Apogee Strong

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you push, something invisible is holding you back from the life you know you’re capable of living? Maybe it’s fear of failure, maybe it’s self-doubt, or maybe it’s the weight of old wounds you’ve never healed. What if the real obstacle isn’t outside of you—but inside?In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Fleming, a U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and transformation coach who has turned his own battles with trauma, adversity, and self-sabotage into a mission of helping others break free. Dustin’s journey from combat to personal collapse—and ultimately to healing and leadership—is proof that your past does not define your future.With a unique blend of raw honesty, hard-won wisdom, and practical strategies, Dustin challenges us to confront the stories we tell ourselves, dismantle limiting beliefs, and build a mindset rooted in resilience and purpose. His passion is helping people realize that freedom begins when you stop running from your pain and start using it as fuel.If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why can’t I get out of my own way?” or wondered what it really takes to rebuild from the ground up, this episode is for you.Quotes: "Your past doesn't dictate your future. We have a standard set in life that we can choose to make changes, and it's ending with me and my family tree." "Being able to fulfill a role that's like a servant leader, that's what fires me up about it." "If you find something that you love, you'll never work a day in your life." Key Takeaways:Face the Stories You Tell Yourself: Write down the negative beliefs or fears that play on repeat in your mind. Then ask, Is this story serving me, or is it keeping me stuck?Reframe Your Pain: Instead of asking “Why did this happen to me?” start asking “How can this experience fuel my growth?” Make a list of challenges you’ve overcome and the strengths they revealed.Create a Daily Reset Practice: Dustin emphasizes discipline and self-mastery. Start small—commit to one non-negotiable daily habit (journaling, prayer, exercise, or meditation) that grounds you and keeps you moving forward.Conclusion:Dustin Fleming’s story reminds us that the battles we fight within ourselves can be just as fierce as any fought on the outside. But they don’t have to define us. By facing our pain, rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, and choosing discipline over despair, we can create a life rooted in resilience and purpose.This conversation challenges us to pause and ask: Am I letting my past hold me hostage, or am I using it as fuel to become the person I was meant to be?The choice is always ours—and the time to choose is now.

What happens when you lose everything—your job, your money, your relationships—and the identity you thought defined you? How do you rebuild when rock bottom isn’t just a phrase, but your daily reality?In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Taylor Cavanaugh, the only man to serve as both a U.S. Navy SEAL and a member of the French Foreign Legion—a rare path of resilience, grit, and transformation. But his story isn’t just about military titles; it’s about stripping away labels, confronting suicidal lows, and discovering that the foundation of a strong identity lies in something deceptively simple: daily habits, discipline, and alignment.Taylor shares his journey from homelessness and despair to finding clarity through stoic philosophy, discipline in the Legion, and personal growth rooted in deliberate action. Today, he coaches men to reclaim their power, rebuild their lives, and live with intentionality—proving that no man is ever truly out of the fight unless he chooses to quit.If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed by life’s chaos, this episode will challenge you to ask: Who is your 10.0 self? And what habits are you stacking to become him?Quotes:"It’s my daily habits that are the only thing that can make me confident about who I am, and that’s where the change really happened." "When things start getting more complex and feeling out of control, I always look back and go, am I doing the just daily basic things correct? And almost always, the answer is no." "You allow people the full benefit of suffering if they need it, which is a powerful statement, but some people need it." Key Takeaways:Audit Your Daily Habits: Ask