
Apogee Strong
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.
Latest episodes

Sep 5, 2023 • 29min
From Victim to Victor: Rafa Conde's Journey of Overcoming Bullying
Bullying can manifest in various forms, from physical intimidation to verbal harassment and emotional manipulation. Such experiences can leave lasting scars, affecting self-confidence and overall well-being. However, they can also serve as catalysts for personal transformation and the development of resilience. Through martial arts training or other means of self-defense, individuals can gain the skills and confidence necessary to protect themselves and others from bullies.
Rafa Cond shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Encounters with bullying can have a profound impact on individuals, shaping their mindset, values, and actions. It is not uncommon for people to develop a strong aversion to bullying, driven by a desire to protect themselves and others from such mistreatment. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"I started training at a very young age, and it was something much deeper than just going out and training at a school. It was really about the mind, learning to become better in every way." – Rafa Cond
"At nine years old, a bullying incident where I was threatened with a knife became a catalyst for me to develop a mindset against bullies." – Rafa Cond
"What I saw there I can't even explain. It would take 10 hours to explain what I've seen in my career." – Rafa Cond
Takeaways:
The commitment to continuous learning and personal development through consistent reading.
Reflecting on the importance of following one's true passion and purpose, even if it means making sacrifices in terms of income and career path.
The importance of having a supportive partner who stands by your dreams and is willing to face challenges together.
Conclusion:
Bullying experiences may shape a person's values, instill a desire to protect others and motivate them to create positive change. We can work towards a society where empathy, respect, and personal growth prevail by fostering inclusive environments and promoting anti-bullying initiatives. Let us stand together against bullying, empowering individuals to embrace their inner strength and create a safer, more compassionate world for all.

Sep 3, 2023 • 28min
Men's Fashion Beyond the Surface w/ Tanner Guzy
How we look, how we dress up, or how we style ourselves reflects on who we are. It shows our status and what we do that makes up our identity. However, with how our society and modern culture work, men have a hard time catering for their appearance. Modern culture dictates that men shouldn’t care about how they look or that it is less manly to care. But in reality, even in history, men are always concerned about their appearance, which is a huge deal.
Tanner Guzy discusses his life knowledge of men's fashion and style, as well as the lessons he learnt along the way of his journey. As men, we are normal to be concerned about our appearance, which symbolizes our masculinity, strength, courage, mastery, and honor. And so, finding the proper way to dress and carry ourselves is crucial to be a true man. Stay tuned as they dive into topics about life, personal growth, and more
topics!
Quotes:
“The perspective of how our aesthetics play into our masculinity is a major component of not only being able to signal masculinity to other people, but also to reinforce it in ourselves so that when you see yourselves in the mirror, or you see a post that you've put up on Instagram, you see someone who looks like the best version of himself. And so that's the reinforcement.” – Tanner Guzy
“As someone who was pretty rash when I got a tattoo, I would recommend tearing away from it unless you really know that it's something that you want because the odds are that's not going to be the case.” – Tanner Guzy
“The biggest trick to style and getting it dialled in is not in fit, It's not color, and it's not the pattern, but it's context. And when you know your context and what you are, who you are, who you're building yourself into, and then what your relationship is with the world around you. That's how you can start to piece it all together. ” – Tanner Guzy
Takeaways:
Instead of permanent tattoos, you can utilize jewelry to have something you can wear daily and know that it has significance and meaning ingrained in it.
The most important thing about style and clothing is the context. When you know the context and who you are, that’s when you begin to style in a way that suits you perfectly.
Lift and learn to fight if you want to have part of that warrior mindset and physical masculinity. Take up a fighting sport and see the effects of it on your body language. Watch how you conduct yourself differently and the aesthetic component, and then support it by wearing clothes.
Conclusion:
As men, we should care about our appearance and how we look. It signals our masculinity to other people and shows our strength and courage. Thus, in order to successfully dress and style will suit us, we need to focus on the context rather than anything else. Also, lifting and learning how to fight can boost the level of how we carry ourselves, adding more masculinity to our clothing.

