The Strength Connection

Michael Kurkowski
  • 5.0 (35)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    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. Jan is an internationally recognized wellbeing educator, keynote speaker, and author of Strive for M.O.R.E., where MORE stands for Meaning, Optimism, Relationships, and Engagement — a framework she’s developed through decades of lived experience and evidence-based practice. In this conversation, she shares insights from her background in martial arts and how it has shaped her approach to personal development.  Check out more from Jan at: MIT talk:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=71TfPUyLEWY website:  https://selfcaresensei.com/ Amazon link to book:  amzn.to/49YmdGq Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self Care Sensei 06:36 Defining Wellness and Well-Being 12:14 The Role of Martial Arts in Personal Development 20:26 The Importance of Practice and Consistency 29:20 Setting Goals vs. Finding Meaning 36:49 The MORE Framework: Meaning, Optimism, Relationships, Engagement 44:20 Transcending Challenges and Finding Gratitude 51:22 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 26

    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-term health. His work sits at the intersection of rehab and performance, helping people build resilient bodies without breaking themselves down in the process. In this episode, we dive into Dr. Rusin's journey from a young athlete influenced by his parents, both in the medical field, to becoming a leader in strength and conditioning. Dr. Rusin shares insights from his new book, emphasizing the importance of health as the foundation for performance. He discusses the evolution of his training philosophy, which prioritizes pain-free movement and longevity over traditional performance metrics. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in mindset within the fitness industry, advocating for a more holistic approach to health and performance that begins early in life. Check out more from Dr. John at: Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body  https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Free-Performance-Better-Smarter-Unbreakable/dp/162860509X/ref=zg_bs_g_4645_d_sccl_95/134-5360092-2910026?psc=1 And if you have any extra space... Train with Dr. John Rusin on the Unbreakable App becomeunbreakable.com Dr. John Rusin Coaching https://www.drjohnrusincoaching.com Dr. John Rusin Website https://drjohnrusin.com Socials Dr. John Rusin on Instagram:  360K+ Followers https://www.instagram.com/drjohnrusin Dr. John Rusin on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/drjohnrusin Dr. John Rusin on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.JohnRusin

    53 min

  3. JAN 19

    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 on Executive Loneliness, Nick has spent the past decade breaking the silence around isolation, burnout, and addiction at the top levels of business. Today, he takes that work further by championing Holistic Leadership™, a model that integrates physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing with professional responsibility. In this conversation, we delve into the pervasive issue of loneliness, particularly among leaders and high performers. They discuss the stigma surrounding loneliness, its impact on mental health and decision-making, and the importance of vulnerability and connection. Nick shares his personal journey from isolation to recovery, emphasizing the need for social health and the five steps of holistic leadership: surrender, connection, purpose, goals, and discipline. The discussion highlights the significance of addressing loneliness and fostering meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. Check out more from Nick at: https://www.nickjonsson.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonssonnick/?hl=en Chapters 00:00 Understanding Loneliness in Leadership 02:58 The Impact of Loneliness on Performance 06:00 Personal Experiences with Loneliness 08:49 The Journey from Isolation to Connection 11:42 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership 15:07 Breaking the Cycle of Loneliness 17:53 Finding Strength in Community 20:49 Practical Steps to Combat Loneliness 26:09 Building Social Connections for Mental Health 30:02 The Importance of Vulnerability and Trust 33:45 Understanding Surrender in Recovery 38:44 Measuring Connection in Communities 44:00 Reconnecting with Purpose 45:56 Setting Meaningful Goals 49:49 The Balance of Discipline

    55 min

  4. JAN 12

    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 health, energy, and recovery. Her work bridges science and intuition, helping people move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and into sustainable performance. In this conversation, Katie shares her journey into health and nutrition coaching, emphasizing the importance of bio-individuality in dietary choices. She discusses the impact of stress on nutrition and performance, the significance of energy management, and the necessity of intentional recovery practices. Katie highlights the balance between hard work and recovery, the value of hobbies, and the need for personalized approaches to nutrition and health. Check out more from Katie at: Website: https://www.mypeak365.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypeak365/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardiepeakperformance/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-hardie-hermanson-860a874/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Health and Nutrition Coaching 02:31 Katie's Journey into Nutrition and Health Coaching 05:44 Understanding Bio-Individuality in Nutrition 08:38 The Importance of Personalization in Diet 11:36 Energy Management and Its Impact on Performance 14:43 The Role of Stress in Nutrition and Recovery 17:46 Intentional Recovery Practices 20:40 The Balance of Hard Work and Recovery 23:23 The Importance of Hobbies and Play 26:46 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning

