Apogee Strong

Are you worried that more kids today feel scared or sad? Do you think how we raise and teach kids might be part of the problem? It's not just phones or computers that might be hurting kids. Being too protective or having too many rules can also cause trouble. When kids don't get to play freely or do things on their own, it can slow down how they learn to think and feel. If we change how we think about raising and teaching kids, we might find better ways to help them. This could help kids become stronger, braver, and better at learning independently. In this episode, meet Peter Gray, a renowned psychologist and researcher who has significantly contributed to our understanding of play, education, and child development. His advocacy is self-directed education, and he has criticized conventional schooling methods. Tune in to learn more about parenting, fostering children, flaws in conventional schooling methods, the power of using technology, and more! Quotes: "We're not allowing them to do what children have always needed to do to grow up, which is to have time to play, to explore, to daydream, to mess around." – Peter Gray "We trust children because we've trained them on what to do, where to go, where not to go, who to talk to, how to talk to them, what they are capable of. And we trust them and believe them, and they stay rise to the occasion every single time." – Matt Beaudreau "We live in an era of technology; if you're not allowing kids to use this technology until a certain age, you're depriving them of a very valuable learning experience." – Peter Gray Takeaways: Let free play be unstructured for kids to develop creativity and problem-solving skills while boosting emotional development. Question the negative impact of overscheduling and too much adult oversight can have on worsening anxiety and depression in young children. Promote developmentally appropriate independence and risk-taking in children's play to spark self-assurance, grit, and bravery. This method helps empower kids with important life skills and strong self-esteem. Focus on engagement-driven, interest-based learning with a departure from hard age stage gates, especially for foundational skills like reading. The solution is not just to shelter children's use of digital technology but instead guide them towards responsible usage as good citizens in the real world. Conclusion: Kids need time to play freely without too many rules. This helps them grow and learn. Too many schedules and always watching kids might make them worried or sad. Let kids try new things independently, as long as it's safe for their age. This helps them become braver and stronger. Games and technology can be good for kids' minds if used the right way. When kids learn about things they like, they often learn better. This can even help them choose jobs they'll enjoy later. Don't protect kids too much. Trust that they can do more than you might think. If we change how we help kids grow up, we can be better parents and teachers. This way, kids can become more confident and capable.

Building a successful business requires a mix of vision, dedication, and strategic planning. It involves understanding your market, offering a valuable product or service, and continuously adapting to changes. Success also hinges on effective leadership and a strong, motivated team. The journey is challenging but can be incredibly rewarding with perseverance and the right approach. Bear and Gard Mayer are the father and son duo behind Bruce Bolt - a premium baseball equipment company. Bear started the business at just 16 years old, driven by a desire to solve the problem of low-quality batting gloves. With his father Gard's entrepreneurial experience and guidance, they've grown Bruce Bolt into a thriving company with innovative products and a strong team culture. This discussion covers their journey from initial concept to current success, touching on challenges like copycat competitors, hiring decisions, and maintaining brand integrity. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Be kind. Be better. Don't eff this thing up.’” – Gard Mayer “The only way that you can fail is if you stop trying.” – Gard Mayer “We really try our hardest to make sure at the end of the day that we keep a good name for ourselves with our customers.” – Bear Mayer “We say all the time, ‘Fire, aim, ready.’ Take the step, make the move, go. You're going to do some great things, and you're going to make some mistakes that allow the next things to be great.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Identify a problem in your daily life or favorite activity and brainstorm potential business solutions. Build a support network of mentors and advisors with complementary skills to aid your entrepreneurial journey. Establish 3-5 core values or rules to shape your company culture and work environment. Develop a customer service strategy that becomes a key differentiator for your business. Create a hiring process that ensures new team members align with company values and contribute to a family-like atmosphere. Conclusion: Entrepreneurial success can begin at a young age with determination, family support, and a focus on solving real market problems. The guests’ journey highlights the importance of quality products, excellent customer service, and building a strong team culture based on shared values. Adapting to challenges, learning from failures, and balancing growth with maintaining quality are crucial for long-term business success.

