Shows
Strong By Design PodcastEp 420 The Biggest Loser 'Fit for TV' REACTIONSend us Fan MailWhat really happened behind the scenes of The Biggest Loser—and what did it cost the contestants?In this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson is joined by fitness industry veteran Mike Westerdal and super fan and fitness enthusiast Lindsay Hurley for a powerful reaction to Netflix’s eye-opening documentary Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser. Together, they break down how one of the most popular reality TV shows of all time captivated millions through extreme transformations—while quietly pushing bodies to dangero...
2026-01-2146 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 414 Are We Living in the End Times? ft. Mike Westerdal & Jared HaleySend us Fan MailWhen you look at what’s happening in the world today—wars, division, moral confusion—it’s hard not to wonder: Are we in the end times? In this compelling and timely episode, hosts Jared Haley and Mike Westerdal dive into the fascinating world of Biblical prophecy and what Scripture says about the signs of the end. Drawing from the Book of Revelation, the teachings of Jesus, and other prophetic passages, they explore how ancient words may connect to the realities of our modern world—from global politics and technology to cultural sh...
2025-10-2947 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 352 Killing it in Health & Fitness ft. "Kill Mode" Dan LongSend us Fan MailDan KILLMODE Long is back at the Critical Bench Compound to sit down with friend and host Mike Westerdal. His energy, passion and heart for people is undeniable as you will soon discover.He is known as the man with the most energy in the galaxy... and a super passionate 7-figure entrepreneur known world-wide.Dan has been featured in and on Fox news, CNBC, ABC, Men's Health and was even on Jillian Michael's Spike TV show Sweat Inc!In this episode you will find out about Dan's...
2024-04-031h 34
Strong By Design PodcastEp 326 Why Dads Matter ft. Dr. Meg MeekerSend us Fan Mail She is in a league all her own… a global leading expert on child-father relationships after 30 years as a practicing pediatrician. Dr. Meg Meeker is a bestselling author and longtime father advocate having treated thousands of children and learning the art and skill of how to properly communicate and connect with kids. And she has four children herself… so she gets it! Today on the Strong By Design podcast we have checked off a bucket list item, we got the one and only Dr. Meg on the show. Hosts Mike We...
2023-12-161h 03
Strong By Design PodcastEp 319 5 Laws of Leanness ft. Shaun Hadsall the Ripped GrandpaSend us Fan MailOur guest today on SBD is Shaun Hadsall, also known as “The Ripped Grandpa.” And yes, he literally has 10 grandchildren and a 6-pack! Shaun first started his professional fitness career over two decades ago when he placed 1st Runner-Up Grand Champion in the world-renowned Body-for-Life transformation contest (Bill Phillips – EAS) with over 23,000 contestants’ way back in 1998. Today he is helping elite businessmen over 40 and 50 years old as a Hormone Reset Coach. Mike Westerdal, who is a longtime friend of Shaun’s, hosts, as they discuss Shaun’s ‘5 laws of leanness’ keep...
2023-11-2254 min
Profit by Design269: Get Up and Move Your Body for a Better Business and Better Life! with Chris Wilson Would you agree that entrepreneurship can be an all-consuming endeavor? Have you found yourself neglecting your health, good nutrition, sleep, fitness, and other aspects of appropriate self-care? We are at increased risk for health-related issues because of work-related stress and intense lifestyle. Physical health ties into our mental health and effectiveness, and we deserve to be at our best. Let’s talk about the most important part of your entrepreneurial journey: taking care of YOU. Join us! I’m joined by Chris Wilson, a Men Over 40 Health Expert who is a lifelong fitness and health advoc...
2023-11-0232 min
The Over 50 Health & Wellness PodcastThe Importance of Strength Training for Healthy Aging with Chris WilsonText us a comment or question!Today we’re going to hear from a fitness expert who’s been in fantastic shape his entire life, and he’s going to share his thoughts on getting – and staying – in the best shape we possibly can – no matter our age - in order to lead a rich, healthy, vital life. My guest today is Chris Wilson Chris is a lifelong fitness and health advocate. With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Chris has worked alongside and learned from leaders in the industry such as Charles Po...
2023-07-121h 00
Man Within Podcast575 - Chris Wilson on Building A Porn-Free Body, Why Movement Is So Key, and Striking Work-Life BalanceChris Wilson is a lifelong fitness and health advocate. With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Chris has worked alongside and learned from leaders in the industry such as Charles Poliquin, mentor and friend Ben Prentiss, 3-time World Champion Powerlifter Lloyd Weinstein, 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, IFBB Pros Darrem Charles, Ben Pakulski, John Hansen, BIG Aaron Reed and his lifelong friend and Owner of Critical Bench, Mike Westerdal. In this episode, Sathiya and Chris discussed:
[7:23] Meet the happiest people in the world.
[10:48] The importance of moving your body.
[17:26] Getting away from Arnold...
