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Apogee Strong

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Aug 20, 2023 • 26min

Adapting and Thriving: Insights on Overcoming Adversity w/ Ron Gus Gustafson

Challenges and failures are not roadblocks but stepping stones to personal growth and development. In a world where resilience and independence are increasingly valued, navigating setbacks becomes vital. As we embrace the ever-evolving landscape of the modern era, adapting and thriving in the face of adversity becomes essential. Join us as we explore the power of challenges, the importance of resilience, and the journey toward independence. Ron Gus Gustafson shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. One should face challenges and failures as it cultivates resilience and independence. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "God had a perfect plan for my life, and I never would have found it if that young man hadn't picked me up out of the gutter." – Ron Gus Gustafson "Between failure and success is simply one more try." – Ron Gus Gustafson "For young ones, if you see them jumping in when you're hanging, tell them I want to fall and take on these challenges, not letting them take on these challenges and responsibilities for you guys will only benefit you in the long run." – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Divine interventions or encounters with people who believe in us can sometimes shape our lives unexpectedly. Being open to help and guidance can lead to life-changing opportunities and a shift in perspective. True success in education and life is not merely about accumulating knowledge for the sake of it. Instead, it involves actively engaging with the material, understanding its principles, and applying them effectively. Genuine learning goes beyond surface-level memorization. Recognizing and acknowledging the mental strength and resilience required to overcome challenges is crucial. Physical feats often stem from a strong and determined mindset. Persistence and the willingness to try again after failure are key to success. Each attempt brings us closer to our goals, and the discipline to keep going despite setbacks can lead to significant progress and accomplishments. Conclusion: For children to mature and flourish, giving them opportunities to test themselves, take on responsibilities, and make mistakes is crucial. A person's realization that they've reached their limit and are ready to make positive changes in their lives is often a direct result of hitting rock bottom, making this realization a potent catalyst for change. Individuals can overcome obstacles and make significant, long-lasting improvements by actively seeking out challenges and learning more about the factors contributing to personal growth.
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Aug 18, 2023 • 42min

Embracing the Unpredictable: Navigating Life's Diversity with Resilience w/ Marcus Aurelius Anderson

Diversity shows up unannounced at the most inopportune times without apology. And no one will ever be exempted from it. The only thing we can do is choose what side we will take, to give up or not. It tests us on what to do in difficult situations or in times of problems. It forces us to make the right decision, or we will suffer more. And when you overcome it, the lessons you have learned will help you with what to do in other situations. Marcus Aurelius Anderson shares his life experiences, lessons, and realizations. Being divorced, having surgery, and being put in a life-and death situation put a toll on him. He was forced to pause, sit back, and reflect on the choices he made in life. Tune in as Marcus shares how he discovers his purpose in life, what put him back on track, and more! Quotes: “If you're going to do anything extraordinary, if you want to be uncommon among the uncommon, as David Goggins says. You have to make other people uncomfortable with the amount of discomfort that you are willing to embrace regularly.” – Marcus Aurelius Anderson “If you want to know what somebody truly believes, don't look at their Instagram, don't look at their political agenda, look at their actions, because if you want to know what they really believe, their actions will create that pattern that we're talking about and go.” – Marcus Aurelius Anderson “Adversity will show up over and over and over again, until you learn the lesson. It's not going to stop until you figure it out.” – Marcus Aurelius Anderson Takeaways: People are uncomfortable with the notion that you are not afraid to push. And that your success is an indication that they are under-indexing everything they are doing in their life. So never hesitate, never compromise, and never fear anything that you want to do. And that's the sort of intensity that you have to have. People will say all sorts of things, trying to persuade you or will try to play on your sympathies. However, you have to be aware of the fact that the actions are what truth is. Diversity shows up unexpectedly and without warning at the worst possible times. And how you act in the face of difficulty will indicate how you will do in every other situation in life. Conclusion: When you have everything you want, you never think there will ever be a day when you will lose it all. You tend to forget that change is only constant in this world. And that's why you should always be present and cherish everything you have. Moreover, knowing yourself would help you what your priority in life and navigate life in general.
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Aug 16, 2023 • 53min

