Apogee Strong

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.