Strong By Design Podcast

Team CriticalBench
  • 4.9 (277)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

We believe that you are STRONG BY DESIGN. We believe you were made in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. The Strong by Design podcast is the #1 resource for strength, health, and fitness solutions in the world. Tune in for expert interviews, fitness tips, nutrition advice, free workout sheets, supplement giveaways all while being encouraged, inspired and entertained. Brought to you by Critical Bench who reaches over 30 million fans per month between our email newsletter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. If you're interested in being a guest on the show or doing a collaboration please send an email to strongbydesignpodcast@gmail.comNew Episodes go LIVE every week on Wednesday and sometimes bonus releases on Saturday. So let’s get ready to unlock your potential and transform your life!

  1. Ep 433 Move Your BUT: The Hidden Excuses Keeping High Performers Stuck ft. Kelly Moser

    11h ago

    Ep 433 Move Your BUT: The Hidden Excuses Keeping High Performers Stuck ft. Kelly Moser

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest obstacle standing between you and your next breakthrough isn't your circumstances, it's the story you're telling yourself? In this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with author, speaker, and leadership expert Kelly Moser to discuss his transformative book, Move Your BUT: The Hidden Excuses Keeping High Performers Stuck.  Together, they unpack the mental roadblocks, limiting beliefs, and self-imposed barriers that quietly prevent people from reaching their full potential. Kelly shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey, including a promise that took a decade to fulfill and a tragedy that forever changed his perspective. Along the way, he introduces the B.U.T. Framework and reveals the "Four Horsemen of Stagnation" which are the hidden patterns that keep even the most driven and successful people from moving forward. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, struggling with self-doubt, battling perfectionism, or simply feeling stuck despite your achievements, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable strategies to help you break free and create meaningful momentum. If you're ready to stop making excuses, challenge your assumptions, and move toward the life you're meant to live, this episode is for you.   Time Stamps 0:00 – Why leadership starts closer to home than you think 00:42 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast! 01:06 - Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Kelly Moser 6:22 – A promise that took 10 years to keep 10:30 – How one tragedy changed the course of a life 15:10 – Life-changing lessons behind "Move Your BUT" 18:56 – Why the quietest voice often gets heard 19:40 – The simple habit that clears mental clutter 25:27 – Which of the 4 traps is holding you back? 32:25 – A powerful tool for overcoming self-doubt 34:58 – Why confidence isn't an on/off switch 41:40 – What life's hardest seasons are trying to teach you 44:32 – Is perfectionism just procrastination in disguise? 55:50 – One simple shift that changes your perspective 58:01 – The framework for getting unstuck 59:03 – Why defining success is harder than you think 1:04:54 – The hidden beliefs shaping your future 1:14:03 – The action step most people avoid 1:25:15 – How to know if this message is for you 1:30:21 – Stay connected with Kelly Moser 1:32:20 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!   Resources: Website: https://moveyourbut.com   Connect with Kelly Moser: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    1h 33m
  2. Ep 432 When Success Costs You What Matters Most ft. Joey Vaillancourt

    May 27

    Ep 432 When Success Costs You What Matters Most ft. Joey Vaillancourt

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Strong By Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with self-influence strategist and Real Influence podcast host Joey Vaillancourt for a powerful conversation about the hidden emotional cost of achievement, the identity traps many high performers fall into, and why success alone often fails to bring lasting fulfillment. Joey shares his personal journey through divorce, sobriety, fatherhood, and deep personal transformation—and explains how unconscious programming can keep driven people stuck in constant pressure mode, always chasing the next milestone while feeling disconnected from themselves and the people who matter most. Together, Chris and Joey unpack the difference between pain and suffering, why achievement can quietly become an addiction, and how redefining success through presence, awareness, contribution, and relationships can completely change the way we live and lead. If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be happier after reaching your goals… this episode is for you.   Time Stamps 0:00 – Why success doesn’t feel as good as it should  0:37 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!  4:22 – The identity trap behind your results  6:21 – Pain vs suffering: Why it matters  12:21 – Why achievement still leaves you feeling empty  23:36 – The mindset shift that changes everything  27:54 – What happens when your standards get clear  30:31 – What’s really controlling your decisions 31:21 – Why success still feels like something is missing 33:53 – The thing 'more valuable' than status or money 35:51 – Why helping others changes how you feel 37:17 – Daily habits that builds real awareness 39:24 – The trap of comparing your life to others 40:47 – Stay connected with Joey Vaillancourt 41:25 – Share, rate & review the Strong By Design podcast!   Resources: JoeyVaillancourt.com Real Influence Podcast   Connect with Joey V: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    42 min
  3. Ep 431 From Drift to Discipline: Building a Legacy Body ft. Shaun Hadsall

