
Advertise on podcast: The Strength Connection
Rating
5from
This podcast has
341 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Michael KurkowskiExplicit
Yes
Date created
2021/09/30
Latest episode
2026/10/05
Average duration
53 min.
Release period
11 days
Description
Exploring Strength: Body, Mind and Spirit. The Strength Connection goes beyond the gym to uncover the lessons, stories, and wisdom that build resilience and purpose in every area of life. Join host Michael Kurkowski as he connects with world-class coaches, athletes, and leaders to reveal what true strength really means.
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from The Strength Connection podcast
Hunger for MORE in LIfe w/ JD Tremblay
2026/10/05
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Only 3 people in the world have accomplished something JD Tremblay has done.
JD Tremblay is an ultra-endurance athlete, founder of the Hungry Warrior Academy in Canada, helping high-performing men stay disciplined and mentally resilient under sustained pressure, so performance doesn’t cost health or purpose.
In this episode, JD shares his extraordinary journey into ultra-endurance racing, highlighting the mental strategies and resilience needed to tackle the Epicdeca, a feat of completing 10 Ironman’s in 10 days in the Hawaiian Islands, a challenge achieved by only three people in the world. This episode explores overcoming mental barriers, the importance of purpose, and how pushing limits can inspire others.
Check out more from JD at:
https://hunger4more.com/
Optimizing HRV for Athletes and Everyone Else w/ Don Moxley
2026/09/28
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Don Moxley is the Founding creator and Chief Science Officer of Mode+Method, a company bringing HRV+ to market and leading the way on HRV research for health and longevity.
In this episode, Don shares his extensive insights on heart rate variability (HRV), its evolution, and practical applications for athletes and individuals seeking peak performance. Discover how HRV can be a powerful tool for recovery, stress management, and optimizing training.
Check out more from Don at:
https://trainrecoverwin.com/
Get the HRV book at:
https://trainrecoverwin.com/thehrvbook/
The Daily Champion's Mind w/ Jim Afremow & Phil White
2026/09/21
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Jim Afremow, PhD, is a sport and performance psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and the bestselling author of The Champion’s Mind, The Champion’s Comeback, The Young Champion’s Mind, The Leader’s Mind, and The Creative’s Mind. His books have sold more than 225,000 copies in English editions domestically and have inspired athletes, coaches, and leaders across every field.
Phil White is an Emmy-nominated writer, the coauthor of The Leader's Mind with Jim Afremow, and the co-host of The Basketball Strong Podcast with Tim DiFrancesco. Phil also cowrote Unplugged with Andy Galpin and Brian Mackenzie, Waterman 2.0 with Kelly Starrett, Game Changer with Fergus Connolly, and The 17 Hour Fast with Dr. Frank Merritt. He has written for many leading human performance brands, including Momentous, Onnit, TRX, XPT, TrainingPeaks, TrainHeroic, and FAST by Conor McGregor.
In this episode, Jim and Phil discuss the mental game of champions, how to develop resilience, and practical strategies for everyday mental performance. They share insights from their books and experience working with elite athletes across sports.
Follow Jim and Phil at:
Jim: https://www.drjimafremow.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimafremow/
Phil: IG: https://www.instagram.com/philwhitebooks/?hl=en
To Succeed More, Do Less w/ Dr. Matt Delgado
2026/09/14
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Dr. Matt Delgado was handed an autoimmune diagnosis and three options: surgery, radiation, or medication for life. He picked a fourth option nobody in the room offered. He's not your typical chiropractor. He treats the body more like a plant than a car, restoring function so the body can restore health. He spent nearly a decade distilling that into his new book, Stepping Out of the Grave, out this January.
In this episode, Dr. Matt Delgado shares his personal journey overcoming Graves disease through holistic lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of the nervous system, environment, and mindset in health. Discover how shifting perspectives and surrendering control can lead to remarkable healing and long-term wellness.
Follow Dr. Matt at:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drmattdelgado
Pre-Order Matt’s Book:
https://drmattdelgado.com/book/
Don't Fall for the "Doing Fine" Trap w/ Ali Gilbert
2026/09/07
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Ali Gilbert, AKA the “Queen of Men’s Health”, is the founder of Silverback Coaching, and one the leaders and go to names in helping Men optimize their health, fitness, and lifestyle in their 40’s, 50’s, and beyond.
In this episode, Ali shares her journey from Greenwich, CT to Golf fitness expert, to a leading expert in men's health, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches, blood work, and community in achieving optimal health. Discover how her innovative summit and holistic strategies are transforming men's wellness.
