith-fueled fitness: How they began incorporating faith into their fitness journey 38:28 - Micah and Diana on nurturing mind, body and spirit through 'SoulFIT Retreats' 46:50 - Learn how to 'Lean In' to your challenges and 'Level Up' in your life 52:56 - What's next for Micah and Diana? 56:38 - Where you can go to connect with Micah & Diana LaCerte Resources:· HitchFit.com· SoulFitRetreats.com Connect w/ Micah & Diana:· Instagram· Facebook · YouTube Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

May 1, 2024 • 52min
Ep 356 Am I Overlooked? ft. Bridgette Cameron Ridenour
Send us a textBridgette is a firecracker, best-selling author, speaker, mother of 4 and loves Jesus. Oh, and she’s the sister of Kirk and Candace Cameron.In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast host Chris Wilson speaks to Bridgette Cameron, younger sister to superstar Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains, Fireproof, Left Behind) and the little ‘big’ sister of Candace Cameron Bure (Full House / Fuller House) and Melissa Fleming. Have you ever wondered what life would be like with famous family members? Well, Bridgette had not just one famous sibling but two! Find out what growing up in a house with two famous child actors was like, the realization that God’s plan and our plan can look very different and that His plans for us are far better than our own.Also be sure to check out Bridgette’s best-selling book ‘Overlooked’ on her website which shares her journey and recounts a terrifying, life-changing moment that brought her closer to God. "I felt overlooked, like, 'God, did you forget about me? You created me, but you're not opening any doors for me’.” — Bridgette Cameron Time Stamps 1:16 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast3:08 - Meet today's special guest, Bridgette Cameron Ridenour3:58 - What's it like growing up with celebrity siblings, Kirk and Candace? 11:36 - How she and her brother started their spiritual journey despite not growing up in a Christian home16:06 - Discover how their spiritual journey influenced the whole family and saved her parents' marriage19:32 - How a terrifying, life-changing event brought her closer to God and her purpose23:45 - Bridgette shares a profound moment when she felt God's presence speaking to her through Jeremiah 29:1130:05 - Little fun fact about their childhood pets!32:30 - Bridgette's speaking career: How her new book emphasizes faith and trust in God's timing36:40 - The power of handing the pen over40:39 - Bridgette acknowledges God for the meaningful work their family is doing48:48 - Where you can go to connect with Bridgette Cameron Ridenour and get her new book, 'Overlooked' Resources:· BridgetteCameron.comConnect w/ Bridgette:· Instagram· Facebook Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Apr 24, 2024 • 53min
Ep 355 Does the Bible Speak to You? ft. James Early
Send us a textDiscover the transformative power of God’s Word with our special guest James Early.James started an amazing bible ministry years ago that is reaching men and women who need it most, behind bars.While many people in our society consider prisoners to be beyond help, it is clear in our conversation with James that God’s Word can work miracles anywhere it’s heard.Please join us today for this heartwarming message about discipleship, courage and obedience hosted by Chris Wilson and Jared Haley. Plus, there is some fun storytelling about James and Chris’s ‘Connecticut Connection’ and Jared’s short stint in a Colorado prison."I've planted seeds, I've watered the seeds, but like the Bible says, 'God gives the increase'." — James EarlyTime Stamps 00:49 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast2:40 - Meet today's special guest, James Early, Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster3:55 - Discover the surprising connection between Host Chris Wilson and James10:30 - James recounts the roots of his passion for sharing God's word, and his journey into podcasting and Bible ministry14:45 - Discover his prison ministry's transformative impact, bringing hope and redemption to confined hearts21:00 - Witnessing an inmate's remarkable transformation30:02 - Finding spiritual connection through our questions and doubts36:47 - Co-host Jared Haley shares his prison venture44:10 - When faith is restored from responding to the Bible48:53 - How to connect with James Early, 'The Bible Speaks to You' Podcast + Free Resources & Coaching Program Resources:· TheBibleSpeaksToYou.com· The Bible Speaks To You Podcast Connect w/ James:· Instagram· Facebook Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep 354 Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking ft. Sabine Kvenberg
Send us a textIs public speaking really feared more than death?Actually, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health, 75% of people rank the fear of public speaking number one.Fortunately for our amazing Strong By Design audience, we have an expert public speaker on the show today. Sabine Kvenberg is an author, actress, singer, songwriter, coach and amazing human being.Sabine shares her passion for coaching others to overcome their fears of speaking and performing in front of others to become their best selves. If you need that spark and courage to speak in front of others, you’re in the right place. Plus, listen up closely as this is the first and only episode in nearly 7 years with a guest who sings during the interview!“We have to become the person we are meant to be, to live the life we are destined to live.” -Sabine KvenbergTime Stamps 00:59 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast 2:38 - Meet today's special guest, Sabine Kvenberg 4:37 - Sabine's passion for public speaking: Innate or developed? 