2023-06-2950 min
Fit Father Project PodcastBalanced Health: Chris Wilson of Critical Bench on Building Stability in Your Mind, Body, and SpiritEpisode 137 of the Fit Father Project Podcast is all about balanced health and how to find and build stability in your mind, body, and spirit.In this episode, you’ll meet health and fitness advocate Chris Wilson, who has seen and done it all in nearly 25 years in the fitness industry. He’s gone from working the front desk at health clubs to becoming a personal trainer in 1999, and since then, he's trained nearly 20,000 hours with clients ranging from 10 to 90 years old. And, that's just the training side of Chris's life!He...
2023-06-121h 03
Fitness Reborn with SeannCritical Bench with Christopher WilsonMy guest this week is Christopher Wilson.Chris Wilson is a lifelong fitness and health advocate. With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Chris has worked alongside and learned from leaders in the industry such as Charles Poliquin, mentor and friend Ben Prentiss, 3-time World Champion Powerlifter Lloyd Weinstein, 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, IFBB Pros Darrem Charles, Ben Pakulski, John Hansen, BIG Aaron Reed and his lifelong friend and Owner of Critical Bench, Mike Westerdal. As if his resume wasn't impressive enough, Chris is also the Vice President of Content at Critical B...
2023-05-151h 29Fitness Reborn with SeannCritical Bench with Christopher WilsonMy guest this week is Christopher Wilson.Chris Wilson is a lifelong fitness and health advocate. With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Chris has worked alongside and learned from leaders in the industry such as Charles Poliquin, mentor and friend Ben Prentiss, 3-time World Champion Powerlifter Lloyd Weinstein, 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, IFBB Pros Darrem Charles, Ben Pakulski, John Hansen, BIG Aaron Reed and his lifelong friend and Owner of Critical Bench, Mike Westerdal. As if his resume wasn't impressive enough, Chris is also the Vice President of Content at Critical B...
2023-05-151h 29
Strong By Design PodcastEp 281 Liar, Lunatic or Lord? ft. Mike Westerdal & Jared HaleySend us Fan Mail Jesus was not just a nice guy, a prophet from God or a kind, good teacher from almost 2,000 years ago. He was either a compulsive liar, a crazed lunatic or He was Lord. Those are your 3 options. Jesus himself made it very clear who He said He was in his 3 years of ministry. Jesus claimed to be the Son of Man which is referenced 81 times within the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This was considered blasphemy. No one had ever claimed to be God and...
2023-04-0830 min
Whole Man AcademyEP125 - IRON SHARPENS IRON - CHRIS WILSON | WHOLE MAN ACADEMYBrother. Want powerful insights to maximise your mindset, body, and performance?
Hit the link to join hundreds of professional men who read The Whole Man Journal.
Plus you get exclusive access to our powerful network, events and experiences.
https://www.wholemanacademy.com/journal
Chris Wilson oversees the Strong By Design Podcast Show as well as the Critical Bench YouTube channels with over 1 Million subscribers and over 4,000 videos.
Chris has worked alongside and learned from leaders in the industry such as Charles Poliquin, mentor and friend Ben...
2023-04-061h 15
Real Talk with Real Fit ProsStrong By Design: A Conversation with Chris WilsonIn this episode, Jon and Marc have the pleasure of interviewing Chris Wilson, a fitness professional of 25 years.
From working the front desk of a gym after graduating college to working alongside industry leaders such as Charles Poliquin & Mike Westerdal, Chris has certainly demonstrated a love of the fitness industry and helping impact the masses.
His roles at Critical Bench and Strong By Design have been vital, helping these companies to reach over a million people and produce over 4000 instructional videos on YouTube.
Tune in to hear a great story about perseverance and...
2023-02-2549 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 266 Most Memorable Moments of 2022 on Strong By DesignSend us Fan Mail We believe that you are strong by design, made in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. This special first episode of 2023 showcases our best moments on the Strong By Design podcast show last year. Our fifth year of SBD in 2022 was a tremendous year of growth for the show with record breaking month after record breaking month. We had some new hosts joining the show like Jo Miller and Jared Haley and some truly extraordinary men and women as guests like Horst Schulze, Dr. Annet...
2023-01-041h 03
Strong By Design PodcastEp 260 Channeling Your Addictive Personality with Mike & ChrisSend us Fan Mail 100 pairs of shoes. 30+ high dollar purses. Stacks of baseball cards. What about that nightly 6-pack after work, a pot of coffee every morning before work or those 2-3 midday energy drinks daily just to stay focused and get by?? There are so many things out there that hold some kind of power over us. What is an addiction? Are all people guilty of at least one addiction, good or bad? And are all addictions actually BAD for you? Most people when they hear the ‘A’ word are thinking o...
