Apogee Strong

It’s such a common experience for women to juggle the demands of work, family, and personal growth, often feeling like there’s never enough time for themselves. When you’re always taking care of everyone else, your own needs can easily slip to the bottom of the list, which can lead to feelings of burnout or even resentment. Finding that balance is tough, and it's important to carve out moments for self-care and personal fulfillment, even when life feels overwhelming. Alison Capra is the marketing director of Johnny Slicks, the co-owner of The Agoge, fitness coach, and the author of “How NOT to be a Miserable Cow.” She is committed to personal growth and empowering others while bringing expertise in entrepreneurship and wellness. Today, Alison shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, finding joy, and empowering women to prioritize their own growth and development. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, establishing boundaries, and implementing daily practices like journaling and goal-setting to achieve a fulfilling life. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If we're chasing feelings, they come and go so quickly. That's why people often get addicted to drugs and alcohol—because they're chasing a sensation instead of cultivating lasting happiness and joy through the choices they make and the things they develop within themselves.” – Alison Capra “If you are looking for happiness, it’s like a bottomless pit; you will never be fully happy or fulfilled. It’s simply not in the cards for anyone. Life has too many challenges that it will throw at you.” – Alison Capra “Women have to prioritize their well-being. They need to take care of themselves to be the best versions of themselves, enabling them to serve their families and others effectively. To me, that means focusing on personal development.” – Alison Capra Takeaways: Evaluate your personal insecurities and learn to let go of them - they can hinder your progress and growth. Prioritize creating lasting joy and fulfillment in your life, rather than just chasing temporary feelings of happiness. Implement daily practices, like the "high/low/what did you learn" dinner conversation, to foster personal growth and strengthen family connections. Build a supportive community of honest, constructive friends who can provide feedback and accountability, not just validation. Don't be afraid to take time for yourself, even if it means stepping away for a short "reset." Conclusion: Self-awareness, cultivating lasting joy, and building a supportive network are essential for both personal and professional growth. It's crucial for women to prioritize their own development and well-being, rather than always placing the needs of others first. By focusing on their own happiness and growth, women can create a more balanced, fulfilling life and become stronger, more effective contributors in all areas of their lives.

It can feel exhausting when we're constantly bombarded with fear-driven news about public health and infectious diseases. The way some media outlets frame these topics can create anxiety and uncertainty, making it hard to know what’s truly important. It’s natural to crave balanced, fact-based information without the hype, so we can focus on staying informed without getting overwhelmed. Alec Zeck is a natural health advocate and educator challenging conventional views on infectious diseases and virus theory. With a background in systems engineering, he seeks to expose the flaws and pseudoscience within modern virology. Today, Alec explores fundamental assumptions about the COVID-19 response, including the nature of viruses, the existence of SARS-CoV-2, and government authority. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” – Alec Zeck “Falsification does not require replacement. It is not my responsibility to prove that viruses don't exist; the burden of proof lies with the individual making the positive claim.” – Alec Zeck “When we aren't mindful of our own thoughts, feelings, actions, and belief systems, they can be hijacked against us, leading to the creation of more of what we don't actually want at our core.” – Alec Zeck “Fear usually comes from ignorance. Ignorance breeds fear, and the way to eradicate ignorance is to ask questions.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Question the fundamental assumptions behind infectious disease theories and the COVID-19 narrative. Critically examine the evidence and methods used to identify and characterize viruses. Explore the concept of terrain theory and how it offers an alternative perspective on health and illness. Investigate the role of the human biofield, water, and consciousness in disease manifestation. Prioritize simple, natural health practices like grounding, sun exposure, and breathwork to increase your body's coherence and resilience. Avoid getting caught up in the information overload and fear-based narratives. Educate yourself on common law and alternative legal frameworks that empower individual sovereignty. Seek out resources and courses that provide a deeper understanding of your rights and options. Cultivate a strong, coherent energetic field and focus on aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions with your values. Recognize your power to influence and entrain those around you through your own state of being. Conclusion: There is a critical need to reassess the scientific foundations of modern infectious disease theory, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 response. The methods and assumptions used to identify and characterize viruses deserve closer scrutiny, as the current paradigm may be based on flawed premises. By questioning these foundations, we can work towards a more accurate and effective understanding of infectious diseases, ultimately improving future responses and public health outcomes.

