Apogee Strong

Finding your own identity can be tricky when you're constantly influenced by the expectations of your family or partner. It often feels like there's a fine line between being true to yourself and living up to what others want from you. For many, it's a journey of figuring out where your own desires, values, and dreams begin and where those outside influences end. It takes time, and sometimes a bit of distance, to really get a sense of who you are without all those external pressures. Macka Vickers is an accomplished athlete, entrepreneur, and self-defense instructor. As a jiu-jitsu practitioner and the owner of a plant-based meal prep company, she has carved out a unique path for herself, navigating the challenges of being a military spouse. Today, Macka shares her thoughts on the importance of self-awareness, goal-setting, and building confidence as a young woman. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Statistics tell us that 73% of women are victimized by someone they know. So those statistics tell me it's a co-worker or a family friend. So where does that start? It starts with you being aware of their behavior around you.” – Macka Vickers “Do not let anyone tell you that you can't achieve anything, and if they do, don't believe them, because there are so many ways to solve problems nowadays.” – Macka Vickers “When you pursue anything, consider the skills you will develop and the accomplishments you want to achieve, because that's what will empower you to push forward in your life.” – Macka Vickers Takeaways: Be mindful of your surroundings and the behavior of those around you, especially in public spaces. Identify potential exit routes and have a plan in place for handling confrontations. Consider learning self-defense techniques to build confidence and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Consistent practice can be a game-changer. Regularly review and adjust your personal, professional, and relationship goals. Ensure they have a clear purpose and that you're making steady progress. Don't be afraid to forge your own path, separate from family or partner expectations. Explore your passions and find ways to cultivate your unique strengths and talents. Surround yourself with a network of trusted friends, family, or mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement as you navigate life's challenges. Conclusion: Cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness and personal agency is essential for navigating life's challenges with confidence. When you understand your strengths, values, and goals, you are better equipped to make choices that align with your true desires. This self-understanding empowers you to take control of your actions and shape your own path. Ultimately, a deep sense of awareness and agency leads to greater fulfillment and a more intentional life.

Living in a cycle of self-criticism and perfectionism is draining, making it feel like nothing is ever enough. The pressure to meet unrealistic standards often hides the progress you’ve made. Focusing on flaws instead of strengths leaves no space for self-compassion. Freedom comes from realizing imperfection isn’t failure—it’s a natural part of growth. Appreciating your effort can be just as meaningful as achieving the perfect result. Kerri Walsh Jennings is a legendary volleyball player, having won three Olympic gold medals, and a highly sought-after speaker and mentor. Today, Kerri shares her story of embracing imperfection and harnessing her potential. She also offers insights on getting through negative environments and inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Our potential is always there for us to reach, which is beautiful.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings “If we want it badly enough, we'll go get it. But oftentimes we get stuck and think, ‘Oh man, I'm embarrassed, I'm ashamed,’ and the longer we do that, the longer we're just stuck.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings “The way I perceive what I'm going through is going to dictate my experience. Because everything that we're presented with, whether it's failure or success, is neutral, but what meaning we give to it is what it's going to be.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings “It's just a shift in the story that we tell ourselves. That's the mindset. It's the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, to ourselves, and we've got the power to change that at any time.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Practice reframing anxiety as excitement by using breathing techniques and positive self-talk. Commit to consistent self-improvement by identifying your weaknesses but avoid self-criticism. Be willing to look foolish in pursuit of your goals. Cultivate a support network of positive, inspiring people. Surround yourself with those who will challenge you to be your best self, rather than those who bring you down. Take intentional breaks and explore new interests to renew your spirit and gain fresh perspective. Avoid the pressure of year-round specialization in your craft. Lead by example and embody the values you want to see in others. Focus on your own development first, and inspire the next generation through your authentic, consistent actions. Conclusion: Leading by example and taking intentional breaks can inspire others, especially the next generation. By focusing on personal growth and staying authentic, you show the value of balance in overcoming challenges. This approach promotes self-improvement while encouraging others to realize their potential. True leadership lies in living in a way that motivates those around you to grow and succeed.