    May 13

    Ep 431 From Drift to Discipline: Building a Legacy Body ft. Shaun Hadsall

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson welcomes fitness and hormone optimization expert Shaun Hadsall for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to build a “Legacy Body” after 50.  Shaun shares why so many high-performing men dominate in business yet quietly struggle with their health, energy, and physique, creating what he calls the “6%er Divide.”  Together, they unpack the weight-regain cycle, the connection between physical standards and leadership, and why lasting transformation starts with identity instead of motivation. Shaun explains how to eliminate self-negotiation, build automatic discipline through environment and structure, and create sustainable momentum that lasts for life. The conversation also dives into Shaun’s Legacy Fuel system and why nutrition after 50 should focus less on restrictive dieting and more on metabolic rhythm and adherence.  You’ll learn the difference between carb cycling and systemized nutrition, how to use simple strategies to control hunger, and why hidden factors like sleep, hydration, and stress may be sabotaging your results. Shaun also introduces his CWESP audit, breaks down the mindset shifts that influence hormones and performance, and explains why investing in your health creates a compounding return in every area of life.  This episode is a wake-up call for men who refuse to drift and are ready to lead with strength, vitality, and purpose for decades to come.     Time Stamps 00:00 – The Legacy Vision: Rocking chair or powerhouse?  00:53 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!  01:15 – Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Shaun Hadsall  03:35 – Six-pack secrets at 55  04:23 – The high-performer paradox: winning at work, losing at fitness  05:07 – How to break the weight-regain cycle  09:06 – Does your physique match your standards?  15:16 – Discover the butler principle  16:22 – How to end self-negotiation  25:33 – How to build automatic discipline  27:26 – Beyond carb cycling: systemizing your nutrition  30:03 – Know the ultimate weapon against hunger  34:55 – The CWESP audit: 5 hidden variables killing your results  40:07 – How beliefs influence your hormones  44:02 – Physical stewardship: from provider to protector  50:52 – Why invest in compounding health  55:03 – Stay connected with Shaun Hadsall  55:55 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!   Resources: TheRippedGrandpa.com   Connect with Shaun: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    57 min
  4. Ep 430 Can you be 'Good' without God?

    Apr 29

    Ep 430 Can you be 'Good' without God?

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be a “good person” … and who gets to define that? In this thought-provoking episode of the Strong By Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with friend and co-host Pastor Jared Haley to tackle one of the most important and misunderstood questions of our time: Can you be good without God? From the outside, “goodness” seems simple: be kind, do the right thing, help others.  But as Chris and Jared unpack throughout this conversation, the deeper you go, the more complex it becomes. Is goodness just behavior? Is it intention? Or is there a higher standard we’re often ignoring? Together, they explore the tension between cultural definitions of being “nice” and the biblical idea of true righteousness. You’ll hear honest insights on human nature, the limits of moral effort, and why even our best actions may fall short of a perfect standard. This episode isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about asking better questions. Questions like: Why is defining “good” harder than we think? Are we shaped more by habit, wiring, or something deeper? Can a polished reputation actually hide deeper issues? What do everyday decisions reveal about who we really are? You’ll also discover how small, consistent actions (micro-habits) shape character over time and why embracing the tension in life, rather than avoiding it, may be the key to growth. Whether you’re a person of faith, exploring spirituality, or just trying to live a meaningful life, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your perspective.   Time Stamps 00:00 – Why your natural gifts aren't an accident 00:50 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast! 1:15 – Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley for today’s special episode 1:35 – The truth about the male brain no one talks about 6:03 – Why “being good” is harder to define than you think 9:33 – The hidden patterns shaping who you really are 12:38 – Why perfection might be out of reach 15:43 – Know the gap between politeness and real goodness 24:48 – Ethical dilemmas that don't have a "right" answer. 30:52 – Why a "perfect" reputation is often a dangerous sign 34:52 – Micro-Habits, Macro-Change 42:03 – Modern assumptions about faith and community 49:51 – How the smallest moments reveal who you truly are 55:54 – Embracing the tension at the center of the human experience 58:09 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!   Resources: You Version Bible App   Connect with Chris: Instagram   Connect with Jared: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    59 min
  5. Ep 429 Why Your Core Looks “Soft” After 35 (And Why Women Are Turning to Pilates Burn) ft. Jenn & Lindsay

    Apr 15

    Ep 429 Why Your Core Looks “Soft” After 35 (And Why Women Are Turning to Pilates Burn) ft. Jenn & Lindsay

