Apogee Strong

Creating financial security for your family often feels like a complex journey, with numerous choices and potential trade-offs along the way. Many people find it tricky to balance day-to-day expenses with the goal of building long-term savings and investments. Starting with small, steady efforts—such as budgeting, managing debt, and setting aside funds for the future—can gradually build momentum. With a clear vision and thoughtful planning, you can work toward a stable, prosperous foundation that supports your family’s financial well-being. Rachel Marshall is an entrepreneur, mother of three, and a passionate advocate for family legacy planning. With over 18 years of marriage to her husband Lucas, Rachel has navigated the challenges of balancing business and parenthood. Today, Rachel shares her personal journey, including a near-death experience during the birth of her second child, which sparked a profound shift in her family's priorities. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you remain open to conversation, learning, and keep an open mind, you'll experience growth in many areas. Your capacity will expand, leading to wonderful relationships and great opportunities as a result.” – Rachel Marshall “If you start that discipline early, it's much easier to maintain. Most people say they'll start saving when they make more money, but the challenge is that you'll likely feel the same way even when your income increases.” – Rachel Marshall “Money doesn't create our identity or satisfy any deep longing within us, but we often believe it does and repeatedly look to it to solve those issues.” – Rachel Marshall Takeaways: Prioritize saving and building a "foundational wealth habit" - aim to save 20-30% of your income, even if you start small. Celebrate your savings growth with your family. Explore the concept of "infinite banking" and how whole life insurance can be used as a tool for safe, liquid, and growing capital that you control. Involve your children in financial conversations and decisions early on. Teach them about earning, saving, spending, giving, and investing through hands-on experience. Create a family constitution or guidance system to document your family's mission, values, and legacy planning goals. This can help align your children to your long-term vision. Consider partnering with your children on future business or investment opportunities. Matching their savings can be a powerful way to build multi-generational wealth. Conclusion: A well-rounded financial strategy that effectively balances saving, investing, and the use of suitable financial tools is essential for reaching personal financial goals. By combining these elements, individuals can build security for the future, make the most of their assets, and manage risk. Thoughtful planning allows for both immediate needs and long-term aspirations, creating a foundation for financial resilience.

With so many devices around us constantly emitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs), it’s understandable to feel a bit uneasy about their possible impact on health. While research on EMFs is ongoing, some people take precautionary steps, like reducing screen time, using wired connections where possible, or simply turning off devices when not in use. Balancing the convenience of technology with potential health considerations can bring a little peace of mind. Being aware and proactive about EMF exposure, even in small ways, might help ease concerns about this unseen aspect of modern life. Aires Tech is a company dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address the growing concerns around electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Today, the Aries Tech team discusses their personal journey in discovering the impacts of EMF, the scientific evidence supporting their products, and their initiative to integrate these solutions into educational setting, such as Apogee schools, to protect the health and well-being of students and staff. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “We're not just taking the electromagnetic fields (EMF) that come off the devices, which can have a negative impact on your body, and leaving them as they are or blocking them or deflecting them somewhere else. We’re taking them and changing them so that they’re more bio-friendly.” – Grant “I'm one of those people who is intuitively driven. If I feel strongly about something, I’ll do the research and make a decision for myself. However, once I decide on something, it’s really hard to explain to someone why I made that choice.’” – Michaela “We live in this technological world, so it’s better to adapt rather than try to walk around in a Faraday cage all day and be fearful of it all the time.” – Michaela “The reality is, technology is here to stay. So I think we do a massive disservice to our kids by saying, ‘Hey, you’re never going to be able to touch it, never going to be able to use it. Good luck. I hope you’re off-grid and fully self-sustaining.’” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Explore ways to reduce EMF exposure in your home and daily life, such as unplugging devices when not in use, using speakerphone, and avoiding clock radios near the bed. Consider incorporating Aires Tech products into your home and school environments to help mitigate the effects of EMFs, especially for vulnerable populations like children. Stay informed about the latest research and developments in EMF science by checking out the "Wave Forward" podcast and blog, which feature in-depth discussions with experts. Advocate for more awareness and precautionary measures regarding EMF exposure, especially in schools and public spaces, to protect the health and well-being of our communities. Approach the topic of EMFs with an open and curious mindset, recognizing that there is still much to be learned, and be willing to experiment with different solutions to find what works best for your individual needs. Conclusion: Taking a proactive, balanced approach to managing EMF exposure is essential in today’s tech-driven world. By being mindful of potential risks while embracing the conveniences that technology offers, individuals and communities can make informed choices that support both health and well-being. Prioritizing small adjustments can help reduce exposure without compromising the benefits of modern connectivity. This approach fosters a healthier relationship with technology, ensuring that convenience and safety go hand in hand.

