Apogee Strong

Is traditional education holding kids back from real growth? What if asking better questions — not giving better answers — is the key to raising tomorrow’s leaders?In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Craveiro — a bold educator, mother, and mentor who’s redefining learning through Socratic facilitation and purposeful leadership. As a roadschooling parent and Apogee Women affiliate, Brittany helps young women think deeply, lead confidently, and take ownership of their future.If you're ready to challenge the way we teach and inspire a generation to become, not just perform, this conversation is for you.Quotes:• "I love to refer to Socratic conversations as exercise for your brain, because the first time I had a Socratic conversation, it really was obvious to me that I was accessing different parts of my brain." - Brittany Craveiro• "It's been an experience, and it's been neat to live with less and to see how much we were attached to things. So that's been a really cleansing opportunity, for sure." - Brittany Craveiro• "I fell in love with Socratic facilitation because it allows me to exercise my brain." - Brittany CraveiroKey Takeaways:• Redefine Leadership in Your Home: Create space for your kids (or yourself) to think out loud without fear of being “wrong.” Start one dinner this week with a big question — no right answers allowed.• Reflect on the Question “Who Are You Becoming?” Use this as a journal prompt or conversation starter. Instead of focusing on goals or grades, shift attention to identity and intention.• Practice Socratic Listening: In your next conversation, don’t just listen to respond — ask one follow-up question that challenges or deepens what the other person said. Exercise curiosity instead of control.• Build Your Rules of Engagement: Whether for your family, team, or classroom — define how you want to show up in conversations. (e.g., Eye contact, kindness, take a stand, ask clarifying questions.)• Create a Daily Discipline Challenge: Choose one small act of self-care — fitness, food, sleep, or gratitude — and commit to doing it every day for the next 7 days. Then reflect: how did that one choice shape who you became?Conclusion:In a world obsessed with quick answers and constant performance, Brittany Craveiro reminds us that the questions we ask — of ourselves and others — are what truly shape us. Whether you're a parent, mentor, educator, or simply someone striving to grow, this episode challenges you to lead with intention, think deeply, and care for the one thing you truly own — your mind, your body, and your character. You don’t have to follow the script society handed you. You get to design the kind of leader — and the kind of human — you’re becoming.So… who are you becoming today?

What happens when an “ordinary mom” gets pushed too far by fear, censorship, and the breakdown of civil discourse? Are you tired of being told to sit down, be quiet, and follow the narrative—even when your gut and your values say otherwise?In this powerful podcast episode, we sit with Adele Basarich, a fierce voice of conviction, resilience, and faith. A mother, former teacher, and health freedom advocate, Adele never set out to lead a movement—she just refused to stay silent. From navigating public backlash to pulling her kids from schools that didn’t align with her values, she’s shown what it looks like to stand firm with grace in a world full of noise.Adele speaks candidly about medical freedom, raising strong kids through real conversations, natural healing, and the power of questioning everything—even if it makes people uncomfortable. If you’ve ever felt like the world is upside down and wondered, What can I do about it?—this conversation is your answer.Quotes:"Education is empowerment, and so any way that I can educate them, I do it so that they know how to navigate the world around them, which is absolute madness." - Adele Basarich"My beliefs go with the Bible, and I'm like, trying to align with that, which never changes. And over here, culture is telling us to do all this crazy stuff, constantly changing." - Adele Basarich"We need to build capable young people that are able to adapt to whatever is going to need to be adapted to." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Question the narrative—boldly and respectfully. Don’t silence your intuition for the sake of comfort. Ask yourself: Where am I staying silent just to avoid conflict—and is that costing me something important?Build emotional resilience at home. Engage your kids in meaningful conversations, especially when they ask “why.” It’s not disrespect—it’s curiosity. Task: This week, commit to explaining one rule or expectation to your child instead of defaulting to “because I said so.”Audit your health habits and environment. Adele’s journey into detoxing and healing began with simple, persistent changes. Assignment: Start each morning for two days with 24 oz. of fresh celery juice to reset digestion and reduce brain fog.Stay rooted in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Adele reminds us that grace and grit are not opposites. Ask: Where am I compromising what I believe in to please others?Use tech—but don’t let it raise your kids. Be intentional with screen time and tech exposure. Task: Review your family’s tech habits and set one boundary this week that prioritizes connection or creativity over consumption.Conclusion:This episode is a reminder that courage doesn’t always look like a protest or a platform—sometimes, it looks like a mom refusing to stay silent, choosing to raise her kids with clarity, conviction, and truth. Adele Basarich shares a powerful message: you don’t need permission to stand up for what you believe in. Whether it's in your home, your health, or your community, your voice matters.Take what resonated from this conversation and apply it—have the hard conversations, question the status quo, and stay grounded in your values. Because as Adele says, evil doesn’t stop—so we can’t either.

