Apogee Strong

Creating the life and career you envision often requires taking bold, sometimes uncomfortable steps. It might mean leaving a stable job to pursue a passion project, moving to a new city, or investing time in learning skills outside your comfort zone. These decisions are rarely easy, but each one can bring you closer to a life that feels aligned with your goals and values. Embracing a bit of risk and staying committed to the vision you have can make all the difference in building a life you’re truly excited about. Juliana Folks and Fearon DeWeese are two dynamic women who have carved out impressive careers in the entertainment industry. Today, Juliana and Fearon discusses their personal journeys of self-acceptance, the importance of building a supportive team, and the challenges of balancing their creative ambitions with the demands of motherhood. Their insights offer a glimpse into the realities faced by women striving to succeed in an often male-dominated field. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Outside of my labels on paper, I think ‘artist’ is a more encompassing way to describe myself. I could say ‘multi-hyphenate,’ or now ‘business owner’ and ‘board member,’ and all these other things. But at the end of the day, it's all about creating art and telling stories.” – Juliana Folks “I think success is a mindset. If you look at success on a spectrum, everyone will have a different answer for what that looks like.” – Juliana Folks “Sometimes it’s like a marriage—you have to find that person who helps with your ‘children,’ balancing the act of raising them. It’s like we’re raising our projects, our babies, and getting them off the ground. Finding someone who can balance that with you is key.” – Fearon DeWeese “It’s about shaking up the system and saying, ‘This isn’t working, so let’s do something different.’” – Fearon DeWeese “We do live in somewhat of a gig economy, where you can find people to take on tasks on a small scale and continue to build that way. But it's about building that team.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Surround yourself with a supportive team and partner who can balance your strengths and weaknesses. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks you're not strong in. Embrace the power of storytelling and find ways to share your unique perspective. Your voice and experiences have value. Prioritize work-life balance and create an environment that supports both your career and family responsibilities. Communicate your needs and don't be afraid to set boundaries. Invest in building and maintaining relationships. Networking and fostering connections can open unexpected doors down the line. Redefine success on your own terms. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on creating the life you envision, even if it looks different from the norm. Conclusion: Finding balance and building a strong support system are essential for pursuing ambitious career goals, especially for women. Juggling professional aspirations with personal responsibilities requires intentional planning and a network of encouragement. By prioritizing self-care and seeking out supportive relationships, women can sustain their momentum and achieve success without compromising well-being. This approach not only helps manage the demands of a high-powered career but also fosters resilience and fulfillment along the way.

Falling into a cycle of unhealthy habits can feel frustrating, especially when you’ve tried to make changes but keep slipping back. It’s easy to get caught up in the short-term comfort those habits bring, even though you know they’re not serving you long-term. Lasting change often requires both patience and a deeper look at why those habits exist in the first place. Sometimes, shifting your environment or mindset—rather than just relying on willpower—can help break the cycle and make new, healthier habits stick. Ethan Suplee is an acclaimed actor known for his roles in popular TV shows and films. Today, Ethan discusses his personal journey of overcoming lifelong struggles with weight and finding sustainable solutions through addressing deeper emotional and mental factors. He also shares insights into the importance of support systems, self-worth, and embracing discomfort for lasting personal growth. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I found that I could set a goal and achieve it literally, yet still feel very unhappy with the outcome. It's like, ‘This isn't what I expected, but it's exactly what I said I wanted.’” – Ethan Suplee “I don't think we get very far on our own. Support is one of the most important and fundamental things we can have. Whether you're experiencing success or dealing with an obstacle, having someone to talk to and communicate with is incredibly valuable.” – Ethan Suplee “The feelings are real, but they don't have to represent the correct truth. They can be a version of the truth that you no longer agree with.” – Ethan Suplee “Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on the deeper emotional and mental factors driving your unhealthy habits, rather than just focusing on surface-level solutions. Cultivate self-worth and inner peace as a foundation for sustainable change, rather than seeking external validation or temporary fixes. Identify your support system and be open to feedback, even when it's uncomfortable, to gain new perspectives on your personal growth. Experiment with different approaches to health and wellness, staying curious and adaptable rather than dogmatic about any single method. Consider starting your own podcast or creating a product/service that allows you to share your experiences and help others navigate similar challenges. Conclusion: Cultivating self-worth, inner peace, and a supportive network is essential for achieving lasting change. Relying on external validation or quick fixes often leads to temporary satisfaction, while building a strong foundation from within fosters resilience and confidence. When we prioritize our self-esteem and surround ourselves with supportive individuals, we empower ourselves to navigate challenges effectively. This internal growth creates a more stable and fulfilling path toward personal development.

