Apogee Strong

In unschooling, parenting is about fostering curiosity and self-directed learning rather than following a rigid curriculum. Education is seen as a natural part of life, where children learn through exploration, play, and real-life experiences rather than formal instruction. This approach to child development emphasizes independence, critical thinking, and creativity, allowing children to pursue their interests and develop at their own pace. Ana Martin believes that minimizing rules and trusting kids to follow their passions maximizes growth. Through her popular social media, she encourages parents to dismantle corruption by cultivating health, independence, and respecting sovereignty. By sharing her family's story, Ana inspires communities to support each other in raising the next generation of confident, compassionate critical thinkers. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Don't be comfortable. Comfortable is where liberty dies.” – Ana Martin “Make sure that the food you are eating is nutritious. Other than nutrition, try not to be too interested in food because that's where they hook you.” – Ana Martin “Read up on natural law and become the living expert on your own health and well-being, and on your children's. That's how we make the world freer.” – Ana Martin Takeaways: Pay close attention to your children's interests and passions and help them explore these fully without being too directive. Encourage physical activity, healthy nutrition, quality sleep, and time away from screens to support mental and physical well-being. Consider giving children more autonomy and freedom to make their own choices, even if they make mistakes. Discuss big ideas openly with children and help them think critically about different perspectives. Find small ways for children to be financially responsible for themselves through chores or part-time jobs. Conclusion: Giving children the freedom to explore their interests fosters independence and self-reliance, leading to better outcomes. Providing diverse experiences without imposing strict goals helps them discover their passions, while supportive and respectful parenting nurtures their growth and confidence.

Developing leadership skills and fostering personal growth are crucial for becoming a great leader and a well-rounded person. These elements are really important for young men to shape their futures, influence their decisions, and help them navigate the challenges of adulthood. Growing as a leader means developing important skills and experiencing personal growth. David Waldy shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Leadership and purpose intertwine as guiding principles for personal growth and development. Defining one's identity and taking consistent actions aligned with integrity can lead to meaningful progress and fulfillment. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "I had trust, respect, integrity, and confidence in my external relationships. Why? Because they could trust me to do what I said I would." – David Waldy "Love is a choice. You're not always going to feel it." – David Waldy "We've abandoned our dining room tables, our neighborhoods, and the people who live right next to us because we're so hyper-concerned about all these big, giant things." – David Waldy Takeaways: Every day, be the person you want to be by putting your focus on self-improvement and learning more about who you are. Live your life in accordance with your principles, be truthful with yourself, and never stop learning; they will help you develop humility and integrity. By letting yourself be vulnerable, forgiving, and compassionate, you can cultivate empathy for others and yourself, leading to more rewarding relationships founded on free will. Prioritize your tasks and establish clear goals, but don't forget to make little, steady progress every day. Focus on the here and now while you work through traumatic experiences in treatment, and surround yourself with supportive and accountable advisors and mentors. Conclusion: Opportunities for personal growth and leadership development can shape a young man's future. If you want to be a successful, compassionate leader and overcome life's obstacles, you need to learn to embrace responsibility, move on from past limits, define and pursue your mission, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Stay true to yourself and know that you can change.

With its flexibility and personalized style, homeschooling can attract parents and students who want a more custom education. It shapes the learning path to match each child's speed, interests, and unique obstacles, promoting better academic results and more student participation. With homeschooling, it can be a safe space from bullying and the social challenges that can sometimes come with traditional schooling. However, homeschooling needs a lot of time from parents and takes on the roles of both teachers and social activity planners. Hannah Frankman shares her journey to self-discovery. She talks about homeschooling, career paths, and overcoming challenges. As they learn the value of being homeschooled, listeners gain insights into alternative approaches to learning. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "If homeschooling is all formulaic, you're kind of missing out on the potential of what homeschooling can be, which is infinitely customizable." – Hannah Frankman "It doesn't matter how long it takes between each step in your career. But each big step should make everything that comes after it feel like a footnote." – Hannah Frankman "And then my mom was always really communicative with the woman who ran the school. That woman was incredibly supportive to us and ensured that I was always feeling seen, valued, protected, and taken care of by the adults in the room." – Hannah Frankman Takeaways: Alternatives to standard curriculum, such as homeschooling, encourage creativity, help kids find passions, and impart practical skills. With open communication and support, homeschooled kids can prevent bullying and yet participate in a variety of activities, co-ops, and online communities. Even when pursuing one's passion takes an unusual professional route, success and long-term fulfillment can follow. Though widespread, impostor syndrome can be avoided by emphasizing one's accomplishments and not looking to others for approval. It takes imagination to balance a job, parenting, or homeschooling. Still, microschools and other support networks can help by communicating non-traditional educational methods and promoting an intrinsic desire for learning. Conclusion: A personalized and flexible approach to education can lead to critical thinking, independence, and self-confidence. It emphasizes the value of real-world skills over standardized testing, the importance of community, and the possibility of successful career paths outside conventional academia. But, it's also essential to manage challenges such as socialization and external skepticism regarding homeschooling.