Are you addicted to insight but allergic to action? Still waiting for your life to change after the next podcast, book, or breakthrough?In this hard-hitting episode, we welcome Gary John Bishop—bestselling author and straight-talking personal development expert. With brutal honesty and deep wisdom, Gary breaks down why real transformation only happens through action, not feelings. He challenges us to stop betraying our own word, get complete with our past, and start living with integrity and purpose.If you’re tired of playing small and ready to create a real shift, this one’s for you. Are you ready to come back with a miracle?Quotes:• “Action is the source of all significant change in your life. That's where the rubber meets the road." - Gary John Bishop• "Integrity is simply the wholeness and completeness of the word. It's not do what I said like every time I'm perfect, it's treating what I said with honor." - Gary John Bishop• "Wisdom is locked in these aha moments, but there's so many people that convince themselves to keep those insights from turning into real change." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:· Stop chasing insights—take bold action. Real transformation isn’t about feeling better; it’s about doing something different. Ask yourself: What miracle action can I take this week that I normally wouldn’t?· Honor your word to yourself. You may keep promises to others, but do you follow through on what you tell yourself? Start small: Pick one personal commitment today—and keep it no matter what.· Write your childhood story—and let it go. Sit down and write out your full childhood experience. Read it aloud repeatedly until it loses its emotional grip. Ask: What conclusions about myself am I still carrying from that time?· Redefine integrity. It’s not just doing what you said; it’s respecting your relationship to what you said. Begin noticing: When do I say things I don’t truly intend to follow through on—and why?· Live from commitment, not comfort. Choose a goal or identity you’re committed to (father, leader, creator), and let that commitment guide your actions—especially when it’s hard.Conclusion:This episode was a punch in the gut—in the best way possible. Gary John Bishop doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s exactly why it hits so hard. If you’re someone who’s been stuck in “self-help mode,” constantly learning but not really changing, this conversation is your invitation to finally do the work.Whether it’s making peace with your past, keeping your word to yourself, or just taking one uncomfortable step forward—you’ve got something to act on now. No fluff, no hacks. Just real change, if you’re willing to go get it.So ask yourself: what’s your next move?