Balancing fatherhood, marriage, and providing can feel like a constant juggling act. The key isn’t dividing time equally but making each moment count—being present with family and focused at work. Prioritizing well-being through boundaries and seeking support helps manage the load. Remember, success in one role doesn’t mean sacrificing another. It’s about creating harmony, not perfection. Thomas DeLauer is a renowned health and fitness expert, known for his informative YouTube channel and podcast. As a self-proclaimed "translator of science," Thomas has dedicated his career to making complex health and nutrition research accessible to the masses. Today, Thomas shares insights on the challenges of balancing work and family life, emphasizing the importance of compartmentalization, managing guilt, and harnessing the power of oxytocin to stay present and grounded in what truly matters. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “True masculinity is being able to let that go and be able to come home and just be a safe place.” – Thomas DeLauer “Guilt typically is a constant over-analyzing. You're just thinking so much of every catastrophizing situation that could go wrong, to the point where it finally bubbles up as an emotion that we call guilt.” – Thomas DeLauer “If you unload some of your stresses and some of your emotions onto them and it doesn't go over well, that's not your problem. You did what you did, and you let that stuff go. Sometimes it won't work the way you expect it to.” – Thomas DeLauer Takeaways: Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your relationships - be willing to admit when you're not at your best, and empower your partner to support you. Implement "micro-dosing" of your workouts and work tasks to maintain intensity and presence, even when your schedule is disrupted. Reflect on the fundamental reasons behind your work and family commitments - let this drive your actions, rather than external pressures or expectations. Explore ways to integrate your children into your daily work and life, making healthy habits and values a natural part of their upbringing. Consider the role of oxytocin in strengthening your family bonds, and find opportunities to intentionally nurture those connections. Conclusion: Staying true to your core values and intentionally managing time and energy is key to a fulfilling life. By prioritizing what truly matters, you can avoid the noise of outside pressures and expectations. This clarity leads to more meaningful decisions and a greater sense of purpose. Fulfillment comes from aligning actions with your values, not from pursuing others' definitions of success.

Confronting our own demons takes a level of honesty that can feel uncomfortable, but it’s where real growth begins. It starts with acknowledging the fears, habits, or insecurities that hold us back instead of burying them. Courage doesn’t mean having no fear—it means facing it anyway, one small step at a time. By working through those struggles, we start to understand ourselves better, opening the door to the potential that’s been waiting beneath the surface. Evan Chmieleski is the owner and head coach of Fight for Tomorrow, a martial arts gym focused on building community and fostering personal growth. Evan's life experiences have shaped him into a passionate and insightful leader. Today, Evan shares his story. From overcoming bullying and insecurity in his youth to finding purpose and fulfillment in the world of martial arts and entrepreneurship. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Being a nice person and being a good person is not always the same thing.” – Evan Chmieleski “If you're willing to look backwards, it can be right, but you need to be willing to examine that yourself.” – Evan Chmieleski “If you're going to be a leader, and you expect a certain thing, you need to be doing it and holding the same standard, regardless of who it is.” – Evan Chmieleski “We tend to overcompensate because we don't want to. Our insecurity will push us to overcompensate.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on your own tendencies to overcompensate or react out of ego and consider how you can cultivate greater self-awareness and balance. Identify the areas of your life where you may be struggling to find consistency and explore ways to align your actions with your priorities. Seek out mentors and coaches who can provide honest, constructive feedback to help you grow, and be willing to trust your own intuition when necessary. Examine your approach to leadership or guiding others and consider how you can tailor your style to best support the unique needs and goals of those you serve. Embrace the power of community and human connection, and explore ways to create environments that support resilience, growth, and a sense of purpose. Conclusion: Facing insecurities and recognizing the urge to overcompensate allows anyone to access their true potential. This self-awareness creates space for authentic growth and inner strength. By doing so, they not only transform their own lives but also inspire and support others on a similar path. It’s a powerful step toward building resilience and creating meaningful connections.