Are today's families and communities losing their way? In a society increasingly divided, instilling strong values in our children amid so many conflicting influences is critical. Maintaining traditional structures with positive role models is the way to guide the next generation on the right path. Though you may face criticism for being traditional, it will surely lead your children towards success. Sean Patrick Flanery is an American actor and martial artist. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has been trained in martial arts since the 1990s. He owns his own martial arts academy and is passionate about teaching practical self-defense techniques. In this episode, he shared many powerful lessons about building strong families and communities. He emphasized the importance of traditional values like hard work, meritocracy, and disciplined parenting. Join us as we tackle issues such as traditional parenting, the value of meritocracy, balancing personal values, and more! Quotes: “If you don't occasionally question whether or not you're being too hard on your kids, you're not being hard enough on your kids.” – Sean Patrick Flanery "A big part of being a decent dad is knowing when to catch your kid and when to let your kid fall."– Sean Patrick Flanery "The world is a competition. When are you gonna start? There is no bell curve in life. Life is a meritocracy, you will get out what you put in. You show me a kid that's not trying to win, and I'll show you a loser."– Sean Patrick Flanery Takeaways: The old-fashioned way of raising kids with a nuclear family, clear rules, a little healthy contest, and learning based on hard work still works really well, even though some people might not like it these days. Towns and neighborhoods do best when people who believe in the same things, like honesty, hard work, and helping others, stick together instead of ignoring each other. Being there for your family is more important than getting ahead at work. If a job takes away too much family time, saying no is okay. The best kind of success is when you can balance work, what matters to you, and the people you love all at once. Conclusion: Traditional values like hard work, meritocracy, and disciplined parenting are important. However, we must remember the need for balance—acknowledging outside influences while maintaining a firm foundation at home. Prioritize time with your loved ones over fame or fortune. By cultivating virtues like integrity, grit, and compassion, leaders can help strengthen the moral fabric of society. Overall, this discussion highlights how individual choices can make the world brighter for generations to come when guided by a noble purpose.

All across the world, people of all ages are impacted by bullying. Suffering from emotional and psychological pain as a result of bullying can have far-reaching effects. Yet, martial arts have helped many people overcome the trauma of bullying. From teaching self-defense, martial arts also boost self-esteem and discipline. It helps us find inner peace, master emotions, and grow in self and other respect. Bas Rutten discusses his incredible story from childhood bullying to becoming a UFC heavyweight champion and successful business. In talking about his transformation, Bas highlights the value of martial arts in personal growth, good breathing methods, and mental toughness. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "You have to commit, you have to do something, you have to make a plan, and even better, a backup plan." – Bas Rutten "I always saw myself as not being good, because they bullied me and I was always talked down to. So, I always over prepare for everything I do.” – Bas Rutten "Your body is an amazing machine, it starts with rest and protein, it comes back and it makes it even stronger. If you put one or two days of rest in between, you're going to be so strong." – Bas Rutten Takeaways: Pay attention to our physical fitness, eat right, and develop self-discipline - it's about sticking with a good exercise routine and saying no to those unhealthy habits for overall health and well-being. You can build mental strength and confidence by stepping out of your comfort zone, keeping your promises, and always keeping a positive attitude when interacting with others. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan, develop a range of skills, and be ready to adapt to life's changes - that's how we ensure we're resilient and versatile. Aim for long-term success by taking small, steady steps towards our goals, making sure you’re building sustainable habits and making steady progress. Conclusion: Taking up martial arts could be a transformative journey that not only boosts your fitness but also your confidence and resilience. It's about equipping individuals with the ability to stand up for themselves and restoring their sense of self-worth - it's truly empowering. Martial arts challenge you to go beyond your comfort zone, helping you uncover an inner strength you never knew you had.