Are you tired of chasing solutions that never work? Feeling stuck—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—even though you're doing “everything right”? What if the real issue isn’t you, but how we’ve been taught to approach healing and personal growth?In this episode, we’re joined by the legendary Paul Chek—a world-renowned expert in corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management, holistic wellness, and integrative lifestyle coaching. For over 40 years, Paul has helped thousands of clients, students, and elite athletes transform their lives by treating the body as an integrated system and uncovering the root causes of pain and dysfunction—where traditional methods often fail.Paul is the founder of the CHEK Institute, creator of Spirit Gym, and host of the Spirit Gym with Paul Chek podcast. He’s authored numerous books, developed professional courses, and worked with everyone from world-class athletes to individuals facing chronic, “unsolvable” conditions.If you’re ready to move beyond symptom management and discover what true healing really takes, this conversation is your next step.Quotes:• "If you love to sing, sing some truth. If you love to dance, dance some truth. If you love to paint, paint some truth. If you love to write, write some truth." - Paul Chek• "No man can understand Scripture until he's enlightened, and when he's enlightened, he does not need scripture." - Paul Chek• "A labor of love is sustainable. Anything else is just labor and it's not sustainable." - Paul ChekKey Takeaways:• Use Your Heart to Feel What You Know: Paul teaches that true wisdom doesn’t come from logic alone. Practice checking in with your heart before making important decisions. Ask: Does this feel life-giving or life-draining?• Explore the Four Types of Clients (or Mindsets): Reflect on which category you might fall into—are you open and healing, stuck in ego, identified with your problem, or simply not ready to change? What needs to shift?• Challenge Rigid Ideologies—Lovingly: Paul explains that healing and growth often require moving beyond inherited beliefs. Choose one belief (religious, cultural, or personal) and ask: Is this helping me love more fully—or keeping me small?Conclusion:This conversation with Paul Chek is more than just a podcast episode—it’s a wake-up call to reconnect with what truly matters. Paul reminds us that real healing, growth, and leadership don’t come from following rigid systems, but from tuning into our own inner wisdom, asking better questions, and being courageous enough to live the answers.Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, seeking spiritual clarity, raising conscious children, or simply tired of conventional approaches that keep falling short—Paul offers a powerful alternative: a life rooted in truth, awareness, and self-responsibility.Special Offer for ListenersUnlock deeper healing and transformation with Paul Chek’s Spirit Gym:👉 Get 15% OFF any Spirit Gym membershipPromo Code: Apogee15Sign up here: www.myspiritgym.comFREE Spirit Gym Mini-Course: "3 Key Lessons to Create More Love, Life, and Freedom"Start now: www.myspiritgym.com/minicourseExplore More from Paul ChekWebsites:https://myspiritgym.com/ https://chekinstitute.com/ https://paulchek.com/Podcast: Spirit Gym with Paul ChekAvailable on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible and YouTube.YouTube Channel: youtube.com/paulchekliveFollow Paul on Social Media:Instagram: @paul.chekTikTok: @paul.chekTwitter/X: @paulchekFacebook: Paul Chek’s Page

Why do we sabotage relationships that matter most? Why does success feel empty when our inner world is in chaos?This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Nima Rahmany, a chiropractor turned trauma-informed coach who teaches people how to become “trigger-proof.” After a personal breakdown and painful divorce, Dr. Nima discovered the real healing work begins inside—and it changes everything.If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns, unsure why you overreact, or struggled to connect deeply with your kids, partner, or yourself… this conversation is for you. Tune in now and learn the ONE skill that will change how you lead, love, and live.Quotes:"Anything that I keep avoiding, I get to keep repeating." - Dr. Nima Rahmany"If a person does not make it their business to learn the skill of self-regulation, they're going to use reactive behavior to try to regulate." - Dr. Nima Rahmany"When you're aiming for something, even if it's not the finished product, the fact that you're aiming towards something, you are far ahead of others." - Dr. Nima RahmanyKey Takeaways:Start doing “Shadow Work” – Identify a recent moment when you were triggered. Ask yourself: “What am I making this mean about me?” Follow the thread back to a childhood belief (e.g., “I’m not enough”) and bring compassion to that younger version of you.Rewire your reactions by parenting your inner child – When you're emotionally reactive, it's often your 4-, 5-, or 6-year-old self responding. Pause. Breathe. Then ask, “What does this part of me need right now?” Practice self-soothing before responding.Reframe love as “making the effort to understand” – Whether with yourself or others, love isn’t just about comfort—it's about understanding what’s really going on underneath the surface.Break generational patterns – The best gift you can give your children isn’t perfection—it’s a parent who’s doing the work. Ask yourself: “Am I treating myself the way I want my child to treat themselves?”Watch your default stress response – Do you fight, flee, freeze, or fawn when stressed? Identify your pattern and reflect: “Where did I learn this? Is it still serving me?”Conclusion:This episode with Dr. Nima Rahmany reminds us that true leadership and emotional strength don’t come from suppressing our pain—they come from understanding it. The real work starts inside: learning to regulate ourselves, facing the younger parts of us we've locked away, and choosing to respond instead of react.Whether you're a parent, a partner, or simply someone trying to break cycles and live with more intention, the journey to becoming "trigger-proof" is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself—and those you love. As Dr. Nima said, “The greatest gift I can give my son is a father who loves himself.” That starts with you.Discover your attachment style and learn how it impacts your relationships, your leadership, and your ability to connect—with yourself and others. Dr. Nima created a free, eye-opening assessment to help you begin your healing journey.Take the quiz now: https://drnima.com/lp/attachment-style-assessment/

