The Strength Connection

Michael Kurkowski
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Fitness
  • Updated daily

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.

  1. 3 days ago

    To Succeed More, Do Less w/ Dr. Matt Delgado

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dr. Matt Delgado was handed an autoimmune diagnosis and three options: surgery, radiation, or medication for life. He picked a fourth option nobody in the room offered. He's not your typical chiropractor. He treats the body more like a plant than a car, restoring function so the body can restore health. He spent nearly a decade distilling that into his new book, Stepping Out of the Grave, out this January.  In this episode, Dr. Matt Delgado shares his personal journey overcoming Graves disease through holistic lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of the nervous system, environment, and mindset in health. Discover how shifting perspectives and surrendering control can lead to remarkable healing and long-term wellness. Follow Dr. Matt at: IG: https://www.instagram.com/drmattdelgado Pre-Order Matt’s Book: https://drmattdelgado.com/book/

  2. 7 Sept

    Don't Fall for the "Doing Fine" Trap w/ Ali Gilbert

    Welcome to the Strength Connection!  Ali Gilbert, AKA the “Queen of Men’s Health”, is the founder of Silverback Coaching, and one the leaders and go to names in helping Men optimize their health, fitness, and lifestyle in their 40’s, 50’s, and beyond. In this episode, Ali shares her journey from Greenwich, CT to Golf fitness expert, to a leading expert in men's health, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches, blood work, and community in achieving optimal health. Discover how her innovative summit and holistic strategies are transforming men's wellness. Check out more from Ali at: https://ali-gilbert.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thealigilbert/?hl=en

  3. 24 Aug

    From Highland Games to Hardstyle Strength training w/ Mark Valenti

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Mark Valenti is a StrongFirst Senior Instructor and the owner and head trainer at Blind Dog Gym in Vermilion, Ohio. He is a former nationally ranked professional Highland games athlete, five times national highlands game qualifier, former world record holder in the 25-pound sheaf toss, and a member of the 2008 World Team Champions. He is also a three times national strongman championship qualifier. In this episode, Mark shares his journey from strength training as a kid to competing in Highland Games, and how his experiences shaped his approach to training, community, and mastery. Discover insights on traditional training principles, the importance of technique, auxiliary lifts, and the power of community in strength development. Check out more from Mark at: Articles on Strongfirst: https://www.strongfirst.com/author/mark-valenti/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mvalenti100/?hl=en

  4. 17 Aug

    How HYROX Became a Global Fitness Movement w/ Andrew Sugerman

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Andrew Sugerman is the CEO of Centr, a global performance fitness brand and the Official Competition Equipment Partner for HYROX, the fastest-growing fitness sport in the world.  In this episode, Andrew shares his journey from Disney to leading Center, exploring lessons in branding, community, and resilience, and delves into the rapid growth of High Rocks and the power of community in fitness. Learn more about the Centr x HYROX ecosystem: IG: https://www.instagram.com/centrfit/?hl=en  Website: https://centr.com/  For gym owners and operators interested in Centr x HYROX commercial opportunities: https://shop.centr.com/pages/commercial?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=TheStrengthConnection&utm_campaign=Podcast Try the Centr App (includes the only HYROX-certified digital training programs): https://centr.com/p/hyrox/all-programs?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=TheStrengthConnection&utm_campaign=Podcast

  5. 10 Aug

    Bridging Body and Mind: The Occupational Therapist's Approach to Strength w/ Mallory Reilly

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Mallory Reilly is an Occupational Therapist and Strength Coach at Reload Physical Therapy and Fitness in New York City, blending the worlds of OT and PT together for the past 8 years. She earned her M.S in Occupational Therapy from Stony Brook University, and is a StrongFirst Level 1, RKC level 2, RMP level 2, FMS level 2, Yoga Alliance certified, Adaptive Special Needs certified, and Sensory Fitness for Autism certified instructor. In this episode, Mallory shares her unique perspective on integrating body and mind, the importance of holistic health, and how her diverse background enhances her approach to therapy and fitness. Check out more from Mallory: https://www.reloadpt.com/mallory-reilly IG: https://www.instagram.com/malloryreilly_ot/?hl=en Substack: https://substack.com/@malloryreilly