Unveiling the Silent Struggle: Understanding Pornography Addiction in a Tech-Driven World w/ Sathiya Sam

Some subjects remain cloaked in secrecy and discomfort in a world where knowledge is freely available, and technology continues influencing our lives. Pornography addiction is one such sensitive problem that impacts many people in silence. As society grapples with the consequences of these hidden battles, there is an urgent need for help and safe spaces where people can find understanding, advice, and healing. Sathiya Sam shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. All men are leaders, but what stops men from being everything God made them is rarely related to external circumstances. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "I don't do this work as someone who has been perfect. I had a porn addiction for 15 years, but I've learned from my mistakes and hope to share wisdom with others who may be on a similar journey." – Sathiya Sam "All behavior is rooted in belief. If you can change the belief, you can change the behavior." – Sathiya Sam "You need a why, and it has to be bigger than you because it doesn't matter what you're doing if you don't have that motivation." – Sathiya Sam Takeaways: Open and honest conversations about healthy sexuality are crucial, especially in a society where ethics and morality are becoming subjective. Providing support and safe spaces for individuals to discuss their experiences and seek guidance can help overcome addictions and promote healthier behaviors. Inner transformation and understanding the underlying reasons behind addictive behaviors are crucial for finding effective solutions. Focusing on the root causes and addressing emotions, trauma, and belief systems can lead to sustainable positive change, even in addiction. Conclusion: Pornography and other addictions are frequently the result of an individual's inner world, which is shaped by emotions, experiences, and beliefs. Understanding and resolving these fundamental concerns is required for long-term transformation. Self-awareness is the first step in addiction recovery. People who lack self-awareness may unknowingly engage in hazardous behaviors. Identity and belief are critical. Addiction resilience and liberation stem from a strong sense of self rooted in one's thoughts and purpose.
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Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 11min

The Power of Human Connection: Inspiring Transformation and Healing w/ Brian Bogert

At the heart of the human experience lies a deep need for connection with others. Whether through shared experiences, values, or emotions, human connection has the power to inspire, heal, and transform us. It can provide us with a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, while also fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding. In today's digital age, where we are more connected than ever before, many of us still struggle to find meaningful human connection in our lives. By prioritizing relationships, seeking out shared experiences, and cultivating genuine empathy and compassion for others, we can build deeper and more fulfilling connections with ourselves and the world around us. Brian Bogert imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Always remember that every negative emotion is an opportunity to heal, grow, and connect. Overcoming negative emotions requires practice, patience, and self-compassion. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “The human experience is rooted in four things that we all seek and desire. We all want to feel safe, protected, understood, and connected.” – Brian Bogert “We all have our own insecurities. The second you own your story in a vulnerable fashion, you also disarm everyone else.” – Brian Bogert “If you understand the human experience, you understand how to put yourself into a position of empathy, not just sympathy.” – Brian Bogert Takeaways: At the core of the human experience lies a fundamental desire for safety, protection, understanding, and connection. By recognizing and honoring these basic needs, we can foster greater compassion, empathy, and connection with ourselves and others. Embracing our vulnerabilities and insecurities can be a powerful way to connect with others and build deeper relationships. By owning our story and being honest about our struggles, we can create a sense of empathy and understanding that transcends differences and brings us closer together. True empathy requires a deep understanding of the human experience, including its complexities and challenges. By cultivating empathy rather than sympathy, we can build deeper and more meaningful connections with others and create a more compassionate and understanding world. Conclusion: Human connection is essential for our well-being and sense of fulfillment. By understanding and honoring the power of connection in our lives, we can foster deeper and more meaningful relationships with ourselves and others. Whether through listening more deeply, practicing empathy and compassion, or seeking out new experiences and perspectives, there are many ways we can cultivate greater human connection in our lives. By doing so, we can experience a greater sense of belonging, purpose, and joy in our lives.
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Aug 14, 2023 • 51min