2022-11-3036 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 254 I'm Offended that You're Offended ft. Jared Haley & Mike WesterdalSend us Fan MailBrant Hansen’s book Unoffendable, is the inspiration for this powerful conversation today on Strong By Design featuring hosts Jared Haley and Mike Westerdal. Utilizing his ability to write engaging and humorous stories, Hansen introduces and develops the ideology of becoming a person who is not easily offended. We believe this book is highly beneficial to our American culture that is hypersensitive and easily offended. As followers of Jesus, he is always asking the question, how would Jesus respond to people in our current culture, and how does that re...
2022-10-2638 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 250 When One Door Closes Another One Opens ft. Troy Ericson of Lead Paramedic [Part 2]Send us Fan Mail Continuing the conversation with our guest today on SBD, Troy Ericson, hosted by Mike Westerdal. Find out in Part 2 how much value Troy puts on focus and its impact on business success. Troy and Mike also discuss why thinking big and surrounding yourself with BIG thinkers is the key to growth in any industry. Troy Ericson Is a Direct Response Copywriter & Email Deliverability Expert whose persuasion has generated over $50MM since 2019. “Focus is like the only way you’re going to grow… You have to be good at b...
2022-10-0138 min
School of Impact136. 4 Keys to Fitness Business Success w/ Mike Westerdal (He grew a 2 Million Follower Fitness Brand doing this)Mike Westerdal is our guest today. Not only is he said to be a good performer, but also a big hitter. He acts vehemently in whatever he undertakes. Besides that, he is praised for always being incredibly appreciative, humble, and generous, as well as for constantly attempting to give back. He is a national best-selling fitness author who has devoted the last 20 years of his life to assisting both men and women in enhancing their physical well-being. Additionally, he owns Critical Bench, the internet's oldest fitness publishing firm, which has more than a million YouTube followers. Additionally, they have...
2022-09-1557 min
The Muscular GentlemanCore Values Can Change the Way You Live, We Are Strong By Design with Chris Wilson EP 10Chris Wilson is a lifelong fitness and health advocate. He is a strength coach and VP of Content at Critical Bench Publishing.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Chris has worked alongside and learned from leaders in the industry such as Charles Poliquin, mentor and friend Ben Prentiss, 3-time World Champion Powerlifter Lloyd Weinstein, 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, IFBB Pros Darrem Charles, Ben Pakulski, John Hansen, BIG Aaron Reed and his lifelong friend and Owner of Critical Bench, Mike Westerdal.
Chris oversees the Strong By Design Podcast Show as well as...
2022-08-251h 21
Strong By Design PodcastEp 241 Never Give Up on Your Dreams ft. Jason Meland [Part 2]Send us Fan Mail The conclusion to Never Give Up on Your Dreams ft. Jason Meland… “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” -Babe Ruth Sounds simple enough right, just don’t quit. Many of the greatest of all time (GOATs) in their respective sport or career are known to chant this famous mantra. However, when this principle is applied in your life, in all areas of your life, it can have massive impact and ripple into everything that you do. Today’s guest on Strong By Design...
2022-08-0648 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 240 Never Give Up on Your Dreams ft. Jason Meland [Part 1]Send us Fan Mail “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” - Babe Ruth Sounds simple enough right, just don’t quit. Many of the greatest of all time (GOATs) in their respective sport or career are known to chant this famous mantra. However, when this principle is applied in your life, in all areas of your life, it can have massive impact and ripple into everything that you do. Today’s guest on Strong By Design is Jason Meland, a fitness and media coach, who teaches and inspires o...
2022-08-0348 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 236 FEAR NOT ft. Pastor Chris StephensSend us Fan Mail God says over and over again. Fear not! Do not be afraid. Be strong and courageous. Trust me. Why? Fear doesn’t seem like the most serious of vices, it’s not one of the 7 deadly sins, nor is it the object of church discipline. So why does God tell us to stop being afraid more often than he tells us anything else? It’s not to spare us from emotional discomfort. Rather it is because fear sabotages flourishing. Fear keeps us from following God wholeheartedly. As John Orberg says, “Fear is the nu...
2022-07-061h 09
Strong By Design PodcastEp 213 The Truth About Porn (Part 2) ft. Frank RichSend us Fan MailAfter 18 months and thousands of downloads it was time to have another conversation about the porn problem facing men today. The original episode aired in May 2020 and has become the #1 episode on the Strong By Design podcast show. So, we were happy to welcome back our brother Frank Rich to dig further into this taboo topic plaguing men everywhere. What happens when you relapse? Giving up porn for good isn’t just a simple decision requiring no accountability. And then when we mess up, what happens next? Chris Wilson and Mike W...
2022-01-261h 07
Strong By Design PodcastEp 212 Top 10 Mistakes Candidates Make During the Interview Process with Mike & SamSend us Fan MailWhen’s the last time you interviewed for a job? How did it go? This episode on Strong By Design discusses the mistakes many job candidates make on the day of their interview. Remember, first impressions matter. When you’re attempting to gain employment with a small business or a large company, there are things to avoid and things you must get right. As they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. "Be on time, it's one of our values we don't deviate from...
