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Apogee Strong

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May 9, 2024 • 1h 22min

Discover the Art and Psychology of Parenting: A Deeper Look at Raising Children in the Digital Age with Purpose with Sean Donohue

Are you struggling to find purpose and fulfillment in your work and personal life? Young teenagers and adults are going through this phase—they are constantly on a journey to discover their identity and purpose. To overcome this challenge, people must pursue the passion in their hearts and find fulfillment in using their honed unique skills to help others. Let go of your fears and transform for the betterment of you, your family, and the world! Sean Donohue, a parenting coach and author, shares powerful insights on overcoming these universal struggles from his own journey of discovering his calling to insights gained from decades of coaching families. Join us as we tackle issues like defining masculinity, building intimacy with teens, and healing adversity through empathy. Tune in as men ask questions about life, personal growth, leadership, parenting, and more! Quotes: “Men, we need to step up and be better fathers, grandfathers, uncles, godparents. We need to step up to take the lead in healthy ways that everyone wants us to lead.” – Sean Donohue “You have so much to offer, and you must unleash your true power, masculinity, and health. You have so much to offer the world; it will be so good for you, for your family, for your own mental health."– Sean Donohue “You're freaking smart. You should take your skills to do great things. Go and help others. You don't have to look far to find hurting, needy, and disenchanted people. They're everywhere we look through. – Sean Donohue Takeaways: Pursue your passions and define success beyond financial terms to find purpose and fulfillment. Look for ways to serve others through your skills and gifts. Build trust and intimacy in relationships through quality time, active listening, speaking life-affirming identities, and demonstrating patience through challenges. To foster healthy development, love and discipline must be balanced through consistency, boundaries, and mentoring the whole child rather than just behaviors. Conclusion: By following what we love and helping others, nurturing our connections, and facing obstacles with care, we discover a meaningful direction for ourselves and those around us. Even when things are unclear, we progress with resilience. Nobody's flawless, yet our real strength shines when we're open, understanding, and always eager to grow.
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May 7, 2024 • 1h 46min

Embracing Authenticity and Evolution: Breaking Free from Gender Norms and Stereotypes with Martine De Lune

Gender roles, or the expected ways of behaving based on whether someone is a man or a woman, have had a big influence on people's behavior in society and personal relationships. They've often guided tasks at home and how people should show their feelings, typically reinforcing the differences between "manly" and "womanly." Nowadays, people often question these old roles, especially when talking about personal identity, mental health, and how people relate to each other. Martine De Lune shares insights on gender roles and the dynamics of relationships. She addresses the biological and societal influences on femininity and masculinity, empowering women to embrace their natural attributes and understand the impact on their personal and professional lives. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "Femininity is not a costume. It's not a dress, it's not makeup, it's not heels. It's how you feel about yourself, how vulnerable you are." – Martine De Lune "Biologically, males don't need females; they don't need to choose them. They have to desire them; they have to feel like they need them. Many women don't understand this and are often triggered by it." – Martine De Lune "A woman is the essence of the relationship. If your essence feels brittle, sticky, and muddy, your children will reflect that back to you, and your husband will feel it, even if you don't say it." – Martine De Lune Takeaways: Embrace the beauty of both masculinity and femininity from a biological perspective. Using self-awareness practices like journaling can help us recognize where we stand on this spectrum. Open and respectful communication with our partners is key. Talking about our feelings, needs, and dynamics of our relationships, such as finances, can help prevent any conflicts arising from unmet needs. It’s okay to be vulnerable and show our emotions while still showing respect. Offer support for the unique biological needs of women, including those related to hormones, menstruation, pregnancy, and parenting. By being proactive, like getting hormonal testing, we can validate our perceptions around relationships and well-being. This leads to a better understanding of ourselves and how we manage our relationships. Face and address our internal triggers that can negatively affect relationships. Striving to perceive our partners in a way that aligns with their biological drives can make a world of difference. Conclusion: Understanding and embracing masculine and feminine characteristics can lead to better self-awareness and healthier relationships. Open, respectful communication about needs and feelings is crucial in preventing conflicts. Recognizing that we all have different physical needs, especially women, and dealing with our personal issues can improve our relationships. In the end, respecting our natural inclinations while understanding our emotions and making personal choices can help us break old-fashioned rules and make our relationships happier.
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Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 28min

