

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

Apr 14, 2023 • 40min
Breaking Barriers and Raising Standards: Lessons from a US Navy SEAL w/ John Richards
Raising your standards means setting a higher bar for yourself and refusing to settle for anything less. It involves pushing yourself to grow and develop, learn new skills, and take on new challenges. It's about striving for excellence in everything you do, from your relationships to your career.
John Richards is a highly accomplished individual with a rich military service and leadership background. He served as a US Navy SEAL for over two decades,
completing numerous deployments to various parts of the world. During his time in the military, John demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and was
recognized for his contributions to the success of his teams. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:
"It always ends up being a small world. You find that when you have people moving forward intentionally, paths inevitably cross with people with those lower
standards. And so people want to raise the standards."– John Richards
"I wanted to be something far bigger than myself. I wanted to have a purpose I wanted to try. And that's I think that's something we missed today with
technology, is people are not just removed, but severed from an actual tribe."– John Richards
"If you truly want to do something, you don't care how inconvenient it is, you'll go make it happen, and you're going to get far more creative than you ever
thought you could be. Because you're obsessed with getting the answer you're looking for."– John Richards
"Because the way you do things is the way you do everything. So, make you better so that you can go do whatever." – John Richards
Takeaways:
Raising your standards means setting a higher bar for yourself and refusing to settle for mediocrity. By setting high standards, you push yourself to grow and
develop, learn new skills, and take on new challenges.
Having a sense of purpose that is bigger than yourself can help you stay motivated and focused. It gives you a reason to push through difficult times and work towards something meaningful.
Whether it's your personal relationships or your professional endeavors, strive to do your best in everything you do. This means putting in the effort and taking the time to do things right, even when it's difficult or challenging.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Cultivate resilience by developing a growth mindset, staying positive, and focusing on solutions rather than problems.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, raising standards, having a sense of purpose, and doing your best in all aspects of life are crucial elements for achieving success and
fulfillment. These principles are particularly important for young men who are still figuring out their place in the world. Having a sense of purpose at an early
age can provide young men with a guiding compass that can help them navigate through the challenges and obstacles they will undoubtedly face in life. It
gives them something to work towards and a reason to push through the tough times. It can also help them develop a strong sense of self, cultivate
resilience, and foster a growth mindset.

Apr 12, 2023 • 35min
Becoming Unstoppable: How to Grow and Develop Beyond Your Comfort Zone with JP Sears
Being in our comfort zone is what makes us feel safe and happy. But just staying inside will be the reason why we are weak. Thus, we need to understand that being uncomfortable is what we need to grow, develop, and be more vital to face any problems life might throw at us. We need to stand for the truth and what we feel is right, even if it makes us uncomfortable because that makes us more solid and enjoy our life without regrets. We might hurt others in the process, but it is not bullying. We just need to know how to do that respectfully.
JP Sears shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice with people, particularly caged in their own comfort zone. As a child grows up, the gate to
the world opens slowly. Children eventually learn about the problematic world we live in and might be scared to leave their comfort zone. But getting out of
our comfortable lifestyle is the key for us to improve and be stronger. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship,
and more!
Quotes:
“If you're not ruffling any feathers, you better check in and see, am I using my heart as my North Star? Or am I just in this people-pleasing, frail, yet
comfortable mindset of trying to avoid? If we do that before too long, we wake up and realize, Oh, I'm just living in the coffin of my comfort zone. It's
comfortable, but it ain't no way to live.” – JP Sears
“Approval is very worthless. It doesn't create fulfillment. It doesn't create purpose. It doesn't make better people's lives. It's all in avoiding discomfort mentality” – JP Sears
“As a kid, my programming was, Oh, if something is uncomfortable, then it's bad for you. But if something's comfortable, it's good for you. We got to flip the
script on that. So flipping the script, we will see that something comfortable is terrible for us and something uncomfortable is good for us.” – JP Sears
Takeaways:
It is essential to stand for the truth–for what we believe is our right decision and get out of our comfort zone. Yes, we may hurt others, but we must realize that being bold, brave, and unapologetic is not bullying.
Pursuing people's approval is a huge mistake, and it feels good but just for a short period of time. In the long run, we will feel empty since we betray ourselves.
Staying comfortable creates a weakness within ourselves. However, Doing uncomfortable things will make us better and stronger.
Conclusion:
A comfortable lifestyle is good; this is where we feel safe and happy. But we need to learn to leave our comfort zone because this is when we improve, grow, and be robust–enough to tackle this complex world and live a life of freedom without regrets.