We often focus on wealth and job success, ignoring deeper aspects of our lives. Vulnerability, often seen as a weakness, is overlooked in the pursuit of success. However, being vulnerable can lead to personal growth and better leadership. Accepting our flaws helps us grow and connect with others. Lerrod Smalls shares his journey, insights, and experiences to inspire and empower others. Vulnerability underscores his approach, allowing him to connect deeply with his audience. As a person, he embodies resilience and growth. Tune in as listeners ask questions about personal development, leadership, overcoming adversity, and more! Quotes: "When I admitted I was the problem, I became the solution. If you are the problem, you are also the solution. If somebody else is the problem, you have to wait for them to fix it." - Lerrod Smalls "Self-esteem comes from giving to the external. Self-esteem comes when you help other people and do something hard. The self-esteem grows from that." – Matt Beaudreau "Be about your business and let the flies hang out in their shit. They will be okay and know that they're going to pick up the phone and the static is going to be there, but they will just deal with it." - Lerrod Smalls Takeaways: Take radical accountability for your life, admitting you are the problem to become the solution, and be willing to "kill" your old self to give birth to who you want to become. Focus on small, consistent habits that stack up over time to create big results, aligning your actions with your values and who you want to be, not just what you want to have. Create an environment and "plant your flag" to attract like-minded people who share your new values, and don't seek approval from those who aren't aligned with your growth. Prioritize personal development and self-improvement over external validation, focusing on being the best version of yourself rather than trying to impress others. Be intentional about how you spend your time, money, and energy, seeking out mentors and resources that align with your goals and values. Conclusion: To achieve personal growth, embrace full responsibility for your actions and circumstances. Build consistent habits that match your goals, and surround yourself with supportive and uplifting people. Make self-improvement a daily priority, and be open to reinventing yourself when needed. Remember, success comes from becoming the person you dream of being.

In the past, women were often overlooked in many areas of life. Even with steps towards equal rights, society sometimes pushes women to fit in or stay quiet. Speaking up isn't just about sharing personal views, it's key to moving society forward. When women share their opinions, they challenge old ideas, defend their rights, and help create a more welcoming, diverse world. Miesha Tate shares her life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Women thrive when they find the courage to use their voices and embrace their strength. As a celebrated UFC athlete and dedicated mother, Miesha exemplifies resilience and empowerment. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about personal growth, leadership, overcoming challenges, and more! Quotes: "I feel my own strength. I don't shy away from that at all. As a female, I feel so blessed to be in this country with the opportunity to make an impact. I would be remiss to let that be wasted.” – Miesha Tate "80% of autoimmune diseases belong to women. I don't think that's a coincidence. I think it's because of all the things that I just listed, that we are trying to do not only the man's job but also the traditional woman's job. We're really spread thin.” – Miesha Tate "I want transparency. I want to be able to give the truth to whoever wants to know the truth. So that I can make informed decisions, you know, that's what I want." – Miesha Tate Takeaways: Prioritize self-care and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Setting aside time for rest, play, and healthy habits, which will not only benefit individual health, but also set a good example for children. Understand and define personal values and identity outside traditional roles like mother, wife, or career, and know one's inherent worth. Regular self-reflection can aid in this process and lead to improvements in all areas of life. Educate children about nutrition and advocate for transparency in the food system. This includes questioning what we don't know, supporting local farmers, and considering growing our own food for healthier options. Women often feel immense pressure to manage all aspects of life. It's important to find a supportive community and ask for help when needed to prevent burnout. Start the day with a routine that promotes positivity and accomplishment, such as light exposure, meditation, and goal-setting. This, along with fostering a strong, educated community, can empower individuals and families to flourish. Conclusion: Self-care, community involvement, and education are the keys to personal and family happiness. It's okay to feel stressed sometimes, but always remember to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Set some goals, don't be afraid to ask for help, and make decisions based on what you know is right. Staying open-minded, balanced and committed to personal growth can help us face life's challenges, find that inner strength, and stay true to what we believe in.