2022-01-1930 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 210 Repairing a Destroyed Metabolism with the Educated Dieter Will GrazioneSend us Fan MailThe struggle is seriously real when it comes to eating clean, working out consistently and developing healthy, sustainable habits. And few people understand this like today’s guest, the Educated Dieter, Will Grazione. Will is a pro natural bodybuilder with over 10 years of experience helping people transform their lives by providing his diet and nutrition expertise. His super power along with his brilliant team of top-level coaches is actually educating his clients so that they are taught the foundational skills they need for a lifetime of healthy living and physical transformation....
2022-01-051h 13
Strong By Design PodcastEp 209 Rescuing the Next Generation ft. Dr. Mike HigginsSend us Fan MailToday on Strong By Design we finish 2021 with the most POWERFRUL conversation of the year… and that’s saying a lot! Something very special has been happening for children in Tampa, FL for over 50 years and it is our great honor at Critical Bench to share this message with you. Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson visited Hope Children’s Home and sat down with Director Dr. Mike Higgins to talk about all the many blessings and some of the tear-jerking stories at Hope. From Hope Children’s Home o...
2021-12-2953 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 208 Why You Can't Live Without Hope ft. Bob Brubaker & John TrebinoSend us Fan Mail“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” -Andy Dufresne (Shawshank Redemption) If we don’t have hope in our lives, then what do we have and what are we living for? A great question to ponder and the topic of our conversation today on the Strong By Design podcast. Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson are joined by friends and favorite repeat guests Bob Brubaker and John Trebino, hosts of the Powerbreak Podcast. During the Christmas season we are re...
2021-12-221h 01
Strong By Design PodcastEp 207 At What Expense? ft. Mike WesterdalSend us Fan MailIs ‘life balance’ a myth or the most important goal each of us has in life? Can you get an A+ in the buckets of life across the board (probably not) or does something have to give in all other categories if you’re going to be ‘The Best’ in any one area of your life? This episode features Mike Westerdal, founder of Critical Bench, as he and co-host Chris Wilson explore what it means to perform at your personal best in the buckets of life; business success, at home with...
2021-12-1538 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 200 The Leadership Mindset – What it takes to be a Strong LeaderSend us Fan MailLeadership takes guts, grit and lots of passion. So, after 199 episodes on our podcast show we gathered up some of our favorite conversations about the leadership mindset and what it takes to lead people. Whether you’re leading a small or large team OR just searching for ways to better lead yourself in life, this episode is filled with gold nuggets from start to finish. You’re in for a real treat from the best of the Strong By Design podcast show! "You've got to find the 3, 4 or 5...
2021-11-031h 06
Strong By Design PodcastSpecial Bonus Episode - To Get the Vaccine or Not Get the Vaccine, That is the QuestionSend us Fan MailThe SBD team reunites to discuss a topic that’s become divisive and heavily politicized. When it comes to health, in the past, people have been allowed to make their own decisions for pretty much all things and given the opportunity to discuss with their physician if unsure. But of course, no one alive today ever lived through a global pandemic. I think we can all agree that treating others with respect is critical and realizing people are free to make decisions based on their own personal health. Mandates of any ki...
2021-09-111h 16
Strong By Design PodcastEp 188 The Value of Gift Giving and Relationships ft. John Ruhlin of GiftologySend us Fan MailJohn Ruhlin is the world’s leading authority in maximizing customer loyalty through radical generosity. While becoming the #1 performer out of 1.5 million sales reps for one of the world’s most recognizable brands, Cutco Knives, John developed a system of using generosity to gain access to elite clients and generate thousands of referrals. Giftology, his brand and his NY Times best-selling book, is about relationship retention and growth through constant gratitude. Honestly, it’s about finding ways to blow people's minds and filling their hearts with joy and amazement, deepening those bonds fo...
2021-08-1151 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 184 How to Start a Podcast Show ft. Luis DiazSend us Fan MailIf podcasting is something you’ve been curious about but wanted to know more, this episode on Strong By Design is absolutely for you. It all comes down to having a unique message to share with the world sprinkled with a lot of passion, insight and often times a bit of humor. Luis Diaz from the Podcast Domination Show joins co-host Chris Wilson. This special episode is a long time coming as Luis was the catalyst for the SBD show to launch. After spending the day together at an event in Or...
2021-07-141h 09
The Super Human LifeLessons From A 20-Year Entrepreneurial Journey w/ Mike Westerdal | Ep. 83Mike Westerdal is the Founder and CEO of Critical Bench, the world's #1 leading strength & authority on the internet. After developing a passion for strength training while in college, he built a small website for a bench press program as a final class project. What started as a class project has developed into a movement that has reached and inspired millions of people over the last 2 decades. Over 3500 YouTube videos, 850,000+ YouTube subscribers, hundreds of programs created, and hundreds of thousands of customers. Mike is also a co-host on the Strong By Design podc...