Concerns about ideological indoctrination in schools can leave you feeling frustrated and powerless as a parent. Watching as certain agendas are pushed, you may worry about how to protect your children and ensure they are receiving a balanced education. The feeling of not having control over what your kids are exposed to can be deeply unsettling. Alvin Lui is a passionate advocate for educational reform, dedicated to empowering parents and protecting children from the dangerous ideologies infiltrating our school systems. Today, Alvin shares his insights on the concept of "courage as a habit," emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and the need to inoculate children against the indoctrination tactics employed by educators. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Outrage without outlets creates hopelessness, and that’s the last thing we need. The inaction and apathy from Americans in general on so many issues is one of the reasons we are where we are in this country.” – Alvin Lui “Language contamination is when they use your vocabulary but not your dictionary. They use your words, but not your meaning.” – Alvin Lui “We're all in the same fight, just in different lanes.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Proactively teach your children critical thinking skills to evaluate information they encounter, rather than just shielding them from challenging ideologies. Consider ways you can get involved in your local school system, such as attending school board meetings or starting an after-school club, to provide a positive alternative to the ideological programming. Reflect on how you can become a resource for other parents in your community, whether through informational sessions or connecting them with strategies to get more involved in their children's education. Examine your own biases and preconceptions - are there ways you may be inadvertently sheltering your children rather than inoculating them against harmful ideologies? Brainstorm creative ways to reach people across the political spectrum, focusing on asking questions and encouraging genuine curiosity rather than confrontation. Conclusion: It is essential to equip students with critical thinking skills to help them navigate and resist harmful ideologies, rather than merely shielding them from these influences. By fostering awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we empower students to discern and challenge biased perspectives. This approach prepares them to engage thoughtfully with diverse ideas, building resilience and independence in their thinking. Ultimately, education should focus on strengthening their ability to make informed choices.

Aspiring to become a responsible leader often sparks a deeper journey of personal growth. It’s more than just acquiring skills; it’s about developing self-awareness, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. The path can be challenging, but it’s filled with opportunities to reflect, learn, and evolve into a leader who makes a meaningful impact. Danny Silk is a renowned expert in leadership, marriage, and personal growth. With over 40 years of marriage and decades of experience in counseling, Danny has become a sought-after speaker and author dedicated to transforming lives through connection and vulnerability. Today, Danny dives into crucial topics such as the essence of leadership, the importance of building connections over control, and the challenges of marriage. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “When we get scared, we focus on trying to control what's scaring us. But that's completely backwards from what actually works.” – Danny Silk “You are living in the tomorrow that you built yesterday.” – Danny Silk “You want to feel respected, connected, and loved. That’s it. Go tell her exactly that. Lay those three things at her feet and let her figure out how to meet them.” – Danny Silk Takeaways: Make a conscious effort to lead with vulnerability and take ownership of your actions and emotions. Reflect on where you can improve self-control and how you can contribute to healthier relationships. Focus on creating a safe space where those around you feel seen, valued, and respected. Consider how you're currently connecting with others and what steps you can take to deepen those connections. Assess how you express love and respect in your relationships. Ask yourself if your actions meet the needs of your partner or loved ones and how you can better align your efforts to show appreciation and support. Identify areas in your life where you experience challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Make a plan to learn from these experiences and apply the lessons to elevate your personal and professional life. Engage with resources to cultivate your leadership abilities. Consider what qualities you admire in effective leaders and how you can integrate these traits into your own leadership style. Conclusion: Building meaningful connections through vulnerability and mutual respect is crucial for growth in both relationships and leadership. Effective leadership also requires self-control and a focus on empowering others. By addressing personal challenges with honesty and open communication, individuals can foster stronger connections and drive improvements in their personal and professional lives. This approach leads to deeper relationships and more impactful leadership.