An infinite mindset is a transformative approach for sustainable success and satisfaction in a world focused on immediate rewards and temporary gains. Instead of just pursuing the next goal, you're creating a base for ongoing growth and resilience. This mindset adjustment can change how we handle our careers, relationships, and self-improvement. So, what is an infinite mindset and how can we use it every day? Tony Frezza shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice. An infinite mindset transforms how we approach our challenges. As Tony illustrates through his own journey, embracing this mindset can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "You got to have something that when you look to fail in something, it's not a loss, it's a learning experience. And you actually like it; you actually like messing up and getting better at it and learning from it." – Tony Frezza "Your world won't change until your mind goes first. And everyone's trying to create a future out of their past memories. And that's why your futures become more of the same." – Matt Beaudreau "All education is self-education. Once you understand that, once you get to the point where you realize wait a second I'm in control of actually learning anything I want to at any time." – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Embrace a positive, growth-driven mindset and welcome an infinite mindset for your personal and professional success. Concentrate on long-term growth, nurturing relationships, and fostering good habits. Be mindful of your time and prioritize what's most important to you. This includes your family and personal commitments, as well as continuous self-education which fuels your growth and achievement. Create a strong community through small, intentional actions. Be genuine in your interactions and aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment. Understand that labels and challenges are not set in stone but are part of your journey. They can be redefined over time through effort, shifts in mindset, and by embracing setbacks as learning opportunities. Find balance in your personal and professional life while understanding that everyone's journey is different. Define success on your terms, focusing on continuous improvement, growth, and empathy towards others' experiences and perspectives. Conclusion: Embracing a growth mindset is like unlocking your secret superpower for personal and professional development. By thoughtfully choosing your actions and how you spend your time, you can create powerful relationships and vibrant communities. It's all about rethinking labels, bravely tackling challenges, and realizing that progress is a beautiful, never-ending journey. Put a spotlight on self-learning, empathy, and resilience - these are your tools that allow you to keep growing and adapting with a smile.

In many ways, modern parenting practices might be depriving children of the joys and benefits of independence and free play. With increased emphasis on structured activities, screen time, and academic achievement, kids often have less opportunity to engage in unstructured, imaginative play. This kind of play is crucial for developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions. The shift in focus impacts their ability to build resilience and self-confidence, essential traits for their growth and development. Lenore Skenazy is a non-profit founder and is known as "America's Worst Mom" for allowing her young son to ride the subway alone. She shares how her experiences led her to launch the organization Let Grow. Their mission is to make independence and free play for kids easy, normal, and legal again. Lenore questions if we have truly made our kids safer, or just anxious and depressed. Are we denying them the confidence, leadership and problem-solving skills that come from facing challenges independently? Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Action breaks the cycle when you keep thinking, ‘This could go wrong,’ or ‘I could never forgive myself.’” – Lenore Skenazy “We can't be with them because when we're with them, we're going to help, we're going to chastise, and we're going to see that they're being mean, or dumb, or wasting their time.” – Lenore Skenazy “We really have to come up with a way to make it easy and normal and legal to give kids back some independence and free play.” – Lenore Skenazy Takeaways: Allow children more unstructured free play and independence by giving them small tasks to complete alone, like running errands or making meals. Observe how accomplishing things independently builds their confidence and competence. Reduce your involvement in your children's play and exploration. Give them space to problem solve, get bored, argue with peers, and discover things on their own, without constant adult guidance or intervention. Question the fear-based narratives around child safety that are perpetuated by media and society. Consider the actual statistics on risks like abduction and assess whether your fears align with reality or are inflated. Identify one small new activity you will feel comfortable allowing your child to do independently, like walking to a friend's house or visiting the library alone. Try it and see how it affects both your and their confidence. Conclusion: Modern parenting practices often limit children's independence and free play, depriving them of important learning experiences and joys. Encouraging more freedom and unstructured play can help kids develop vital skills and a sense of autonomy. Balancing safety with independence is key to fostering healthier and happier childhoods.