2021-07-121h 26
Strong By Design PodcastEp 181 How to Achieve More By Noon ft. Dave RuelSend us Fan MailDave Ruel is a former competitive physique athlete turned serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and leadership mentor. After founding and growing multi-million-dollar online companies in the field of health, fitness and sports nutrition for nearly a decade, Dave saw the dark side of entrepreneurship gradually rob him of his freedom, leaving him burned out and unfulfilled. Refusing to conform to a broken business culture that promotes workaholism and non-stop hustle, Dave created a sustainable structure and systems for his life and business to reclaim his freedom without sacrificing the growth of his...
2021-06-2653 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 179 You Can’t Scale Without Knowing Your Numbers ft. Ben TealSend us Fan MailIf you focus on working smart and move quickly toward defined goals, know yourself, your customers, AND your numbers, you'll realize an easier path to rapid growth. Not only is our guest Ben Teal a mojito-loving Philosopher Economist, but he is also an Analytics and Process Systemization Expert. He holds a BA with a double major in Philosophy and Economics from Yale University and an MS in Economics from UNC-Charlotte. But to co-host of Strong By Design, Mike Westerdal, he’s simply “the analytics guy.” LOL The core of his pe...
2021-06-1947 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 178 Coffee Talk with CEO of Life Boost Coffee ft. Dr. Charles LivingstonSend us Fan MailAll things coffee… with a little cream and sugar 😊 Dr. Charles Livingston is a board-certified chiropractic physician and wellness practitioner. He’s a speaker and bestselling author who created the The Fat Loss Factor program. Today he is the CEO of Life Boost Coffee. He hails from Indiana and is married with 2 kids. Dr. Charles and the host Mike Westerdal are longtime friends and members in two of the same mastermind groups including the Elite 30 and 100M. Some of the coffee-talk topics discussed on today’s episode are coffee’s...
2021-06-1633 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 176 Forget Everything You Know About Networking ft. Travis ChappellSend us Fan MailTravis Chappell is a podcasting consultant, real estate investor, and professional connector. He is the creator and host of Build Your Network, a Top 25 Business podcast with over 600 episodes! dedicated to helping entrepreneurs cultivate genuine relationships, grow their inner circle, and leverage a powerful network the right way. As an international speaker, he has had the privilege of speaking to audiences all across the US, Puerto Rico, and Australia. With his podcast as evidence, his mission is to put excellence into the creation of valuable, high-quality content and to leave every...
2021-06-0953 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 175 Taking the Leap ft. Todd Lamb from PureLife OrganicsSend us Fan MailFrom police officer to entrepreneur, Todd Lamb has a unique understanding when it comes to public service and working for yourself in the private sector. This was a massive shift in his professional career after 20 years of serving the public but it was one that he knew could be a game changer. Either risk big and go all in or stay where you’re at and live with regret… Luckily for Todd he took the leap and is now flying high in his new career as CEO of PureLife Orga...
2021-06-0558 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 172 How to Sell on Instagram ft. Michelle Kavanagh “The Sales Queen”Send us Fan MailMichelle Kavanagh is a serial entrepreneur and speaker. She's the founder of The Sales Queen - an online program that helps business owners have more confidence in sales conversations & in overcoming objections. Michelle’s love for sales came from working at Vega foods and traveling the world convincing strangers to try new food products. In 2015 Michelle decided to start her own company in the health industry. Now she helps others get their mindset right, elevates confidence and unleash their inner sales skills. So many people make tons of mistakes th...
2021-05-2641 min
Shit You Don't Learn In College®019: Mike Westerdal || The Entrepreneurial RollercoasterMike Westerdal is a high performer, heavy hitter, a massive-action taker and also the owner of a multiple 7-figure business: The Critical Bench. He is also a best-selling author, podcast host, has 3 million followers on social media, and 3,000 videos on Youtube! He’s spent 2 decades in the health and wellness space and always chooses to see the opportunities to be better in any situation! You don’t want to miss this episode.In this episode you’ll learn:How Not to ProcrastinateImportance of What/Who Influences Your Subconscious MindHow to Set Goals the Right WayPlus so much m...
2021-05-2448 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 170 Things You Don't Learn in College ft. Zander FryerSend us Fan MailZander Fryer, best-selling author, internationally renowned speaker, and world traveler, is more than just a corporate dropout. After quitting his successful corporate career at age 27, Zander launched his company, High Impact Coaching, to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while adding value to the world. From ZERO to 6 figures in 3 months and 7 figures in 12, his training now impacts over 50,000 people in 22 different countries and at more than 300 organizations. A mentor to millionaires, Grammy-winning artists, and bestselling authors alike, he is praised as “the next generation leader” by #1 best...