    Send us Fan Mail What if you could strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and burn fat without beating up your joints or spending hours in the gym? In this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Pilates & Yoga instructor Jenn Witaconis and Coach Lindsay Hurley to break down the rising popularity of Pilates Burn, which is a powerful fusion of Pilates, yoga, and resistance training that’s changing how women approach fitness. Jenn shares how 15 years of hands-on experience led to the creation of a smarter, more effective method, one that blends strength, grace, and continuous movement into a low-impact, high-results workout. You’ll discover why so many women struggle with traditional routines, what causes beginners to quit too soon, and how this approach solves those problems. The conversation dives into the unique method behind Pilates Burn (including the game-changing concept of Thermal Flow Sequencing), why small tools like ankle weights, a Pilates ball and mini bands deliver surprisingly big results, and how this style of training challenges your body in ways you may not expect. You’ll also hear real-world insights from coaching and clients, what happens when people try this for the first time, why the workouts feel different (in a good way), and how consistency and not intensity is the true driver of lasting results. Whether you’re new to fitness, getting back into a routine, or looking for a smarter way to train, this episode reveals how you can move better, feel stronger, and build a body that lasts.   Time Stamps 00:00 – Discover the reset your body didn’t know it needed  00:57 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!  01:20 – Join Coach Chris and special guests Lindsay Hurley & Jenn Witaconis  05:02 – 15 years of practice, distilled into one method  08:08 – Why most beginners quit too soon  09:58 – Strength, grace, and an unexpected advantage  13:17 – Who this program is really designed for  15:00 – The method that changes everything  16:55 – Small tools, massive results  21:13 – Think you’re strong? Think again  25:00 – What happened when real people tried it?  29:26 – Your core has never been challenged like this  29:53 – One workout, built for every level, beginner to advanced  30:45 – The ‘satisfying’ kind of sore  32:51 – Simple on the surface but powerful in practice  34:16 – Discover the missing piece in most exercise routines  36:19 – Strength without unnecessary strain  37:21 – Move better, feel better, last longer  41:26 – The one factor that drives real results  43:58 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!   Resources: Discover the 21 Day Pilates Burn!   Connect with Jenn: Instagram   Connect with Lindsay: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    45 min
  6. Ep 428 The Inflammation Triangle: Gut Brain and Muscle After 40 ft Lee Hayward [Part 2]

    Apr 4

    Ep 428 The Inflammation Triangle: Gut Brain and Muscle After 40 ft Lee Hayward [Part 2]

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson and bodybuilding expert Lee Hayward shift from awareness to action — breaking down exactly what men over 40 need to do to rebuild strength, energy, and momentum in their lives. After exposing the hidden role of inflammation in Part 1, this episode dives into the daily habits, priorities, and principles that separate men who thrive from those who slowly decline. Chris and Lee unpack why exercise must become a non-negotiable foundation, not an afterthought… and how most men are unknowingly sabotaging their results through small, consistent mistakes — especially in their evening routines, recovery habits, and social behaviors. They reveal the often-overlooked “secret weapon” for recovery and growth, discuss why motivation fades (and how to fix it), and share a practical blueprint for getting maximum results with minimal wasted effort. You’ll also learn why the simplest tools tend to be the most effective, how subtle nutrition tweaks can create outsized impact, and the hidden risks that quietly chip away at your long-term health and performance. This conversation reinforces a powerful truth: it’s not about doing more — it’s about doing what matters most, consistently. If Part 1 helped you understand why your body may not be responding… Part 2 gives you the clarity and direction to finally move forward with purpose.   Time Stamps 0:00 – Part 2 kicks off: What really shifts after 40 0:15 – Why exercise should always come first 1:54 – Priorities most men completely miss 2:59 – The secret weapon for recovery and growth 4:00 – The hidden trap that kills motivation 7:15 – Nighttime habits quietly sabotaging results 8:52 – The surprising damage of small habits 11:15 – A blueprint almost no one shares 12:35 – How to get massive results with minimal effort 14:08 – The principle that keeps progress moving 17:16 – Daily habits that change everything 19:19 – Why the simplest tools often work best 22:43 – Nutrition tweaks with outsized impact 24:14 – A subtle adjustment that amplifies results 25:48 – The hidden risk almost everyone ignores 29:15 – Social habits quietly holding you back 34:19 – A daily practice more powerful than supplements 37:05 – The non-negotiable step after 40 41:26 – Know the secret to adding years of vitality 43:21 – One small shift, massive ripple effect 47:00 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!   Resources: Lee Hayward Official Website Lee Hayward’s Total Fitness Bodybuilding   Connect with Lee: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    48 min
  7. Ep 427 The Inflammation Triangle: Gut Brain and Muscle After 40 ft Lee Hayward [Part 1]

    Apr 1

    Ep 427 The Inflammation Triangle: Gut Brain and Muscle After 40 ft Lee Hayward [Part 1]

