Apogee Strong

Parent supporting their child in sports is becoming a problem. Some parents are too focused on their child winning at all costs, completely neglecting its reason to help develop their child’s growth. Thus, coaches or mentors need to emphasize the criticalness of long-term athlete development rather than just winning games. Also, coaches need to push children to improve, even if it means failing or being benched at times, and parents need to understand and support the coach's methodology of prioritizing resilience and growth over immediate results. Jeff LoVecchio is a former professional hockey player who played in the NHL and overseas for nine years. He is now a successful strength and conditioning coach who owns his training business. In this episode, Jeff shares the changing dynamics in youth sports, the importance of long-term development, and strategies for consistently improving skills. Tune in as he answers questions about life, youth development, parenting, mentoring, and more! Quotes: "If you want something, you have to invest in yourself." – Jeff LoVecchio "If you're passionate about something, put yourself in front on purpose, you're going to stumble, you're going to fall, you're going to make mistakes, but you're pushing yourself." – Jeff LoVecchio "Consistency is the most important thing in life to be successful." – Jeff LoVecchio Takeaways: Focus on helping kids explore different sports and activities early on to build their skills for the future rather than just aiming for immediate results. Keep practicing and getting better every day, even on breaks, because minor improvements gradually make a big difference, whether in sports or other parts of life. It's crucial to develop resilience by learning how to bounce back from difficulties. People can overcome failures and setbacks by working hard and staying dedicated, paving the way for lasting success and fulfillment. Conclusion: Putting long-term growth ahead of quick wins is crucial, especially for young athletes. Good communication between coaches and parents helps set clear goals. Teaching values like consistency, bouncing back from failures, and teamwork can shape strong character and boost performance.

Many of us handle various roles and responsibilities, trying to find balance in the chaos. Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or both, balancing personal and work life can be challenging. However, we can learn useful lessons from those who have successfully managed multiple roles. Miranda Alcaraz shares her life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders, emphasizing the importance of consistency, reframing priorities, and finding harmony while juggling multiple roles. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "I'm trying to learn how to balance all these things, while loving myself and my family, and enjoying the present moment, which can be difficult." – Miranda Alcaraz "Everybody can do something, regardless of how much time you have, what physical limitations you have, or where your fitness level is right now. Everybody can do something." – Miranda Alcaraz "The truth is, it can be simple and short, even with a pair of dumbbells in your house. But you have to be consistent and actually do it." – Miranda Alcaraz Takeaways: Prioritize consistency in fitness and incorporate it into family time, making exercise a positive and shared experience while also developing healthy habits from a young age. Identify what "enough" looks like in your roles and strengths, delegate tasks to avoid burnout, and plan for future family and work balance. Build a supportive community by leading by example, connecting with others facing similar challenges, and supporting friends through energy-giving activities. Reframe negative self-talk and focus on small wins and progress over perfection, which helps find harmony and reduce guilt. Conclusion: The journey to balance different roles and tasks is unique to each person. There's no perfect solution, but we can learn a lot from those who have been through this before. By being consistent, changing our mindset, and getting support from others, we can handle life's challenges more easily. Remember to maintain balance, focus on what's important, and enjoy the journey.

Growing up in a troubled environment and discovering purpose through serving others can be a deeply meaningful journey. Devoting yourself to helping those in need can allow you to help others turn past struggles into sources of strength and empathy. This path not only brings fulfillment but also promotes healing and positive transformation for oneself and the community. Remi Adeleke shares his journey from a troubled upbringing in the Bronx to finding purpose through service in the military. He emphasizes the significance of perseverance, embracing rejection, and using storytelling to inspire positive cultural change. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I want my kids to be 10 times better than I can ever be.” – Remi Adeleke “Everything that I need to succeed is either within me or within my grasp.” – Remi Adeleke “It's not always about what you see. It can be about what others have seen in you." – Remi Adeleke “The biggest lesson I learned is the importance of accepting rejection." – Remi Adeleke Takeaways: Reflect on your past experiences and conversations to identify your natural gifts and talents. Consider what you've always been naturally good at. Develop structures and boundaries in your personal life to ensure you are fully present for family while also pursuing your purpose and goals. Expect rejection as you pursue your dreams and be willing to persevere through setbacks. Commit to giving your best effort even if failure is possible. Consider how you can use your skills and platform to positively impact others, such as through mentorship, charitable work or creating inspiring media. Conclusion: Striving to make a difference in the community as a response to a troubled childhood is a powerful testament to resilience and compassion. By channeling past hardships into positive action, individuals not only uplift themselves but also inspire hope and transformation in others.