2021-05-1951 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 169 6 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Youth Athletes Make ft. Steve KonopkaSend us Fan MailGood and bad nutritional habits are developed during our formative years in youth sports. From adolescence to young adulthood, we are faced with food choices every day. For athletes, the fuel that they use significantly dictates performance on the field or on the court. Our guest today, Steve Konopka, along with longtime friend and co-host Mike Westerdal, uncovers 6 of the biggest nutrition mistakes youth athletes make that impacts both how they feel and perform and what parents and coaches can do to help. Now Steve owns Strength N Honor...
2021-05-1555 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 164 The Bootstrap Billionaire ft. Randy DavisSend us Fan MailRandy grew up in a poor working-class family that always struggled living paycheck to paycheck. He discovered at the age of twelve, being a business owner could be his ticket to escape his family’s financial struggle. Fast forward several years, his self-managing, self-improving businesses that ran on autopilot continued to have healthy growth and huge profits whether he was there or not. In addition to building his empires, silently, Randy worked with other ambitious entrepreneurs consulting, advising, and creating strategies for them, while seeking to always find a be...
2021-04-2850 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 163 As Long As It Makes You Happy... ft. Bob Brubaker & John TrebinoSend us Fan MailJim Carrey famously commented, "I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer." Even self-help gurus are moving away from the idea of pursuing "happiness", talking instead about meaning or fulfillment. Listen in on today's Strong By Design podcast as Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson discuss this endless pursuit of happiness in a material world filled with distraction, anxiety and depression with Bob Brubaker and John Trebino from the PowerBreak podcast. ...
2021-04-241h 07
Strong By Design PodcastEp 162 Seaspiracy: Is Commercial Fishing Killing Our Oceans?Send us Fan MailIf you have not yet heard about out, or seen the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy … you will probably be hearing things about it very soon. Especially with Earth Day upon us. Seaspiracy is a documentary that looks in the deeper issues of the environmental impact of the commercial fishing industry. And as with all documentaries, this one is certainly getting its’ fair share of raised eyebrows as far as the accuracy of the facts presented in the film. In this episode Mike Westerdal, Samantha Harrison & Coach Tonya sit down to discus...
2021-04-2142 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 144 Your Most Embarrassing Moment Ever! ft. Team Critical BenchSend us Fan MailHow well do you THINK you know the people at your job? Here on Strong By Design, we went to a brand new level of truly knowing each other… the good, the bad and the ugly! From our favorite ice cream flavor to our MOST embarrassing moments, the 4 hosts of the show go deep and uncomfortable in today’s game show style episode. Get to know Mike, Tonya, Sam and Chris in a whole new way and have a few much-needed laughs to end 2020 on a high note...
2020-12-301h 19
Strong By Design PodcastEp 130 7 Steps to Reaching Your First 10K Subs on YouTube ft. Chris WilsonSend us Fan MailGrowing on any social media platform requires time, dedication and lots of passion… The Critical Bench YouTube channel has grown from 5,000 subscribers to 700,000 subscribers and 100,000,000 views in the past 7 years. In this week’s podcast, Founder of Critical Bench, Mike Westerdal, digs deep into 7 of the most significant ingredients for growth and success on YouTube with longtime friend and colleague Chris Wilson. Find out exactly what you need to get started, stay on track and climb quickly towards your first 10K subs on YouTube! "S...
2020-09-231h 04
Strong By Design PodcastEp 126 Step Into the Fear, Greatness Awaits ft. Erwin McManusSend us Fan MailNow more than ever, humanity needs peace, the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. Strong By Design cohosts Mike Westerdal and Samantha Harrison chat with Erwin McManus on his newest book, “The Way of the Warrior” which takes us on a journey through several “codes” that will lead us on the path of wisdom to inner peace. In this episode you'll discover how to master your mind, step into your fear, and rise above the pain to find inner peace. Erwin is a thought leader, author, founder & pastor of Mosaic...
2020-08-261h 21
Strong By Design PodcastEp 119 The Truth About CBD Oil ft. Tonya FinesSend us Fan MailCBD oil has not only sparked some pretty intense debates among the general population, but it has also piqued the curiosity of individuals who want to know more about this product and if in fact, it has any real benefits with respect to their health and wellness. With the impact CBD oil is making, as far as being utilized in alternative therapies for everything from pain management to alleviating cancer-related symptoms, Mike Westerdal sat down with our own in-house Holistic Health Practitioner Tonya Fines to talk about just how CBD is...
2020-07-0826 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 115 The Untamable Beast ft. Pastor JP PoirierSend us Fan MailThe power of life or death can literally come from our mouths. Words can either kill or be life giving. As it says in James 3: 9-12; "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Pastor and close friend JP Poirier sits down with Mike Westerdal and Samantha Harrison. He has a powerful message about how the words we use nourish the soul and spirit or can lead to destruction. We have the ch...