yourself, Do my daily actions align with the man I want to become? Write down your “10.0 self” and list the habits he lives by—then start practicing one of them today.Start With the Morning: Structure your wake-up routine to set the tone for the rest of the day. Wake up earlier, avoid looking at your phone, move your body, and take 15 minutes for reflection or visualization.Return to Factory Settings: When life feels chaotic, strip back to the basics—nutrition, movement, sleep, and discipline. Check if you’re slipping on any of these before blaming outside circumstances.Conclusion:Taylor Cavanaugh’s story is proof that even in the darkest seasons of life, transformation is possible when we commit to discipline, clarity, and deliberate action. Titles and circumstances may come and go, but true strength is built in the habits we practice daily and the identity we choose to embody.This episode challenges us to look inward, strip back the noise, and ask: Am I living in alignment with the man I aspire to be? The answer doesn’t lie in waiting for the perfect moment—it’s found in the small, intentional steps you take today.👉 Connect with Taylor and follow his work:Website: www.taylorcavanaugh.comInstagram: @tcavofficialYouTube: @tcavofficialX (Twitter): @tcavofficialYouTube (Counter Culture Inc): @countercultureinc

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the “right things” in your business or career but still weren’t seeing the growth, fulfillment, or balance you longed for? Do you sometimes wonder if success means sacrificing your health, relationships, or peace of mind? What if the problem isn’t that you’re not working hard enough—but that you’re working out of alignment with your true purpose?In this episode, Taylor Quigg, knows that struggle all too well. After climbing the corporate ladder and checking all the boxes of conventional success, she realized something was missing: authentic alignment between her work, her values, and the life she wanted to live. That discovery fueled her mission to help others break free from the cycles of burnout, overachievement, and chasing external validation.Taylor is more than just a coach—she’s a guide who blends personal experience, professional insight, and a deep passion for helping people live lives of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Through her work, she empowers others to stop outsourcing their worth, reconnect with what truly matters, and build businesses and lives that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.In this conversation, Taylor shares her own journey of transformation, the lessons she’s learned about aligning ambition with authenticity, and practical strategies for anyone who feels stuck in the tension between success and fulfillment.Get ready for a powerful discussion that will challenge you to rethink what achievement really means—and inspire you to design a life and business that are truly your own.Quotes:“You can really do whatever you want to do, and you can change the course of your life with just a simple yes in one direction.”“We think we have to have, with social media, this huge following to have an influence. But you can have an influence in your community. You have an influence in your house.”“There’s so much to learn just hanging out and doing life together. I guess I’ve taken more of an unschooling approach without even realizing it.”Takeaways:Reevaluate your approach to education and parenting: Are you allowing your children to pursue their interests and thrive outside of traditional academic expectations?Practice vulnerability and seek community: If you’re facing a challenge, consider sharing your story to connect with others and reduce feelings of isolation.Teach and model empathy: Look for opportunities to help your children (or yourself) understand and support others, especially those facing visible or invisible challenges.Conclusion:In this episode, Taylor’s story reminds us of the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the value of forging our own paths—whether in education, business, or personal growth. By embracing vulnerability, advocating for ourselves and others, and nurturing empathy in our families, we can create lives filled with purpose and connection. Taylor’s journey is a testament to the fact that, no matter the challenges we face, we have the ability to adapt, inspire, and make a meaningful impact on those around us.