It's not uncommon to feel stuck, like you're just going through the motions, especially when life becomes routine or overwhelming. That feeling of quiet desperation can be a sign that something needs to change, whether it’s in your personal life, work, or mindset. Breaking free and living on your own terms often starts with small, intentional choices—whether it’s setting boundaries, exploring new passions, or simply giving yourself permission to pursue what truly makes you happy. It’s all about creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are and what you value. Abel James Bascon is a valedictorian and Ivy League graduate turned entrepreneur, musician, and health advocate. In his journey of personal growth, he emphasizes personal responsibility, embracing change, and maintaining integrity. Today, Abel shares insights on navigating the health and fitness industry, the impact of technology and AI, and balancing financial sustainability with personal fulfillment. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “You can't give kids advice right now about what they're going to be when they grow up. We can't envision the future that's ahead of us—it's just too unpredictable. It's changing too quickly for us to know.” – Abel James Bascon “The algorithm isn't favoring real people doing real work and saying real things right now. So it's really up to us to spread these messages within our own networks and groups, and hopefully, turn people on to others who are doing good work.” – Abel James Bascon “Podcasting is a life sentence, though; it's a lot of work. However, the rewards are real, and they're usually not monetary. It's more about making a difference in people's lives.” – Abel James Bascon “Let's make good humans who are able to adapt, who are able to learn and get on board with self-learning, and who can unlearn certain things because they become no longer relevant, whether to the individual or to society in general.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Embrace a growth mindset and be open to new possibilities, even if they don't fit the traditional path. Unlearn what is no longer relevant and adapt to the rapidly changing world. Focus on becoming a "good human" rather than just pursuing predetermined goals. Cultivate skills like self-learning, curiosity, and the ability to break free from limiting habits or thoughts. Spread the messages of people doing meaningful, impactful work in health, wellness, and other important areas. Don't rely on algorithms to surface this content - actively share it within your own networks. When traveling for work, prioritize high-quality protein sources and avoid sugary, processed foods. Plan ahead and bring portable, healthy options to maintain a balanced diet on the road. Recognize that change needs to happen both from the bottom-up (individual choices) and the top-down (policy, regulation). Educate yourself and others on the difference between real, whole foods and industrialized products. Conclusion: Personal responsibility, adaptability, and authenticity are essential in successfully navigating life's challenges. By owning our actions, being open to change, and staying true to ourselves, we can approach difficult situations with confidence and resilience. These qualities not only help us overcome obstacles but also allow for personal growth along the way. Embracing these traits leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Balancing personal needs with the demands of motherhood can be incredibly challenging. It's common to prioritize your children's needs, but it's also important to care for yourself to avoid burnout. Finding small moments for self-care and setting boundaries can help maintain your well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself ultimately benefits your entire family by allowing you to be more present and fulfilled. Heather Chauvin is the author of the book "Dying to be a Good Mother" and the podcast "Emotionally Uncomfortable." As a mother of three boys, Heather has navigated the challenges of balancing personal needs with the demands of parenting. Today, Heather discusses the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and redefining societal expectations in order to thrive as a mother and individual. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “The fuller we are, the better we can lead from a healthier place, advocating for our children, ourselves, and everything else.” – Heather Chauvin “Balance is BS. I'm all about alignment, which is why thriving is essential, not optional.” – Heather Chauvin “Thriving is a privilege and a birthright, accessible to all. The belief that fulfilling your desires is selfish, especially for women raising children, needs to be rewritten.” – Heather Chauvin Takeaways: Implement the "Wouldn't it be nice if..." journaling exercise to identify personal desires and the feelings behind them. Practice setting boundaries and communicating needs to family members, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Reflect on the areas of your life that need more attention and focus on reverse engineering how you want to feel, rather than just checking boxes. Conclusion: Prioritizing personal well-being and self-care is essential amidst the demands of motherhood. Taking time to care for oneself not only benefits a mother’s mental and physical health but also enhances her ability to care for her family. By finding balance and recognizing the value of self-care, mothers can navigate the challenges of parenting with more energy, patience, and resilience. Ultimately, caring for oneself creates a positive ripple effect that strengthens both personal well-being and family dynamics.