Child trafficking is a heartbreaking and urgent issue, with young lives being exploited in ways that are hard to imagine. Children are taken from their homes, often forced into dangerous and abusive situations with little chance to escape. The trauma they experience can have long-lasting effects on their physical and emotional health. Raising awareness about the harrowing realities of child trafficking is essential to protecting vulnerable children and pushing for change. Matt Murphy is a former Green Beret and CIA agent who has dedicated his life to combating human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of children. He currently serves as the director of US operations for the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on rescuing victims of child trafficking and providing humanitarian aid in crisis situations. Today, Matt discusses the systemic issues surrounding human trafficking in the United States, including the involvement of government agencies and high-level individuals. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “The most dangerous place for your child to be is on an iPhone—statistically speaking, that’s a fact. An iPhone or an iPad is, indeed, one of the most dangerous places for your child.” – Matt Murphy “When you give your children access to the world, you also give the world access to them. That's something we, as dads, really need to be aware of. We need to step back and ask, ‘Hey, how are we going to lead our family?’” – Matt Murphy “The biggest priority is trying to get foster homes, orphanages, and churches involved, especially through funding and connecting with good people in the community.” – Matt Murphy “It’s easier to build strong children than to fix broken men. Rescuing them and giving them the opportunity to grow into strong individuals who can, in turn, perpetuate good people is a big thing.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Become more aware of the child trafficking crisis and its prevalence, both online and in local communities. Educate yourself and others on the warning signs and ways to report suspected abuse. Prioritize being a strong, engaged parent and role model for children in your life. Limit unsupervised digital access and foster open communication to protect them from online predators. Consider supporting organizations like the Signal Foundation, either through financial donations or by exploring volunteer opportunities, such as the operator training course. Advocate for policy changes and increased funding to address the systemic failures in the foster care system and child protective services that enable trafficking to thrive. Reflect on your own role as a citizen and community member. What can you do to support vulnerable children and families, and help dismantle the networks that enable this abhorrent trade? Conclusion: The child trafficking crisis is a pervasive, systemic issue that affects communities both domestically and globally. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that strengthens families, empowers communities, and holds institutions accountable. It is equally essential to confront the complicity and negligence of those in positions of power who may enable or overlook these abuses. Only through coordinated efforts and unwavering commitment can we begin to dismantle the structures that allow such exploitation to persist. Working together, we can create safer environments and protect vulnerable children worldwide.

Creating the life and career you envision often requires taking bold, sometimes uncomfortable steps. It might mean leaving a stable job to pursue a passion project, moving to a new city, or investing time in learning skills outside your comfort zone. These decisions are rarely easy, but each one can bring you closer to a life that feels aligned with your goals and values. Embracing a bit of risk and staying committed to the vision you have can make all the difference in building a life you’re truly excited about. Juliana Folks and Fearon DeWeese are two dynamic women who have carved out impressive careers in the entertainment industry. Today, Juliana and Fearon discusses their personal journeys of self-acceptance, the importance of building a supportive team, and the challenges of balancing their creative ambitions with the demands of motherhood. Their insights offer a glimpse into the realities faced by women striving to succeed in an often male-dominated field. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Outside of my labels on paper, I think ‘artist’ is a more encompassing way to describe myself. I could say ‘multi-hyphenate,’ or now ‘business owner’ and ‘board member,’ and all these other things. But at the end of the day, it's all about creating art and telling stories.” – Juliana Folks “I think success is a mindset. If you look at success on a spectrum, everyone will have a different answer for what that looks like.” – Juliana Folks “Sometimes it’s like a marriage—you have to find that person who helps with your ‘children,’ balancing the act of raising them. It’s like we’re raising our projects, our babies, and getting them off the ground. Finding someone who can balance that with you is key.” – Fearon DeWeese “It’s about shaking up the system and saying, ‘This isn’t working, so let’s do something different.’” – Fearon DeWeese “We do live in somewhat of a gig economy, where you can find people to take on tasks on a small scale and continue to build that way. But it's about building that team.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Surround yourself with a supportive team and partner who can balance your strengths and weaknesses. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks you're not strong in. Embrace the power of storytelling and find ways to share your unique perspective. Your voice and experiences have value. Prioritize work-life balance and create an environment that supports both your career and family responsibilities. Communicate your needs and don't be afraid to set boundaries. Invest in building and maintaining relationships. Networking and fostering connections can open unexpected doors down the line. Redefine success on your own terms. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on creating the life you envision, even if it looks different from the norm. Conclusion: Finding balance and building a strong support system are essential for pursuing ambitious career goals, especially for women. Juggling professional aspirations with personal responsibilities requires intentional planning and a network of encouragement. By prioritizing self-care and seeking out supportive relationships, women can sustain their momentum and achieve success without compromising well-being. This approach not only helps manage the demands of a high-powered career but also fosters resilience and fulfillment along the way.

