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Apogee Strong

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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