  6. 22 Jun

    Unlocking the Power of Your Unconscious Mind W/ Dr. Heidi Heron

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dr. Heidi Heron brings a rare blend of clinical psychology, coaching, neuroscience, and consciousness studies to conversations about how people change, grow, and create meaningful lives. A clinical psychologist, author, master coach, and internationally recognised trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming for more than 25 years, Heidi has been helping people understand how the mind works and how to change the patterns that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. She has trained thousands of coaches, therapists, and leaders around the world to create meaningful and lasting change in their own lives and in the lives of others. In this interview, Dr. Heidi shares her 25+ years of expertise in NLP and psychology, focusing on helping people find their authentic selves and overcome subconscious patterns. Discover how the mind works, the power of language, and practical tools to create lasting change. Check out more from Heidi at: https://www.heidiheron.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.heidiheron/ https://www.facebook.com/DrHeidiHeron Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Heidi Heron and NLP 01:49 The Journey to Authenticity and Wholeness 05:18 Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) 08:02 The Language of the Subconscious Mind 10:33 Patterns of Self-Perception and Identity 12:31 The Autopilot of the Unconscious Mind 18:26 Fear of Success vs. Fear of Failure 20:47 Recognizing and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 27:30 Understanding Patterns and Emotional Responses 30:53 Cultural Perspectives on Hustle and Success 33:34 The Importance of Patience and Long-Term Thinking 36:21 The Role of Fear and Love in Motivation 48:36 Integrating Mind and Body for Holistic Growth

  7. 15 Jun

    12 Months to Complete Transformation w/ Angie Lynsgo

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Angie Lyngso the co-founder of Lyngso Fitness Academy, working with 1,000’s of women to not just drastically change their body image, but also change and level up their lives. In this episode, Angie shares her journey from athlete to coach, emphasizing the importance of identity, connection, and a community-driven approach to health and strength. Discover how her innovative methods help women build confidence, resilience, and lasting results by focusing on systemic change and inner alignment. Check out more from Angie at: https://lyngsofit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/angie.lyngso/ Chapters 00:00 Empowering Women Through Coaching 02:56 Angie's Journey to Coaching 05:47 The Importance of Connection in Coaching 08:51 Discovering Special Gifts 11:55 Building Confidence Through Community 14:46 The Shift to Strength Training 17:42 Creating a Competitive Environment 20:50 Raising the Vibration of Fitness 23:54 Aligning with Purpose and Community 26:51 Filling Your Cup: The Importance of Self-Care 30:35 Overcoming the Martyr Mentality: Women and Self-Nurturing 32:26 Identifying Gaps: The Challenge of Consistency 35:54 The Power of Elimination: Simplifying Workouts 39:37 Building a Strong Mind Through Physical Strength 44:10 Exploring Identity: Beyond Roles and Attributes 46:54 The Ongoing Journey: Embracing Evolution in Identity

  8. 1 Jun

    The House of Rise: Building Emotional Intelligence in Youth w/ Dr. Carla Caturia

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dr. Carla Caturia is an Elite Peak Performance Coach and creator of the RISE Model, helping high-achieving families move beyond the Success Without Self Cycle. Her work combines emotional intelligence, identity-based confidence, and practical tools that help teens perform at their peak without burning out or losing themselves in the process. In this insightful interview, Dr. Carla shares her journey from school administration to coaching kids and families, emphasizing the importance of resilience, emotional intelligence, and identity in youth development. Discover practical strategies to help young people thrive emotionally and mentally in today's social media-driven world. Check out more of Dr. Carla at: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlacaturia/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Empowering Youth 02:48 Understanding Thriving vs. Surviving 05:53 The Pressure of High Achievement 08:53 Navigating Relationships Across Ages 11:43 The Role of Parents in Youth Development 15:03 Emotional States and Effective Communication 24:51 Validating Emotions in Teen Communication 27:04 Exploring Identity and Self-Awareness in Teens 30:23 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health 35:01 Building Resilience in Today's Youth 40:37 Developing Emotional Intelligence for Life Success

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Kurkowski
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    338
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Strength Connection
  • Show Website
    The Strength Connection

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