Falling into a cycle of unhealthy habits can feel frustrating, especially when you’ve tried to make changes but keep slipping back. It’s easy to get caught up in the short-term comfort those habits bring, even though you know they’re not serving you long-term. Lasting change often requires both patience and a deeper look at why those habits exist in the first place. Sometimes, shifting your environment or mindset—rather than just relying on willpower—can help break the cycle and make new, healthier habits stick. Ethan Suplee is an acclaimed actor known for his roles in popular TV shows and films. Today, Ethan discusses his personal journey of overcoming lifelong struggles with weight and finding sustainable solutions through addressing deeper emotional and mental factors. He also shares insights into the importance of support systems, self-worth, and embracing discomfort for lasting personal growth. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I found that I could set a goal and achieve it literally, yet still feel very unhappy with the outcome. It's like, ‘This isn't what I expected, but it's exactly what I said I wanted.’” – Ethan Suplee “I don't think we get very far on our own. Support is one of the most important and fundamental things we can have. Whether you're experiencing success or dealing with an obstacle, having someone to talk to and communicate with is incredibly valuable.” – Ethan Suplee “The feelings are real, but they don't have to represent the correct truth. They can be a version of the truth that you no longer agree with.” – Ethan Suplee “Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on the deeper emotional and mental factors driving your unhealthy habits, rather than just focusing on surface-level solutions. Cultivate self-worth and inner peace as a foundation for sustainable change, rather than seeking external validation or temporary fixes. Identify your support system and be open to feedback, even when it's uncomfortable, to gain new perspectives on your personal growth. Experiment with different approaches to health and wellness, staying curious and adaptable rather than dogmatic about any single method. Consider starting your own podcast or creating a product/service that allows you to share your experiences and help others navigate similar challenges. Conclusion: Cultivating self-worth, inner peace, and a supportive network is essential for achieving lasting change. Relying on external validation or quick fixes often leads to temporary satisfaction, while building a strong foundation from within fosters resilience and confidence. When we prioritize our self-esteem and surround ourselves with supportive individuals, we empower ourselves to navigate challenges effectively. This internal growth creates a more stable and fulfilling path toward personal development.