When you're dealing with overwhelming obstacles, it's really about breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps. Focusing on just the next action you can take, rather than the entire problem, helps a lot. It’s also important to remind yourself why you're working toward a particular goal—keeping the bigger picture in mind can fuel your motivation. Staying positive often comes from surrounding yourself with supportive people and giving yourself credit for small wins along the way. Mae Sayed is a trailblazing FBI agent. Today, she shares her inspiring journey of resilience, from overcoming the challenges of an arranged marriage as a young immigrant to navigating a new culture at 17. She emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity, internet safety for parents, and staying motivated in the face of adversity. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Hope is good. Hope keeps you grounded, but you have to have the right attitude toward it. When you have a positive attitude, good things happen.” – Mae Sayed “If your desire and your heart are in it, you can figure it out. The goal is to never give up—just keep going.” – Mae Sayed “Treat the internet as an extension of the real world, with similar safety precautions. Don’t talk to strangers, don’t take candy from strangers, and remember, nothing comes for free.” – Mae Sayed “Hope is never a strategy. Hope is a terrible GPS, but it makes an amazing co-pilot.'” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Treat the internet like the real world - monitor your children's online activity, educate them on internet safety, and set appropriate boundaries, just as you would in the physical world. Maintain a positive attitude and don't let anger or frustration consume you. Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Build a strong support network of family and friends who can provide emotional and practical support during challenging times. Be cautious of media narratives and seek to understand the full context before forming opinions. Recognize that there are often complexities and nuances beyond what is reported. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, adopt a "fire, aim, ready" mindset - take action, learn as you go, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Persistence and a willingness to adapt are key. Conclusion: Maintaining a positive attitude, finding solutions to challenges, and building a strong support network of family and friends are essential for navigating life's ups and downs. A positive mindset helps overcome obstacles, while a reliable support system offers encouragement and strength. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for personal resilience and long-term success.

It’s a frustrating feeling when you know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to reach that level of success or fulfillment you’re aiming for. No matter how hard you work, it can feel like something is holding you back, whether it’s external obstacles or internal doubts. This disconnect between where you are and where you want to be can be discouraging, but often it’s a signal that some shift—either in mindset, strategy, or priorities—might be needed to unlock your true potential. Andy Pho is an artist, mentor, and coach. He has harnessed the power of intentionality and self-discovery to navigate his personal and professional life. Today, Andy shares his captivating journey, delving into the impact of his father's tragic passing, his exploration of stoic philosophy, and the transformative role of psychedelics in his personal growth. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Perfection isn't possible, but it remains the standard.” – Andy Pho “If we knew better, we would have done better. Even if we consciously make a stupid decision, the truth is, you consciously chose to do that. If you truly knew better deep down, you wouldn't have done it.” – Andy Pho “Asking questions is taking a step forward, allowing you to see more and more. It's about knowing which path or direction you want to walk in.” – Andy Pho “Sometimes we have a hard time assigning ourselves to a category. I don’t want to say 'label'—that’s not the right word—but we struggle to categorize ourselves when we see others doing it at such a high level.'” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Embrace the process of self-discovery and growth - be willing to ask tough questions, confront your past, and reframe your experiences to serve your higher purpose. Create sacred spaces and experiences that allow for deep reflection and personal transformation - consider how you can design environments that foster meaningful connections and personal growth. Cultivate intentionality and simplicity in your life - focus on doing more with less to optimize your energy and impact. Prioritize serving others and fostering meaningful relationships over pure profit or success - consider how you can use your unique talents and experiences to positively impact those around you. Practice meditation and journaling as tools for self-awareness and emotional regulation - experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Conclusion: Intentional living is key to leading a fulfilling life, as it encourages personal growth through self-reflection and mindful choices. By creating environments that nurture meaningful connections, individuals can build stronger relationships and deepen their sense of purpose. Embracing personal growth allows us to continually evolve and enrich both our inner and outer lives. This holistic approach fosters well-being and long-lasting fulfillment.