Sep 1, 2023 • 27min
Guiding Young Men: Navigating the Journey from Childhood to Manhood w/ Jack Donovan
From childhood to young teenager, we humans grow each day, moving away from the past towards the future. And so, as time goes by, we need to improve, be better, and level up to front any challenges we face. Especially young men, who will be future leaders, need to find the path towards manhood. In order to do so, one of the things they need to do is surround themselves with other men who can help them improve and excel.
Jack Donovan shares his life experiences towards manhood and the lessons he learned throughout his journey. As a boy grows up and learns how to live in this complex world, he needs to be committed to getting better each day. Slowly transitioning from boyhood to manhood, capable of tackling life challenges. Stay tuned as they tackle topics about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
“One of the big pitfalls of being a younger person is that things can become very negative. And so surround yourself with guys who are doing something that interests you and that is dedicated to your improvement.” – Jack Donovan
“I think it's more important to focus on quality than quantity. Just hang out with as many good dudes as you can find.” – Jack Donovan
“If you level up, the challenges get harder, it's like going to a video game, and there's a new boss at each level.” – Jack Donovan
Takeaways:
Boys have a tendency to waste time. Men are more disciplined when it comes to making the time to do what they need to do. Thus, removing some of the boyhood and the factors in your life that are pushing you towards that boyhood is vital.
Investing your time to finish your project, even if they are boring, is vital for you to reach your desired goal. Whatever your project is, finish it until the end. And committing to that is a huge deal.
Life is full of ongoing challenges, no matter what stage you are in your life. And so you need to level up or improve to be able to tackle those challenges and go to the next level.
Conclusion:
Young men can be in the negative things, leading to a lack of personal growth. Therefore, being with people that can help them improve and be better is crucial. It doesn’t need to be many; remember quality over quantity. And so focus on finding good guys and being with them.

Aug 30, 2023 • 27min
Navigating Manhood: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Responsibility w/ Mike Yarbrough
Being a man is a difficult task. A lot of responsibilities are put upon their shoulder, which they must perform right, whether it is in business or family. But if a boy grew up without people that could show him how to be a man, how could he be a proper man in the future? Often, men who lack manliness cannot properly perform their duty as a man, so they must learn how to become one from men who do it correctly.
Mike Yarbrough founded Wolf and Iron, helping men grow and increase manliness. Mike’s parents divorced when he was a child. Thus, he has no father figure as he grows up. Fortunately, he has grandparents that take care of him. But as he goes through life, Mike finds it hard to be a man and realized that he lacks some manhood, allowing him to start his journey in having manliness. Tune in as Mike shares his path towards
manliness, becoming an entrepreneur, being the best you and more!
Quotes:
“You just have to recognize that pain cannot be avoided. That pain really just means there's something that I don't know. And there's something that told me I'm uncomfortable with that. I need to go figure it out. Because it's always going to be painful if you don’t.” – Mike Yarbrough
“If you really want to be the best you could be, go see other people who are doing awesome things and be like them.” – Mike Yarbrough
“The reality is, not only do we have the power to create it, we have an obligation to do so.” – Matt Beaudreau
Takeaways:
If you feel pain, it just means there is something wrong you are unaware of. Thus, finding the root of the pain and taking action to remove it is what you need to do.
You'll have a moment when you notice the guys ahead of you. And there are two kinds of them: men who do things right and men who do things wrong. To learn how to manage a family or a business, you must surround yourself with men who do things right no matter what.
Most people believe that everyone should be themselves. But it is this belief that leads people astray. Be like the person who is achieving fantastic things, and that is when you can be the finest version of yourself.
Conclusion:
If you want to improve your manliness, don’t hesitate to learn from those men who can show you how. Do what is needed to surround yourself with men who can do things right. And be like them so you can be the best version of yourself.