What if everything you were taught about health, science, and medicine was wrong?Dr. Andrew Kaufman—a former psychiatrist and medical researcher—walked away from a successful career to speak the truth about modern medicine, even when it cost him his income, reputation, and relationships. In this eye-opening conversation, he reveals the false foundations of the medical industry, the dangers of compliance, and how we can raise critical thinkers and future leaders in a world that rewards conformity.If you’ve ever felt like something doesn’t add up—you’re not alone. Dr. Kaufman explains why asking hard questions is the first step toward real freedom, health, and leadership.Quotes:"I'm primarily motivated by justice. It's one of the most important influences for my professional life." - Dr. Andrew Kaufman"Our destiny as humans on this planet is that we're all supposed to have abundance." - Dr. Andrew Kaufman"We're giving opportunities, or we're helping families home educate work, we're helping families raise their kids in a way that is exactly in line with what we're talking about here, to be able to think for yourself." - Matt Beaudreau Key Takeaways:· Audit Your Health Beliefs: Ask yourself, "What do I believe about health, medicine, and disease—and why?" Take time to research the origins of those beliefs. Start with one area (like germ theory or pharmaceutical use) and look for primary sources.· Start Learning Like an Autodidact: Choose one topic you've always been curious about and study it independently for 30 days. Use books, scientific papers, and interviews—not just search engines. Reflect: Can I teach this to someone else?· Reassess Your Children’s Education: If you're a parent, evaluate whether your child’s education supports critical thinking and self-learning. Consider incorporating the Trivium (Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric) into your homeschool or afterschool approach.· Clean Up One Area of Your Lifestyle: Pick one health domain—like food, water, air, or personal care—and take one action to remove toxins or processed chemicals. Example: swap conventional cleaning products for natural alternatives.· Join or Build a Parallel Community: Look for local groups, meetups, or online communities that share values of sovereignty, truth-seeking, and natural living. Don’t isolate—build alliances that challenge mainstream narratives.Conclusion: Dr. Andrew Kaufman’s journey reminds us that true leadership means standing for truth—even when it costs you everything. In a world filled with noise, compliance, and fear, he chose clarity, courage, and integrity. His message is a call to action: to question what we’ve been taught, to seek knowledge for ourselves, and to raise a new generation of thinkers who value truth over comfort.Whether you're a parent, a student, a professional, or simply someone who feels like the system isn’t working—this conversation challenges you to dig deeper, live more consciously, and lead by example.Because freedom begins where blind obedience ends.

Tired of chasing money but never finding freedom? Sayam Ibrahim had it all on paper—a Wall Street job, a Georgetown degree—but walked away when success started costing him time with family.In this episode, Sayam shares how he rebuilt his life through real estate, turning one $45K flip into 1,400+ deals and a 600-door portfolio. He breaks down how he did it, why relationships matter more than spreadsheets, and how young people (yes, even teens) can start building wealth now.From immigrant roots to real estate mogul, Sayam’s story is packed with lessons on grit, freedom, and doing business with heart. If you're stuck in the grind and want a better way—this is it.Quotes:"Real estate is all about solving people's problems. You solve their problems, they win, and you win.""Don't fall in love with a deal. Fall in love with the numbers.""If you're relying on a paycheck, your life is not that secure. If you're relying on someone else to give you a paycheck, your life's not secure."Key Takeaways:Money ≠ Freedom: Sayam left a six-figure job because he had no time to live.Start with what you have: His first deal came from borrowed money and a $45K fixer-upper.Mentorship matters: Learning from others saved him from costly mistakes.Lead with empathy: Ethical investing means helping tenants, not just chasing profit.Clear roles = smooth business: Working with family can work—if everyone stays in their lane.Freedom is the goal: Sayam now builds systems and invests in places he loves, so life and business align.Conclusion:Sayam Ibrahim’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about income—it’s about impact, freedom, and living life on your terms. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot, his story proves that with the right mindset and mentorship, you can build wealth without sacrificing what matters most.Real estate was Sayam’s vehicle—but the real message? Own your time, lead with values, and never forget who you’re doing it for.