Life’s unexpected challenges can test even the most prepared among us, and as a modern woman, it often feels like you’re expected to juggle it all seamlessly. The truth is, no one can predict everything, but resilience comes from building confidence in your ability to adapt and face the unknown. It’s about trusting in your strength while allowing yourself the grace to learn along the way. Preparation isn’t always having all the answers—it’s knowing you can navigate whatever comes your way. Amber Elle is a single mom, homeschooler, and entrepreneur who teaches self-reliance and resilience through her brand. With a background in nursing, Amber has a passion for natural wellness and empowering women and families to become more self-sufficient. Today, Amber talks about the importance of situational awareness, sharing personal experiences and practical tips for cultivating this skill. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Situational awareness allows us to be safe, be aware of our surroundings, be more understanding of humanity, but also to be more mindful, more grounded, and less anxious.” – Amber Elle “When we zoom out and look at the big picture, we see a lot of kids, the world, vulnerability, and threats. We then feel very responsible for all those tiny little lives.” – Amber Elle “Knowledge is always going to be what gets you to the other side of those trepidation feelings or that hesitation.” – Amber Elle Takeaways: Cultivate situational awareness in your daily life by taking a moment to ground yourself and observe your surroundings before entering vulnerable areas. This can help prevent dangerous situations and promote mindfulness. Establish a code word or safe word with your children to use in case of emergency. Practice using it regularly to ensure they understand its importance and feel empowered to use it when needed. Investigate options for discreetly carrying self-defense tools, such as blades or less-lethal weapons, when engaging in activities with your children where concealment may be challenging (e.g., swimming, hiking). Prioritize medical preparedness by keeping essential first aid supplies, including tourniquets, EpiPens, and Narcan, readily available in your vehicle, bags, and other accessible locations. Conclusion: Embracing your strengths and taking ownership of the future drives meaningful change. By doing so, you improve your life while building a stronger foundation for the next generation. This dedication to growth and action inspires confidence and lasting progress. The choices we make today have a powerful impact on the future.

Balancing work and family can feel like a constant tug-of-war, especially when both demand so much of your time and energy. It’s hard to give your best at work while still being fully present for the people who matter most at home. The pressure to excel in both areas can leave you feeling stretched thin and unsure if you’re doing enough. Finding balance often starts with setting boundaries and prioritizing the moments that truly count, even in the midst of life’s demands. Ray Cash Care is a former Navy SEAL and successful entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to empowering men and their families. Ray's powerful experiences and insights have made him a sought-after speaker and mentor. Today, Ray shares his journey of rediscovering his faith, overcoming past traumas, and building stronger relationships with his wife and children. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you're not physically, mentally, emotionally pushing yourself every day, then tomorrow you're going to be the same person you are today.” – Ray Cash Care “The only way that I can be the best version of who I am, the only way I can be a believer, a better Christian, a better man, a better husband, a better father, and a better lover, is if I'm the best version of me.” – Ray Cash Care “I don't believe in this 1%. There's no number that I can put on it. It's just that every day I get up, I'm more grateful, and there are things that I will not substitute out of my life.” – Ray Cash Care “Calm is contagious. I have always contended that a Dad, as long as he's in the home, is the primary person in terms of controlling the energy of the home.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on your personal growth and identify areas where you can push yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to become the best version of yourself. Examine your relationships with family members and consider setting clear boundaries to protect your values and priorities, even if it requires difficult conversations. Cultivate a support system of like-minded individuals who can hold you accountable and provide encouragement on your journey of self-improvement. Explore opportunities to share your experiences and wisdom with others, recognizing that your story can have a profound impact on the lives of those around you. Embrace vulnerability and be willing to confront your past hurts, as this can be a catalyst for personal transformation and deeper connections with loved ones. Conclusion: Aligning actions with core values and making tough decisions can leave a powerful legacy. These choices shape personal paths and influence future generations. Acting with integrity and purpose sparks meaningful change and sets a strong example for others. Values-driven decisions cultivate both personal growth and collective progress, creating a lasting impact.

