

Apogee Strong
Matt Beaudreau
Apogee Strong's online mentorship program was created to provide you with the ideals young men need to become strong, successful leaders among leaders. The name Apogee comes from an astronomical term meaning "summit," a homage to the life we envision for each of our participants. A life where they have the tools they need to reach the greatest heights of their potential.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 21min
Achieve Work-Life Balance: The Strategy of Tim Kennedy, Former US Army Special Forces Soldier, for Career and Personal Life Success
Balancing both work and home life is a common challenge for individuals across various fields and lifestyles. Juggling career aspirations, work responsibilities, and personal tasks while ensuring family and loved ones receive sufficient time and attention. While career success is vital, it should not compromise personal well-being or relationships. Maintaining this balance involves more than just effective time management; it also requires setting boundaries, knowing when to disengage from work, and allocating quality time for personal relationships and self-care.
Tim Kennedy shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to inspire personal growth and leadership development. As a former US Army Special Forces soldier, professional mixed martial artist, and entrepreneur, Tim's insights offer valuable guidance on navigating various challenges and seizing opportunities. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"The character of a person matters so much more than the content of their soul matters more than the content of a paper." – Tim Kennedy
"I want them to have a shared purpose. I want them to have shared values. The people around my children, including their friends and their friends' parents, should have these values as well." – Tim Kennedy
"The shaping of one's character and soul ultimately determines whether they will succeed or fail." – Tim Kennedy
Takeaways:
Put personal development and high standards at the forefront, leading by example and continually diving into education, fitness, and challenging experiences that help us grow.
Build strong relationships, keeping the lines of communication open and honest with our loved ones. We can inspire others through positive influence and ensure transparency with our children, helping them understand the world around them.
Value your time, balancing your career, family, and other responsibilities in a way that feels right for you.
Make decisions based on data and critical thinking, aiming to identify and improve our areas of weakness. But remember, maintaining mental health and finding fulfillment in all experiences is just as important.
Conclusion:
Balancing work and personal life is key to our happiness. Success shouldn't mean ignoring our loved ones. Good communication helps avoid confusion and creates a positive environment at work and home. Time management is also important. It ensures we don't neglect work or family. Spending quality time with our loved ones is essential. It builds stronger relationships and gives us the emotional support we need.

Mar 31, 2024 • 59min
Physiology First University: Optimizing Health and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential with David Bidler
Unlocking your full potential and achieving peak performance requires a holistic approach to health and well-being. Prioritizing nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management, individuals can help you optimize your physical and mental capacities. Embracing lifestyle changes and adopting positive habits empower individuals to reach new levels of vitality and success in their personal and professional endeavors.
David Bidler shares his unconventional journey of self-study through extreme sports and martial arts after leaving school at 14, and how this led him to create Physiology First University which takes a scientific, whole-person approach to helping people of all backgrounds and ages optimize their health and unlock their unlimited potential. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!
Quotes:
“It occurred to me even at a young age that if I learned something about myself, my mind, my body, or my brain, maybe I could avoid a lot of the traps I saw in my neighborhood.” – David Bidler
“Our genetic potential is unlimited. We're made up of hundreds of trillions of cells, and our behavior determines which cells are on and which cells are off.” – David Bidler
“What's the point of the game? Maybe the thing that's keeping me alive would be worth an investment in my own learning journey.” – David Bidler
Takeaways:
Assess your current level of clarity on your goals and vision for your life. Are you truly clear on what you want to achieve and experience?
Identify a mentor who can help spark your curiosity and push you to explore new questions and perspectives about yourself and your potential.
Experiment with viewing all aspects of your life as skills that can be developed, from breathing to thinking. How can you improve through continuous learning and practice?
Conclusion:
Reaching your full potential and performing at your best requires taking care of your body and mind in a balanced way. David's journey shows how focusing on health and learning can lead to success, as seen in his creation of Physiology First University. By setting clear goals, finding mentors, and improving different aspects of your life through practice, you can unlock your unlimited potential and achieve your dreams.