What do you do when the life you built—the love, the plans, the future—gets ripped away without warning? When the person you were supposed to grow old with is taken, and you're left not only grieving but parenting through the pain? In this episode, Danny Lesslie opens up about walking through the darkest season of his life: losing his wife Raffe after a five-year battle with cancer. He doesn’t hold back. Danny shares the raw truth about grief, fatherhood, and how the storm inside him became fuel for healing. If you've ever wrestled with loss, purpose, or the weight of simply showing up—this conversation will meet you right where you are.But Danny isn’t here to tell a “poor me” story—he’s here to serve. Named an Apogee honor man, Danny is a man of deep courage, faith, and conviction. He’s turned pain into purpose, writing a book with God's presence through it all. What makes him uniquely powerful is his willingness to be seen—messy, broken, real—and still lead others forward. This isn’t just a story of heartbreak. It’s a story of hope, of what’s possible when we choose to feel everything and use it to love deeper, lead better, and live fuller.Quotes:"All this that we're going to talk about today... I didn't come on here to give you a poor me thing. I came on here to serve you and speak light into this darkness." - Danny Lesslie"People are worth your effort. People are worth everything - your job, your trophies, your money, your house... all the things that we strive for are so hollow and they just go away." - Danny Lesslie"If you're not moving from purpose, you can't weather the storms that show up." - Danny LesslieTakeaways:Grief doesn’t follow rules—so stop trying to manage it. Danny shows that healing begins not with control, but with surrender. Whether through writing, walking with a weighted vest, or just allowing himself to cry, he finds strength by facing the pain instead of avoiding it.Your pain can serve others—if you let it. Rather than hiding his story, Danny uses it to bring light into other people’s darkness. His vulnerability becomes a gift, proving that being real is more powerful than being strong.Presence is everything. From being with his wife through her final days to parenting his kids alone, Danny reminds us that showing up—fully and honestly—is more impactful than having all the answers.Life will burn down—build anyway. Whether it’s love, faith, or legacy, Danny challenges us to invest in what matters now, because everything we have is temporary. He turns loss into a call to live with fierce intention.Conclusion:This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we have a choice—to go numb, or to feel deeply and move forward with purpose. Danny Lesslie’s story is not just about grief; it’s about resilience, love, and living with intention. His honesty, strength, and unwavering commitment to honoring his wife’s legacy show us what it truly means to lead from the heart. If you're walking through darkness, let this conversation be a light. And if you're not, let it be your wake-up call to love harder, show up fully, and stop wasting time on things that don’t matter.