It's not uncommon to feel stuck, like you're just going through the motions, especially when life becomes routine or overwhelming. That feeling of quiet desperation can be a sign that something needs to change, whether it’s in your personal life, work, or mindset. Breaking free and living on your own terms often starts with small, intentional choices—whether it’s setting boundaries, exploring new passions, or simply giving yourself permission to pursue what truly makes you happy. It’s all about creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are and what you value. Abel James Bascon is a valedictorian and Ivy League graduate turned entrepreneur, musician, and health advocate. In his journey of personal growth, he emphasizes personal responsibility, embracing change, and maintaining integrity. Today, Abel shares insights on navigating the health and fitness industry, the impact of technology and AI, and balancing financial sustainability with personal fulfillment. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “You can't give kids advice right now about what they're going to be when they grow up. We can't envision the future that's ahead of us—it's just too unpredictable. It's changing too quickly for us to know.” – Abel James Bascon “The algorithm isn't favoring real people doing real work and saying real things right now. So it's really up to us to spread these messages within our own networks and groups, and hopefully, turn people on to others who are doing good work.” – Abel James Bascon “Podcasting is a life sentence, though; it's a lot of work. However, the rewards are real, and they're usually not monetary. It's more about making a difference in people's lives.” – Abel James Bascon “Let's make good humans who are able to adapt, who are able to learn and get on board with self-learning, and who can unlearn certain things because they become no longer relevant, whether to the individual or to society in general.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Embrace a growth mindset and be open to new possibilities, even if they don't fit the traditional path. Unlearn what is no longer relevant and adapt to the rapidly changing world. Focus on becoming a "good human" rather than just pursuing predetermined goals. Cultivate skills like self-learning, curiosity, and the ability to break free from limiting habits or thoughts. Spread the messages of people doing meaningful, impactful work in health, wellness, and other important areas. Don't rely on algorithms to surface this content - actively share it within your own networks. When traveling for work, prioritize high-quality protein sources and avoid sugary, processed foods. Plan ahead and bring portable, healthy options to maintain a balanced diet on the road. Recognize that change needs to happen both from the bottom-up (individual choices) and the top-down (policy, regulation). Educate yourself and others on the difference between real, whole foods and industrialized products. Conclusion: Personal responsibility, adaptability, and authenticity are essential in successfully navigating life's challenges. By owning our actions, being open to change, and staying true to ourselves, we can approach difficult situations with confidence and resilience. These qualities not only help us overcome obstacles but also allow for personal growth along the way. Embracing these traits leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Balancing personal needs with the demands of motherhood can be incredibly challenging. It's common to prioritize your children's needs, but it's also important to care for yourself to avoid burnout. Finding small moments for self-care and setting boundaries can help maintain your well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself ultimately benefits your entire family by allowing you to be more present and fulfilled. Heather Chauvin is the author of the book "Dying to be a Good Mother" and the podcast "Emotionally Uncomfortable." As a mother of three boys, Heather has navigated the challenges of balancing personal needs with the demands of parenting. Today, Heather discusses the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and redefining societal expectations in order to thrive as a mother and individual. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “The fuller we are, the better we can lead from a healthier place, advocating for our children, ourselves, and everything else.” – Heather Chauvin “Balance is BS. I'm all about alignment, which is why thriving is essential, not optional.” – Heather Chauvin “Thriving is a privilege and a birthright, accessible to all. The belief that fulfilling your desires is selfish, especially for women raising children, needs to be rewritten.” – Heather Chauvin Takeaways: Implement the "Wouldn't it be nice if..." journaling exercise to identify personal desires and the feelings behind them. Practice setting boundaries and communicating needs to family members, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Reflect on the areas of your life that need more attention and focus on reverse engineering how you want to feel, rather than just checking boxes. Conclusion: Prioritizing personal well-being and self-care is essential amidst the demands of motherhood. Taking time to care for oneself not only benefits a mother’s mental and physical health but also enhances her ability to care for her family. By finding balance and recognizing the value of self-care, mothers can navigate the challenges of parenting with more energy, patience, and resilience. Ultimately, caring for oneself creates a positive ripple effect that strengthens both personal well-being and family dynamics.

When you're dealing with overwhelming obstacles, it's really about breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps. Focusing on just the next action you can take, rather than the entire problem, helps a lot. It’s also important to remind yourself why you're working toward a particular goal—keeping the bigger picture in mind can fuel your motivation. Staying positive often comes from surrounding yourself with supportive people and giving yourself credit for small wins along the way. Mae Sayed is a trailblazing FBI agent. Today, she shares her inspiring journey of resilience, from overcoming the challenges of an arranged marriage as a young immigrant to navigating a new culture at 17. She emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity, internet safety for parents, and staying motivated in the face of adversity. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Hope is good. Hope keeps you grounded, but you have to have the right attitude toward it. When you have a positive attitude, good things happen.” – Mae Sayed “If your desire and your heart are in it, you can figure it out. The goal is to never give up—just keep going.” – Mae Sayed “Treat the internet as an extension of the real world, with similar safety precautions. Don’t talk to strangers, don’t take candy from strangers, and remember, nothing comes for free.” – Mae Sayed “Hope is never a strategy. Hope is a terrible GPS, but it makes an amazing co-pilot.'” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Treat the internet like the real world - monitor your children's online activity, educate them on internet safety, and set appropriate boundaries, just as you would in the physical world. Maintain a positive attitude and don't let anger or frustration consume you. Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Build a strong support network of family and friends who can provide emotional and practical support during challenging times. Be cautious of media narratives and seek to understand the full context before forming opinions. Recognize that there are often complexities and nuances beyond what is reported. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, adopt a "fire, aim, ready" mindset - take action, learn as you go, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Persistence and a willingness to adapt are key. Conclusion: Maintaining a positive attitude, finding solutions to challenges, and building a strong support network of family and friends are essential for navigating life's ups and downs. A positive mindset helps overcome obstacles, while a reliable support system offers encouragement and strength. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for personal resilience and long-term success.