11:10 - Sabine on transforming fear of the unknown into fuel for dreams 14:52 - Real vs. Reel: The difference between live stage and filming 23:54 - Sabine recounts the moment that lifted her to new heights of success 29:02 - Just do it: The power of making things happen 34:31 - Sabine's success stories: Transforming clients into confident public speakers 38:50 - Sabine talks about her new book, 'Become Empowered,' and the inspiration behind it 45:32 - Discover how her podcast aims to empower listeners to take action and make a lasting impact 53:04 - The power of expertise: Why hiring a coach matters 55:04 - Where you can go to connect with Sabine Kvenberg, and level up your communication skills Resources:· SabineKvenberg.com· VIP Guest List – Become Book Launch Connect w/ Sabine:· Instagram· Facebook · YouTubeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Apr 10, 2024 • 47min
Ep 353 Release Your Diet Baggage With God’s Grace ft. Brandice Lardner
Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into a transformative approach to weight loss and wellness with Brandice Lardner, the visionary behind Grace Filled Plate. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Brandice offers a fresh perspective that goes beyond conventional dieting methods.Brandice's philosophy is simple yet profound … she believes that there's more to life than endless cycles of restriction and guilt. Rooted in her faith, she champions the idea that God's grace extends to every aspect of our lives, including our relationship with food.Throughout the conversation, Brandice shares practical insights and strategies to help listeners break free from the shackles of diet culture and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to eating. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness, urging her audience to release themselves from the burden of "diet baggage."Drawing on her own experiences and those of her clients, Brandice demonstrates how cultivating a mindset of grace can lead to profound transformation, both physically and emotionally. By shifting the focus from deprivation to abundance, she empowers individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes that honor their bodies and nourish their souls as God intended for us."God's grace gives us the strength to accomplish our diet goals." -Brandice LardnerTime Stamps1:15 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast1:21 – Meet today's special guest, Brandice Lardner3:11 - Her struggle with food since her teenage years, overeating and eating disorders3:58 - Creating her ministry, Grace Filled Plate5:47 - Why do we need God's grace in our eating?9:45 - How to open a conversation with someone about faith-based dieting10:51 - Brandice believes that God's biblical principles work for everyone12:26 - Give ourselves a week, three days, or 24 hours to celebrate our wins!16:17 - How to align body image with God's word17:52 - Appreciation for all things; God calls us to be thankful in all circumstances23:09 - Brandice shares that 'God is the weight loss plan'25:07 - Follow your gut instinct - Why we cannot do everything all at once!27:23 - Her group coaching program - Graduate School for Food Freedom36:45 - Can faith-based nutrition be available to the youth?45:05 - How to connect with Brandice, her Podcast, programs, and courses Resources:· GraceFilledPlate.com Connect w/ Brandice:· Instagram· Facebook · YouTubeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 35min
Ep 352 Killing it in Health & Fitness ft. "Kill Mode" Dan Long
Send us a textDan KILLMODE Long is back at the Critical Bench Compound to sit down with friend and host Mike Westerdal. His energy, passion and heart for people is undeniable as you will soon discover.He is known as the man with the most energy in the galaxy... and a super passionate 7-figure entrepreneur known world-wide.Dan has been featured in and on Fox news, CNBC, ABC, Men's Health and was even on Jillian Michael's Spike TV show Sweat Inc!In this episode you will find out about Dan's company Kill Mode Online and how it is helping thousands of people in the health and fitness space and his newest company Fitness Passion to Profits is helping others generate 6-7 figures online.Dan, aka ‘Kill Mode’ is co-host of the Born to Impact podcast and is a GO-GIVER with a huge heart…. Just wait until you hear about what he has done for kids with cancer… GOOSE BUMPS!Dan is also a loving husband, and father of 3 grown children. "Those little pivotal moments are literally game changers." — Dan Long Time Stamps 0:48 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 1:40 - Meet today's special guest, Kill Mode Dan Long, founder of Kill Mode Training Company 3:14 - Soul Searching: Why you should not chase the Dollar 5:40 - Dan recounts his journey until he got into Health and Fitness 10:02 - His career shift from 'Baker Dan' to the Restaurant Industry 15:01 - Divorce leads Dan to fight for his kid's custody 18:39 - How Fr. Stavros of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church changed his Christian life 26:50 - Where was 'Kill Mode' born? 32:42 - The importance of learning how to market 42:19 - 90 Booked Hours: Dan's turning point in the personal training field 49:00 - The impact of COVID on making money online 51:29 - Taking the Lead: Finding a coach who shares your values 58:18 - Learning from your Failures 1:01:00 - Dan talks about his Mastermind journey 1:04:12 - 'Your network is your net worth': The ultimate goal in marketing 1:09:23 - Dan shares the backstory that led him to launch a charity at Children's Cancer Center 1:16:07 - What happens to the 12 percent of people who go to college 1:17:20 - Billionaires vs Millionaires: What is the difference? 1:20:24 - Dan shares one of his clients' empowering stories 1:27:05 - The easiest way to start figuring out your gift 1:30:32 - Where you can go to connect with Kill Mode Dan Long 1:31:54 - What's the most priceless commodity? Resources:· FitnessPassionToProfits.com Connect w/ Dan:· Instagram· Facebook · YouTubeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 16min