Check out more from Ali at:
https://ali-gilbert.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thealigilbert/?hl=en
From Highland Games to Hardstyle Strength training w/ Mark Valenti
2026/08/24
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Mark Valenti is a StrongFirst Senior Instructor and the owner and head trainer at Blind Dog Gym in Vermilion, Ohio. He is a former nationally ranked professional Highland games athlete, five times national highlands game qualifier, former world record holder in the 25-pound sheaf toss, and a member of the 2008 World Team Champions. He is also a three times national strongman championship qualifier.
In this episode, Mark shares his journey from strength training as a kid to competing in Highland Games, and how his experiences shaped his approach to training, community, and mastery. Discover insights on traditional training principles, the importance of technique, auxiliary lifts, and the power of community in strength development.
Check out more from Mark at:
Articles on Strongfirst:
https://www.strongfirst.com/author/mark-valenti/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mvalenti100/?hl=en
How HYROX Became a Global Fitness Movement w/ Andrew Sugerman
2026/08/17
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Andrew Sugerman is the CEO of Centr, a global performance fitness brand and the Official Competition Equipment Partner for HYROX, the fastest-growing fitness sport in the world.
In this episode, Andrew shares his journey from Disney to leading Center, exploring lessons in branding, community, and resilience, and delves into the rapid growth of High Rocks and the power of community in fitness.
Learn more about the Centr x HYROX ecosystem:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/centrfit/?hl=en
Website: https://centr.com/
For gym owners and operators interested in Centr x HYROX commercial opportunities:
https://shop.centr.com/pages/commercial?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=TheStrengthConnection&utm_campaign=Podcast
Try the Centr App (includes the only HYROX-certified digital training programs):
https://centr.com/p/hyrox/all-programs?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=TheStrengthConnection&utm_campaign=Podcast
Bridging Body and Mind: The Occupational Therapist's Approach to Strength w/ Mallory Reilly
2026/08/10
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Mallory Reilly is an Occupational Therapist and Strength Coach at Reload Physical Therapy and Fitness in New York City, blending the worlds of OT and PT together for the past 8 years. She earned her M.S in Occupational Therapy from Stony Brook University, and is a StrongFirst Level 1, RKC level 2, RMP level 2, FMS level 2, Yoga Alliance certified, Adaptive Special Needs certified, and Sensory Fitness for Autism certified instructor.
In this episode, Mallory shares her unique perspective on integrating body and mind, the importance of holistic health, and how her diverse background enhances her approach to therapy and fitness.
Check out more from Mallory:
https://www.reloadpt.com/mallory-reilly
IG: https://www.instagram.com/malloryreilly_ot/?hl=en
Substack: https://substack.com/@malloryreilly
Unlocking the Power of Your Unconscious Mind W/ Dr. Heidi Heron
2026/06/22
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Dr. Heidi Heron brings a rare blend of clinical psychology, coaching, neuroscience, and consciousness studies to conversations about how people change, grow, and create meaningful lives.
A clinical psychologist, author, master coach, and internationally recognised trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming for more than 25 years, Heidi has been helping people understand how the mind works and how to change the patterns that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. She has trained thousands of coaches, therapists, and leaders around the world to create meaningful and lasting change in their own lives and in the lives of others.
In this interview, Dr. Heidi shares her 25+ years of expertise in NLP and psychology, focusing on helping people find their authentic selves and overcome subconscious patterns. Discover how the mind works, the power of language, and practical tools to create lasting change.
Check out more from Heidi at:
https://www.heidiheron.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.heidiheron/
https://www.facebook.com/DrHeidiHeron
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Heidi Heron and NLP
01:49 The Journey to Authenticity and Wholeness
05:18 Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
08:02 The Language of the Subconscious Mind
10:33 Patterns of Self-Perception and Identity
12:31 The Autopilot of the Unconscious Mind
18:26 Fear of Success vs. Fear of Failure
20:47 Recognizing and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
27:30 Understanding Patterns and Emotional Responses
30:53 Cultural Perspectives on Hustle and Success
33:34 The Importance of Patience and Long-Term Thinking
36:21 The Role of Fear and Love in Motivation
48:36 Integrating Mind and Body for Holistic Growth
12 Months to Complete Transformation w/ Angie Lynsgo
2026/06/15
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Angie Lyngso the co-founder of Lyngso Fitness Academy, working with 1,000’s of women to not just drastically change their body image, but also change and level up their lives.