    51 min

  5. JAN 5

    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 cynicism and optimism in the fitness industry, and the importance of accountability and leadership among coaches. We critique an article comparing kettlebells and barbells, emphasizing the need for constructive criticism and the significance of articulating coaching messages effectively. The discussion highlights the challenges of navigating misinformation and the necessity of providing solutions rather than merely criticizing others. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the value of communication in coaching and the role of tools in a broader system of strength training. Follow Brett, DJ, and Mark at: Brett: https://www.instagram.com/brettjonessfg/?hl=en DJ: https://www.instagram.com/queencitykettlebell/ Mark: https://www.instagram.com/subiasm/?hl=en Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:12 The Language of Coaching and Marketing 07:22 Cynicism vs. Optimism in Coaching 09:28 Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation 11:49 Accountability in Coaching 14:53 Challenging Bad Ideas vs. Tearing Down 20:08 Effective Communication in Coaching 26:11 The Art of Coaching Communication 31:23 Navigating Criticism: Kettlebells vs. Barbells 41:51 Expertise and Experience in Training 47:48 The Essence of Strength Training Systems

    51 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    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. I discuss the value of patience in finding purpose and how faith acts as a guiding force in life's journey. Each lesson is rooted in personal experiences and insights gained from guests on the podcast, closing out with my tribute to a great friend. Thank you so much for an incredible year! Chapters 00:00 Reflections on 2025: Lessons Learned 02:46 The Importance of Loving the Process 05:42 Flow vs. Anti-Flow: Engaging with Life 08:34 Building Self-Trust Over Self-Esteem 11:32 The Value of Patience in Purpose 14:24 Optimism as a Learned Practice 17:40 Faith: A GPS for Life's Journey

    18 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    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 to check him out and talk, I think you guys would have a lot to chat about. And this was definitely the case.  In this engaging conversation, Kyle shares his journey from being a passionate athlete to the founder of Blueprint LA, a gym that emphasizes community, culture, and connection. He discusses the importance of creating a positive environment in fitness, overcoming early business challenges, and the evolution of his leadership style. Kyle highlights the significance of hiring for cultural fit, maintaining a fun atmosphere, and the philosophy of 'One Vibe, One Tribe' that drives the community at Blueprint LA. He emphasizes that fitness is not just about physical strength but also about building relationships and celebrating individual successes. Check out more from Kyle at: https://www.instagram.com/kyleflynn__/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/theblueprintla/?hl=en Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kyle Flynn and Blueprint 03:05 The Journey from Athlete to Trainer 05:58 Building a Positive Gym Culture 08:53 Overcoming Early Challenges in Business 12:06 Shifting Mindsets: From Fitness to Community 14:54 Creating a Lasting Culture in Fitness 18:04 Hiring for Culture and Care 20:49 One Vibe, One Tribe: The Blueprint Mission 24:29 Creating a Fun and Engaging Community 25:57 The Importance of Big Dreams 26:47 Believing in Yourself and Your Purpose 28:28 Making Fitness Fun and Enjoyable 29:47 Evolving as a Leader 31:03 Trusting Your Gut as a Leader 32:30 Building a Supportive Team Environment 35:07 The Shift from Fitness to Connection 35:44 Creating a Raving Fan Experience 38:39 The Seven Layer Cake of Community Engagement 42:03 The Power of Personal Connection 43:48 Continuous Learning and Improvement

    47 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    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 Spencer discusses her transformative journey from a successful business in coaching to exploring spirituality. She reflects on her early experiences, including a pivotal trip to Peru, and how these moments led her to seek deeper meaning in life. Nicole shares her transition to focusing on spirituality, the challenges of identity, and the importance of surrendering to the process. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the value of discipline, the nature of truth, and the lessons learned from her podcast guests, ultimately highlighting the evolving definition of spirituality in her life. Check out more from Nicole at: substack.com/@nicolerspencer https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background Changes 03:07 The Spiritual Awakening Journey 05:56 Experiences in Peru and Their Impact 08:49 Transitioning to a Spiritual Focus 11:58 Navigating Identity and Feedback 14:40 Exploring Spirituality and Skepticism 17:44 Lessons from Guests and Personal Growth 22:38 Spiritual Awakening and Channeling Truths 24:29 Exploring Multiple Truths in Spirituality 26:18 The Importance of Exploration Over Quick Answers 27:03 Navigating Identity and Surrender in Business 29:25 The Challenge of Surrendering to Outcomes 31:42 Discipline: The Bridge Between Fitness and Spirituality 33:35 Ritual vs. Routine in Spiritual Practices 38:57 Evolving Definitions of Spirituality

    43 min
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5
out of 5
35 Ratings

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
    317
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Strength Connection
  • Show Website
    The Strength Connection

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