Functional medicine is like your friendly neighborhood detective, identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases rather than just treating the symptoms. Factors like your genes, your environment, and your lifestyle are all considered to develop a treatment plan just for you. This approach is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason - it offers a more personalized and effective way to manage chronic conditions. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon shares insights from her experiences with leaders in the field of nutritional sciences. As an expert in functional medicine, she discusses the impact of nutrition on health and personal development. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "Physicians are trained in a very algorithmic way to come up with a differential diagnosis. There is something called a standard of care in which the overarching groups of medicine agree that this is the best way to treat a patient. This is a physician's job and responsibility." – Dr. Gabrielle Lyon "I think that physicians need to understand their limitations, be very honest, and self-aware of individual limitations. Without this understanding, physicians can be very dangerous." – Dr. Gabrielle Lyon "You have to feel good and honorable about what you're doing. It takes a long time to become an expert at something." – Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Takeaways: Physicians specialize in acute issues, so for nutritional, lifestyle, or exercise advice, consider seeking a reputable functional medicine provider for evidence-based care. Protein intake, strength training, and lifestyle factors are crucial for healthy aging, but remember that individual needs vary. Connective tissue issues could be the underlying causes of tendinopathies rather than just activity level. Aggressive training, not reduced intensity, is necessary to maintain muscle and function as we age. It's essential to examine single statements critically, collaborate with like-minded individuals for personal growth, and take control of your own health knowledge for physical sovereignty. Conclusion: Identifying and addressing diseases’ root causes is more important than simply treating symptoms. This needs a patient-centered approach that uses solid evidence and is not afraid to question old methods. We need to let people know about the benefits of this approach, work together across different medical fields, and fight for everyone to have access to affordable functional medicine. This approach to healthcare promises a more patient-centered and effective system that can manage chronic conditions more effectively.

Maintaining equilibrium among work, self-improvement, and family commitments is crucial for a fulfilling life. Balancing professional development, personal well-being, and quality time with loved ones nurtures a sense of harmony and contentment. Embracing this harmony fosters resilience and strengthens relationships, enriching both personal and professional spheres. Kyle Kingsbury shares his experiences transitioning from football to mixed martial arts and dealing with addiction and depression. Through fighting, he learned about performance, longevity, and mental well-being. But after starting a family, he realized he needed a more stable career that allowed him to be present. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I found peace now; I didn't have to get in the cage. I actually felt amazing by myself in my own skin.” – Kyle Kingsbury “Consistency is key when it comes to any kind of change you want.” – Kyle Kingsbury “Better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” – Kyle Kingsbury Takeaways: Assess your priorities. Are you spending enough quality time with family and pursuing self-growth, or are you too focused on financial success? Find out what truly inspires you and how can you incorporate that into your career or daily activities. Look for opportunities to involve kids in responsibilities that teach valuable skills and lessons. Practice mindfulness daily. Whether through meditation, nature connection, martial arts or other means, make mindfulness a regular habit. Conclusion: Prioritizing family, personal growth, and meaningful connections fosters long-term fulfillment and well-being. Aligning career choices with values and purpose, involving children in meaningful activities, and practicing daily mindfulness contribute to a balanced and satisfying life. Breaking goals into small, consistent steps ensures steady progress and sustainability over time.