What do you want to do after college? How will you spend the rest of your life? Do you know your life’s purpose? Struggling to know what you will do is normal. You might feel lost, but with the right actions and guidance, you will eventually discover your path. Embrace spirituality, and your life’s mission will come to your light. Today, we have John Shibley, a podcaster and author focusing on leadership topics. After graduating college, John struggled to find purpose for several years as he navigated adulthood. However, a spiritual transformation in his 30s provided clarity and directed him toward the principles of serving others. Tune in as John shares his experiences and lessons from his life’s journey. Quotes: “It's not about me. I'm a vessel, I'm being obedient, I'm asking the right questions so that someone can benefit, and I'm highlighting this person and being aware of their situation and serving them."– John Shibley "Don't let your past write checks your future can't cash." – John Shibley “The end of the story is not how tragic your life was. The end of the story is really there's not one. Breaking through and being resilient through hardship is part of the point of all of this, like how we come out on the other side because other people benefit from our story.”– John Shibley Takeaways: Embracing spirituality or faith can offer clarity and a sense of purpose, guiding your life with a clear mission. Feeling lost or uncertain after college is a common experience as you navigate life's journey and discover your path. But resilience, perseverance, and faith can help lead to breakthroughs on the other side. Understanding that struggles are a natural part of life can provide comfort and motivation, knowing they don't dictate your future direction. Conclusion: If you feel lost in your life, find your purpose. Serve others with your gifts. Help people through hard times. Stay strong when life is hard. Keep trying new things until you feel better. Your past doesn't mean your future. Stay hopeful and help others, too.

Physical fitness is crucial in nurturing strong physical and mental health, particularly among the youth. In contemporary society, various conveniences have contributed to the softening of the next generations. Therefore, leaders must step up the game and highlight the significance of diligent exercise, resilience, and grit. Individuals can toughen themselves holistically by fostering a culture that prioritizes challenging physical standards and thorough preparation. In today’s episode, we welcome back Joe De Sena, Founder and CEO of Spartan Race. Joe will discuss the importance of physical fitness, challenging oneself, and developing grit and perseverance in young people. Tune in as they explore the societal factors contributing to the softening of generations and the need for leadership to prioritize exercise and toughness. Quotes: "The human being hasn't changed. Yes, we're fatter. Yes, we're more sick. But we still have the capability to run and climb and jump. So really, we just got to peel away the couch, peel away the Oreo cookie." – Joe De Sena "We don't let six-year-olds drive cars. We don't let 13-year-olds shoot heroin. We must have some kind of guardrails that level us up and make us better. The beautiful thing is this device is addictive, that if you viewed it that way, you could make this the most unbelievable tool ever." – Joe De Sena "We owe it to the next generation to be putting them through hard things so that they're laying tracks in their brain so that when we're no longer here, they're able to take on other heart." – Joe De Sena Takeaways: Staying fit and strong is super important for both body and mind, especially for young folks. Ignoring exercise is like not taking care of yourself. Making exercise fun and using tricks to stay motivated can help, especially for children, to get into the habit of staying active. Turning tough tasks into games and doing them with others can make a big difference. It'd be great for everyone if schools and daily life made exercise a must-do thing. This could help offset the lazy effects of modern life and distractions and make us all healthier. Conclusion: Physical fitness, challenging oneself through hard work, and developing resilience are crucial for physical well-being and mental health. We must establish leadership through policies, standards, and initiatives that make fitness non-negotiable in schools and communities. Gamification and celebrating accomplishments are important to make difficult tasks enjoyable for youth.