Mastering Life’s Trials: Paul Damon’s Holistic Roadmap to Resilience, Success, and Mindful Leadership

Resilience means being able to recover from tough times or stress. It's not just about going back to how things were before, but also about growing as a person. When we talk about personal growth, resilience is all about adapting and doing well even when things are hard. Paul Damon shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders, highlighting the pivotal role of resilience and self-awareness in overcoming adversity. From his early years in the southern U.S. to his time in the military and subsequent personal struggles, Paul's journey embodies the transformational power of mindfulness and holistic living. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "I believe it's a fallacy among humans that parents limit their children's ability to find abundance and resilience within themselves alone." – Paul Damon "What I would say to the young fellows is the same words that a chief told me as I went into the military. He said, 'Paul, always volunteer. If someone says to you guys, put your hands up, don't ask what for. It doesn't matter. The real men in life will recognize that and they will hone that for you.’” – Paul Damon "Jump nose-first into whatever you want to do. Go to the end game first and work your way back. If you think that you're going to take the next Conor McGregor's seat, believe it, and go get it." – Paul Damon Takeaways: Embrace challenges to foster resilience and independence while finding a sense of purpose and community through service. Heal from physical and emotional traumas through holistic practices like proper nutrition, regular exercise, plant medicines, and staying mentally active. Boost your self-awareness and mental clarity by incorporating daily meditation, breathwork, and spending time in nature, along with maintaining a positive mindset and action towards your goals. Stay true to your personal principles and authenticity as you continue to learn and grow through constructive mentorship. Make sense of your surroundings and events through personal perception, and delve into spirituality and quantum physics through self-directed learning. Conclusion: Resilience means changing tough times into chances to grow. You can do this by understanding yourself, staying positive, sticking to your beliefs, meditating, exercising, and being outdoors. Getting through health problems holistically can help you and others around you by sharing what you've learned. Resilience is a journey that can make life more rewarding.
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Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 17min

Unconventional Strategies for Challenging the Status Quo and Building Grassroots Coalitions with Larry Sharpe

Education reform, which often comes up in political and social talks, is crucial for matching the changing needs of our society. People pushing for changes in education say that these old methods don't consider the different needs of students and don't prepare students well enough for jobs or starting their own businesses. A big part of making schools better is having more job training programs. Larry Sharpe shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Explore the importance of community and personal purpose in shaping one's path. Discuss the impacts of political and educational systems on societal progress. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "Once you make someone else's labor a right, it just becomes more expensive. Instead, we should create an environment where it's easy to obtain, which is significantly easier." – Larry Sharpe "Getting on the ballot legitimized me in the eyes of mainstream individuals. If you're not on the ballot, you're not considered real." – Larry Sharpe "People assume that debates are about fairness or rules. Not at all, debates are about ad revenue. It always comes back down to money." – Larry Sharpe Takeaways: The growth of our young men relies heavily on purpose and positive role models. This underscores the essential need for our educational systems to put student outcomes above testing and monetary gains. Third parties need ballot access for legitimacy and policy influence, and even non-viable votes can send powerful messages and impact elections. Sometimes, challenging those firmly established political interests might call for some out-of-the-box strategies, and it's paramount that we shed light on the control lobbyists have over the legislative process. Finding a healthy balance between individual freedom and government intervention is absolutely crucial, and grassroots fundraising plays a pivotal role in supporting candidates who share our values and inducing political change. The two-party system is often marred by corruption and self-interest, highlighting the need for alternative voices and executives' significant role in directly impacting policy and enacting reforms. Conclusion: Third-party candidates in U.S. elections show the country's commitment to democracy and highlight the need for various political voices and views. Even though they often face challenges like getting on the ballot and finding funds, they do more than aim to win elections. For voters, backing third-party candidates can strongly show dissatisfaction with current politics and push for change. In the end, every vote matters. Supporting a third-party candidate is a protest and a step towards improving political conversation.
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Apr 23, 2024 • 1h 22min