Struggling to find direction and purpose as a young man can be deeply frustrating, especially when it feels like the traditional education system and societal norms aren't providing the guidance needed for the future. It’s easy to feel lost in a world that often seems disconnected from the challenges you’ll face in life. Finding a path that aligns with your values and ambitions can seem overwhelming in the midst of this uncertainty. Jon Hamilton is a former Green Beret and the founder of Infinite Grit, a fitness and mentorship program tailored for aspiring tactical athletes. After overcoming his own struggles with the traditional education system, Jon discovered the power of skill acquisition, consistency, and delayed gratification - traits that fueled his success in the elite Special Operations community. Today, Jon shares his unconventional upbringing, military journey, leadership insights, transition to entrepreneurship, and strategies for helping young men build mental toughness and physical resilience. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you aim to uphold it on a daily basis, the buy-in is the key ingredient to make that happen.” – Jon Hamilton “I think our future is built on the young men in this call and the young men who want to stand out from the crowd.” – Jon Hamilton “There are only going to be a few opportunities throughout our lives to see how far we can truly go.” – Jon Hamilton “Commitment is a word that has, in many ways, lost its honor in our culture. Somebody will say they are committing before they actually show that they are committed.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Identify your authentic, long-term goals and keep them at the forefront of your mind. Avoid being swayed by short-term distractions or societal pressures. Commit to consistently learning and implementing new skills, even when it's challenging. Track your progress to stay motivated. Be willing to put in the hard work over an extended period to achieve your most meaningful ambitions, rather than seeking instant gratification. Draw inspiration from the experiences of others who have overcome adversity. Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Look beyond the traditional education system and societal norms to find role models and mentors who can guide you towards your goals. Their unique perspectives may be the key to unlocking your full potential. Conclusion: Developing a clear, long-term vision is essential for achieving meaningful goals. Paired with the willingness to put in consistent hard work, this focus provides direction and motivation through challenges. By staying committed to a steady effort, individuals can make progress and bring their vision to life. Ultimately, success is built on a foundation of persistence and dedication over time.

Feeling like you don’t belong can be tough, but for some, it becomes a powerful motivator. That sense of not fitting in can ignite a drive to outwork everyone and prove your place. Instead of letting isolation hold you back, it pushes you to excel and rise above expectations, turning the feeling of being an outsider into a source of strength. As a trailblazing filmmaker and philanthropist, Kerry David has dedicated her career to amplifying untold stories and giving voice to the voiceless. With an innate curiosity and fearless spirit, she has navigated an unconventional path, from working with Hollywood icons to building a nonprofit that supports women on the frontlines of the poaching crisis in Africa. Today, Kerry discusses her fascinating career journey as a filmmaker and philanthropist and shares how she stumbled into the film industry. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I realized that while we may express emotions more because we've been allowed to, men have equal emotions; they just aren't always encouraged to express them.” – Kerry David “Just because you can work with difficult people doesn't mean you have to.” – Kerry David “My worry is that with all of this short-form content, we'll lose something important. Kids' attention spans aren't there to invest in a film anymore. They're so used to the quick hits of dopamine or serotonin from doing a million things at once that they won't understand the beauty of just relaxing into something that might take two hours to reveal itself.” – Kerry David Takeaways: Cultivate a growth mindset by reframing "failure" as an opportunity for learning and development. Encourage this perspective in young people. Prioritize open communication and setting clear expectations when managing employees, especially those with differing work ethics. Find the balance between pushing people and allowing them to grow at their own pace. Invest time in long-form storytelling, whether through films, books, or other media. Counteract the trend of short attention spans by exposing young people to the value of immersive, emotional journeys. Reflect on your own work-life balance. Are you operating out of fear or a genuine desire to excel? Identify ways to dial back the intensity without compromising your passion. Foster a supportive community of women who can uplift, encourage, and challenge one another. Recognize the power of female solidarity and how it can transform individual and collective experiences. Conclusion: Cultivating resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset is essential for young people's development. These qualities help them navigate challenges, adapt to change, and approach life with confidence. By fostering these traits early on, we equip young individuals with the tools they need to thrive in both personal and professional environments. Ultimately, building these skills sets the foundation for a fulfilling and successful future.