From Novice to Trailblazer: Jack Bonneau's Insights on Thriving in the Competitive Business World w/ Jack Bonneau

The business world is competitive and has always been for people who are brave enough to take risks. Brave enough to take a loss and face uncertainty. And that is why many individuals are afraid and hesitant to enter this world, especially not young individuals, as they tend to be inexperienced. Who would want to invest in people like that?         Jack Bonneau shares his life experiences, lessons, and what motivates him as he started as a young entrepreneur. His father exposed him to the business world at a young age. Being thrilled and amazed by this experience, he was motivated to share it with other aspiring young individuals like him. Tune in as Jack shares about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: “When opportunities come your way, you got to make the best of it. And take that opportunity” – Jack Bonneau “For me, school has really been a big part of my life just as much as business has. And I think that even if you have these entrepreneurial experiences, schooling is still very important, at least at the high school level.” – Jack Bonneau “When I think about mistakes and challenges I face, I always think of the example with good times.” – Jack Bonneau Takeaways: Take advantage of every opportunities that come your way. You will never know where it leads you. And something that came out of that will be the testament. It's vital to prioritize education just as much as entrepreneurship. Because the qualities you learn from simply doing well in school are equally important when combined with discipline, hard work, and all of that. Always keep the happy times in mind, especially when  encountering difficulties or problems in life. It will serve as a motivational reminder of your accomplishments and encourage you to keep working toward your goals. Conclusion: Young individuals are still inexperienced and do not know what life is like. That is why having the right people surrounding you, who guide you, push you, and believe in you, is crucial. And you will be surprised at where it leads. Moreover, how parents raise their children is also pivotal as it can be their guide and will affect the paths that they will take. 
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Aug 12, 2023 • 1h 6min

Embracing Resilience in the Face of Adversities w/ Matt Schneider

We are bound to have challenges, problems, and hardships in life.  But sometimes, we find ourselves at the lowest point of our lives, drowning from the simultaneous adversities we have. Being in this situation, it is easy for us to think that taking the easiest path will be a good decision. And so many people fall into the trap of surrendering to their problems rather than fighting for the best outcome. Matt Schneider shares his knowledge on how he manages his busy life and how he emerged from the lowest point of his life. Many people suffer from difficult adversities in life, and often, those problems come at the same time, which can really break us apart. And because it is so hard, we are tempted just to take the easy route and get out of the problems immediately. Tune in as they talk about life, business, self development, and more! Quotes: “I learned the value of being polarizing in a way that if I allow the wrong people to be in my network, by allowing the wrong people to have a seat at the table and to have influence in my life, then I would spend more time doing things that didn't matter. .” – Matt Schneider “As soon as I implemented non-negotiables, the to-do list, not to-do lists, and no longer making commitments to myself and other people that I either couldn't keep, wasn't able to keep, or was willing to keep, that dramatically changed things.“– Matt Beaudreau “I would never take the easy road. I would always choose hard over easy and not do what so many other people do, which is just throw the flag in at the moment that things really start getting really tough.” – Matt Schneider Takeaways: Introduce the proper people into your life since the solution to many challenges and opportunities when attempting to achieve more is not what you can do but who you need to help you. When you are mentored by the proper people and spend your time in the appropriate locations, you may save yourself a lot of suffering and avoid a lot of pitfalls. Set non-negotiable things. You should make a list of to-do and not to do things and set them as non-negotiables, Which means that you should follow what is on the list regardless of your situation. Never take the easy path or the path where you can flee from your problems. Be determined to choose the hard path and face the challenges that come because you have the power and control to change your circumstances for better outcomes. Conclusion: To rise from the difficulties and challenges in life, learn the value of polarizing, meaning you are only allowing proper people to enter your life and help you achieve your goals. Also, implement a non-negotiable list of to-do and not to do things, which will help you have credibility and do things seriously.
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Aug 11, 2023 • 33min