Aug 28, 2023 • 39min
Navigating Truth in a Sea of Misinformation w/ Dany Vega
Being able to distinguish between genuine information and misinformation is crucial in a society where false narratives and misinformation can spread rapidly. As a result, people can better weigh alternatives, think critically about data, and foresee the outcomes of their choices. Making judgments based on reliable data encourages reason, reduces uncertainty, and boosts the probability of success. It enables people to deal with ambiguity, contributes to meaningful conversations, and act in ways consistent with their beliefs and priorities.
Danny Vega shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. The route to success is like a winding road with unexpected turns and detours. It's not a straight line that you can easily follow. Sometimes you must take the scenic route, exploring different paths and trying new things before you find your way. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"When someone asks you what you want to do with your life, and you think of the things that get you excited, that's what you should pursue." – Danny Vega
"It starts with curiosity, and the more you learn, the more you realize how many things you've gotten wrong, which fuels your curiosity even more." – Danny Vega
"We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom. It's the values we subscribe to, and our discussions are fueled by respectful engagement." – Matt Beaudreau
Takeaways:
Making bold decisions and taking risks can lead to personal growth and inspire others, even in the face of challenges and responsibilities.
Embracing the concept of not knowing opens us up to continuous learning and a deeper understanding of the world.
Questioning established beliefs and seeking primary sources of information can lead to a deeper understanding of complex subjects and help make informed decisions in life.
Conclusion:
It is essential to challenge the current quo rather than mindlessly accepting it. Individuals can develop their critical thinking skills and make well-informed judgments when encouraged to ask questions and be open to new information. Individuals are better equipped to deal with life's issues, contribute to conversations, and make decisions that align with their values and objectives when they actively seek out reliable information.

Aug 26, 2023 • 26min
Rising Above Fear: Inspiring Tale of Opportunity and Triumph w/ Mitch Aguiar
Opportunities rarely arrive. Looking for opportunities is difficult, especially if you don’t know how to. But sometimes, when there is an opportunity, people don’t take advantage of it because they are afraid to fail. Fearful that they will lose and just hurt them. But regret is the only thing that comes out of having a fear of taking opportunities.
Mitch Aguiar shares his life journey from being a Navy SEAL to being a jiu-jitsu fighter champion and entrepreneur. Opportunities do not always come into our lives, so when it shows up, you must have the courage to step in and try it. Learn to eliminate your fear of failing, and just do your best in what you must do. Tune in as they talk about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
“How you do anything is how you do everything, and excellent is the only acceptable standard.” – Mitch Aguiar
“I don't know if I'm going to fail, I don't know if I'm going to succeed, but I'm willing to try it. And I'm willing to make an effort. And when you show up and give effort consistently, you're bound to have results.” – Mitch Aguiar
“Having a business is ridiculously hard because it requires much effort. It's not ever smooth. And when it is great, take it and enjoy it, but understand that it won't be easy, and that's okay. You just have to be willing to continuously give effort and try your best to solve the problems. – Mitch Aguiar
Takeaways:
Take advantage of the opportunities when it is represented. If it is worth a try, then do it. Don’t be afraid. Fear is the only thing that blocks us from taking opportunities in front of us.
In everything we do, there is a chance that we fail. But if you fear failing, you will just leave yourself with regret. Thus, don’t focus on your fear of failing. Instead, try things out; if you fail, it’s not the end of the world, so just try again.
Businesses are all about problem-solving. It is inevitable to run into problems when you have a business. Hence, you need to give all your effort and do your best to solve the problems.
Conclusion:
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of opportunities. Just try it, and you will see. You can’t determine if you will fail or succeed, but what’s more important is that you try and make an effort to take action. Remember, every effort you make is not pointless. Even if you fail, there will be significant results from it.