Maintaining a competitive edge as a high-performing athlete while balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy feat. It requires a delicate juggling act between training, family time, and managing a business. Finding the right balance means prioritizing discipline, time management, and focusing on what truly matters in each area of life without losing sight of personal goals. Lance Palmer is a true renaissance man of combat sports. As a two-time PFL tournament champion, four-time NCAA All-American, and OHSAA wrestling legend, he has proven his mastery of the physical and mental demands of elite-level competition. Today, Lance discusses his unique upbringing and shares insights into balancing his successful MMA career with the responsibilities of fatherhood. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “The biggest thing I’ve had to focus on over the past three and a half years is patience, because I’ve never had much of it in life, and it’s something I’ve really had to work on.” – Lance Palmer “When I think of ‘engaging,’ I picture a clutch or a motor engaging—like being locked in. That’s what those words mean to me more than just being present.” – Lance Palmer “If they really want to be serious, or if they want to be successful at it, or even have a chance at success, they need an honest answer about the work required to reach the next level.” – Lance Palmer “It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to switch back and forth between roles, and the quicker we can do it, the better.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Develop patience and presence - Implement strategies like focusing on your senses (smell, touch, sight) to stay grounded in the moment, whether training or spending time with family. Set clear boundaries with technology - Establish rules and limits around phone/screen time to ensure you are fully present and engaged with your children. Communicate openly with your children about their goals and commitment level - Have honest discussions about the level of dedication required to excel in a sport and allow them to make informed decisions. Explore sports psychology and mindset coaching - Consider working with a sports psychologist to help you optimize your performance and maintain a healthy mindset. Seek out opportunities to share your personal story in a way that inspires and empowers others. Your vulnerability can plant seeds of change and help those who feel alone in their struggles. Conclusion: Maintaining a balanced and intentional approach is essential for success in high-performance endeavors, whether in athletics, entrepreneurship, or parenting. This balance helps manage the demands of each role while fostering personal growth and well-being. By staying focused and purposeful, individuals can achieve long-term success without sacrificing their overall quality of life.

Feeling like you don't belong can be a lonely experience, where no matter where you go, it seems hard to truly connect with others. It can feel isolating, as if there's an invisible barrier between you and the people around you. This sense of disconnection can be difficult to shake, even in familiar places or with close acquaintances. Sean Corcoran is a powerful voice in the pro-life movement. After a devastating abortion decision at 18 sent him spiraling into substance abuse, Sean found the strength to turn his life around and become a successful lawyer. Today, Sean shares his powerful personal story of overcoming addiction, the impact of an unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and his journey to becoming a leader in the pro-life movement through his work with the nonprofit organization Men for Life. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “95% of biologists and geneticists, most of whom are pro-choice, agree that human life starts at conception. This means that it's not just your body; it is a human body and another human being.’” – Sean Corcoran “Never really having tight connections—I think that lack of connection led to a lot of difficulties for me.” – Sean Corcoran “The purpose is to initiate thought, to provoke critical thinking. If we can provoke thought, then maybe down the line, it will lead to change.” – Sean Corcoran “Your confidence in knowing something breeds patience. It's a byproduct of that confidence.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on how instability and lack of belonging in your childhood may have impacted your ability to form deep connections later in life. Consider how you can create more stability and a sense of community for the young people in your life. Recognize the importance of having tough conversations with your children about sensitive topics like sex, drugs, and alcohol. Open communication can help prepare them for the challenges they may face. If you have a loved one struggling with addiction, set firm boundaries and refuse to enable their destructive behavior. Provide support, but make it clear you will not participate in or cover up their addiction. Challenge the common pro-choice arguments around "bodily autonomy" and "healthcare" by highlighting the scientific consensus that abortion ends a human life. Be prepared to have thoughtful, nuanced discussions on this complex issue. Seek out opportunities to share your personal story in a way that inspires and empowers others. Your vulnerability can plant seeds of change and help those who feel alone in their struggles. Conclusion: Instability, lack of belonging, and unresolved trauma can profoundly shape an individual's life trajectory. These factors can create lasting challenges that impact personal growth and well-being. Addressing them early is crucial for fostering resilience and a healthier path forward.