Bridging the gap between good intentions and effective action often comes down to having clarity of purpose and the discipline to follow through. It means not only having a vision but also the willingness to take meaningful steps, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain. A true leader in times of adversity is someone who remains steady, inspires confidence, and leads by example—showing resilience and empathy while making tough decisions that serve the greater good. Joshua Tyler is the founder of the Savage Gentleman brand. He has dedicated himself to empowering men to embrace their full potential and navigate the complexities of modern life. Today, Joshua explores the challenges of crisis management, the stages of personal growth, and the importance of adaptability and community in shaping effective leaders. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If there's never any risk, there will never be any reward. Loss is the risk that must exist for a reward to actually have any value.” – Joshua Tyler “The scarring process is a way to move past the damage we've incurred and continue to survive. For now, the mark is there, and there may be some aches or pains, but the body's ability to heal is profound.” – Joshua Tyler “You are good enough. You don't have to do anything different or be anywhere other than where you are right now to be worthy of love and all the amazing things the world has to offer.” – Joshua Tyler “You're going to get better. You might feel like you're always getting your butt kicked, and sure, you might always face challenges at the next level. But as you progress, you'll get your butt kicked for a while, and then you'll look back and realize, 'Oh my gosh, those are all the asses I can kick now.'” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Cultivate flexibility and adaptability when trying to help others - be willing to serve in the way that is most needed, not just the way you envision. Reflect on your own "learning curves" and how you can reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than just losses. Consider what "level" you are currently on and how to progress. Identify your key role models and mentors and consider how you can learn from the unique strengths and perspectives they offer. Avoid relying on a single "perfect" role model. Practice gratitude and self-forgiveness as a means of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges. Recognize that you are "good enough" while still having room to grow. Explore writings or teachings that provide a balance of fantasy/inspiration and practical wisdom for your personal development journey. Conclusion: Adaptability, self-awareness, and community are key pillars of personal growth and leadership development. Embracing change, understanding oneself, and fostering strong connections with others enable individuals to thrive in both personal and professional settings. By cultivating these qualities, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and inspire those around them. Ultimately, growth and success are driven by a commitment to continuous learning and meaningful relationships.

It’s such a common experience for women to juggle the demands of work, family, and personal growth, often feeling like there’s never enough time for themselves. When you’re always taking care of everyone else, your own needs can easily slip to the bottom of the list, which can lead to feelings of burnout or even resentment. Finding that balance is tough, and it's important to carve out moments for self-care and personal fulfillment, even when life feels overwhelming. Alison Capra is the marketing director of Johnny Slicks, the co-owner of The Agoge, fitness coach, and the author of “How NOT to be a Miserable Cow.” She is committed to personal growth and empowering others while bringing expertise in entrepreneurship and wellness. Today, Alison shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, finding joy, and empowering women to prioritize their own growth and development. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, establishing boundaries, and implementing daily practices like journaling and goal-setting to achieve a fulfilling life. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If we're chasing feelings, they come and go so quickly. That's why people often get addicted to drugs and alcohol—because they're chasing a sensation instead of cultivating lasting happiness and joy through the choices they make and the things they develop within themselves.” – Alison Capra “If you are looking for happiness, it’s like a bottomless pit; you will never be fully happy or fulfilled. It’s simply not in the cards for anyone. Life has too many challenges that it will throw at you.” – Alison Capra “Women have to prioritize their well-being. They need to take care of themselves to be the best versions of themselves, enabling them to serve their families and others effectively. To me, that means focusing on personal development.” – Alison Capra Takeaways: Evaluate your personal insecurities and learn to let go of them - they can hinder your progress and growth. Prioritize creating lasting joy and fulfillment in your life, rather than just chasing temporary feelings of happiness. Implement daily practices, like the "high/low/what did you learn" dinner conversation, to foster personal growth and strengthen family connections. Build a supportive community of honest, constructive friends who can provide feedback and accountability, not just validation. Don't be afraid to take time for yourself, even if it means stepping away for a short "reset." Conclusion: Self-awareness, cultivating lasting joy, and building a supportive network are essential for both personal and professional growth. It's crucial for women to prioritize their own development and well-being, rather than always placing the needs of others first. By focusing on their own happiness and growth, women can create a more balanced, fulfilling life and become stronger, more effective contributors in all areas of their lives.