Are you tired of a healthcare system that only treats symptoms but leaves the deeper issues untouched? Have you ever left the doctor’s office with a prescription in hand but no clear path to real, lasting health? What if the secret to well-being isn’t found in another medication, but in the everyday choices you make and the knowledge you’re given to advocate for yourself?In this episode, we welcome Dr. Dustin Portela—a Board-Certified Dermatologist and Surgeon with advanced training in Mohs surgery and a strong focus on skin cancer treatment and prevention. He has published in medical journals, lectured nationally, and is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Portela is passionate about serving underserved populations. He operates a 39-foot mobile dermatology clinic offering free skin cancer screenings and leverages his social media platforms, where he has built an audience of over 4 million, to educate people on how to make better decisions about their health.What makes Dr. Portela stand out isn’t just his medical expertise—it’s his mission to elevate well-being inside and out. He doesn’t stop at treating the skin; he empowers patients and audiences worldwide to make informed, holistic decisions about their health. His journey from walking away from a conventional medical career to building a purpose-driven practice is proof of his conviction and passion.Quotes:"At the bottom of my funnel always is, I want to help you make better decisions for your health. I want you to be happier. I want your mental health to be better." - Dr. Dustin Portela"I just decided I'm going to do this someday. I want a mobile clinic and go out and just do some good, and I don't want to charge people for it." - Dr. Dustin Portela"It is important to entertain people, or they're not going to stick around for the message that you want to deliver." - Dr. Dustin PortelaActionable Takeaways:Evaluate your own healthcare journey: Ask yourself if you’re truly advocating for your health and if you understand the long-term impact of your daily choices. Seek out practitioners who educate and empower you, not just treat symptoms.Simplify your skincare routine: Focus on basic, effective products (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen) and avoid being swayed by hype or fear-based marketing. Invest in what works for you, not what’s most expensive.Consider how you can give back: Reflect on ways you can use your skills or resources to serve underserved communities, whether through volunteering, philanthropy, or supporting organizations making a difference.Conclusion:Dr. Dustin Portela’s story is proof that medicine can be more than prescriptions and procedures—it can be purpose-driven, patient-centered, and deeply human. From building a thriving practice and pioneering a mobile clinic to educating millions online, he shows us what it looks like when expertise meets compassion and conviction. His mission to elevate well-being inside and out reminds us that true health begins not just with treatment, but with knowledge, empowerment, and daily choices.If you’re ready to rethink healthcare and take ownership of your health journey, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Is your “healthy” diet making you sick? If you’re battling fatigue, brain fog, bloating, or stubborn weight despite eating “right,” the problem may not be what you eat—but how your body processes it.Our guest, Ali Miller, is an integrative functional medicine practitioner and registered dietitian who’s helped thousands uncover the hidden links between food, inflammation, hormones, and mental health. Her food-as-medicine approach blends hard science with personalized strategies that work in the real world.In this episode, you’ll learn:How “healthy” habits may be harming youThe role of blood sugar in energy, mood, and weightThe connection between stress, gut health, and inflammationIf you’ve been doing everything “right” but still feel wrong, Ali’s insights will help you take back control of your health.Quotes:“Giving up snacking and being conscious of carbs and really looking to balance out those carbs from whole food selections, and then having a protein or a fat paired with them, is a game changer in the beginning, and you can do that at any age.”- Ali Miller“Freedom comes with discipline and responsibility, but once we’re able to have confidence in what we’re putting in our body, it becomes really easy.”- Ali Miller“We are emphasizing health as this meta skill for the entire family. And we know that physical health is the precursor to mental health in so many ways.” - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Healthy Isn’t Always Healthy – Even nutrient-rich foods can trigger inflammation or imbalance if they don’t work for your body.Blood Sugar Matters for More Than Weight – Fluctuations can impact mood, energy, mental clarity, and cravings.Gut Health is Central to Overall Health – A compromised gut can lead to systemic inflammation and hormonal imbalances.Stress Directly Affects the Body – Chronic stress can disrupt digestion, immunity, and blood sugar regulation.Food is Medicine – The right foods can heal and restore balance, while the wrong ones can silently undermine health.Personalization is Key – One-size-fits-all diets often fail; solutions must be tailored to each person’s needsConclusion:Ali Miller’s work proves that lasting health isn’t about following the latest diet trend—it’s about understanding your body’s unique needs and using food as targeted medicine. By addressing blood sugar balance, gut health, and stress, you can eliminate hidden triggers, restore energy, and feel like yourself again.Your body is always giving you feedback. The question is—are you listening?