Mar 24, 2024 • 1h 5min
Unlock the Power of Your Voice: Laurie Ann Murabito’s Guide to Confident Leadership and Public Speaking Secrets
Have you ever felt nervous or anxious about public speaking? You’re not alone. Many people share this fear, often due to the pressure of performing perfectly in front of an audience. It's perfectly okay to feel this way. However, it's important to remember that this fear should not be a barrier or an obstacle that holds you back. With the right mindset and adequate preparation, you can overcome this fear and become a confident public speaker.
Laurie Ann Murabito shares her life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. From overcoming public speaking fears to embracing imperfections, she emphasizes the importance of practice, preparation, and finding confidence in one's voice. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"You don't have to be perfect. If anything, people love to see your imperfections. Because then they think, 'Oh, she's just like me.' And that makes you relatable." – Laurie Ann Murabito
"I've taught my nervous system that if I walk up to a group of people, extend my hand, and say, 'Hi, I'm Lauren, what brings you here?' Even if they turn around and don't want to talk to me, guess what, I'm not going to die." – Laurie Ann Murabito
"Memorizing the beginning and the very end of your presentation will get over those butterflies. That's how you should be memorizing your presentation – conversational, not scripted." – Laurie Ann Murabito
Takeaways:
Accept your nerves and imperfections because they make you human; remember that even professional speakers get scared.
Gain confidence in public speaking through practice, preparation, visualization, and by ensuring good audio quality for live streams and videos.
Keep your audience engaged by asking them questions, providing clear instructions, and establishing personal connections with eye contact and body language.
Deliver your message efficiently, use pauses to give your audience time to digest information, and have extra points ready to prevent going off-topic.
Embrace criticism and inquiries because they can help you improve your future presentations.
Conclusion:
Your nervousness shows your passion. Start small, like practicing your speech to a mirror or friend. Preparation breeds confidence; the more you know your material, the more confident you'll be. Remember, you don't need to be perfect; your flaws make you relatable. Visualize your success; see yourself giving a confident, impactful speech. So, take a deep breath, step forward, and let your voice be heard.

Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 10min
Scott Lowe’s Leadership Insights: Master Resilience and Thrive Through Adversity
Have you ever felt let down by the system or torn between your beliefs and your career? It's a tough spot that requires careful consideration. Sometimes, we must stick to what's right and shape our own paths, even if it means facing setbacks. Life throws challenges our way, so it's crucial to learn how to stay strong and wise and think clearly when making tough choices.
Today, we're joined by Scott Lowe, a former Navy SEAL turned consultant. From his experiences, Scott shares how he tackled challenges and honed his problem-solving skills in high-stakes situations. His insights are invaluable for individuals and teams navigating tough times. Join us as we discuss overcoming obstacles, finding your identity, the role of mentors, and mastering critical thinking. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and tackling tough problems.
Quotes:
“You're more than your job. You're going to be very committed. This will take up a lot of your time, and we expect excellence, and you will crush it. But this job should not define who you are.”– Scott Lowe
“Stop outsourcing your critical thinking.”– Scott Lowe
“If you just come at me with problems, you're just complaining. But if you come to me with a problem and say, Hey, what about this? What about that? Then we can have a conversation and build on it." – Scott Lowe
Takeaways:
Developing resilience and perseverance through adversity, such as failures or setbacks, helps build character.
It's crucial to develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth independent of one's job or role.
Critical thinking is an essential skill, and outsourcing one's ability to think critically can be dangerous. People should thoughtfully consider problems and come to their conclusions.
Conclusion:
Building resilience through challenges is key to growing as a person. When you tackle challenges with determination, you learn a lot. Thinking carefully about problems helps you make smart choices on your own. Having mentors to learn from is important for getting better. And being good at solving problems makes you a valuable team player and leader. These skills can help you stick to your beliefs even when things get difficult.

Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 10min
Jeff Jensen’s Remarkable Transformation through Commitment to Self-Improvement
Commitment, leadership, and growth are essential pillars for personal and professional success. Through unwavering dedication, individuals demonstrate their reliability and determination to achieve their goals. Effective leadership and a commitment to ongoing self-improvement not only inspire others but also foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
Jeff Jensen shares a powerful story of personal transformation that illustrates the importance of commitment, leadership and continual growth. Facing significant health and business struggles, he hit rock bottom but was able to turn his life around through disciplined programs that changed his mindset and habits. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!
Quotes:
“If you're staying the same for your whole life, there's a problem. You shouldn't be the same person; you should be growing, learning, and evolving.” – Jeff Jensen
“Fitness is the only thing that can't be bought. You can't buy it. You can't fake it; you got to earn it.” – Jeff Jensen
“If you want your wife to follow you, you got to lead from the front." – Jeff Jensen
“As men, I think the biggest failure that we have is that we don't keep promises to ourselves, which leads to us not keeping promises to our spouse, which then makes them not believe in us." – Jeff Jensen
Takeaways:
Commit to keeping promises to yourself each day through consistent action and discipline. Track your progress and commitments.
Prioritize your health, fitness, and personal growth above all else. Get your mind and body into top condition to maximize confidence, credibility and performance.
Set a powerful example for your children through demonstrating grit, determination and work ethic in pursuing your dreams and goals. Inspire them to believe in themselves.
Reflect on your core values and vision. Reverse engineer your life to prioritize the areas that will fuel your passion and purpose, so that other domains naturally fall into place.
Conclusion:
Jeff’s story demonstrates that through committing to self-improvement every day, one can achieve remarkable transformations and unlock their fullest potential.