

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.