2020-06-1054 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 113 Fitness Jeopardy ft. Team Critical BenchSend us Fan MailDo you know the largest muscle in the body? How about the strongest muscle? These questions and many more in the areas of exercise and nutrition will be answered in this special Fitness Jeopardy Team edition. Plus, as a surprise, a splash of 80’s music trivia for a fun twist. Get to know the men and women of Critical Bench in this lighter side of Strong by Design and have some much-needed laughs! "I think there was some interference, it was rigged." -Mike Westerdal
2020-06-0333 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 111 Big Rocks ft. Mike WesterdalSend us Fan MailIn business, you either focus on what matters most to achieve higher levels of success or spend your time on the small stuff, never really leveling up. So how are you prioritizing your day? When it comes to the MOST important thing in your business or in life, you must attack it early with your best energy, effort and focus. This episode of SBD, Chris Wilson speaks with friend, mentor and boss, Mike Westerdal to uncover ‘The One Thing’ he did in his business that changed everything.
2020-05-2036 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 109 The Truth About Porn ft. Frank RichSend us Fan MailIt’s not something people like to discuss or admit to. It can be a killer of loving relationships and a secretive part of your life hidden in the closet, embarrassing and unhealthy. If you’re looking for real and raw honesty on the topic of porn addiction and how to overcome it, you’ve found the right episode. Listen as creator of The Super Human Life podcast Frank Rich pulls back the curtain on his personal struggle with porn. His mission: I help men break free from p...
2020-05-061h 17
Strong By Design PodcastEp 108 The OG's of the Internet ft. Lee Hayward & Mike WesterdalSend us Fan MailPioneers, Adversaries and now Friends… Founder of CriticalBench, Mike Westerdal, and Founder of Total Fitness Bodybuilding, Lee Hayward, share their beginnings on the internet for over 2 decades! The internet age has seen a lot of changes since the late 90’s (and that’s an understatement!) Mike and Lee have been along for the ride ever since, navigating through challenges, the many failures and of course the triumphs. Early on they viewed themselves as direct competition and watched what the other was doing from a distance. But everything change...
2020-04-291h 25
7-Figure StewardHow to Aggressively Create Credibility Through Marketing“Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” -Peter McWilliamsThis quote encapsulates the conversation between Founder of Critical Bench and SBD host Mike Westerdal and his long-time mentor and close friend Vince Del Monte.Vince is a World-Renowned On-line Business Coach, Best-Selling Author and WBFF Pro Fitness Model & Competitor.He is also the Founder of The 7-Figure Mastermind and 6-Figure Coach Program designed to catapult hardworking entrepreneurs to NEW LEVELS of success in their businesses. His background in health and fitness goes back decades having been named the “Skinny Guy Savior” landing on magazine covers and helping...
2020-04-241h 08
Strong By Design PodcastEp 102 Level Up ft. Vince Del MonteSend us Fan Mail“Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” -Peter McWilliams This quote encapsulates the conversation between Founder of Critical Bench and SBD host Mike Westerdal and his long-time mentor and close friend Vince Del Monte. Vince is a World-Renowned On-line Business Coach, Best-Selling Author and WBFF Pro Fitness Model & Competitor. He is also the Founder of The 7-Figure Mastermind and 6-Figure Coach Program designed to catapult hardworking entrepreneurs to NEW LEVELS of success in their businesses. His background in health and fitness goes back decades having been named the “Skinny Guy Savior...
2020-03-181h 05
Strong By Design PodcastEp 101 How Do You Identify? ft. Ryan ColbySend us Fan MailOur direction in life is directly tied to our decision making (good or bad) and the people we choose to surround ourselves with. So that begs the question, who do you have in your inner circle and why have you chosen them? In this very personal story of risk, faith, friendship and love, we discover the heart and strength of entrepreneur and Get Lean After 40 co-founder Ryan Colby. Ryan shares his rollercoaster journey to success over the past 20 years with SBD host and close friend Mike Westerdal...
2020-03-1158 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 100 Top 3 Secrets to Business SuccessSend us Fan MailGrit. The opposite of quit. The ability to overcome obstacles small and large and persevere. To press on, grind and Get Stuff Done (GSD)! This one 4 letter word has been a prevalent fixture at Critical Bench, the internet’s #1 strength and health authority since 1999. In this very special 100th episode of Strong By Design, Founder Mike Westerdal sits down with long time friend and SBD host Chris Wilson to discuss how Critical Bench came to be over 20 years ago. Mike reveals his top 3 secrets to bu...
2020-03-041h 14
Strong By Design PodcastEp 80 Struggling Laptop Entrepreneurs with Justin FeldmanSend us Fan MailOur lowest moments in life can be used to inspire change and victory in others. Justin Feldman found his strength in his darkest times and now uses his struggles to help others overcome all odds. Performing at your best in any area of life requires not only a healthy mind but also a physically active lifestyle. This is typically referred to as the Mind-Body Connection. By using his passion for fitness and his red-hot entrepreneurial spirit, Justin is unlocking greatness in his clients. These laptop...
