The Strength Connection
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.
Episodes
317 episodes
Strive for M.O.R.E w/ Jan Raeder
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Jan Raeder, known to many as the SelfCare Sensei, brings a rare depth to the conversation around strength, wellbeing, and what it really means to live with purpose.
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1:07:10
The Truth behind Pain-Free Performance w/ Dr. John Rusin
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dr. John Rusin is a physical therapist, performance coach, and the author of Pain-Free Performance — a framework that bridges elite strength training, intelligent movement, and long...
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53:25
The Silent Impact "Loneliness" is having on Health w/ Nick Jonsson
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Nick Jonsson is a global keynote speaker, bestselling author, and mental health advocate redefining what it means to lead in the modern world. Ranked the world’s #1 thought leader o...
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54:31
Connecting "Intentional Recovery" with Strength and Nutrition w/ Katie Hardie
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Katie Hardie is a board-certified holistic nutritionist and performance practitioner who helps people reconnect with their bodies through a personalized, data-driven approach to hea...
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50:35
Cynicism vs. Optimism in the Fitness Industry w/ The Iron Council
Welcome to the Strength Connection!The Iron Council is back! I am joined by Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind, and Mark Subias.In this conversation, we discuss the language of coaching, the impact of...
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50:33
8 Lessons of 2025
Welcome to the Strength Connection!In this reflection, I share the most significant lessons he learned throughout 2025, emphasizing the importance of loving the process, building self-trust, and practicing optimism. ...
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18:25
Creating Lasting Connection in Fitness w/ Kyle Flynn
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Kyle Flynn is the owner and founder of The blueprint LA in Los Angeles. He’s been operating this gym for 10 years now. My friend Chris Holder introduced me to Kyle, he said you need...
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47:25
Spirituality for Skeptics w/ Nicole Spencer
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Nicole Spencer is a former strength coach, founder of Authentic Conversion, and host of the podcast Spirituality for Skeptics.In this conversation, Nicole S...
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42:54
Strength, Mobility, and Firefighting w/ Zar Horton
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Today I am joined by Zar Horton, Master SFG within the community of Strongfirst. Zar has been teaching workshops in hardstyle strength nationally and internationa...
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51:10
Building a Champion Mindset in any Arena W/ Megan Henry
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Megan Henry is a mindset performance coach, SupraHuman performance coach, Former Team USA skeleton athlete, World Record holder and recent IFBB pro athlete....
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49:35
Empowering the Modern Strength Coach w/ Hewitt Tomlin
Welcome to the Strength Connection!In this episode I am joined by Hewitt Tomlin, founder and CEO of TeamBuildr. Hewitt Tomlin shares his journey from being a college athlete to becoming ...
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47:26
The Iron Council w/ Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind & Mark Subias
Welcome to the Strength Connection!I am joined in this episode by Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind and Mark Subias, AKA The Iron Council.We first came together in a roundtable discussion in April 20...
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48:50
Strength, QiGong, and Spirituality for the Optimal Life w/ Dr. Chris Holder
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dr. Chris Holder is a renowned Strength and Conditioning coach, former Master RKC instructor, Doctor of Medical QiGong, and currently a teacher and leader in Christian Mysticism.
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54:57
The Key to UNLOCKING the Addictive Brain: w/ Dr. Robb Kelly
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dr. Robb Kelly is a renowned Addiction expert, creating the Robb Kelly group, a Telehealth Neuroscience Coaching company with a 98% success rate,working with patients to improve the...
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54:29
Redefining "STRENGTH" after 40 w/ Sylvia Takada
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Sylvia Takada is a SFG II, SFL Instructor in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Sylvia helps empower women 40+ to embrace strength and health in the next stages o...
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1:02:14
Revolutioning Health Data w/ Marco Benitez
Welcome to the Strength Connection!In episode 303, Marco Benitez shares his journey from a Taekwondo champion to a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur. The evolution of wearable technology, the mi...
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38:53
Empowering the NEXT Generation w/ Thomas LaGrave Jr.
Welcome to the Strength Connection.In the 302nd episode, Tom LaGrave shares his transformative journey from a troubled adolescence marked by addiction to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping young people navigate...
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48:40
The Hidden Importance of EYE Health w/ Dr. Pam Theriot
Welcome to the Strength Connection Podcast.In this conversation, Dr. Pam Theriot discusses the importance of proactive eye health, the impact of digital devices on vision, and the role of nutrition in maintaining eye...
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47:41
Ep 300: A milestone episode, 10 Lessons that Reshaped my Foundation of Strength
Welcome to the Strength Connection!A milestone episode of the Strength Connection Podcast. Number 300!I reflect on the journey of 300 episodes, sharing ten key lessons learned from guests and...
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31:33
Where to start in BIOHACKING w/ Troy Laing
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Troy Laing is the founder of Culture OC, a “biohacking social wellness club” helping those find their optimal health in mind, body, spirit and community.Tro...
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51:59
How to FLIP your mental script w/ Mitchell Osmond
Welcome to The Strength Connection!Mitchell Osmond is founder of Dad Nation and a performance coach for men looking to maximize their relationships, health and vitality along with their high performing careers. ...
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55:11
The Art of Coaching w/ Dan John
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Dan John, Legendary Coach and Author, joins me again on the podcast to go into his latest book, The Art of Coaching.In this engaging conversation, Coach Dan...
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53:27
The Path to Optimal Health and Vitality w/ Mike Salemi
Welcome to the Strength Connection!Mike Salemi is a men’s performance coach, creator of the Vital Man Collective, and host of The Path podcast.In this conversation, Mike Salemi shares his jou...
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48:30