Imagine being able to dig deep and uncover what’s truly holding you back—identifying patterns and beliefs you might not even realize are there. Resolving those struggles at the root could shift how you approach everything, from relationships to career decisions. Tapping into your unconscious mind and higher consciousness isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about gaining clarity, alignment, and a sense of purpose. Life could feel lighter, more intentional, and grounded in who you truly are. Jeremiah Rangel is a renowned personal development coach and the founder of IntraAwareness. With over 26 years of experience in the field, Jeremiah has dedicated his life to helping individuals unlock their full potential and overcome their deepest challenges. Today, Jeremiah discusses his journey from a tumultuous upbringing to discovering the power of neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Not knowing what to do is not an excuse for not asking, learning, or thinking.” – Jeremiah Rangel “Ninety percent of the time, in every context, the solution is the opposite of the problem. The other ten percent requires more, but that was a huge observation that I've learned.” – Jeremiah Rangel “Procrastination is perfectionism in disguise. That's why I just let go and do it. Doing is better than not doing it. Doing it better is better than just doing it. Gotta do it to do it better.” – Jeremiah Rangel “If I can really define what the problem is, if I can ask myself, what is the real problem here and what am I trying to create, that's half of solving the whole thing right there.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on your past challenges and use a "hindsight strategy" to learn from them and prepare for the future. Explore accessing your unconscious mind and higher consciousness through techniques like peripheral awareness and trance-like states. Consider the areas of your life where the solution may be the opposite of the problem and be open to unconventional approaches. Evaluate your motivations and priorities - are you truly helping others, or are you neglecting your own needs? Strive for a healthy balance. Identify the people, mentors, or resources that can help you unlock your full potential and be willing to invest time and effort into personal growth. Conclusion: Tapping into the unconscious and higher consciousness helps people confront and heal deep-seated issues. This leads to real transformation and fulfillment. Addressing these core challenges can bring lasting positive changes in every part of life. It’s a journey toward greater self-awareness and a more purposeful, balanced life.

An environment that promotes self-discovery and adaptability begins with openness and curiosity. It’s about giving people the freedom to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and passions without the fear of failure. Growth is supported not only through resources but also by allowing people to learn from their experiences. When individuals feel safe to experiment and grow, they are more likely to adapt, uncover new opportunities, and reach their full potential. Sumay and Aila Lu, co-founders of WEquil.App, are passionate about helping people and kids tap into their creative intelligence. As young entrepreneurs, they offer a fresh perspective on navigating the evolving world of work and education. Through decision-based learning, they encourage everyone to take control of their own paths. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “The purpose of WEquil is to help people and kids harness their creative intelligence, which we define as the ability to come up with novel and useful projects.” – Aila Lu “If you just stop liking something, you're going to lose motivation. Without motivation, expecting to continue operating at peak performance doesn't make any sense at all.” – Sumay Lu “Be the circuit breaker. Be the one who dissipates the anger and frustration. Be vulnerable and laugh it out.” – Aila Lu Takeaways: Explore your interests and create projects that add value to others. Engage with a community that shares your goals and can provide diverse perspectives. Reflect on your motivations and find ways to stay organized and excited about your work. Embrace the power of pivoting and don't be afraid to try new things. Invest in building strong relationships, even with those closest to you. Conclusion: Empowering individuals, especially young people, to shape their own futures is essential. By promoting decision-based learning and building supportive communities, we help them develop a strong sense of purpose and adaptability. This approach equips them to tackle challenges while promoting fulfillment. As they take ownership of their journeys, they become more resilient and confident in navigating today’s complex world.