    Send us Fan Mail What if the reason your body isn’t responding the way it used to… has nothing to do with age? In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with longtime friend and respected bodybuilding coach Lee Hayward (Total Fitness Bodybuilding) to unpack what’s really going on with men over 40 and why so many feel stuck despite training hard and eating “pretty well.” This episode introduces a game-changing concept: the Inflammation Triangle (which is simply the connection between your gut, brain, and muscle), and how breakdowns in this system can quietly sabotage your energy, strength, fat loss, and mental clarity. Chris and Lee go beyond surface-level fitness advice and dig into the real reasons behind brain fog, stubborn belly fat, poor recovery, and declining performance. From the hidden cost of chasing the “perfect physique,” to why gym time is essential (not selfish), to how your nightly habits and even a single drink can impact your progress. This conversation connects the dots in a way most people have never considered. You’ll also hear how men over 40 may actually have an advantage when they train smarter, why looking fit doesn’t always mean feeling strong, and how subtle lifestyle choices can either fuel your progress or quietly hold you back. If you’ve ever felt like your workouts aren’t working anymore, your energy isn’t what it used to be, or your body just feels “off”… this episode will help you understand why and what to start doing about it. Part 2 comes out a few days later… so be sure to come back for the conclusion! Time Stamps 00:00 – Learn the trick that can transform your day 00:45 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast! 01:08 – Fitness feud turned unexpected friendship 04:03 – Is your gut messing with your brain and body? 08:36 – Why gym time is NOT selfish but essential 13:58 – The dark truth behind perfect bodies 17:32 – Why men over 40 are secretly crushing it 22:12 – Looking good but feeling weak? Find out why 27:54 – Is your evening routine ruining mornings? 34:48 – Saying no to drinks gets harder after 40 43:34 – Can one drink really pause fat loss? 46:53 – Out of breath? This could be your wake-up call 47:40 – Come back for Part 2 and leave ratings and reviews for the SBD podcast! Resources: Lee Hayward Official Website Lee Hayward’s Total Fitness Bodybuilding Connect with Lee: Instagram Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    48 min
  8. Ep 426 Creatine for the Brain: Separating Fact from Fiction ft. Dr. Boz [Part 2]

    Mar 21

    Ep 426 Creatine for the Brain: Separating Fact from Fiction ft. Dr. Boz [Part 2]

    Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling off, low on energy, or not performing at your best—but can’t quite explain why? In Part 2 of this 2-part series, Coach Chris Wilson and Dr. Annette “Dr. Boz” Bosworth shift from theory to real-world application, exploring how modern lifestyle habits are quietly draining your energy, focus, and long-term health. They dive into the hidden factors shaping your performance—from sleep and environment to daily habits that push you closer to a metabolic “danger zone” without you realizing it. You’ll also hear simple, practical strategies that can quickly improve how you feel, think, and function. This episode also tackles some of the biggest creatine myths head-on, while exposing the “supplement trap” many people fall into when chasing better health. Chris and Dr. Boz challenge conventional thinking and even explore what it would look like if creatine were treated like a prescription-level tool for performance and prevention. You’ll learn why short-term gains often come at a long-term cost, how small changes can create rapid improvements, and what it really takes to build sustainable energy and resilience. This episode brings everything together—connecting brain health, lifestyle, and supplementation into a practical, no-nonsense approach to better performance and longevity. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, be sure to start there for the full foundation behind this conversation.   Time Stamps 0:00 – Feeling off? Discover what’s draining your energy and drive 0:57 – The modern lifestyle quietly destroying your health 2:22 – One simple rule that can slash your symptoms in days 4:01 – Why moderation is disappearing and what it’s costing you 5:19 – Performance secret top achievers never skip 7:08 – How your environment is silently shaping your health 9:51 – Are you closer to the danger zone than you realize? 11:50 – The sleep habit you need to fix fast 15:31 – Short-term gains vs long-term consequences 17:42 – Can 6 minutes really replace 45? 22:45 – Creatine myths: what’s true and what’s not 27:04 – The supplement traps most people overlook 32:33 – What if creatine were treated like a prescription drug? 33:56 – Can chronic conditions really be reversed? 35:42 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!     Resources: BozMD.com Dr Boz Official YouTube   Connect with Dr Boz: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
277 Ratings

About

We believe that you are STRONG BY DESIGN. We believe you were made in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. The Strong by Design podcast is the #1 resource for strength, health, and fitness solutions in the world. Tune in for expert interviews, fitness tips, nutrition advice, free workout sheets, supplement giveaways all while being encouraged, inspired and entertained. Brought to you by Critical Bench who reaches over 30 million fans per month between our email newsletter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. If you're interested in being a guest on the show or doing a collaboration please send an email to strongbydesignpodcast@gmail.comNew Episodes go LIVE every week on Wednesday and sometimes bonus releases on Saturday. So let’s get ready to unlock your potential and transform your life!

Information

  • Creator
    Team CriticalBench
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    461
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Strong By Design Podcast
  • Show Website
    Strong By Design Podcast

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