Grounding self-worth in internal validation means valuing yourself based on personal strengths, virtues, and growth rather than external praise or material success. This mindset promotes a deeper sense of self-awareness and resilience, enabling individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with greater stability and confidence. Embracing this approach fosters genuine self-acceptance and a more fulfilling sense of worthiness. Bart Kwan shares his story of overcoming a difficult childhood through the military and higher education and shares lessons on deriving motivation from within, maintaining momentum in the face of obstacles, and balancing efficiency with quality in one's work. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you can pay the bills, wake up with a smile, go to sleep with a smile, feel like you're living a life that you're meant to live and feel proud of yourself, I think you're successful.” – Bart Kwan “Violence of action is good. It's good for literally almost any athletic activity that you do.” – Bart Kwan “If you have your back against the wall, but you're still searching, there's got to be a way out." – Bart Kwan Takeaways: Identify what truly motivates you and brings you joy. Consider pursuing opportunities that align with your passions, even if they differ from expectations. Develop resilience through challenging yourself physically and mentally. When faced with adversity, continue striving for progress rather than accepting defeat. Balance speed and efficiency with quality in your work. Execute ideas quickly while continuously improving your process and end results. Examine how pride and insecurity influence your perspectives and decisions. Strive to ground your self-worth in internal validation rather than external factors. Conclusion: Bart’s discussion highlighted personal growth, discipline from martial arts, and ethical business practices. His journey emphasizes resilience and reflection, offering listeners valuable lessons on passion, overcoming challenges, and serving others.

In the current political climate, it's becoming increasingly difficult to have meaningful and rational conversations. How can we navigate these complex issues? How can we ensure that our voices and values are heard? As citizens, we have the power to influence the future of our nation, but we need to be aware of how these influences shape our democratic processes and how we can mitigate their impact. Tulsi Gabbard shares her life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. By exploring the intersection of money, power, and discourse, we can better equip ourselves to engage in the political process meaningfully. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "My confidence comes from my purpose and my faith. Period." – Tulsi Gabbard "I realized that all my anxiety and fear were coming from a very selfish place. I was worried about not knowing what to say, making a fool of myself, and what others might think or say about me." – Tulsi Gabbard "When I shifted my focus away from my internal worries and directed it towards what we call 'Aloha' in Hawaii - love, compassion, respect, and empathy towards others - everything changed." – Tulsi Gabbard Takeaways: Listen to others and engage in respectful conversations. This will help alleviate fears, provide a sense of purpose, and broaden your understanding of diverse viewpoints. Play an active role in civic duties to ensure that officials honor the Constitution and support initiatives that uphold our values and freedoms. Even when faced with governmental hurdles, remember the strength of unity. Stay vigilant against special interests and stand firm for fundamental rights such as religious freedom and individual liberty. Always have a plan to safeguard your principles. Continue to advocate for your beliefs, even when faced with opposition. Inspire change through personal actions and meaningful conversations. Conclusion: Stay true to your values and purpose by maintaining clear boundaries, focusing on serving others and upholding the Constitution, and not seeking personal gain. Finding courage and confidence through a strong sense of purpose and faith can be transformational, helping to shift focus away from personal fears towards exhibiting love and respect for others. This shift can overcome anxiety and promote better service to others. View & Download Tulsi Gabbard's Press Release here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pfPJ7cCyL0LhjM8M34y_2KOFuzVD42U8/view?usp=sharing

