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. 4d ago

    How to Breakthrough Autopilot Self Criticism w/ Dr. Gregory Obert

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Dr. Gregory T. Obert is a clinical psychologist and the founder of the Royal Oasis Psychotherapy Institute. For more than 15 years he has worked with thousands of clients, helping people regain control of their attention, emotions, and decision making using evidence based psychotherapy and practical mental performance tools. He currently serves as a staff psychologist supporting trauma and mental health treatment in high pressure environments. He is also the host of the long running podcast Meditations by Gregory T. Obert, where he translates psychological insight into practical techniques people can apply in everyday life. In this episode, Dr. Greg explores the power of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and how to break autopilot habits to improve mental wellness and overall life effectiveness. Discover practical strategies to enhance your emotional intelligence and live more intentionally. Check out more of Dr. Obert at: https://www.royaloasispi.com/autopilotinterruptprotocol IG: https://www.instagram.com/drgtobert/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Mental Health 02:47 Defining Mindfulness: Beyond the Buzzword 05:41 The Challenge of Non-Judgmental Awareness 08:38 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 11:42 Comparing Ourselves: Past vs. Present 14:35 Understanding Autopilot Behavior 17:47 Breaking Free from Autopilot 20:41 Mindfulness in Daily Activities 23:32 Challenges in Practicing Mindfulness 25:47 Mindfulness: A Practical Approach 31:40 Measuring Progress in Mindfulness Practices 39:33 The Role of Therapy in Emotional Growth 43:18 Understanding Emotional Tolerance 50:40 Integrating Mindfulness into Holistic Health

    53 min

  2. May 18

    Unlock your Breath training w/ Jason Campbell

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Jason Campbell  is a 7th degree black belt and co-founder of Zen Wellness, teaching meditation, eastern medicine, tai chi, qigong, sword and enlightenment at their 400 acre ranch in the mountains of Arizona. He has worked as the director of music for GeniusX Virtual Reality and created the first breathing course in virtual reality. His music is also found on performance based apps such as ChilliSleep, Focus at Will, Fig Tree, The Breath Source, Gravystack, composed the sleep and meditation music for professional sports teams, the Vatican NFT launch and others. His signature program is breath mastery for entrepreneurs. As co-owner and Sheriff of the town of Cleator, Arizona, he is combining western culture with eastern wisdom to create a community committed to the uplifting of the human spirit. In this episode, Jason shares profound wisdom on meditation, breathwork, and the nature of consciousness. Discover practical techniques to enhance your mental clarity, emotional regulation, and spiritual awareness through simple yet powerful practices. Follow Jason at: https://www.zenpiano.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jason Campbell 02:36 The Journey into Music and Meditation 05:27 Understanding the Mind and the Observer 08:31 The Concept of Mindfulness vs. Awareness 11:26 The Balance of Opposites in Life 14:39 The Role of Sound and Vibration 17:18 The Nature of Perception and Reality 20:20 Breath as a Tool for Meditation 27:29 The Nature of Thought and Mastery 28:41 Understanding Matter, Energy, and Consciousness 30:06 Meditation and the Breath Connection 31:58 The Importance of Breath in Physical Training 33:40 Emotional Regulation and Inner Circuitry 35:56 The Balance of Masculine and Feminine Energy 37:09 Practical Breath Training Techniques 39:39 Mastery of Breath and Emotional Cleansing 42:33 Depositing Energy for Wellness 44:50 The Role of Breath in Overall Wellness 46:48 Measuring Progress in Breath Work 48:58 The Journey of Presence and Mindfulness

    53 min

  3. May 11

    Redefining "Natural" Health from Home w/ Marcus Fernandez

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Marcus Fernandez has been at the forefront of homeopathic education for over three decades. As Principal of The Centre for Homeopathic Education (CHE), he’s trained thousands of practitioners through a curriculum that balances classical knowledge with modern application. His work is rooted in a belief that natural medicine should be practical, empowering, and accessible - not mystified or gatekept. Check out more from Marcus at: https://marcus-fernandez.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/marcusfndez/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009253627766&sk

    43 min

  4. May 4

    A Trainer for Life w/ Lee Boyce

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Lee Boyce is a coach, speaker, author and internationally published writer with over 1200 publications in health and fitness from Toronto. In this episode, Lee shares his 19-year journey in fitness, coaching, and writing. Discover how early influences, overcoming injury, and staying true to his authentic voice have shaped his approach to training, coaching, and lifelong learning. Check out more from Lee at: https://www.leeboyce.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachleeboyce/?hl=en Book: Strength Training For All Body Types:  https://us.humankinetics.com/products/strength-training-for-all-body-types Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Lee Boyce's Fitness Origins 07:52 The Power of Writing in Fitness 14:06 Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of Injury 20:13 Shifting Perspectives: Redefining Strength and Training 28:56 Holistic Training: Listening to Your Body 31:23 Adapting Training Approaches 32:24 In-Person vs Online Coaching Dynamics 36:29 The Pride of Personal Training 37:56 The Importance of In-Person Coaching 44:25 The Value of Experience in Coaching 46:28 Evolving Coaching Perspectives 51:10 Balancing Client Needs and Wants 53:51 Navigating Challenging Times 59:25 Going the Extra Mile for Dedicated Clients