Aug 24, 2023 • 37min
Finding Strength and Happiness Through Adversity w/ Phil Daru
Life is full of adversities and trials, as if we're being tested to show strength. Thus, It is up to us how we can adapt and get stronger to endure any pain. And as we continue to pivot, move, and make an effort to find our purpose and goal, we collect experiences that accumulate over time and help us tackle any challenges in life. And from there, happiness will come.
Phil Daru shares his life experiences growing up in a bad environment, going to prison, and dropping out of school. Since childhood, Phil grew up with challenges that threatened the successful life he wished for. But it turns out life cannot take Phil down as he faces numerous problems but ultimately rises to the top. Tune in as they talk about life, personal growth, sports, business, and more!
Quotes:
“You need a goal, and you need that vision. But at the same time, you need to develop those habits that will allow you to reach that goal. So I just consistently get those habits each and every day. And again, it kind of aligns me to the point where I need to be when it comes down to it.” – Phil Daru
“I need a challenge, which every person should ultimately strive for. Challenge every day. If you're not doing that, you're living a vicarious life, and honestly, you're not living to your true potential.” – Phil Daru
“Strength comes from your ability to manage pain. So at the end of the day, I will have to endure some pain to get stronger and adapt. – Phil Daru
Takeaways:
Instead of going in all directions, doing things simultaneously, and exhausting yourself, Staying focused on what you are most interested in is vital.
You must constantly collect experiences because this is where you can find who you are, your purpose, and your goal. And if you are going after something, happiness will come.
Be productive and try to learn something new every day. Instead of listening to music, listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Use your free time for self-development. Doing so will boost your level as a person and help you tackle different challenges in life.
Conclusion:
No matter what life throw upon you, never give up. Set a goal that will give you a vision of the path you want to pursue. Develop habits that can help you reach that goal. Take challenges for you to improve and get your full potential. Lastly, learn how to manage pain because that’s where your strength will come from.

Aug 24, 2023 • 52min
Finding Clarity and Purpose: Overcoming Uncertainty in Life's Journey w/ Gary Weiland
Have you ever felt lost or uncertain about your path in life? It's common to experience confusion and doubt, especially when faced with big decisions or unexpected challenges. However, it's important to remember that these moments do not define us. Instead, they provide opportunities for growth and self-discovery. We can gain clarity and direction by embracing the journey and remaining open to new experiences. So, whether you're at a crossroads or simply seeking a sense of purpose, know there are steps to find your way forward.
Gary Weiland shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. The path to our goals is often filled with obstacles and challenges. By developing the right mindset and approach, we can turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"It all comes down to passion and purpose and what you want in life, you can absolutely make the impossible possible." – Gary Weiland
"Set a goal. But once you get up there, move it once you get up there and move and just keep moving that thing, and you don't know where your life is going to go." – Gary Weiland
"I had to adapt, I had to change the way I was doing things if I wanted to do something different." – Gary Weiland
Takeaways:
It's never too late to change and pursue your dreams, and the support of loved ones can be crucial in making that happen.
Mental strength is crucial in overcoming physical obstacles and challenges. Adversity can strike at any moment, and it's important to be mentally prepared to handle unexpected setbacks in life.
Cultivating a victim mentality is an acquired personality trait that leads people to view themselves as victims of negative actions, even without clear evidence. Refusing to adopt this mindset and focusing on finding solutions instead can lead to personal growth and be beneficial for teaching others.
Resilience and determination are key qualities to have when facing challenges in life, and they can help one achieve their goals and dreams. The mindset we adopt when facing challenges determines how we perceive and overcome them. We can take control and dominate by seeing challenges as something that faces us.
Conclusion:
We will face challenges and obstacles that may seem impossible in life, but we can overcome them with adaptability, determination, and mental toughness. It's important to focus on what we can control, make decisions that align with our values and goals, and seek support from others when needed. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, remember that perseverance and resilience are key to achieving success.

Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 9min
Finding Your Path: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities with Shaun Vasquez
Are you lost in life? Not knowing what your future might be? You might be in the lowest stage of your life and lose hope of getting back up. But in life, you can’t tell where it may lead you and the opportunities that may present. So stand up and move forward. Don’t be afraid to try and start something because it may be the key for you to forge your path in life.
In this episode, Shaun Vasquez will share his story of how he forged his path in life, from the lowest to a high achiever, enjoying, loving, and successful man. He will talk about topics such as how you can forge your path in life and why having the longtail mentality and consistency is necessary to move forward. Tune in as future leaders ask questions about business, fitness, life, parenthood, being successful, and more.
Quotes:
“'I’m in this role because I decided to turn down a job at the White House and be the best manager. And it doesn't make any sense because they don't seem like they're aligned at all until you look backward. And you see how everything connects because that was the start of me taking some ownership over something, going ahead, and forging a
path because that's what opened other doors later on.” – Matt Beaudreau
“If you have that long tail vision, plus the consistency, then you can have a relatively predictable assurance that you are going to hit the targets and surpass the metrics that you are setting moving forward.” – Shaun Vasquez
“If I put this effort in, even if I fall flat on my face, I got my back, she got my back, we're gonna go forward whatever it is.” – Shaun Vasquez
Takeaways:
You can’t find your path in life; you need to forge it yourself. And to forge your path, you need to be brave,
decide, and start walking.
The longtail mentality is one of the most difficult concepts for any person to comprehend because, like consistency, it is necessary for progress and growth.
Putting all your effort into what you must do and having someone to support you is critical to achieving what you want. Because even if you lose and fall, you will learn something from it and have someone to lean on.
Conclusion:
If you are lost, not knowing what to do in life, remember that stumbling through life's obstacles doesn’t mean it is the end. Just move, take action, and start doing something. And eventually, you will see that you are forging the path toward the life you’ve dreamed of.

Aug 22, 2023 • 26min
Empowering Success through Leadership w/ Alain Hunkins
Leadership is a topic that has fascinated people for centuries, from ancient philosophers to modern business schools. While the definition of leadership may vary depending on the context, at its core, leadership is all about inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal or vision. Effective leadership requires a range of skills and traits, including strong communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make difficult decisions. Whether in business, politics, or everyday life, good leadership is essential for success and fulfillment.
Alain Hunkins imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Always remember that the greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. They are the one that gets the people to do the greatest things. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more!
Quotes:
“There's a time and a place to be hard. But there's a time and a place to be soft, too.” – Alain Hunkins
“The three secrets to building strong leaders are connection, communication, and collaboration.” – Alain Hunkins
“For all of us, we have to get really clear on what is our personal definition of success is.” – Alain Hunkins
Takeaways:
A balanced approach is often the most effective one. Sometimes it's necessary to be tough and assertive, but other times it's important to be gentle and compassionate. Finding the right balance between these two approaches is key to navigating life's challenges and maintaining healthy relationships.
To become a strong leader, it's important to prioritize connection, communication, and collaboration with team members. Through building these relationships, leaders can create a culture of openness, creativity, and shared goals.
Success means different things to different people, and it's important for each person to define success on their own terms rather than accepting someone else's definition. By doing so, we can strive towards our own unique goals and aspirations rather than feeling pressure to conform to societal norms or other people's expectations.
Conclusion:
Becoming a good leader is a process that requires both self-reflection and a willingness to continually improve. It’s important to have a clear vision and set of values, and to communicate these effectively to team members. Good leaders must also be able to make difficult decisions and take responsibility for their actions. Building trust, fostering collaboration, and promoting growth within the team are also key components of effective leadership. Finally, good leaders recognize the importance of emotional intelligence, being able to listen, empathize, and respond appropriately to the needs of their team members. By cultivating these skills and traits, anyone can become a good leader and inspire others towards success.