In this episode, Angie shares her journey from athlete to coach, emphasizing the importance of identity, connection, and a community-driven approach to health and strength. Discover how her innovative methods help women build confidence, resilience, and lasting results by focusing on systemic change and inner alignment.
Check out more from Angie at:
https://lyngsofit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/angie.lyngso/
Chapters
00:00 Empowering Women Through Coaching
02:56 Angie's Journey to Coaching
05:47 The Importance of Connection in Coaching
08:51 Discovering Special Gifts
11:55 Building Confidence Through Community
14:46 The Shift to Strength Training
17:42 Creating a Competitive Environment
20:50 Raising the Vibration of Fitness
23:54 Aligning with Purpose and Community
26:51 Filling Your Cup: The Importance of Self-Care
30:35 Overcoming the Martyr Mentality: Women and Self-Nurturing
32:26 Identifying Gaps: The Challenge of Consistency
35:54 The Power of Elimination: Simplifying Workouts
39:37 Building a Strong Mind Through Physical Strength
44:10 Exploring Identity: Beyond Roles and Attributes
46:54 The Ongoing Journey: Embracing Evolution in Identity
The House of Rise: Building Emotional Intelligence in Youth w/ Dr. Carla Caturia
2026/06/01
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Dr. Carla Caturia is an Elite Peak Performance Coach and creator of the RISE Model, helping high-achieving families move beyond the Success Without Self Cycle. Her work combines emotional intelligence, identity-based confidence, and practical tools that help teens perform at their peak without burning out or losing themselves in the process.
In this insightful interview, Dr. Carla shares her journey from school administration to coaching kids and families, emphasizing the importance of resilience, emotional intelligence, and identity in youth development. Discover practical strategies to help young people thrive emotionally and mentally in today's social media-driven world.
Check out more of Dr. Carla at:
https://www.instagram.com/drcarlacaturia/
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Empowering Youth
02:48 Understanding Thriving vs. Surviving
05:53 The Pressure of High Achievement
08:53 Navigating Relationships Across Ages
11:43 The Role of Parents in Youth Development
15:03 Emotional States and Effective Communication
24:51 Validating Emotions in Teen Communication
27:04 Exploring Identity and Self-Awareness in Teens
30:23 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
35:01 Building Resilience in Today's Youth
40:37 Developing Emotional Intelligence for Life Success
How to Breakthrough Autopilot Self Criticism w/ Dr. Gregory Obert
2026/05/25
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Dr. Gregory T. Obert is a clinical psychologist and the founder of the Royal Oasis Psychotherapy Institute. For more than 15 years he has worked with thousands of clients, helping people regain control of their attention, emotions, and decision making using evidence based psychotherapy and practical mental performance tools. He currently serves as a staff psychologist supporting trauma and mental health treatment in high pressure environments. He is also the host of the long running podcast Meditations by Gregory T. Obert, where he translates psychological insight into practical techniques people can apply in everyday life.
In this episode, Dr. Greg explores the power of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and how to break autopilot habits to improve mental wellness and overall life effectiveness. Discover practical strategies to enhance your emotional intelligence and live more intentionally.
Check out more of Dr. Obert at:
https://www.royaloasispi.com/autopilotinterruptprotocol
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drgtobert/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Mental Health
02:47 Defining Mindfulness: Beyond the Buzzword
05:41 The Challenge of Non-Judgmental Awareness
08:38 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
11:42 Comparing Ourselves: Past vs. Present
14:35 Understanding Autopilot Behavior
17:47 Breaking Free from Autopilot
20:41 Mindfulness in Daily Activities
23:32 Challenges in Practicing Mindfulness
25:47 Mindfulness: A Practical Approach
31:40 Measuring Progress in Mindfulness Practices
39:33 The Role of Therapy in Emotional Growth
43:18 Understanding Emotional Tolerance
50:40 Integrating Mindfulness into Holistic Health
Unlock your Breath training w/ Jason Campbell
2026/05/18
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Jason Campbell is a 7th degree black belt and co-founder of Zen Wellness, teaching meditation, eastern medicine, tai chi, qigong, sword and enlightenment at their 400 acre ranch in the mountains of Arizona. He has worked as the director of music for GeniusX Virtual Reality and created the first breathing course in virtual reality. His music is also found on performance based apps such as ChilliSleep, Focus at Will, Fig Tree, The Breath Source, Gravystack, composed the sleep and meditation music for professional sports teams, the Vatican NFT launch and others. His signature program is breath mastery for entrepreneurs. As co-owner and Sheriff of the town of Cleator, Arizona, he is combining western culture with eastern wisdom to create a community committed to the uplifting of the human spirit.