In a world full of challenges, we're constantly balancing our goals with life's demands. Through fitness and motherhood, we learn to adapt and grow, much like the swinging motion of a kettlebell. Consistency teaches us the value of perseverance, while imperfections remind us of our humanity. In this journey, we discover that growth is not just important—it's unavoidable. Cassidy Nicholas shares her life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders on topics ranging from fitness journey insights to balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: “This is what I want to share with women that it's not just like a more, more as more it's like, better as it's not more is better, it's better is better.” – Cassidy Nicholas “Don't jump back into where you left off, give yourself grace, recover, then ease in but do make it a priority.” – Cassidy Nicholas “I keep doing what I do because I don't see anyone else doing it.” – Cassidy Nicholas Takeaways: When it comes to fitness, it's good to focus on making progress and developing skills rather than getting caught up in arbitrary standards. Remember that strength training is important for maintaining overall health and promoting a long life. One great thing about kettlebell training is that it allows you to do dynamic movements, rotational exercises, and effective full-body workouts. Just remember, it's not about how intense each workout is, but about staying consistent over time that really matters. Prioritizing your protein intake is important to help you reach your fitness and body goals. After giving birth, it's important to gradually ease back into your exercise routine during postpartum recovery. As a busy mom, it's important to find ways to adapt your workouts to fit in with your family responsibilities, like taking care of your kids. Don't forget to include mobility exercises in your strength training routine to get the full-body benefits they provide. Long-term fitness success is all about finding enjoyment in what you do, keeping up your efforts, and having a mindset of "moving every day." Conclusion: Your fitness journey is personal, especially with motherhood and everyday life. Embrace imperfections, prioritize movement, and be consistent. Kettlebells are versatile and effective for fitness goals, but invest in learning for maximum benefits. Set realistic expectations, commit to progress, and strengthen your body. Keep moving forward, trust the process. You're capable of more.

Eliminating distractions is essential for achieving life goals as it allows us to maintain focus and clarity. Minimizing external interruptions and staying disciplined can help us channel our energy towards things that matter. This focused approach increases productivity and brings us closer to realizing our goals and aspirations. Dr. Andrew Shaw shares strategies for simplifying one's life through establishing intentional daily routines, practices like mindfulness and embracing discomfort, as well as approaches for organizational improvement including identifying root problems, open communication, and a culture of psychological safety. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I'm very conscientious of my time. That's a big thing for me.” – Dr. Andrew Shaw “I always like to learn new things. Just gain as much knowledge and wisdom as possible.” – Dr. Andrew Shaw “You've got to have an open-door policy. We've got to put ego aside and put results first." – Dr. Andrew Shaw Takeaways: Identify your core values and goals, then simplify your life and routines to focus only on what is essential to achieving them. Eliminate distractions. Practice mindfulness through daily habits like meditation, journal, being present during conversations, and focusing on physical sensations like breathing or foot strikes during exercise. Embrace uncomfortable emotions and experiences rather than avoiding them. Sit with discomfort to build resilience and progress in life. Conclusion: Understanding what truly matters and simplifying our lives accordingly allows us to focus on meaningful pursuits. Through mindfulness practices and embracing discomfort, we cultivate resilience and deepen our connection with ourselves and the world around us. This journey of self-discovery and growth leads to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.

Defining problems is a valuable skill that can change how we face challenges. The need to peel back the layers is to find not just symptoms but the real problems and conflicting interests. When you're up against a tough problem, remember to stop, break it down, and clearly define it—it might be the key to finding innovative solutions and overcoming difficulties. Emily and Jason Morrow share their life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. A clear definition of problems is the compass that guides effective problem-solving journeys toward sustainable solutions. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "When I first started learning more about the holistic lifestyle, I felt judged in many ways. Some of it could have been self-imposed, but there were definitely times when I knew I was being judged." - Emily Morrow "You don't have to be perfect. That's one thing for sure. I'm the type of person that tends to be extreme. It's all or nothing for me." - Emily Morrow "I have mixed feelings about this, but ever since I was a little kid, my dad always instilled in me that I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up." - Jason Morrow Takeaways: Start making small changes to improve health habits, such as diet or lifestyle, instead of changing everything at once. Grow your curiosity and learn from experiences such as living in a different country or taking up new hobbies rather than feeling judged for not knowing everything. Build self-discipline by committing to regular creative projects and using deadlines to motivate yourself. Value family time and positive communication by sharing achievements rather than focusing on criticism in daily routines. Take risks by moving out of your comfort zone through adventures, changing careers, or learning about new subjects. Cultivate your unique voice and abilities by learning from what you enjoy instead of imitating others. Rely on a supportive partner and hold each other responsible during challenging times by sharing similar values. Conclusion: Old wisdom encourages us to look deeper and understand the real causes of our struggles. By spending time on focused learning, we discover our natural talents and interests, which gives us clear direction in life. Even when things are tough, curiosity leads to a satisfying life that aligns with our deepest interests and goals.