Discovering Resilience: Chris Nastasi’s Journey of Self-Awareness, Personal Growth, and Leadership through Life’s Challenges

Ever wondered how your family and personal struggles influence who you are? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many people find that accepting their heritage and personal challenges can lead to growth and newfound strength. This isn't just about understanding your past. It's a journey of self-discovery that helps you understand your strengths and guides your future. It's about taking control of your life and shaping your destiny. Chris Nastasi shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-awareness derived from his diverse background and challenging personal journeys. He talks about the importance of being resilient and self-aware, things he learned from his varied background and personal challenges. His stories cover his experiences with dyslexia, sports, military training, and family influences. These stories give valuable lessons on overcoming hardships and using your natural abilities. Join in as young leaders ask about life, personal development, starting a business, and more! Quotes: "My main philosophy as a leader is that I want to make them better men first. If I can make them better men, then I can make them better Rangers, better baseball players, or better in whatever field they choose." – Chris Nastasi "The saying 'No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care' is 100% true." – Chris Nastasi "The right answers are almost always simple. Simplicity is the hallmark of genius." – Chris Nastasi Takeaways: Boosting your pattern recognition skills and having some cheerleading mentors by your side can really help you navigate those personal obstacles and discover what you're truly passionate about. Jumping right into action to gather experience really fuels your self-confidence. And keeping self-care and readiness at the top of your list ensures you're always safe. It's great to keep your purpose ever-changing. It keeps you on your toes and encourages personal growth, even when life throws a curveball your way. Taking a moment to uplift those around you not only helps them grow but also strengthens your community when it matters most. It's all about helping each other out. Holding yourself to the highest standards consistently aids in smashing your goals, and embracing mindfulness can do wonders for your mental well-being. Conclusion: It's important to take on challenges and step out of our comfort zones because this helps build self-confidence and enhance our natural skills. Supportive relationships and being aware of our feelings can also help us in tough situations and when making important choices. There will always be a need for knowing yourself, being ready, and always improving. These help you do well in important situations and make a big difference in your personal and professional life.
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Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 1min

Cultivating Inner Strength and Service: Guiding Children through Example in Fitness and Leadership with Judd Lienhard

Integrating functional training principles into fatherhood and leadership development promotes personal growth by emphasizing quality movement patterns and habit formation. Prioritizing qualitative enhancements over quantitative achievements helps build resilience and adaptability in both physical and personal domains. Embracing this approach boosts well-being and empowers individuals to lead by example, inspiring others to pursue holistic growth. Judd Lienhard discusses his approach to functional training focused on utilizing basic movements effectively through an understanding of physics and the body's movement patterns. He also shares lessons learned from his experience as an athlete and father about developing strength from within and prioritizing one's family above all other goals. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Fitness, by definition, is just being the most prepared to deal with your current environment.” – Judd Lienhard “No matter what tools you have, you can get a lot more done than you think you can.” – Judd Lienhard “Your priorities are what you put your energy into, not what you say.” – Judd Lienhard Takeaways: Assess how your current fitness routine enhances or detracts from your quality of life and priorities. Make adjustments as needed. Focus on developing movement quality before pushing quantitative goals like weight or performance benchmarks. Pay attention to how your body feels. Identify ways you can strengthen your "foundation" through mobility, stability and movement patterns before overloading or advancing your training. Conclusion: In short, integrating functional training principles into fatherhood and leadership prioritizes quality, promoting resilience and adaptability. Judd underscores the significance of grasping movement patterns and valuing family, sparking holistic growth and well-being. By concentrating on improving movement quality and establishing a solid base, individuals can set an example and encourage others to seek personal growth.
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Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 38min

Challenging Established Narratives, Defining Key Terms, and Promoting Civil Discourse: Insights on Educational Initiatives and Empowerment with Emily Kaplan

