

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

Sep 11, 2023 • 55min
Empowering Education: The Bridge to Entrepreneurial Success w/ Jeff Hoffman
Traditional educational approaches lay the groundwork for knowledge but frequently need to prepare students for the dynamic and complicated realities of the professional world. As people progress through their careers, developing an entrepreneurial mentality and utilizing their education becomes increasingly important. However, success in these endeavors is dependent on one's capacity to keep focus and direct efforts toward certain goals. Individuals may unlock their full potential, create meaningful influence, and succeed in a continuously changing landscape by exploring the connections between education, career, entrepreneurship, and focus.
Jeff Hoffman shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice to future leaders. Views of successful people on overcoming challenges to achieving success, the traditional educational system, the importance of applied knowledge and problem-solving, and the significance of focus and dedication in building businesses can be a steppingstone for aspiring people. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"Be thankful for what you have in life and focus on what you can do, rather than what you don't have." – Jeff Hoffman
"Start where you are, use what you have, and work towards your goals with determination and resourcefulness." – Jeff Hoffman
"Gratitude is powerful, even towards those who didn't believe in you." – Jeff Hoffman
"Learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about constantly adjusting and improving things around you." – Jeff Hoffman
"Doing a million things is not the way to build a business. Focus is key." – Jeff Hoffman
Takeaways:
The level of success we achieve is often directly proportional to the effort and dedication we invest in pursuing our goals.
Don't let others' doubts or limitations define your potential. Trust in your capabilities and be willing to take risks to achieve your dreams.
Instead of dwelling on the criticisms or doubts of others, use them as fuel to propel yourself forward. Turn your detractors into motivators and let your success speak for itself.
While academic knowledge is valuable, soft skills such as conflict resolution, effective communication, and relationship-building are crucial for success in the professional world. Seek opportunities to develop these skills and understand their significance in various aspects of life.
When building a business or pursuing a goal, prioritize and focus on the most critical tasks and avoid getting distracted by unrelated ventures. Concentrated effort and attention on one thing at a time can yield better results.
Conclusion:
Education should evolve to provide practical skills and real-world experiences, careers should be driven by personal passion, entrepreneurship offers opportunities for innovation and impact, and focus is instrumental in achieving success in any chosen field. Embracing these principles can empower individuals to create fulfilling and purposeful lives.

Sep 9, 2023 • 37min
Leading with Integrity: The Role of Accountability in Effective Leadership w/ Leif Babin
Accountability is a key aspect of leadership. Effective leaders understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and decisions and are willing to be held accountable for the outcomes, both positive and negative. This requires a high degree of integrity, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn from mistakes and make improvements. By modeling accountability and creating a culture of responsibility and transparency, leaders can build trust and credibility with their team members and foster a more positive and productive work environment.
Leif Babin imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Great leaders are willing to suffer for their beliefs. After all, hardship is the price of leadership. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more!
Quotes:
“If you have the discipline to work hard, you’re going to have the freedom to succeed in life at whatever you’re trying to do.” – Leif Babin
“You have so much more control over your life and every interaction with other humans than you think is even possible.” – Leif Babin
“When you realize that there's a lot of stuff that you don't know, open your mind. Listen and learn.” – Leif Babin
Takeaways:
Discipline and hard work are essential ingredients for success in life. By cultivating the self-discipline and work ethic necessary to achieve our goals, we can create a sense of freedom and fulfillment that allows us to thrive in all aspects of our lives.
We have the power to shape our own lives and influence the world around us more than we might realize. By recognizing and embracing our own agency and potential, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for ourselves and make a positive impact on those around us.
Having an open mind and being willing to learn is essential for personal growth and development. By acknowledging our own limitations and being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, we can expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us and become more effective and compassionate leaders and individuals.
Conclusion:
Understanding hardship is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders who have experienced hardship can empathize with their team members and foster resilience and adaptability. However, each person's response to adversity is unique, and not all hardships are the same. By honoring the challenges faced by ourselves and others, we develop emotional intelligence and a more compassionate workplace culture. These qualities are essential for navigating today's unpredictable business landscape.

Sep 7, 2023 • 55min
Mastering Resilience: Strategies for Bouncing Back and Thriving w/ Mike Glover
Resilience is the ability to cope with adversity, overcome obstacles, and bounce back stronger than before. It involves cultivating positive emotions, having a sense of purpose, and developing healthy coping strategies. Resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time through intentional practice and effort. With its ability to provide emotional stability, motivation, and growth, resilience is an essential factor in leading a fulfilling and successful life. By building resilience through self-care and seeking support from others, we can navigate life's challenges with greater ease and emerge stronger and more capable than before.
Mike Glover imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Remember that while the world is filled with suffering, it is also filled with stories of people overcoming hardship and adversity. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more!
Quotes:
“Don't allow people to control how good you can be.” – Mike Glover
“The best perspective is a worldly perspective, understanding how human beings operate and live all around the world.” – Mike Glover
“Resilience is about bouncing back through adversity and bouncing back through adversity’s adaptation.” – Mike Glover
Takeaways:
It's important to trust in your own abilities and not let others dictate what you're capable of achieving. By believing in yourself and your potential, you can overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs, and achieve great things.
Having a broad, worldly perspective can help us better understand human behavior and the diversity of human experience. By seeking out new experiences and perspectives, we can expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us and cultivate greater empathy and compassion for others.
Resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity, but also about adapting and growing stronger because of it.
Conclusion:
Overcoming adversity is a challenging but essential aspect of personal growth and development. By cultivating resilience, fostering a positive mindset, and seeking support when needed, individuals can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger and more capable than before. With time, practice, and a willingness to learn and grow, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

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.