    1h 1m

  5. Apr 20

    Strength for All Body Types w/ Melody Schoenfeld

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Melody Schoenfeld, MA, CSCS, has well over 28 years of personal training experience and was 2019's NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year. Melody holds a master's degree in Health Psychology. In this episode, Melody shares her 30-year journey in strength training, coaching, and her unique insights into body types, strength modalities, and the evolution of her coaching approach. Discover how her diverse experiences inspire a personalized approach to fitness and strength. Check out more from Melody: Strength Training For All Body Types:  https://us.humankinetics.com/products/strength-training-for-all-body-types Diet Lies And Weight Loss Truths:  https://us.humankinetics.com/products/diet-lies-and-weight-loss-truths Pleasure Not Meating You:  https://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Not-Meating-You-Science-Based/dp/151362895X us.humankinetics.com Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Coaching 02:46 From Imposter to Impact: Early Coaching Experiences 05:44 The Evolution of Coaching Philosophy 08:29 Discovering Strength: The Appeal of Powerlifting and Strongman 11:29 Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Role of Competition 14:36 The Art of Bending: A Unique Strength Challenge 17:22 The Importance of Competition in Training 20:26 Common Challenges in Modern Coaching 25:03 The Sedentary Lifestyle and Motivation to Move 25:56 The Power of Strength Training 27:23 Transformative Moments in Fitness 28:14 The Evolution of Goal Setting 30:11 Defining Strength and Fitness Goals 32:29 Body Types and Strength Training 35:50 Adapting Movements for Different Body Types 38:52 The Dynamics of Online Coaching 41:46 The Challenges of Online Coaching

    49 min

  6. Apr 13

    Reinforcement over Punishment is the KEY w/ Huggy McNiff

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Huggy McNiff is Performance & Nutrition Coach with Trevor Kashey Nutrition, and one of the most impactful people I’ve ever worked with in my life. In this episode, Huggy shares insights on behavior change, mastery, and sustainable success in fitness and life. Discover how deep knowledge, precise language, and effective reinforcement strategies can transform your approach to health and personal growth. Check out more from Huggy at: IG: https://www.instagram.com/coach_huggybear5326?igsh=MWJzaTI3emRpeDIyMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 50 % off TKN Summer Shred program: https://go.trevorkasheynutrition.com/kickstart-your-summer---podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Impact 05:26 The Journey of Coaching and Personal Growth 09:53 Behavior Modification and Coaching Principles 16:27 The Role of Integrity in Mental Toughness 20:38 Approach to Client Success and Long-Term Change 21:41 Behavior Change Through Observation 24:19 The Role of Coaches in Modeling Behavior 25:16 Misconceptions in Nutrition: The 80-20 Rule 28:15 The Importance of Precision in Nutrition 29:41 Integration vs. Balance in Life 31:51 Intuitive Eating: A Skill to Master 36:39 Efficacy vs. Confidence in Coaching 37:59 Developing Autonomy in Clients 43:09 The Importance of Social Support

    45 min

  7. Apr 6

    Unlock Your Inner Coach w/ Tom Mitchell

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Tom Mitchell, Ph.D. is a Performance Coach and founder of Winning Spirit Coach, helping business leaders, athletes, and high-level performers discover their greatness within. As the former sport psychologist for the NBA's Golden State Warriors and co-author of an Amazon #1 Best Seller with NFL legend Joe Montana. In this insightful interview, Tom shares his journey from a basketball player to a renowned sports psychologist working with NBA teams like the Warriors. Discover his unique practices, including visualization and asking powerful questions, and learn how mindset and inner coaching drive peak performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Sports Psychology 02:55 Transition from Player to Coach 05:57 The Influence of Mentorship 08:55 The Journey to the Golden State Warriors 11:49 Visualization Techniques and Index Cards 14:42 Role of a Sports Psychologist in Professional Sports 24:21 The Role of Sports Psychology in Player Development 32:34 The Power of Questions in Coaching 35:49 Lessons from Coaching Legends 39:34 The Obsession of Champions 45:10 Reflections on Coaching and Life

    47 min

  8. Mar 30

    5 Elements of Anti-Aging w/ Carlos Cintron

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Carlos Cintron is the Founder/CEO of RVRSBL, a science-driven brand reversing biological age and extending lifespan. In this episode, Carlos shares his comprehensive approach to longevity and anti-aging, emphasizing the importance of spirituality, mindset, movement, nutrition, and functional medicine. Discover practical strategies, the role of peptides, and how to age gracefully with vitality. Check out more from Carlos at: Book: https://us.amazon.com/Aging-Inevitable-Getting-Old-Choice-ebook/dp/B0G21SJ3QR/ref=sr_1_9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cintron11/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-cintron-8b57b828/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Longevity and Anti-Aging 01:57 The Five Elements of Life 09:59 Mindset and Spirituality in Aging 19:42 Conformity and Individuality in Health 25:28 The Journey of Self-Discovery 27:27 Aging by the Decades: Understanding Biological Changes 28:32 Peptides: The Buzz in Health and Wellness 30:39 Navigating the World of Peptides 32:56 Finding the Right Approach to Peptides 35:34 Mitochondrial Health: The Key to Vitality 39:20 Common Questions in Functional Medicine 42:26 Integrating Spirituality and Mindset in Health 45:04 The Framework for a Healthier Life

    48 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
    330
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Strength Connection
  • Show Website
    The Strength Connection

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