In our complicated world, growing as a person means asking questions and having polite talks. Looking for different viewpoints and keeping an open mind helps people learn more and grow in their thinking. Having good conversations helps us understand others, think better, and helps us grow as individuals and make society better. Emily Kaplan, CEO & Co-Founder of The Broken Science Initiative, is dedicated to raising awareness about significant issues in science, education, and health. She collaborates with The Kleio Group and Arab conglomerates to enhance her business acumen. Emily has transformed her business, Prep Cosmetics, into a nationwide standard for online beauty shopping. She has also co-created a geolocation-based dating app, designed Prime Fitness and Nutrition, a health program for older women, and authored two business books. A Harvard Law School, Northwestern University, and Smith College graduate, Emily’s diverse experiences range from journalism to business leadership. Today, Emily shares her perspective on issues with scientific research, journalism, language and definitions, medical treatment of women, and her work with Broken Science Initiative to empower people with better tools for separating fact from fiction. Emily emphasizes the importance of community, continuous learning, and not being afraid to have thoughtful discussions on complex issues. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Learning is a great way to challenge yourself. If you don't understand, or It's too hard for you, don't put it down. Don't quit.” – Emily Kaplan “I think the idea of you being passive or women not having power or control is complete garbage.” – Emily Kaplan “I think there's no replacement for yourself in a community and we've forgotten that. We've relied so much on these technological ways of connecting ourselves.” – Emily Kaplan Takeaways: Reflect on how you are challenging yourself through continuous learning. Consider taking on new skills, hobbies, or areas of study to keep your brain active. Consider how you can use your voice and influence to raise awareness on issues you care about. Look for respectful ways to have thoughtful discussions with others and spread information. Build strong personal connections within your community. Get to know your neighbors and find ways to support each other both practically and through sharing of ideas. Conclusion: Personal growth involves questioning assumptions and engaging in respectful discussions to expand understanding. Emily emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, community connections, and thoughtful dialogue in navigating complex issues. By actively seeking diverse perspectives and fostering empathy, individuals can promote societal harmony and their own intellectual development.
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Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 4min

Exposing the ‘Academia Problem’ and Fighting the ‘War on Children’: A Discussion on Activism, Parenting, and Spirituality with Robby Starbuck

Are we losing control of our society and culture? Nowadays, corruption and loss of values are all over the place. Children are in danger as even schools are bombarded with social problems. The internet is flooded with obscene images and videos that affect the masculinity of young teenagers. Many deny these issues even exist, instead choosing apathy. If we don’t act now, this could be our downfall. Robby Starbuck is an American filmmaker, activist, and conservative political commentator. After seeing Hollywood's corrupt and no values environment, he left it all to become an advocate on issues such as communism and censorship. In this episode, he shares how social problems are being pushed in schools, the dangers of communism, instilling values in children, and more. Tune in as Robby answers questions about politics, activism, parenting, and spirituality. Quotes: “We're at a very dangerous turning point in history where it is a time for choosing, and you need to choose before the knock comes to your front door because this is a new form of communism." – Robby Starbuck “Telling people you just need to believe in God and He's going to give you all these riches and you're going to have all these great things happen in your life is just a bald-faced lie." – Robby Starbuck “The more we normalize that voyeurism in our young sons, it actually bred a lack of masculinity, whereas the real masculine desire should be to find a woman, marry her, and have children with her. You should want to physically be doing those things in real life, not living voyeuristically through the lens of some webcam girl. – Robby Starbuck Takeaways: Our society is facing a critical moment where the ideas of communism and drastic societal changes are gaining traction. Each individual needs to decide where they stand before it's too late. It is vital to guide and teach our children strong values and principles from the start. This early foundation shapes their growth and equips them to handle whatever challenges come their way in the future. Faith and spiritual guidance hold significant importance in our lives. Churches must step up and tackle tough issues head-on rather than sticking to a version of Christianity that's comfortable but lacks depth. Conclusion: Even if one person speaks the truth, no matter the cost, it can have an immense impact. We can overcome even the largest obstacles with integrity, hard work, and using our talents for good. It is also important to join local activism through political engagement, community involvement, and changing hearts and minds one person at a time. While national politics seem disconnected, we have power in our own neighborhoods. We must stand up for what is right, trust that truth will prevail, and never lose hope, even in the face of adversity. Together, we can restore the promise of America for future generations!
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Apr 14, 2024 • 1h 8min