2019-10-161h 11
Strong By Design PodcastEp 78 The Truth About WILLPOWER ft. Bob Brubaker 19x IronmanSend us Fan MailWhere do you get your ‘willpower’ from? Is willpower something you can truly harness from within or is it something grounded in something bigger and greater than you? In today’s episode, Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson are honored to discuss this subject with Bob Brubaker and John Trebino, hosts of The Powerbreak Podcast. Life is filled with tests, temptations and struggles every single day. If we think we are capable of handling the burdens of life on our own terms, we are certainly doomed to fail.
2019-10-0251 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 73 14-Day Rational Fasting with Elliott HulseSend us Fan MailYouTube sensation and Strength Camp Founder Elliott Hulse visited the CriticalBench Compound to shed some light on the often confused subject of FASTING. Elliott has been using fasting for 20 years as a serious strongman competitor and health & fitness influencer. His intimate understanding of this centuries old practice helped create his 14-Day Rational Fasting Challenge. This Fasting program is discussed in great detail in the interview with hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson who both participated in this 14-Day challenge to gain more awareness about a topic that is typically...
2019-08-2854 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 67 MVP Wife - What It's Really Like Being Married to an EntrepreneurSend us Fan MailWhat is it really like to be the wife of a successful, hard working entrepreneur? What does it really take to support that kind of focus and drive while still maintaining harmony in your personal and family life? Today on the show we have Courtney Westerdal, MVP wife and co-owner of Critical Bench publishing with her husband Mike, sharing with us her wife perspective on being a team player, a wife, a mother and . . . a huge Boston Red Sox fan! In this episode Courtney gets personal and sha...
2019-07-171h 22
Strong By Design PodcastEp 52 How to Hear God's Voice with Joe LoGalboSend us Fan MailAre you listening for that still small voice from God? Fitness Entrepreneur and Copywriter Joe LoGalbo sits down with Mike Westerdal and speaks openly about his strong Christian faith and hearing God’s voice. Joe unpacks ways to speak to and listen for God in our daily lives. He addresses ways that God guides us, the importance of journaling your thoughts and prayers for your life and trusting in Him at all times. And even better, Joe ends the podcast in prayer for all the listeners. If yo...
2019-04-0358 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 51 Men Over 40 Lifestyle Hacks with Lee HaywardSend us Fan MailLifelong bodybuilder and nutrition expert Lee Hayward visits the CriticalBench Compound. Before the days of Bodybuilding.com and YouTube, Lee was one of the very first fitness & health experts to have a website having been online since 1997! He’s currently devoting all of his time and energy to encouraging Men Over 40 get leaner, stronger and healthier. Lee indulges Coach Chris by sharing several great “war” stories about past injuries, his YouTube beginnings and how he and CB Founder Mike Westerdal were actually Bench Press rivals back in the late 90s. Liste...
2019-03-271h 07
Strong By Design PodcastEp 31 Seven Fastest Ways to Increase Your Bench w/ Mike WesterdalSend us Fan MailToday on Strong By Design Podcast Mike Westerdal joins Coach Chris to give us his 7 best tips on how to increase your bench. He dives deep on all things bench press and lays down a solid foundation for you to increase your strength. They also share some of their personal history together and how Critical Bench was formed. "I think my best competition lift was a 630-lb bench press, I had some awesome mentors and coaches at that gym (Tampa Barbell) that taught me a lot." ...
2018-11-0740 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 20 Athlete Built with Chris Barnard from Overtime AthletesSend us Fan MailLooking to get stronger, faster and be an all around better athlete? Then you don’t want to miss this episode! Tune in as Coach Chris Wilson interviews the creator of the Athlete Built Program and founder of Overtimeathletes, Chris Barnard. TEXT "CORE” to 345345 for the FREE Core report. "I feel like it's my duty to be strong, powerful and fast even into my old age, my body's my temple." -Chris Barnard Check out @thecriticalbench podcast highlight story on Instagram to see if...
2018-08-2242 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 19 #1 Exercise to Unlock Your Glutes with Brian KlepackiSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Founder of Critical Bench, Mike Westerdal interviews the Creator of Unlock Your Glutes, Coach Brian Klepacki, MS, CSCS, FMS2. If you want bigger, stronger and rounder glutes, you’ll want to tune in to this episode TEXT "GLUTES” to 345345 for the FREE 5-minute glute workout. "Squats and deadlifts are quad and hamstring dominant exercises. I'm not saying that they don't hit the glutes. They’re just not the best exercises for the glutes." -Brian Klepacki Love th...
2018-08-1532 min
Strong By Design PodcastEp 1 The 7 Keys to be Strong By DesignSend us Fan MailWe believe that you are STRONG BY DESIGN. We believe you were created in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. The Strong by Design podcast is the #1 resource for strength, health, & fitness solutions in the world. All of us need principles to stand on. Whether in your personal or professional life, having a set of guiding core values makes decision making and action taking so much easier… and consistent. Listen in as Founder of Critical Bench and co-host Mike Westerdal sits...
2018-05-1035 min