Strong By Design Podcast

Ep 407 Never Feeling 'Good Enough' ft. Chris Wilson

Send us a textWhy do so many of us — even the most accomplished, grateful, and faith-filled — still wrestle with feeling like we’re not enough?In this deeply personal solo episode, Coach Chris Wilson opens up about the quiet struggle of inadequacy — how it’s shaped by childhood wounds, difficult relationships, societal pressure, and spiritual disconnection. He reflects on his own upbringing, including past traumas and a verbally abusive parent, and how those early seeds of doubt can follow us into adulthood.Chris explores the emotional weight of regret, the trap of comparison, and the idols we unknowingly cling to that pull us away from our true identity in Christ. With Scripture as his guide, he reminds listeners that our worth is not defined by the world — it’s found in the love of a perfect God who created us strong by design.If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I’m not enough,” this episode is for you. You’re not alone — and you’re more loved than you realize. Time Stamps 00:43 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast! 01:07 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode 03:49 – Learn what's behind today's topic 07:21 – The impact of opinions: Strangers or those closest to us 11:21 – Chris gets real about his childhood 17:57 – Understanding the feeling of inadequacy 20:51 – Knowing the emotional weight of regret 23:05 – Prioritizing things over meaning: A wake-up call 27:55 – Powerful Bible verses you’ll want to remember 30:08 – Discover the danger of poor influences in our lives 36:37 – Learn the right response to sin 38:48 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!  Resources:YouVersion Bible AppSoul Fuel by Bear Grylls Connect with Coach Chris:InstagramFacebookSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 406 Yoga Isn’t Just for Bendy People (Trust Us, We’re Not Either) ft. Jenn Witaconis

Send us a textSome real talk on yoga. Strength, stillness & surprising benefits for everyday life.In this special episode, Coach Chris Wilson is joined by yoga instructor Jenn Witaconis, along with teammates Stephen Ohocinski Jr. and Lindsay Hurley, for a real and refreshing conversation about yoga — and why it might be exactly what your body and mind need. Together, they dive into the unexpected ways yoga has helped them manage stress, ease chronic pain, improve sleep, and even deepen their faith.Chris opens up about his initial skepticism and how years of lifting left him stiff, sore, and resistant to slowing down — until yoga changed everything. Jenn shares insights from her teaching journey and how breath, movement, and mindfulness create space for healing on all levels. Stephen and Lindsay chime in with their own experiences, from overcoming hesitation to making yoga a vital part of their weekly rhythm.Whether you are brand new to yoga or think it's “not for you,” this down-to-earth conversation breaks the myths and shows how anyone — at any age or fitness level — can benefit from the power of intentional movement. If you want to move better, feel better, and gain clarity in body and mind… this one is for you.  Time Stamps00:20 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast@00:53 – Join Coach Chris Wilson, Stephen Ohocinski, and Lindsay Hurley along with our special guest, Jenn Witaconis03:05 – How Jenn found her way to Critical Bench06:15 – Discover Jenn’s first dive into yoga15:16 – Top 3 game-changing benefits of yoga19:14 – Yoga trivia time: Surprising & fun facts21:20 – Understanding proprioception: Why it matters21:57 – Yoga styles uncovered: Which one’s right for you28:18 – Why it’s important to listen to your body31:03 – Yoga trivia time: More surprising & fun facts36:36 – Master your practice: Essential yoga tips to know42:46 – Real-life yoga: How the practice shapes daily living45:10 – Fun and memorable moments while doing yoga59:13 – Jenn’s black eye story: You won’t believe what happened1:02:37 – Practice with Jenn: Where to find her online1:06:05 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast! Resources:Easy Yoga Flow for Beginners – Digital/DVDYoga Follow Along Routines & Vinyasa Flows Connect with Jenn:Instagram Connect with Chris:InstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 405 The Hard Truths of Fatherhood: Grit, Growth, and Raising Great Kids ft. Larry Hagner

Send us a textOn today’s episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Chris and Jared are joined by Larry Hagner — founder of The Dad Edge, a global movement and top-rated podcast dedicated to helping men live legendary lives. Together they dive into raw, real conversations about fatherhood, leadership, and what it looks like to truly show up at home.Larry opens up about raising four boys, the bittersweet reality of kids leaving the nest, and how powerful rites of passage have shaped his sons into confident young men. He shares eye-opening lessons from SEAL-led father-son crucibles, where trust and communication were tested in ways that mirror life’s biggest challenges.The guys also unpack how cultural portrayals of dads as clueless or weak undermine the vital role fathers play — and why leading by example in fitness, faith, and family is non-negotiable. Larry delivers hard truths about fatherhood, like prioritizing your marriage over your kids so they witness what a loving partnership looks like.They explore practical wisdom for marriage, including Larry’s “cube” conflict resolution method and why most wives don’t want quick solutions — they want your connection and empathy. Jared and Chris both relate with stories from their own homes, making this a rich, relatable conversation for every dad or husband.Plus, hear about Larry’s extraordinary Daddy Daughter retreat designed to forge unbreakable bonds that last a lifetime. This episode is packed with humor, humility, and profound insights that will challenge and inspire you to become a better man, husband, and father.Tune in, share it with a friend, and take another step toward becoming strong by design — at home and beyond. Time Stamps01:01 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!02:05 – Join Coach Chris Wilson, Jared Haley and special guest, Larry Hagner03:53 – Larry talks about his children and the origin of ‘The Dad Edge’08:53 - Dive into the varying personalities among children11:43 – Understanding the concept of a rite of passage19:44 – A look back at standout guests from ‘The Dad Edge Podcast’25:20 – What you’ll learn in the Extraordinary Marriage course32:48 – Discover the most popular skill taught in the course43:05 – Inside ‘The Cube’: A framework for resolving conflict in relationships50:20 – Recognizing and respecting differences in temperament52:38 – A look at strong, intentional leadership within the home57:13 – Why prioritizing your marriage truly matters1:02:50 – Staying in touch: Connect with Larry Hagner online1:05:42 -Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast! ResourcesThe Dad Edge Website Connect with Larry:Instagram Connect with Chris:Instagram Connect with Jared:InstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 404 Movement is Medicine for the Aging Brain ft. Dr Charles Hillman