Championing Self-Reliance and Community Solutions Over Government Control: A Conversation on Personal Growth and Liberty with Dan Hollaway

Are you frustrated with the growing role of government in our lives and the loss of individual liberty? Over the years, the government has been controlling the masses, decreasing our freedom. Thus, we must challenge ourselves and rethink our reliance on government solutions. Take local initiatives focusing on education, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future! Dan Hollaway is a veteran, entrepreneur, and public speaker. He advocates developing self-reliance through entrepreneurship and solving problems at the community level. In this episode, he will share the pains of living in a society with eroding personal responsibility and resilience against misinformation. Tune in as Dan answers questions about personal growth, leadership, education, societal threats, and individual liberty. Quotes: "I would rather be alone and honest than surrounded by liars." – Dan Hollaway "The ultimate property right is your person, your body. And the ultimate expression of your property right over your body is what you think and what you say." – Dan Hollaway "Victimhood is the current primary social currency in the west, which is a poisonous attitude that you can have as a human being that can lead to negative consequences." – Dan Hollaway Takeaways: Be responsible for yourself and rely less on the government. Solve problems in your community before asking for help from higher authorities. Support local businesses to strengthen your community and avoid too much control from big companies or the government. These local businesses support economic energy by retaining financial resources within the community and catering to demands overlooked by larger corporations. Embrace a mindset of independent thought and critical analysis, prioritizing fundamental values over biased affiliations or superficial slogans. Conclusion: Think critically about pressing societal issues and how you can help make things fairer. Build stronger communities by sticking to what's right, taking charge of your actions, and getting involved locally instead of just listening to fancy speeches. By supporting small businesses, getting active in your neighborhood, and keeping the government in check, we can make society better for everyone.
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Apr 11, 2024 • 1h 11min

Prioritizing Character and Experience in Employee Selection for Quality Craftsmanship: An Entrepreneurial Journey with Josh Smith

Entrepreneurship is not just about setting up a business; it's a way of life, a journey filled with the thrill of creating something new and the complexities of navigating it through the unpredictable market. This path is often marked with hurdles involving financial issues, market rivalry, and self-doubt. However, through perseverance and a dedication to quality, entrepreneurs can build successful businesses that reflect their values and vision. Josh Smith shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Entrepreneurship requires dedication, overcoming fears, and embracing risks. As the founder of Montana Knife Company, Josh navigates the challenges of starting a business, achieving work-life balance, and fostering a culture of excellence. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "At a certain point, you have to take action. No amount of research, thinking, and talking will build your company; you have to actually do it." – Josh Smith "You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time. It's one of those situations where you can only solve one problem at a time." – Josh Smith "To me, the culture is the most critical thing, whether it's a business or a school. You can teach people what you need them to know." – Josh Smith "Your social media is your calling card; it is your resume. To me, I can see everything I need to know about a person through what they decide to show the world." – Josh Smith Takeaways: Keep chasing your dreams, and remember that bumps in the road are all part of the journey to success. Start small and grow slowly, making sure not to bite off more than you can chew. Always aim to make your products the best they can be while fostering a friendly and supportive team environment. Look for team members who are not only qualified but also have great character and a strong work ethic, and don't be afraid to involve family where it makes sense. Always try to balance personal growth and life experiences with your career achievements, and remember to support local products and fellow entrepreneurs whenever you can. Conclusion: Starting a business and growing as a person can be tough, with many problems. But it's also full of chances to learn about yourself and do well. It reminds us that going after what you love, even when it's scary, can bring you more than money. It can make you feel fulfilled and leave a lasting mark. By working hard, not giving up, and aiming for the best, anyone can make their way to success.

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