Strength as a Skill, with Brett Jones Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

All Episodes

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Strength as a Skill, with Brett Jones

March 14, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei • Season 3 • Episode 10

Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavier—it’s about training smarter. Brett Jones, director of education at StrongFirst, rejoins Todd this week on the podcast, sharing his philosophy on strength training as a skill.

Brett dives into the science behind recovery and why effort alone doesn’t equal better results. He also highlights the role of grip strength as a key predictor of longevity and how maintaining muscle mass can impact overall health, including disease recovery. Having gone through cancer treatment himself, Brett emphasizes why being strong before facing a health crisis can be life-changing.

From busting training myths to explaining why testing and training should be separate, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to build long-term strength.

Learn more about Brett and his resources on his website: https://appliedstrength.com/ or follow him on Instagram at @brettjonessfg.

Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Strength Is a Skill, Not Just Lifting Weights
02:52 The Wheel of Health: A Holistic View of Well-Being
04:46 Introducing Brett Jones & Strong First Training Philosophy
06:11 Common Myths That Hinder Strength Progress
09:19 The Importance of Movement Patterns for Orthopedic Health
15:51 Defining True Strength Training vs. High-Rep Workouts
18:49 The Role of Recovery in Strength Development
26:06 The Psychology of Effort: Why More Isn't Always Better
30:29 Grip Strength as a Marker for Longevity & Overall Strength
36:39 Strength Training & Disease Prevention: What the Research Says
41:56 How to Integrate Kettlebells for Maximum Benefit
45:35 Iron Cardio: Brett's Training Approach for Strength & Endurance
50:00 The Most Effective Training Plan for Busy Schedules

Connect with Stark
Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health

Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔

Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being.

Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together!

DISCLOSURE

We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols.

Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...