Are you stuck in the cycle of overeating, fad diets, and confusing nutrition advice? Why does losing fat feel harder than ever—even when you're trying to eat “healthy”? What if the secret to fixing your health wasn’t another extreme diet, but something so simple it’s almost laughable? Dr. Ted Naiman believes it is. A physician and author with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Naiman discovered that diet and exercise—not prescriptions—were the real keys to transforming his patients’ health. His no-nonsense, data-backed approach strips away the noise and focuses on one clear concept: satiety per calorie.In this episode, Dr. Naiman explains why protein percentage and food volume are the hidden levers behind fat loss, and how our modern food environment hijacks our biology. He breaks down his “PE Diet” and shares how you can eat more, feel fuller, and lose fat—without overcomplicating it. Whether you're struggling with cravings, feeling stuck despite working out, or just want to cut through the BS, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and reset how you think about food—for good.Quotes:• "The whole system is designed to encourage you to eat enough to not die of starvation." - Dr. Ted Naiman • "Every human is wired to eat as many calories as they possibly can while expending as few calories as possible." - Dr. Ted Naiman • "Your ultimate purpose is to pass your genes forward—but you can't do that if you don't have enough energy to survive." - Dr. Ted Naiman Key Takeaways:• Protein is King for Satiety Humans (like all animals) are driven by a biological need to consume enough protein. If your food is low in protein, you'll unconsciously overeat to meet that need—often taking in excess calories in the process.• Satiety per Calorie Is the Missing Link Dr. Naiman introduces the idea that the most effective way to lose fat is to eat foods that provide high satiety (fullness) per calorie—typically those high in protein, fiber, and water, and low in refined fats and carbs.• The Real Fix Is Shockingly Basic Eat more protein, choose whole foods with volume and fiber, and move your body consistently. Simple doesn't mean easy—but it does mean doable and sustainable. Conclusion:Dr. Ted Naiman cuts through the clutter of modern health advice with one powerful message: fat loss and metabolic health aren't about extreme diets, fancy supplements, or micromanaging your hormones—they’re about returning to simple, foundational principles your body already understands. By focusing on high-satiety, high-protein foods and rejecting the ultra-processed combinations that hijack hunger, you can take back control of your appetite, your energy, and your long-term health. His common-sense, science-backed approach proves that lasting transformation doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be aligned with how your body is wired to thrive.

What happens when your dream doesn’t come true overnight—and instead, it takes decades of sweat, sacrifice, and countless setbacks? Do you keep pushing when you’re playing to empty rooms, living off couches, and watching peers give up one by one? In a world that glorifies instant success, Christian McAlhaney’s story is a powerful reminder that real growth takes time. If you’ve ever felt the pull between chasing your passion and being responsible for your family, or questioned whether the grind is worth it, this episode will hit home. What if the secret to making it isn’t talent—but staying in the game longer than anyone else?Christian is a guitarist for Anberlin, co-founder of Loose Talk, and a longtime member of Acceptance—three massively influential bands with loyal followings. But beyond the music, Christian is a grounded husband, father, and creative entrepreneur who’s walked the long road with integrity and grit. He opens up about building a life in music before the internet, navigating fatherhood on tour, and the faith and values that anchor him through it all. Christian’s passion for creating without compromise—and his deep commitment to being a good man first and foremost—make him uniquely equipped to guide any artist or leader wrestling with purpose, perseverance, and priorities.Quotes:• "It's about really honing that skill and learning the ropes of the business and growing and trying new things and failing, and pushing through adversity." - Christian McAlhaney• "In the beginning, it's a lot more failing than succeeding, but it's still seeing where you want to go and truly believing in yourself." - Christian McAlhaney• "We've always carried ourselves more about our actions than words anyway." - Christian McAlhaneyTakeaways:• Longevity beats hype. Christian’s career proves that success isn’t always about a viral moment—it’s about showing up, staying committed, and evolving with intention over decades.• Family and passion can coexist—with boundaries. Touring life isn’t easy with a family, but Christian and his wife make it work through clear communication, mutual respect, and realistic expectations.• Don’t hand over your business blindly. Early in his career, Christian let others handle the business side. Now, he emphasizes the importance of artists being deeply involved in their own operations—from budgeting to marketing—to protect their vision and profits.• Faith doesn’t need a label. Rather than boxing his music into a category, Christian lets his values speak through how he lives, treats people, and creates. His message: be a good human first, and let the rest follow naturally.Conclusion:Christian McAlhaney’s journey is a testament to grit, growth, and grace. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a dedicated parent, or someone simply trying to stay true to your values while chasing a dream, his story reminds us that success isn't about shortcuts—it's about showing up with integrity, again and again. Through every season of life, Christian has chosen to lead with character, prioritize family, and keep creating on his own terms. This episode is a powerful encouragement to slow down, stay the course, and build a life that lasts.