Ep 351 Master Your Marriage ft. Robert & Sharla Snow
Send us a textDid you know the average couple waits 6 years to get help in their marriage. That's 6 years of pain, hurt, frustration and lost opportunity.On this episode of Strong By Design we have special guests Dr. Robert and Sharla Snow — themselves married for 31 years — helping other married couples find and develop the tools to strengthen their relationships.Their podcast, The Master Your Marriage show, delivers straight-talking guidance on how to fill your marriage with fun, friendship and love, without it ever feeling like "hard work." Today co-hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson discuss the value in identifying strengths and weaknesses in your relationship, how to navigate triggers, the five areas to examine in your marriage and much more.No matter how long you've been struggling with your marriage, or how long it's been since you've felt that "spark," Robert and Sharla promise you, there is hope!"Relationships are a lot more disposable now than they used to be." - Robert & Sharla SnowTime Stamps 1:02 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:55 - Meet today's special guests, Robert & Sharla Snow 7:17- Divine Institution: How Marriage mirrors the process of becoming a better spouse 8:27 - Discover a captivating story of their first few years of marriage 15:04 - Marriage as a Masterclass: The goal and mission of parents 19:45 - Sharla talks about the value of identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the relationship 23:11 - Vision Statement: What does it look like to have a 'shared' future? 26:13 - The value of creating rituals in a relationship 30:24 - Value-driven Behavior: The Snow's share the ultimate goal of their podcast 31:43 - 69 percent of relationships have THIS problem 38:27 - Understanding the patterns that compromise goodwill 41:52 - The importance of 'Code Words' in promoting healthy conflict 49:43 - How to bring God into the aspect of marriage 54:42 - Unspoken Resentments: When should you apologize? 1:02:05 - To be Influenced: What's the kind of relationship we want? 1:09:35 - The power of 'Friendship' in marriage 1:14:10 - Where you can go to connect with Robert & Sharla Snow and learn more about their Podcasts Resources:· MasterYourMarriagePodcast.com Connect w/ Robert & Sharla:· Instagram· Facebook · YouTubeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Mar 20, 2024 • 56min
Ep 350 How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? ft. Dan Cockerell
Send us a textDan is the former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida.He attended Boston University, graduating in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After spending 5 years working for Walt Disney in France, Dan relocated to Florida and held a variety of executive roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels. His last 9 years with the company, he was successively Vice President of Epcot, Vice president of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and eventually Vice President of the Magic Kingdom where he led 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 million guests annually.After a fulfilling and exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, Dan and his wife Valerie made the decision to set out on a new venture and start their own consulting and speaking business. Dan provides customized, authentic presentations, insightful workshops, and one on one coaching, focusing on leadership and management practices drawing upon his extensive Disney career with relevant examples and inspiring storytelling.In this episode, Jared and Dan talk about Dan's book How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? The speak about the importance of leading yourself first before you can lead others. Self-awareness is not as easy to come by as you may think. We must be intentional to grow and develop our own abilities to move into a space where we can successfully lead others."I may not be good at the beginning, and I may fail, but by practicing and trying, it's going to make me better, it's going to make me understand it more." - Dan CockerellTime Stamps 1:18 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:05 - Meet today's special guest, Dan Cockerell 4:10 - Dan on seeing life in Clear Chapters 6:57 - Torrens University Australia: Find out the focus of the school 8:34 - Dan recounts his wife's Disney journey 10:04 - How a simple 'HI' led to 30 years of marriage 12:25 - The Intentionality of being present at home 16:40 - Dan talks about his book 'How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?' 19:14 - Dan dives deep into Physical Fitness: Ways to stay healthy 24:49 - What is the Alphabet Workout? 27:51 - Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset: Ways to keep Mentally fit 32:23 - Moral Fitness: The integrity of being known for who you are 37:00 - What does it take to be a good leader? 41:45 - Motivation-Based Interviewing: The Do's and Don’ts for a job interview 45:17 - Dan recounts the historical and fun moments at Disney 51:14 - Who Disney was 20 years ago vs now? 54:37 - Get the book, 'How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?' Resources:DanCockerell.com Connect w/ Dan:LinkedInInstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com