Strong on Purpose, Part 3 — Purpose, Discipline & Rebuilding Young Men 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.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Strong on Purpose, Part 3 — Purpose, Discipline & Rebuilding Young Men

December 04, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei • Season 4 • Episode 32

In the third and final part of his Young Men series, Todd Vande Hei shifts from diagnosis to strategy: how do we actually help boys become strong, grounded, purpose-driven men in a world of endless comfort and distraction?
Building on parts one and two — where he unpacked culture’s confusion about masculinity and the biological/psychological damage modern life is doing to young men — Todd lays out a path forward centered on purpose, community, and disciplined living.

In this episode, Todd covers:

• Why purpose is the antidote to drifting, distraction, and quiet despair.
• How to use “good misery” — hard workouts, scary conversations, challenging goals — to build confidence.
• The role of tribe and mentorship — why boys need older men and strong peer groups.
• Discipline vs. punishment — using structure, standards, and honest feedback to shape character.
• How parents and leaders can model strength: self-care, boundaries, and receiving criticism well.
• Why emotional language matters for men — naming feelings to deepen relationships and resilience.
• How physical, emotional, and spiritual health are different expressions of the same system.
• Todd’s warning about a coming divide: healthy, purposeful young men vs. distracted, depleted ones.

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🤔 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...