Think about entering a world where every punch thrown, every kick executed, and every drop of sweat means personal growth, discipline, and chasing excellence. This is the world of martial arts. It's where physical strength meets mental toughness, making people good at fighting and life. Martial arts isn't just about fighting; it's about living. It teaches values like perseverance, respect, and resilience, which apply to every part of life. Adam “Smash” Smith shares his life experiences, overcoming challenges, and building mental toughness to inspire others. Martial arts have been a cornerstone in shaping his discipline, resilience, and success. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "I think part of being a martial artist that I've had my whole life is just being ready to go for anything, and it has helped me just to push through those things." – Adam Smith "If you start to look at that word, even that word 'goal', if you reframe it to 'target', it takes pressure off of a lot of guys. Goal seems so definitive, but target alludes to moving forward." – Matt Beaudreau "Part of being a martial artist is being ready to go for anything, pushing through fears of failure." – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Facing both personal and professional challenges, along with maintaining a disciplined routine, results in significant growth and success. Mentorship and innovative learning methods, such as project-based learning, shape our goals and increase engagement. Growth and mental toughness come from learning from our setbacks, and adaptability is fostered by continually seeking knowledge. The determination and problem-solving skills needed in business are bolstered by community support, contributing to overall success. Maintaining a balance in physical, mental, and emotional development, while remaining curious and open-minded, leads to a well-rounded life and encourages ongoing learning and innovation. Conclusion: Persist through challenges, be it in martial arts, education, or personal development, to build your mental strength and bounce-back-ability. Stick to a well-planned routine and keep it up with regular practice and dedication—it's super important for achieving long-term success. Get involved in hands-on, project-based learning to spark your curiosity and make learning more fun and effective. Embrace these principles to grow discipline, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning and personal growth.

Imagine a marriage where the spark never fades, where trust and intimacy grow stronger with each passing year. Picture a relationship where both partners feel deeply connected, cherished, and loved. Sounds like a dream, right? But what if this dream could be your reality? At the heart of every thriving relationship lies the principle of intentionality. Keith Yackey shares insightful strategies on improving relationships and personal growth. Marriage dynamics, self-improvement, and intimacy take center stage. Tune in as Keith discusses actionable advice, evaluates relationship dials, and more! Quotes: "If you want to move on, you've got to move on. And if you want to get her back, you've got to move on." – Keith Yackey "Every woman is judging her man based on how good he is as a parent." – Keith Yackey "The whole thing flipped when I said I've got to become the most attractive version of myself. For me." – Keith Yackey "You do suck. But the problem is, you can get better. You're the problem. You're the solution." – Keith Yackey "If there's something in your life worth doing, then do it to the best of your ability or don't do it at all. But average is for losers." – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: The journey of self-improvement should be continuous and for personal benefit, encompassing aspects such as being a responsible, loving parent, and maintaining personal ambition in life and work. Building a strong partnership involves being your spouse's best friend, showing genuine curiosity, and empathy, and maintaining a sense of playfulness and fun in the relationship. Uphold integrity by honoring your word and avoiding actions driven by the desire for returns. Instead, focus on genuine acts of kindness and responsibility. Prioritize emotional connection and communication, understand that emotional neglect can be as painful as sexual rejection, and avoid passive-aggressive behavior when faced with rejection. As a leader in your household, create an environment that supports growth and happiness, demonstrating that changes are permanent and not temporary efforts. Also, support your partner’s personal development journey without pushing them. Conclusion: Better relationships and personal growth depend on deliberate self-improvement and active involvement in life's key areas. It's important to work on various areas to increase attraction and closeness in marriage. Striving to be the best version of oneself through introspection and determined effort not only bolsters marriages but also promotes individual growth even during periods of separation.