Are you investing with confidence… or just hoping for the best? Most investors ride the emotional ups and downs of the market—buying high, selling low, and stressing through every dip. What if you could invest without the guesswork, panic, or sleepless nights?Our guest, Chris Vermeulen, founder of The Technical Traders, is a globally recognized expert in market cycles, technical analysis, and risk management. With over 25 years of trading experience, he’s helped thousands protect capital, grow wealth, and remove emotion from investing.Chris isn’t just an analyst—he’s built proven, step-by-step systems to navigate volatile markets with clarity and discipline. Whether you’re building a retirement plan or trading actively, his insights will change the way you see the markets.You’ll learn:The #1 mistake most investors make in volatile marketsHow to time market cycles for protection and growthChris’s personal strategies for low-stress, high-confidence investingIf you’ve ever worried about losing money in the next crash—or missing out on the next big run—this episode is your blueprint for smarter investing.Quotes:"To be successful, you don't have to be smart at all. You just need to do something you're passionate about."- Chris Vermeulen"Psychology, emotions is the number one problem with investing and trading." Chris Vermeulen"Sometimes moving life forward, it's not about adding more engines. It's not about pushing harder. Sometimes it's taking a look at the anchors where we're overcomplicating things, yeah, and cutting those loose."- Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Emotion is the Investor’s Enemy – Most market losses come from emotional decisions, not bad strategies.Cycles Drive Markets – Understanding market cycles helps you anticipate turning points instead of reacting to them.Risk Management is Non-Negotiable – Always define how much you’re willing to lose before entering any trade.Technical Analysis Removes Guesswork – Use charts and patterns to guide decisions instead of news headlines.Cash is a Position – Sometimes the best move is to sit out and protect your capital.Small, Consistent Gains Compound – Avoid chasing big wins; focus on steady growth over time.Conclusion:Chris Vermeulen’s approach proves that successful investing isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about preparing for it. By removing emotion, following proven systems, and understanding market cycles, you can protect your wealth, grow it steadily, and sleep soundly no matter what the headlines say.Whether you’re saving for retirement or actively trading, the principles in this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to navigate any market. The choice is yours: keep reacting to the markets… or start mastering them.

What’s really holding you back from the life you want?Is it a lack of talent… or a lack of belief? Are you waiting for permission to step into the version of yourself you know is possible—but haven’t unleashed yet?Too many ambitious people get stuck watching others succeed, telling themselves they’ll “get their shot” someday. But what if that day never comes—unless you create it?Our guest today, Dre Baldwin, knows exactly what that’s like. Cut from his high school basketball team three years in a row and barely scoring two points per game the one year he played, Dre had every reason to quit. Instead, he turned rejection into fuel—eventually carving out a 9-year professional career overseas, building a massive online following before “influencer” was even a word, and becoming a leading voice on discipline, confidence, and mental toughness.Dre’s not just another motivational speaker—he’s a systems thinker who can break down winning mindsets and processes so clearly that anyone can apply them. Whether you’re chasing athletic dreams, building a business, or just trying to level up your life, Dre’s insights on mindset, self-permission, and creating opportunities will challenge your excuses and sharpen your game.Quotes:“My superpower was and is my ability to understand something and then be able to break it down and put it back together and articulate it to other people. It doesn’t matter the subject.” - Dre Baldwin“The mind decides, the flesh obeys. Once you decide that something’s going to happen, your body has no choice but to follow if you’ve actually decided.”  - Dre Baldwin“That belief they can see what nobody else sees, especially in themselves, is a separating factor from influential individuals who go on to create something.” - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Belief Before Evidence – Dre kept working on his game for four years without external proof of progress. You must believe in your own potential before the results show up.Self-Permission Changes Everything – Most people stay stuck because they conform to their current identity. Give yourself permission to operate as your “Super You,” and you’ll unlock abilities you’ve always had.Create Your Own Opportunities – Dre went from no offers to a pro career by cold-calling 60 agents and sending game footage himself. Don’t wait—initiate.Conclusion:Dre Baldwin’s story proves that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect break—it’s about creating it, long before anyone else believes you’re ready. From the blacktop courts of Philadelphia to nine years as a pro athlete, and now as a sought-after entrepreneur and mindset coach, Dre has shown that the right mix of belief, discipline, and systems can turn any ambition into reality.Whether you’re chasing a championship, building a business, or reinventing your life, the principles in this conversation aren’t just inspiring—they’re actionable. Your “Super You” is already there, waiting. The only question is: will you give yourself permission to step into it?Resources & Links: FREE Book – The Third Day: http://ThirdDayBook.com (3- and 10-book gift options available) – Become an affiliate (40% commission) here. FREE Book – The Sales Discipline System: http://SalesDisciplineBook.com (Bulk options available) Work On Your Game University: http://www.WorkOnYourGameUniversity.comAbout Dre Baldwin:Dre Baldwin is CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc. He has given 4 TEDx Talks, authored 41 books, and his content has been consumed over 103 million times. His daily Work On Your Game MasterClass has over 3,300 episodes and 7.6 million listeners. Dre enjoyed a 9-year professional basketball career, playing in 8 countries. His framework is the “roadmap in reverse” for professional High Performance, Consistency, and Results.Website: http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com Contact: Marielle@DreAllDay.comSocial Media:InstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInTikToX (Twitter)

What if the job you worked your whole life to get—the title, the income, the “security”—is the very thing stealing your purpose?In this powerful conversation, we unpack the hidden struggles of high-achieving professionals who feel trapped by success. Jamie Gruber, once a six-figure corporate executive, shares how reaching the top of the ladder led to an identity crisis, not celebration. If you've ever asked yourself, "Is this all there is?"—this episode is your wake-up call.Jamie didn’t just walk away from a half-million-dollar salary—he gave up nearly $1M in unvested equity to chase alignment, not approval. From identity shifts and impossible goals to surrounding yourself with the right tribe, Jamie reveals how he reinvented his life through community, content creation, and courageous decisions.Quotes:“I spent money to enter the room to then go add value, so I literally pivoted over to let me just figure out how I can be of the most help to whomever I come in contact with.” - Jamie Gruber“Identity shifts first—results follow. Most people believe they’ll become someone new after they achieve the goal, but real change happens when you claim the identity before the results show up” - Jamie Gruber“Action leads to outcomes you can’t always predict—but your energy never lies. Trust it.” - Jamie GruberKey Takeaways:Identity First, Results SecondReal transformation begins when you step into the identity of who you want to become—before you see the results. Results lag behind identity shifts.Set Impossible Goals on Short TimelinesJamie followed a strategy he didn’t even realize he was using at first: setting seemingly impossible goals with urgent timelines to create clarity and momentum.Environment is EverythingThe right community doesn’t care who you’ve been—they hold you accountable to who you say you’re becoming. That support made all the difference in Jamie's leap from corporate to creator.Conclusion:This episode is a call to stop living someone else’s definition of success. Jamie Gruber’s journey reminds us that the most powerful shifts begin internally—when we claim the identity of who we’re meant to be. From there, it’s about taking action, finding the right people, and trusting your energy to guide the way. Whether you’re stuck in a high-paying job that no longer fits or standing on the edge of your next big leap, this conversation is proof: you don’t need permission to rewrite your story.