It can feel exhausting when we're constantly bombarded with fear-driven news about public health and infectious diseases. The way some media outlets frame these topics can create anxiety and uncertainty, making it hard to know what’s truly important. It’s natural to crave balanced, fact-based information without the hype, so we can focus on staying informed without getting overwhelmed. Alec Zeck is a natural health advocate and educator challenging conventional views on infectious diseases and virus theory. With a background in systems engineering, he seeks to expose the flaws and pseudoscience within modern virology. Today, Alec explores fundamental assumptions about the COVID-19 response, including the nature of viruses, the existence of SARS-CoV-2, and government authority. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” – Alec Zeck “Falsification does not require replacement. It is not my responsibility to prove that viruses don't exist; the burden of proof lies with the individual making the positive claim.” – Alec Zeck “When we aren't mindful of our own thoughts, feelings, actions, and belief systems, they can be hijacked against us, leading to the creation of more of what we don't actually want at our core.” – Alec Zeck “Fear usually comes from ignorance. Ignorance breeds fear, and the way to eradicate ignorance is to ask questions.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Question the fundamental assumptions behind infectious disease theories and the COVID-19 narrative. Critically examine the evidence and methods used to identify and characterize viruses. Explore the concept of terrain theory and how it offers an alternative perspective on health and illness. Investigate the role of the human biofield, water, and consciousness in disease manifestation. Prioritize simple, natural health practices like grounding, sun exposure, and breathwork to increase your body's coherence and resilience. Avoid getting caught up in the information overload and fear-based narratives. Educate yourself on common law and alternative legal frameworks that empower individual sovereignty. Seek out resources and courses that provide a deeper understanding of your rights and options. Cultivate a strong, coherent energetic field and focus on aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions with your values. Recognize your power to influence and entrain those around you through your own state of being. Conclusion: There is a critical need to reassess the scientific foundations of modern infectious disease theory, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 response. The methods and assumptions used to identify and characterize viruses deserve closer scrutiny, as the current paradigm may be based on flawed premises. By questioning these foundations, we can work towards a more accurate and effective understanding of infectious diseases, ultimately improving future responses and public health outcomes.

Concerns about ideological indoctrination in schools can leave you feeling frustrated and powerless as a parent. Watching as certain agendas are pushed, you may worry about how to protect your children and ensure they are receiving a balanced education. The feeling of not having control over what your kids are exposed to can be deeply unsettling. Alvin Lui is a passionate advocate for educational reform, dedicated to empowering parents and protecting children from the dangerous ideologies infiltrating our school systems. Today, Alvin shares his insights on the concept of "courage as a habit," emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and the need to inoculate children against the indoctrination tactics employed by educators. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Outrage without outlets creates hopelessness, and that’s the last thing we need. The inaction and apathy from Americans in general on so many issues is one of the reasons we are where we are in this country.” – Alvin Lui “Language contamination is when they use your vocabulary but not your dictionary. They use your words, but not your meaning.” – Alvin Lui “We're all in the same fight, just in different lanes.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Proactively teach your children critical thinking skills to evaluate information they encounter, rather than just shielding them from challenging ideologies. Consider ways you can get involved in your local school system, such as attending school board meetings or starting an after-school club, to provide a positive alternative to the ideological programming. Reflect on how you can become a resource for other parents in your community, whether through informational sessions or connecting them with strategies to get more involved in their children's education. Examine your own biases and preconceptions - are there ways you may be inadvertently sheltering your children rather than inoculating them against harmful ideologies? Brainstorm creative ways to reach people across the political spectrum, focusing on asking questions and encouraging genuine curiosity rather than confrontation. Conclusion: It is essential to equip students with critical thinking skills to help them navigate and resist harmful ideologies, rather than merely shielding them from these influences. By fostering awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we empower students to discern and challenge biased perspectives. This approach prepares them to engage thoughtfully with diverse ideas, building resilience and independence in their thinking. Ultimately, education should focus on strengthening their ability to make informed choices.