Send us a textWhat if the key to a healthier, sharper brain wasn’t a pill or a special diet—but simply getting up and moving your body every day? In this episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Dr. Charles Hillman, a world-renowned expert in cognitive neuroscience, exercise science, and neurocognitive kinesiology. Dr. Hillman has dedicated his career to understanding how physical activity affects brain function and cognitive performance, especially in children and older adults.Their conversation explores how movement shapes the brain across the lifespan, from childhood to old age. Dr. Hillman shares groundbreaking research—like how fit kids have larger hippocampal volumes and stronger memory skills, and how lifelong activity can help protect against age-related cognitive decline. He also discusses how a sedentary lifestyle can harm both physical and cognitive health, why schools need to prioritize physical education, and how parents can create movement-rich environments at home to support their kids’ brain development. Dr. Hillman’s work has even influenced U.S. public health policy through the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, showing that staying active isn’t just good for the body—it’s essential for brain health and lifelong learning.This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to stay sharp, feel energized, and keep their brain and body healthy for years to come.Time Stamps00:39 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!01:24 – Join Coach Chris Wilson with special guest, Dr Charles Hillman04:34 – How Dr. Charles (Chuck) developed his fascination with the brain 12:30 – Coach Chris shares his passion for fitness and health14:25 – How early-life activities influence the way we age18:49 – What is the main reason many people don’t exercise?22:08 – Learn about the health risks of being out of shape26:51 – Our lack of emphasis on physical activity and physical education31:26 – How other countries prioritize physical activity and health36:04 – How physical movement influences key areas of brain function40:45 – Chuck talks about sports and the study of movement49:14 – Can your body easily bounce back after years without exercise?54:50 – Benefits of being physically active as a family59:33 – Please share and leave ratings and reviews for the SBD podcast!We would be honored if you would leave a Rating or Review for the Strong By Design Podcast.Leave a Rating or Review on iTunes Resources:TEDx Talk - How lifelong movement supports your brain - Christopher Wilson Connect with Chuck:Northeastern University College of Science Connect with Chris:InstagramLow Testosterone? Buy 1 Get 2 Free Critical T Supplement: www.criticalnutritionlabs.com Low Testosterone? Buy 1 Get 2 Free Critical T Supplement: www.criticalnutritionlabs.comSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 403 The Tsunami Effect: How to Overcome Life’s Biggest Storms ft. Elite Coach Eric Mitchell

Send us a textIn this episode, elite coach Eric Mitchell shares his journey from struggling athlete to world-class performance coach, revealing the life-changing lessons he learned along the way. From the heartbreak of losing his father to the breakthrough of finding faith, Eric’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless service to others. Discover how his “Tsunami Effect” coaching method helps high performers conquer fear, anxiety, and self-doubt before they become overwhelming. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone seeking a fresh start, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom. Eric is a performance coach and leadership strategist with over three decades of experience helping athletes, executives, and educators overcome mental and physical barriers. As the founder of The Tsunami Effect Coaching, he equips high performers to conquer fear, anxiety, depression, and frustration before they derail success. With a background spanning NFL combine training, youth performance academies, and corporate leadership, Mitchell’s transformative methods have impacted both fitness professionals and business leaders.  Time Stamps01:00 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!01:24 – Join Jo Miller along with our special guest, Coach Eric Mitchell02:29 – Eric shares his cultural experience and why he loves the team05:07 – How Eric learned to be both approachable and tough07:28 – A quick snapshot of who Coach Eric is and what he does10:39 – Amazing story about how Eric got started as a coach14:29 – Eric shares how he launched the Speed School17:20 – Jo recalls a nice memory of her manager18:54 – Eric explains what sets a trainer apart from a coach23:00 – What coaching 'really' means, according to Eric27:35 – What exactly is the Parisi Speed School?31:17 – Jo shares about LifeBridge Health & Fitness and its community36:10 – Eric receives the 'Loving Your Neighbor More Than Yourself' award39:10 – The importance of story time in training – Eric shares his perspective44:00 – What Eric does to stay in top shape50:10 – Insights about how coaches confront players 52:47 – Eric opens up about what’s been happening in his life lately59:01 – What the 'Tsunami Effect' Coaching is all about1:05:09 – Looking ahead: Eric’s vision and next steps1:08:46 – Jo talks about the vision board her husband Matt created1:12:33 – How to stay connected with Coach Eric Mitchell1:13:49 – Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast! Do you love the SBD Podcast show?Leave a Rating or Review on iTunes Resources:Parisi Speed School Connect with Eric:InstagramFacebook Low Testosterone? Buy 1 Get 2 Free Critical T Supplement: www.criticalnutritionlabs.com Low Testosterone? Buy 1 Get 2 Free Critical T Supplement: www.criticalnutritionlabs.comSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com