Breaking free from a victim mentality feels like an uphill battle, especially when life’s challenges seem relentless. It’s easy to feel stuck, as if circumstances are always working against you. Taking control of your mindset starts with small shifts—focusing on what you can change rather than what’s out of your hands. Over time, those small changes build momentum, helping you see that even in tough moments, you have the power to shape your response and move forward. Mark England, co-founder and head coach of Enlifted, has over 18 years of experience helping individuals and organizations transform their lives through the power of words and mindset. Dedicated to breaking the cycle of victim mentality, he empowers others to reach their full potential. Mark defines mindset as "the story you tell yourself," a simple yet powerful reminder of the impact our internal dialogue has on shaping our reality. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Your mindset is the story you tell yourself.” – Mark England “When you learn to think about your thinking, you become alive in a new way.” – Mark England “The faster the story goes, the harder it is to change. So if you want your children to listen to you, slow down your rate of speech. It's easier.” – Mark England “Simplicity is evidence of genius. That is what I always strive for, and often fail at—creating simplicity in all that we are doing and things that I am saying—because it denotes an awareness and understanding that chaos cannot.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Slow down your rate of speech and incorporate intentional breathing when telling your own stories - this helps make them more meaningful and impactful. Identify and replace "soft talk" language (words like "maybe," "hopefully," "guess") with more confident, assertive phrasing to improve decision-making and reduce indecision. Write down your biggest questions for the year and explore how that differs from keeping them in your head - this can unlock new insights and clarity. Celebrate your wins from the previous year by titling them like a movie and describing them in detail - this builds evidence of your capabilities. Examine the stories you tell yourself about your identity, abilities, and circumstances - are they serving you, or is it time to rewrite the narrative? Conclusion: Changing how we speak to ourselves, selecting words intentionally, and celebrating progress can boost confidence and improve decision-making. These habits encourage a positive mindset and equip us to tackle challenges with clarity and assurance. Over time, they build self-worth and enhance our ability to handle both personal and professional decisions. This shift in perspective can transform how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.

Education is about helping kids learn and grow. It's about giving them the tools and opportunities to discover their passions, develop their talents, and become the best versions of themselves. It's about fostering a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. A good education is a foundation for a fulfilling life, empowering children to become confident, capable, and contributing members of society. In this solocast episode, Matt Beaudreau, Founder of Apogee Strong, sets out to clarify Apogee's mission and how it differs from Acton Academy. He addresses any remaining confusion and public perception issues, digging into the philosophical differences between the two organizations and sharing his personal journey in educational philosophy. Matt emphasizes Apogee's unique approach, which actively involves parents, offers flexible part-time and full-time options, and provides a hands-on, coach-driven learning environment. He also highlights the extensive support and resources Apogee provides to its affiliates, contrasting it with Acton Academy's more hands-off approach. Quotes: "We want to be the education hub in a community. So, we want people to be able to drop in for the things that they want help with that we want those a la carte options. Acton is not an a la carte network. We are very much an a la carte network." - Matt Beaudreau "Forget not answering questions. We're answering a lot of questions, and we're proactively engaging with every single thing, from academia to the projects all the above, it is not anywhere near the Acton approach on that, nor is it near the traditional school approach." - Matt Beaudreau "We've got two foundations that that push towards, you know, scholarships for families to make these things available, the website, the CRM and the tech behind it all to give them the ability to have an internal community, or building an app that's on the way that will help for tracking of student work, student behavior." - Matt Beaudreau Key Takeaways: Apogee is a separate entity from Acton Academy, despite the host's previous involvement. Apogee emphasizes parent involvement, contrasting with Acton's kid-centric approach. Apogee believes in coaching parents alongside their children, fostering a strong family-oriented learning environment. Apogee offers part-time and a la carte options, catering to homeschooling families and those seeking flexible learning solutions. This is a significant departure from Acton's focus on full-time enrollment. Apogee coaches actively guide students, contrasting with Acton's philosophy of letting students discover answers independently. Apogee believes in providing direct support and mentorship throughout the learning process. Apogee prioritizes physical fitness and incorporates it into the curriculum, recognizing the importance of a healthy body and mind for optimal learning. Apogee is building out a university partnership program, offering students opportunities to earn college degrees and trade certifications while completing their high school education. Conclusion Choosing the right educational path for your child is a significant decision. We hope this episode has equipped you with a deeper understanding of the differences between Apogee and Acton Academy, highlighting their unique approaches to parent involvement, curriculum design, and student support. Remember, the best choice for your family depends on your individual needs and priorities. We encourage you to explore both options thoroughly, visit campuses, and engage with their communities. By actively participating in this decision-making process, you can find the educational environment that will best nurture your child's growth, unlock their potential, and empower them to thrive.