It’s a frustrating feeling when you know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to reach that level of success or fulfillment you’re aiming for. No matter how hard you work, it can feel like something is holding you back, whether it’s external obstacles or internal doubts. This disconnect between where you are and where you want to be can be discouraging, but often it’s a signal that some shift—either in mindset, strategy, or priorities—might be needed to unlock your true potential. Andy Pho is an artist, mentor, and coach. He has harnessed the power of intentionality and self-discovery to navigate his personal and professional life. Today, Andy shares his captivating journey, delving into the impact of his father's tragic passing, his exploration of stoic philosophy, and the transformative role of psychedelics in his personal growth. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Perfection isn't possible, but it remains the standard.” – Andy Pho “If we knew better, we would have done better. Even if we consciously make a stupid decision, the truth is, you consciously chose to do that. If you truly knew better deep down, you wouldn't have done it.” – Andy Pho “Asking questions is taking a step forward, allowing you to see more and more. It's about knowing which path or direction you want to walk in.” – Andy Pho “Sometimes we have a hard time assigning ourselves to a category. I don’t want to say 'label'—that’s not the right word—but we struggle to categorize ourselves when we see others doing it at such a high level.'” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Embrace the process of self-discovery and growth - be willing to ask tough questions, confront your past, and reframe your experiences to serve your higher purpose. Create sacred spaces and experiences that allow for deep reflection and personal transformation - consider how you can design environments that foster meaningful connections and personal growth. Cultivate intentionality and simplicity in your life - focus on doing more with less to optimize your energy and impact. Prioritize serving others and fostering meaningful relationships over pure profit or success - consider how you can use your unique talents and experiences to positively impact those around you. Practice meditation and journaling as tools for self-awareness and emotional regulation - experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Conclusion: Intentional living is key to leading a fulfilling life, as it encourages personal growth through self-reflection and mindful choices. By creating environments that nurture meaningful connections, individuals can build stronger relationships and deepen their sense of purpose. Embracing personal growth allows us to continually evolve and enrich both our inner and outer lives. This holistic approach fosters well-being and long-lasting fulfillment.

Bridging the gap between good intentions and effective action often comes down to having clarity of purpose and the discipline to follow through. It means not only having a vision but also the willingness to take meaningful steps, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain. A true leader in times of adversity is someone who remains steady, inspires confidence, and leads by example—showing resilience and empathy while making tough decisions that serve the greater good. Joshua Tyler is the founder of the Savage Gentleman brand. He has dedicated himself to empowering men to embrace their full potential and navigate the complexities of modern life. Today, Joshua explores the challenges of crisis management, the stages of personal growth, and the importance of adaptability and community in shaping effective leaders. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If there's never any risk, there will never be any reward. Loss is the risk that must exist for a reward to actually have any value.” – Joshua Tyler “The scarring process is a way to move past the damage we've incurred and continue to survive. For now, the mark is there, and there may be some aches or pains, but the body's ability to heal is profound.” – Joshua Tyler “You are good enough. You don't have to do anything different or be anywhere other than where you are right now to be worthy of love and all the amazing things the world has to offer.” – Joshua Tyler “You're going to get better. You might feel like you're always getting your butt kicked, and sure, you might always face challenges at the next level. But as you progress, you'll get your butt kicked for a while, and then you'll look back and realize, 'Oh my gosh, those are all the asses I can kick now.'” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Cultivate flexibility and adaptability when trying to help others - be willing to serve in the way that is most needed, not just the way you envision. Reflect on your own "learning curves" and how you can reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than just losses. Consider what "level" you are currently on and how to progress. Identify your key role models and mentors and consider how you can learn from the unique strengths and perspectives they offer. Avoid relying on a single "perfect" role model. Practice gratitude and self-forgiveness as a means of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges. Recognize that you are "good enough" while still having room to grow. Explore writings or teachings that provide a balance of fantasy/inspiration and practical wisdom for your personal development journey. Conclusion: Adaptability, self-awareness, and community are key pillars of personal growth and leadership development. Embracing change, understanding oneself, and fostering strong connections with others enable individuals to thrive in both personal and professional settings. By cultivating these qualities, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and inspire those around them. Ultimately, growth and success are driven by a commitment to continuous learning and meaningful relationships.