Inner Strength for Outer Success: Developing Healthy Self-Worth w/ Cody Allen

Self-worth is the belief in one's own intrinsic value and abilities. It's important to recognize that self-worth comes from within and cannot be determined by external factors. Self-worth is the foundation upon which we build confidence and resilience, allowing us to face challenges with a positive mindset and overcome obstacles. It's crucial to develop a healthy sense of self-worth in order to lead fulfilling lives and reach our full potential. Cody Allen imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth. After all, self-worth comes from one thing - thinking that you are worthy. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “The biggest thing that I learned at a young age, and then I still carry through today is that doing the unpopular thing.” – Cody Allen “The further that you find people getting away from their core values, the more their life is apt to fall down.” – Cody Allen “If you work hard at something, you should be extremely proud of it.” – Cody Allen Takeaways: Doing the right thing isn't always popular or easy. It takes courage and conviction to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the crowd. Ultimately, doing the unpopular thing can lead to personal growth and can be a catalyst for change. It's important to stay true to yourself and your values, even in the face of challenges or outside pressures, to avoid losing sight of what truly matters. When we put in the effort to achieve something, we should take pride in our accomplishments, regardless of the outcome. It's important to recognize and appreciate the hard work that goes into achieving our goals, and not let fear of failure or self-doubt overshadow our achievements. Conclusion: Self-worth is something that can't be earned or given by others - it comes from within. Often, we look to external sources for validation, however, it's important to remember that we don't need others to determine our worth. Instead, we can treat ourselves with kindness and respect, celebrating our strengths and accomplishments. Remember to be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes and learn from them instead of dwelling on them. Ultimately, you are already worthy just by existing. So, take care of yourself and recognize your own intrinsic value.
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Aug 9, 2023 • 31min

Embracing Life's Beauty: A Journey of Celebration and Challenges w/ Andy Frisella

Life necessitates great physical and mental work. Some people are lucky enough to have everything ready for them.  Some people are born into wealth, while others are blessed with good fortune. However, most people work hard from the beginning to achieve success in life. It all depends on how you came into this world. Some people's lives are filled with stress and adversity. However, the person who meets obstacles with fortitude and accepts achievement without getting carried away is the one who finds true happiness, satisfaction, and peace in life. Andy Frisella imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Life should not be just a bed of roses; thorns are also a part of it and should be accepted by us just as we accept the beautiful side of life. After all, life is beautiful, but it isn’t always easy. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “Over the years, we had our challenges and our ups and downs. I just = tried not to make the same mistake twice and never quit.” – Andy Frisella “The hard things you're going to go through are very necessary to the result.” – Andy Frisella “I get tired of talking to people who are just there to listen and not act.” – Andy Frisella Takeaways: Making mistakes is a natural thing. The key is that you should take it as a lesson and learn from it so you can get it right the next time.   Nothing good ever comes easy. We must always make sure to enact and apply the lessons we learn in life instead of just going back to the old ways every time. Conclusion: Life is, without a doubt, beautiful and every moment is a celebration of being alive, but one must constantly be prepared to face difficulties and challenges. A person who has never faced problems in life will never be successful. Difficulties put a person's courage, patience, perseverance, and true character to the test. Adversity and suffering strengthen a person and prepare them to handle life's problems with composure. There is no denying that there can be no gain without pain. Only through toiling and sweating it out can success be fed and perpetuated.
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Aug 4, 2023 • 55min

Be Your Own Boss: How to Start a Business and Live Your Dream Life w/ Sean Apperson