In this episode, Jason shares profound wisdom on meditation, breathwork, and the nature of consciousness. Discover practical techniques to enhance your mental clarity, emotional regulation, and spiritual awareness through simple yet powerful practices.
Follow Jason at:
https://www.zenpiano.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jason Campbell
02:36 The Journey into Music and Meditation
05:27 Understanding the Mind and the Observer
08:31 The Concept of Mindfulness vs. Awareness
11:26 The Balance of Opposites in Life
14:39 The Role of Sound and Vibration
17:18 The Nature of Perception and Reality
20:20 Breath as a Tool for Meditation
27:29 The Nature of Thought and Mastery
28:41 Understanding Matter, Energy, and Consciousness
30:06 Meditation and the Breath Connection
31:58 The Importance of Breath in Physical Training
33:40 Emotional Regulation and Inner Circuitry
35:56 The Balance of Masculine and Feminine Energy
37:09 Practical Breath Training Techniques
39:39 Mastery of Breath and Emotional Cleansing
42:33 Depositing Energy for Wellness
44:50 The Role of Breath in Overall Wellness
46:48 Measuring Progress in Breath Work
48:58 The Journey of Presence and Mindfulness
Redefining "Natural" Health from Home w/ Marcus Fernandez
2026/05/11
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Marcus Fernandez has been at the forefront of homeopathic education for over three decades. As Principal of The Centre for Homeopathic Education (CHE), he’s trained thousands of practitioners through a curriculum that balances classical knowledge with modern application. His work is rooted in a belief that natural medicine should be practical, empowering, and accessible - not mystified or gatekept.
Check out more from Marcus at:
https://marcus-fernandez.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/marcusfndez/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009253627766&sk
A Trainer for Life w/ Lee Boyce
2026/05/04
Welcome to the Strength Connection!
Lee Boyce is a coach, speaker, author and internationally published writer with over 1200 publications in health and fitness from Toronto.
In this episode, Lee shares his 19-year journey in fitness, coaching, and writing. Discover how early influences, overcoming injury, and staying true to his authentic voice have shaped his approach to training, coaching, and lifelong learning.
Check out more from Lee at:
https://www.leeboyce.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachleeboyce/?hl=en
Book: Strength Training For All Body Types: https://us.humankinetics.com/products/strength-training-for-all-body-types
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Lee Boyce's Fitness Origins
07:52 The Power of Writing in Fitness
14:06 Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of Injury
20:13 Shifting Perspectives: Redefining Strength and Training
28:56 Holistic Training: Listening to Your Body
31:23 Adapting Training Approaches
32:24 In-Person vs Online Coaching Dynamics
36:29 The Pride of Personal Training
37:56 The Importance of In-Person Coaching
44:25 The Value of Experience in Coaching
46:28 Evolving Coaching Perspectives
51:10 Balancing Client Needs and Wants
53:51 Navigating Challenging Times
59:25 Going the Extra Mile for Dedicated Clients
Podcast reviews
Read The Strength Connection podcast reviews
Winter Park Katie 2025/12/18
Covers strength from all interesting angles
Michael does a great job with his natural flow through interesting conversations with guests covering a variety of angles on the concept of strength!
Jenns I pod 2024/11/20
YES!!
Great podcast, Mike! I love learning new things with each new podcast episode.
GoodMoodMatt 2024/08/14
Mike Rocks!
Mike is an amazing host. I feel stronger mentally and physically after putting his strategies into practice. Love this podcast!
MickeyDouble5 2024/06/19
Wonderful insight
Mike has a great presence, and brings on guests that share unique insight. Strength isn’t just about the physical meaning, it’s also about the emotion...
Grand Otter 2023/04/08
A real gift
Wonderful, and extremely informative!
Bob L Saratoga 2023/02/21
Cueing Your Convictions and Confidence Episodes
Fantastic episodes. I get so much from every show but really needed to heats these two today. Great job Mike as usual. Keep up the great work!
Modaddy99 2022/12/21
Great Podcast
Very nice podcast with Rebecca Rouse from SemperStronger!!
Korlehj 2022/10/18
Tune in
Dopest podcast on the MF planet!
louog88 2022/03/21
Strength is a knowledge based skill
This show has so many great minds from the strength world that i know and love, and even more hidden gems that i now know. Hearing other’s stories is ...
lonnybob 2022/02/15
Thank You
Thank You Michael for another great PodCast! The amount of knowledge, experience and wisdom that you and your guests’ share is greatly appreciated. De...
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