Are modern men slowly losing their grip on what it means to truly lead?You’re working hard. You’re showing up. You’re providing. But still—your marriage feels off. You’re getting blindsided by disconnection, resentment, or even divorce. You're trying to be a good man, yet nothing seems to be enough. Why is it that despite doing “everything right,” so many men are silently failing in the one place that matters most—at home?In this powerful conversation, we dive deep with Quentin Hafner, therapist, author of Black Belt Husband, and coach to high-performing men. What makes Quentin different? He’s not your typical therapist—he’s a former corporate climber who hit rock bottom after a divorce, did the inner work, and made it his life’s mission to help other men heal, lead, and thrive. And he’s brutally honest about what’s wrong with traditional therapy and how it can actually keep men stuck.Quotes:"My mission field is to really serve men in that capacity, help men heal so they can be highly effective in their families."- Quentin Hafner"There's a time to sit in that pain, not to wallow in it and be miserable, but to be self-reflective and contemplative. - Quentin Hafner"When you trust yourself, other people trust you more too." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Most “marriage problems” are personal problems in disguise.According to Quentin, couples often don’t have relationship issues—they have individual wounds and unresolved trauma showing up in the marriage.70% of divorces are initiated by women.The most common reason? A deep emotional pain: “I didn’t feel like I mattered.” Men often don’t realize their wives are emotionally disconnecting until it’s too late.Men underestimate the power of emotional safety.Many men believe being a good provider and father is enough. But their wives are craving emotional connection—not just physical security.Passivity is killing modern marriages.High-performing men often become passive or conflict-avoidant in their relationships, fearing they’ll come off as controlling. Quentin calls this “fear-based passivity,” and it erodes trust and respect.Conclusion:This episode is a powerful wake-up call for any man who wants to lead—not just at work, but where it matters most: at home. Quentin Hafner doesn’t sugarcoat the truth—he reveals how being a passive, well-intentioned husband can still lead to emotional disconnection and even divorce.But there’s hope.Leadership in marriage isn’t about being dominant or controlling—it’s about creating emotional safety, setting the tone, and becoming the kind of man your wife and children naturally trust and follow. Quentin reminds us that real strength isn’t found in aggression or avoidance—it’s found in presence, purpose, and self-awareness.If you're ready to stop reacting and start leading—with clarity, confidence, and connection—this conversation is your blueprint.Because becoming a Black Belt Husband isn’t about perfection. It’s about transformation.And it starts with you.Call to Action:Ready to step into your role as a strong, emotionally safe, and purpose-driven leader in your home?👉 Start your journey with Quentin Hafner today. Visit blackbelthusband.com to explore resources, coaching, and tools designed to help you become the husband and man your family deserves.💬 Follow Quentin on Instagram @blackbelthusbands for daily insights, real talk, and practical strategies you can use right now to lead with confidence and connection.Don’t wait for a crisis to change—lead on purpose, now

Have you ever wrapped your whole identity around a dream—only to have it snatched away just as you were about to reach the peak? Do you ever feel like you're too much… or not enough… or just out of place in a world that doesn’t seem to get you?What if the very thing that knocked you down could be the catalyst for your next chapter?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Amanda Leve, a trailblazing professional fighter, Jiu Jitsu champion, and soon-to-be mom, who knows exactly what it means to rise, fall, and rise again—stronger. From being the only girl in an all-male gym to shocking the world by defeating a 265-pound opponent in one of Jiu Jitsu’s biggest upsets, Amanda’s story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and growth.But Amanda isn’t just a fighter in the cage—she’s a fighter for self-worth, identity, and emotional resilience. She shares how she overcame a life-changing medical diagnosis that forced her to step away from her MMA dream, and how she found purpose again by pouring her wisdom into the next generation.This isn’t just about martial arts. It’s about mat therapy, emotional intelligence, and what it means to be powerful and feminine in a world that often asks you to pick one.Are you ready to stop being bitter and start getting better?Then this conversation is for you.Quotes:"The time is going to pass whether you do it or you don't do it. It's always better to just show up, even on the days where you don't want to show up." - Amanda Leve"When one door closes, you just gotta keep opening up a new door. You can't just stop and stay in your wallows for too long." - Amanda Leve"Stay neutral to your wins and your losses. It just keeps you on a steady path of progression." - Amanda LeveActionable Takeaways:Consistency Matters: Commit to showing up, even if it's just one day a week in your chosen pursuit. Small, consistent efforts compound over time and prevent you from completely abandoning your goals.Develop Mental Neutrality: Practice staying emotionally balanced during wins and losses. Don't get too high or too low - maintain a steady mindset that allows you to learn and progress regardless of immediate outcomes.Embrace Your Multidimensional Self: Challenge societal expectations that you must be either "feminine" or "strong". You can be emotionally intelligent and physically powerful simultaneously. Don't let others define your potential or limit your identity.Conclusion:Amanda’s story isn’t just about fighting—it’s about rising. No matter what life throws at you, you have the power to pivot, persevere, and pour your strength into others. Your setbacks don’t define you. Your response does. Listen in—and walk away ready to fight for the life you were made for.