Imagine being your own boss, creating your schedule, and making a living doing what you love. Starting a business can be a dream come true for many people, but it's not always an easy journey. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or curious about the business world, it takes hard work, determination, and the right mindset to succeed. Sean Apperson shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Starting a business includes choosing the right business partners, having valuable skills to offer, and the need to learn and adapt quickly. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "School seemed like the place to be because I wanted to learn, but I didn't realize you could learn for the rest of your life. You don't need to be in an institution to learn, you can learn, you can open your computer and learn as much information as you could imagine." – Sean Apperson "It's not like people are just happy to give you part of their business. You know, no one will say, hey, you deserve this. Here you go. You have to wedge yourself in by force." – Sean Apperson "I don't think there's any business or any job you're not going to get if you come in with the right attitude, and you're in, you want to work hard and learn." – Sean Apperson Takeaways: Choosing the right business partner is crucial for success. It's like a marriage and requires effort to maintain the relationship. Otherwise, you can get stuck and feel trapped if things go wrong. Starting a business requires persistence and determination. No one will give you a share of their business. You have to assert yourself and be proactive in creating opportunities for yourself. Starting a business at a younger age gives you an advantage because you have more time to gain experience and learn from your mistakes. The right attitude and a willingness to work hard and learn is critical for success in any job or business. Starting a business often requires doing it yourself because the government doesn't provide much help. This can be a valuable way to gain real-life experience. To start a successful business, you need a valuable skill to sell to the market confidently. Self-employment requires learning many skills, which can eventually be delegated to others. Conclusion: Starting and running a successful business requires the right attitude, determination, and valuable skills. One needs to choose the right business partners, be willing to learn and adapt quickly and start young to gain experience over time. Self-employment requires a willingness to do things independently and learn multiple skills, which can be delegated later on. Starting a business can lead to long-term success and fulfillment with the right approach.
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Aug 2, 2023 • 1h 12min

Harnessing Awareness for Positive Change: A Catalyst for Transforming Society w/ Dave Smith

There is a palpable yearning worldwide for truth and freedom, a desire that has been simmering for years and is now coming to a boil. With the rise of the internet and social media, information is more accessible than ever, and people are increasingly turning away from traditional sources of authority and seeking alternative narratives that align with their values and beliefs. Whether it is political corruption, social inequality, or environmental degradation, people are mobilizing in support of causes they believe in and are determined to create a better world for themselves and future generations. Dave Smith shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Awareness represents powerful force for positive change, one that has the potential to transform society and usher in a new era of freedom and prosperity. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "That's just who I am as a person. I'm interested in real discussions. I'm not interested in who can shout over the other; that doesn't appeal to me. Whenever these things happen, I understand that not everybody is going to be reached by a rational argument." – Dave Smith "Now and then you're like, "Oh, I thought this was funny, but the audience didn't." but then sometimes you're like, "Oh, they loved it, and I knew they would love that." And then you kind of figure that out. And that's a beautiful process, both with political commentary and comedy." – Dave Smith "And to me, I think there's a real value in telling the truth, no matter what the effect is. I'm not saying telling the truth will solve all the world's problems. Although if all of us told the truth, it probably would help a lot." – Dave Smith "And he didn't like to become a political leader or anything like that. He just put these powerful ideas out there that resonated with people. And at the time, that's how you had to distribute information. Imagine how difficult that would be, compared to what we have this luxury of being able to do things like this."– Dave Smith Takeaways: Not everybody is going to be convinced by a logical and rational argument. While some people may be swayed by reason and evidence, others may be more influenced by their emotions and personal beliefs. In order to have productive conversations with others, it is important to strike a balance between acknowledging and respecting their emotions while also keeping those emotions in check. This means focusing on the issues rather than getting caught up in personal attacks or emotional outbursts. Regarding political movements, it is essential to focus on significant issues and make a concerted effort to bring about change. For example, in the case of the libertarian movement, it is essential to clearly define the principles and goals of the movement and work towards promoting individual freedoms and limiting the role of government. Winning hearts and minds are essential in any movement or cause. By building strong relationships and engaging with people on a personal level, it is possible to create meaningful change and positively impact society. Conclusion: Mass awakening of people is crucial as it can lead to a significant shift in public perception and create momentum for change. When a critical mass of people becomes aware of the issues and actively works towards addressing them, it can create a domino effect that inspires more people to get involved and take action. This can be particularly effective in political and social movements, where a groundswell of public support can be a powerful force in driving change and help counteract apathy and indifference towards important issues and mobilize people to support causes they care about.

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