Transitioning from military life to the civilian world or building a business from scratch can both present significant challenges. Adjusting to new environments and navigating unfamiliar territories requires resilience and adaptability. Each journey involves overcoming unique obstacles and finding strategies to thrive in new roles and situations. With over 26 years as a Navy SEAL, William Branum has faced the ultimate test of transitioning from the high-stakes world of special operations to the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship. Today, William shares his experiences navigating the challenges of transitioning from a military career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of developing a unique personal brand, balancing masculinity and emotional intelligence, and adopting a resilient mindset to overcome major life changes. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you want to offend me, tell me a lie. If you want to offend the weak one, tell them the truth.’” – William Branum “Curiosity over certainty. Everyone wants certainty, but the world doesn't work that way. If you're curious and ask more questions, you'll get more answers.” – William Branum “The quality of your life depends upon the quality of the questions that you ask yourself.” – William Branum “That's why people fail in business, I believe: it takes so long to develop the plan and then continually adjust it.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Develop a "signature presentation" or talk that encapsulates your unique expertise and experiences. Use it as a foundation to serve others. Implement a daily planning routine that prioritizes easy, high-impact tasks to build momentum and reduce overwhelm. Embrace a mindset of "curiosity over certainty" - be willing to ask tough questions, learn from failures, and continuously evolve. Cultivate the ability to lean into conflict and maintain your masculine power, without letting your ego derail productive conversations. Create contingency plans for major life transitions and be prepared to adapt your strategy as circumstances change. Conclusion: Building a unique personal brand and developing expertise are crucial for standing out and achieving success. At the same time, maintaining flexibility and resilience allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and stay relevant. Balancing these elements ensures long-term growth and the ability to navigate various challenges effectively.

Cultivating the next generation of principled leaders involves fostering values like responsibility, integrity, and dedication. Encouraging young men to take on challenges, make ethical decisions, and lead by example helps build strong character. Providing mentorship and creating environments where these qualities are modeled and rewarded can guide them toward becoming impactful leaders. As a decorated 31-year veteran of the United States Navy, Larry Getz has dedicated his life to developing the next generation of principled leaders. Larry's unique expertise lies in his ability to forge high-performing teams and cultivate a culture of excellence, even in the most challenging environments. Today, Larry shares powerful insights on building high-performing teams, developing unbreakable character, and forging the next generation of principled leaders through his remarkable journey from boyhood to manhood and decades of distinguished service in the United States Navy. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you embody the opposite qualities, you’ll attract the other type into your life. So, if you're kind and warm, if you're magnetic (not just good-looking), if you're respectful and disciplined, you will attract similar people into your life.’” – Larry Getz “Think of yourself as a servant. You’re not the person who has to come up with all the answers or the magic solution; you’re the one serving the team.” – Larry Getz “The quality of your life depends upon the quality of the questions that you ask yourself.” – Larry Getz “Good questions are always better than good answers.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Cultivate a strong support network of "Ride or Die" friends - a confidant, a truth-teller, and someone who will always have your back, no matter what. Approach leadership with a servant's mindset, focused on serving your team and helping them succeed, rather than having all the answers yourself. Be willing to ask questions and admit what you don't know - humility and a thirst for learning are essential qualities of great leaders. When facing a major transition or challenge, proactively communicate with your team to maintain morale and a sense of belonging, rather than letting it erode over time. For those leading younger teams, prioritize making the experience fun and engaging, while still subtly guiding them towards growth and improvement. Conclusion: Developing well-rounded leadership qualities is essential for effective leadership, extending beyond mere technical competence. Strong leaders must also cultivate skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. These qualities enhance their ability to inspire and guide teams, ultimately contributing to overall success and growth.