Apr 10, 2023 • 30min
From Adolescence to Adulthood: Navigating Life's Journey with Jonathan Rios
Although the transition from childhood to adulthood is unavoidable, young people mature at various rates and at different ages, creating a diverse range of physical, psychological, and emotional skills.
As youths develop into adults, Jonathan Rios offers guidance, insights, and experiences from his own life to them. The teenage years are the beginning of maturity. And many of the experiences you have during those years will influence how you develop as a person and become a mature adult. Tune in
as Jonathan talks about life, maturity, mindset, and growth.
Quotes:
“When you have an issue with a friend, parent, work, or even your future girlfriend or wife, it's important to talk to them first before approaching anybody else. This is especially important as we mature into men.” - Jonathan Rios
“If you guys want to get better at anything, you have to be teachable. You have to be willing to suck for a while so that you can become the master.” - Jonathan Rios
“Information only informs you, it doesn't transform you. You must do something with it.” - Jonathan Rios
Takeaways:
As you become more mature, you'll need to learn how to communicate with people you have problems with, even if it makes you
uncomfortable. Talking about it with others won't get to the core of the problem.
If you will be willing to suck at your interest for a while, you can become a master if you'll stay persistent. And know that you can succeed
and grow if you continue to be teachable.
The way you assimilate the information is you then go do it. Exercise, practice, iteration, and repetition are all terms for putting
something to the test. See whether it works. Then, go back and try it from another angle.
Conclusion:
We all have goals. However, your process goals are what truly get things moving. Our mistake was that we were too focused on our primary goal
and neglected the three process goals. By hitting those nearly continuously, we will move closer to our desired outcome.

Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ryan Fischer - The Chalked Up CEO
Ryan has spent the last 15 years in the fitness industry with the majority of that time being dedicated to functional fitness.
In 2010 he trained with the US Olympic Skeleton and Bobsled Teams (Qualifying for Olympic Trials in both sports). He also has been a CrossFit Regionals qualifier 7 times.
He has made fitness programs for the US Military, large corporations, and several professional athletes around the globe.
Ryan hosts the top fitness podcast on iTunes called, “Real Chalk" and currently owns and operates one of the top CrossFit affiliates in the world - CrossFit CHALK in Orange County, CA.
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND RYAN
Instagram - @ryanfisch
Twitter - @RyanPFisch
Website - www.gymryan.com
MORE CONTENT
Follow Matt on social to get the latest updates and Essential content.
Instagram: @mattbeaudreau
Twitter: @mattbeaudreau
YouTube: Matt Beaudreau

Apr 3, 2023 • 57min
Stephen Mansfield - A Man on Fire
Perspective is everything. For today's guest, the experiences and the things he saw as a young man shaped how he viewed the world, freedom, and his role to play in fighting for that very freedom. As men, we need a mission, a calling that will change the world. In this episode, Stephen Mansfield discusses with the young men of Apogee Strong how they can hone in on and utilize their own skills to do just that.
STEPHEN MANSFIELD
Stephen is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and popular speaker who is a servant of several vital social causes. Stephen is also deeply concerned about the current state of manhood. To help reverse the downward trend of modern masculinity, he has written leading books on the subject, has appeared in major media, has spoken at conferences around the world, and has launched the GreatMan movement to train men in the art of noble manhood.
Stephen grew up as the son of a US Army officer, and spent many formative years living in Berlin during the dark days of the Cold War. Returning to the US, he attended college, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and later a master’s in history and public policy and a doctorate in history and literature.
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND STEPHEN
Instagram - @masfieldwrites
Twitter - @MasfieldWrites
Website - stephenmansfield.tv
MORE CONTENT
Follow Matt on social to get the latest updates and Essential content.
Instagram: @mattbeaudreau
Twitter: @mattbeaudreau
YouTube: Matt Beaudreau

Mar 31, 2023 • 1h 12min
Steve Maxwell - The Plain-Living, High-Thinking Fitness Instructor
Steve is an American fitness coach, physical educator, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Maxwell was named one of the top 100 trainers in the United States by Men's Journal. Maxwell was the first man to teach kettlebell classes in the United States. He holds a master's degree in Exercise Science from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Maxwell trains professional athletes including players for the Phillies, Dodgers, and Eagles. He also has worked with various US Government agencies, including the DEA, Secret Service, and FBI as well as many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies throughout the country. Maxwell travels around the world leading seminars in strength conditioning, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kettlebells, and joint mobility.
Today's sponsor is Discover Praxis. Right now, listeners of E11 can get a $1,000 scholarship + a free book! Simply follow the link: discoverpraxis.com/essential11
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND STEVE
Instagram - @stevemaxwellsc
YouTube - Steve Maxwell
Facebook - Steve Maxwell
Website - maxwellsc.com
MORE CONTENT
Follow Matt on social to get the latest updates and Essential content.
Instagram: @mattbeaudreau
Twitter: @mattbeaudreau
YouTube: Matt Beaudreau

Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 3min
Shaun Zimmer - The Freedom Fighter Viking
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard about what went down in Canada as people fought for their rights, and was met with great force from their government. Freezing bank accounts, arresting, and prosecuting protestors. On today's episode you'll hear a firsthand account from a leader among men who was there to witness it all. He shares his wisdom on the importance of standing up for what is right and how he continues to stay positive in his own life.
Today's sponsor is Discover Praxis. Right now, listeners of E11 can get a $1,000 scholarship + a free book! Simply follow the link: discoverpraxis.com/essential11
SHAUN ZIMMER
Shaun Zimmer is a man of faith, a man dedicated to self-mastery and the greater good. He grew up in a small country town 30 minutes outside Ottawa, the capital of Canada. After spending some time behind bars as a young adult, he made the choice to change his life around. At the age of 18 he set out to build his first company, a landscape construction company with I had $500 to his name. Over a decade later he won multiple awards for being the best landscape contractor in the entire province. During this time he also worked as a personal trainer.
During the lockdowns in Canada, as all of the gyms closed, Shaun built his own gym in his back yard and opened it to the public- against the orders of the Canadian government. Since then, he's been outspoken on his own social media about standing up for what is right and for what you believe in.
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND SHAUN
Instagram - @shaunjzimmer
Website - www.thevikingondemand.com
MORE CONTENT
Follow Matt on social to get the latest updates and Essential content.
Instagram: @mattbeaudreau
Twitter: @mattbeaudreau
YouTube: Matt Beaudreau

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 23min
Sean Briscomb - The Man With the Truth About Taxes
Sean is a husband, father, and co-trustee of Kind Foundation with his beautiful bride Ellen. This private family foundation was started to help kids heal from life's hurts.
He has been in financial services for over 18 years, helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors to keep their money, grow their wealth, and give back more in more powerful and meaningful ways. It's his passion, his unique talent, it's what he values most in others, and what he believes will ultimately change the world.
Today's sponsor is Discover Praxis. Right now, listeners of E11 can get a $1,000 scholarship + a free book! Simply follow the link: discoverpraxis.com/essential11
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND SEAN
Book - The Truth About Taxes: How the Wealthy Elite Play a Different Game
Video - Sean Briscombe tells us "The Truth About Taxes"
Instagram - @seanbriscombe
MORE CONTENT
Follow Matt on social to get the latest updates and Essential content.
Instagram: @mattbeaudreau
Twitter: @mattbeaudreau
YouTube: Matt Beaudreau

Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 2min
Andy Frisella - The Real AF MFCEO
You don't get to write the beginning of your story. But you do get to write the rest of it. And for today's guest, at the beginning of his story, you would seldom find a person who believed in an optimistic middle and end for him. But as Andy Frisella explains to the young men of Apogee on this call, no one is going to believe you until after you achieve what you're after.
Today's sponsor is Discover Praxis. Right now, listeners of E11 can get a $1,000 scholarship + a free book! Simply follow the link: discoverpraxis.com/essential11
ANDY FRISELLA
Andy Frisella is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, highly sought-after consultant, and public speaker. Andy is the industry-leading expert at customer loyalty, creating a fanatical culture, and building brick-and-mortar and online direct-to-consumer retail businesses. He has been featured in Inc., Entrepreneur & Forbes Magazine. From 2015 to 2019 he hosted The MFCEO Project, the #1 business and success podcast in the world. On his popular new podcast, REAL AF with Andy Frisella, he and his guests discuss, debate and laugh their way through trending topics and hot-button issues.
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND ANDY
Instagram - @andyfrisella
YouTube - Andy Frisella
Website - andyfrisella.com
MORE CONTENT
Follow Matt on social to get the latest updates and Essential content.
Instagram: @mattbeaudreau
Twitter: @mattbeaudreau
YouTube: Matt Beaudreau
THE MISSION
Many of the young people who would thrive the most at Acton Academy (a school founded by Matt Beaudreau), simply can’t afford it. The Essential 11 was created to fill that gap. Our goal is to provide scholarships to as many Acton Academy students in need as we possibly can. 100% of all proceeds from this podcast go directly towards sponsoring young heroes here in the Sacramento area. We know and believe that a greater future starts with greater education for more students.

Mar 22, 2023 • 57min
Miranda Alcaraz - The Fearlessly Fit Female
There are two things that we have explored extensively on this show. 1. Schooling is vastly different from education- the two are not synonymous and 2. The greatest success is often found in the most unconventional ways by simply paying attention and taking action. Both are the case for today's guest, Miranda Alcaraz who, in collaboration with her husband, has built out a successful, no-nonsense fitness community that provides their community with the resources they need to take control of their fitness every single day.
MIRANDA ALCARAZ
Miranda grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. She went to school for interior design, and during this time she was also teaching spin and cardio kick-boxing classes. Graduated, and then began working at a high-end furniture and design store but found herself gravitating to the kind of community in health and fitness more. Crossfit was the first time she competed as an athlete, participating in the 2008 Crossfit games and competing until 2016.
An idea was formed during a busy time in Miranda's and now husband's life. Post the simple workouts we are doing at home or on the road – so people can follow along. Charge a fee that will allow anyone to participate. Create a community where we can push and motivate each other. The first-ever workouts were posted in November 2016 (just a few days before Miranda found out she was pregnant with their first baby boy). Memberships went up for sale the week before the New Year, and within the first month, Street Parking had grown to 700 Members.
MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND MIRANDA.
Instagram - @fearlessmiranda
Street Parking - streetparking.com
Podcast - Street Parking Podcast