Building a solid foundation requires consistent discipline rather than relying on fleeting bursts of motivation. By prioritizing daily habits and routines, individuals can achieve sustainable progress towards their goals. Embracing discipline cultivates resilience, perseverance, and long-term success, ensuring that aspirations are not derailed by temporary fluctuations in motivation. Joseph McCormick discusses the importance of laying a strong foundation through discipline over short-lived motivation. How to prioritize tasks each day and achieve balance across relationships, career and finances. And why developing confidence through physical challenges can help you stand up for others without proving yourself through aggression. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “True men don't always have to show how dangerous they are.” – Joseph McCormick “Everything in life is more about discipline than motivation. Because if you're disciplined, you're going to do it regardless of whether you're motivated or not.” – Joseph McCormick “The more you do in the business world, the more people try to eat up your time. Everybody wants your time.” – Joseph McCormick “Everything takes watering, planting, and patience. If you try to take a shortcut, you're going to kill whatever you're trying to build.” – Joseph McCormick Takeaways: Write down your top 3 priorities each day for relationships, career, and finances and ensure you accomplish these before any other tasks. Assess where you are spending the majority of your time and energy. Are you balanced across important life areas or over-invested in one? Identify a physical challenge you can take on to build confidence from the process, whether it's strength training, martial arts, or another discipline. Remember that success is built through small, consistent actions over long periods of time. Have the discipline to plant seeds daily through your priorities without expecting overnight results. Conclusion: Achieving success and making a meaningful impact requires a commitment to discipline, persistence, and maintaining focus on long-term goals. Confidence, derived from overcoming challenges and inner growth, plays a pivotal role in this. Additionally, prioritizing tasks, maintaining balance across various life domains, and seeking mentorship are essential for productivity and personal well-being. By overcoming obstacles with hard work and then sharing those experiences to uplift others, individuals can continue to grow personally and make a positive impact in their communities.

Moving from being a pro athlete to an everyday life can be a big change. People often see the fame of sports, but not the hard parts of retirement. When an athlete's career ends, they have to figure out who they are without sports. They lose a routine, the thrill of competing, and sometimes friends. They have to find new goals, set up different daily habits, and deal with not being famous anymore. Brian Urlacher shares his experiences with retirement and maintaining an active lifestyle. He talks about the importance of family, education, and staying connected through sports, and his transition from professional football to civilian life. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "If you're not getting any better, somebody else can be better than you." - Brian Urlacher "Every day you do segments, and you compare yourself to other people who did those segments, and I want to be first in every segment." – Brian Urlacher "I was just happy to be a part of it because they're college kids who want to have a fun spring break, and I got to be a part of it. As I always say, anytime you get a chance to spend time with them, take advantage of it, especially as they get older." – Brian Urlacher Takeaways: Enjoy your time post-retirement by diving into your hobbies and interests, and always keep a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Encourage your children to discover their own journeys, guiding them gently without harsh judgment, and show them the way by constantly learning and growing yourself. Remember to put your wellness first, discover effective ways to prevent injuries, and take a breather to prevent work or game emotions from affecting family time. Build a strong network of support and friendships, find new passions to navigate major life changes, and treasure every moment spent with family and friends. Conclusion: The transition from professional sports to everyday life presents significant challenges for athletes, such as redefining personal identity, finding new purposes, adjusting to a different routine, and managing the psychological impact of leaving the limelight; find new careers, manage finances without a steady sports income, and maintain physical health outside of a sports regimen. Mental health cannot be overlooked as they often experience a sense of loss, missing the comradeship and clear objectives that sports provided. It’s important to have a strong support network, staying grounded, discovering new passions, and embracing new experiences.

Strengthening character and integrity is a journey shaped by community involvement, personal trials, and compassionate support for others. By actively engaging in community initiatives, facing personal challenges head-on, and offering a helping hand to those in need, individuals cultivate resilience and empathy. This commitment to growth and service not only shapes one's character but also fosters a deeper sense of connection and purpose in life. Cam Hall discusses the challenges of developing identity without the crutch of sports, overcoming health issues and difficult family circumstances, and finding purpose through mentorship. He also shares lessons learned from his experiences in education and parenting, emphasizing the importance of being intentional in relationships. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “What I am worried about the draw of always being connected online, always doing something over a screen.” – Cam Hall “Those three things again: your character, your reputation, and your actions. What people see from you is your character, who you believe you are.” – Cam Hall “When I can see your eyes, I know if you're listening to me, I can tell how you feel, and I can feel that you're with me right now. So I'm going to do my best to look at you in the eye when I'm talking to you.” – Cam Hall Takeaways: Identify your unique strengths and biggest opportunities for growth, and work to continuously improve in your areas of growth. Consider how you can be more present and intentional in your relationships, through active listening, making eye contact, and giving your full attention to others. Reflect on how your character, reputation, and actions are aligned, and look for opportunities to improve the integrity between the three. Conclusion: Building integrity means consistently aligning your actions with your values, despite imperfections. To prioritize personal growth and connections over digital distractions, set boundaries on screen time, make time for loved ones regularly, and practice mindfulness to stay present. It's about recognizing the importance of both personal development and nurturing relationships in fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.