Think about the excitement of discovering new places as a kid, cycling around the block with friends, the wind blowing through your hair and feeling like you could do anything. These childhood adventures are more than just play; they are the foundations of leadership, growth, and a purposeful life. Both personal growth and leadership development are intertwined, as effective leaders are often those who have committed to personal excellence and self-awareness. In this episode, we delve into the incredible life journey of Jeff Gonzales, a former Navy SEAL, and his transition to a leadership role in the private sector. Jeff shares his insights on personal growth, the importance of a purposeful life, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. From his formative years in Central Texas to his experiences in the military and beyond, Jeff's story is one of resilience, commitment, and leadership. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "Every day, you have to earn your trident. For me, that means doing everything I can to be the best person possible." – Jeff Gonzales "We talk about 'blood is thicker than water.' That's the shortened version. The actual saying is 'the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.'" – Matt Beaudreau "I truly want my relationships to be so genuine and authentic that I have to be very mindful of who I'm spending time with because I don't want to be fake. – Jeff Gonzales "Your chosen bonds are more significant than ones where you just happen to share some DNA with someone." – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Enhance your problem-solving skills and explore your passions through enjoyable childhood activities and challenges, guided by your mentors. Strengthen your relationships and live a purposeful life by sharing your challenges and setting clear goals. Overcome life's hurdles with ease by breaking tasks into manageable steps and serving a purpose greater than yourself. Embrace every moment of life and stay true to your values by confronting mortality and advocating for causes that matter to you. Boost your self-esteem and find true fulfillment by earning respect, standing up for your beliefs, and positively impacting your community. Conclusion: Mistakes are part of the growth process, and learning from them is essential to navigate the complexities of life. It's through our errors that we acquire wisdom and build resilience. It's essential to remember that failure is not the opposite of success, but a stepping stone towards it.

Leadership and personal growth are like two peas in a pod; they both need an understanding of oneself, resilience, and adaptability. The best leaders out there are the ones who admit their flaws and are true to themselves, while personal growth asks us to face our limitations and learn from our mistakes. These qualities enable individuals to deal with the twists and turns of life and inspire the people around them. Maj Toure shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to inspire responsible leadership and personal growth. Leadership is portrayed as a journey filled with imperfections and challenges. As a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur, Maj emphasizes the importance of perseverance and maintaining culture as an organization grows. Tune in as he delves into entrepreneurship, motivation, overcoming obstacles, fundraising strategies, balancing individual rights and collective work, and more! Quotes: "Just put one foot in front of the other. Keep moving forward. Slow motion is better than no motion." – Maj Toure "The voice of the enemy isn't necessarily the man with horns; it's that 1% that's off, and that's different. It leads you down a path you no longer recognize or remember." – Maj Toure "Give love. Follow the mission. It's going to take you into really strange spaces." – Maj Toure "Education and sovereignty open your eyes to infinite questions that start you down that rabbit hole that eventually leads you back to freedom, leads you back to the Constitution." – Matt Beaudreau "We are in the business of building strong, sovereign families. Period." – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Overcoming obstacles is a significant part of achieving success. It's important to work collectively within your community. With collaboration and teamwork, you can amplify your impact, leading to mutual growth and shared success. Self-education is a crucial aspect of personal and professional development. It allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of various subjects, fostering intellectual growth and expanding your horizons. Transparency, particularly about your actions, is a cornerstone of trust-building with your supporters and stakeholders. Balancing personal freedom with collective action can greatly enhance the overall impact of your efforts. Personal freedom allows for individual creativity and growth, while collective action leverages the power of the group for greater achievements. Empathy and non-judgment are fundamental to effective communication in building rapport and fostering strong, positive relationships. Adaptability and resourcefulness are key to success. They are important in navigating changing circumstances, overcoming setbacks, and turning challenges into opportunities. Cultivating self-sufficiency is a great way to increase independence and resilience, helping you to be prepared for various situations and take care of yourself. Diversification of funding sources and maintaining financial prudence are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of any initiative. Various funding sources provide financial stability, while prudence helps manage resources effectively. Conclusion: Leadership and personal growth are about sticking with it, being open, and working together. We're all human, and we all have our flaws, but overcoming these obstacles and learning from our experiences is what leads us to success. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and strive for continuous improvement.