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. 16H AGO

    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

  2. MAR 23

    The Iron Council part III w/ Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind, and Mark Subias

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! The Iron Council part III. I am rejoined by Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind, and Mark Subias in this roundtable talk on minimalism, strength as a way to build character, and more. In this conversation, we explore the concepts of minimal effective dose, building character through strength training, and the booming recovery industry. We discuss how to train smarter, avoid gimmicks, and focus on meaningful progress and resilience. 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 Weather Mood 01:18 The Misinterpretation of Minimal Effective Dose 03:23 Biohacking and Its Limits 05:04 Fundamentals of Recovery: Sleep, Nutrition, Stress 07:34 The Dangers of Gimmicks in Recovery 08:50 Efficiency vs. Effectiveness in Training 10:46 Balancing More and Less in Training 11:49 Approach to Training with Time Constraints 14:55 The Role of Goals and Process 16:14 The Importance of Setting Goals 20:28 The Boom of the Recovery Industry 22:43 Building Character in the Gym 24:22 Training Reveals Character 26:43 The Value of Hard Training and Character 31:47 Hard Training Builds Resilience 34:01 The Power of Competition 39:25 Training and Resilience in Life 44:59 Staying the Course in Training 46:26 Exploring Ideas and Continuous Learning

    47 min

  3. MAR 16

    Training for Peace and Clarity over Validation w/ Paul Lynsgo

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Paul Lynsgo is a seasoned mentor and author, known for his work in redefining fitness and success beyond traditional metrics. His insights come from over 15 years of coaching men to live intentionally, with clarity and purpose.  Most of us chase goals that aren’t truly ours, until we hit pause and ask, "What do I really want?"  Paul reveals how ditching the hustle for clarity and enjoyment can massively accelerate your growth and fulfillment.In this episode, Paul shares his transformative journey from relentless goal-chasing to cultivating a life and training approach rooted in joy and authenticity.  Check out more from Paul at: https://www.instagram.com/paul.lyngso/ https://lyngsopaul.com/ His book: https://us.amazon.com/Metaphysique-Perspective-Fitness-Nutrition-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0F19FSRPS/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TlKWkFj_CNjBqM3S8ZsjLAWlI4e-QUqSTT17UxukNPjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.St_4Nl1GfkCcRb-QtMWapa-PFi8cIotzU4v-7sFg_T0&dib_tag=se&qid=1773500374&refinements=p_27%3APaul++Lyngs%C3%B8&s=digital-text&sr=1-3

    52 min

  4. MAR 9

    The Formula of Champions w/ Alberto Uncini Manganelli

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Alberto Uncini Manganelli is a former VP of Adidas and author of the book The Formula of Formulas, where he interviewed 22 world champions, asking 11 questions about the keys to success at the highest level. In this insightful interview, Alberto Uncini Manganelli shares his journey from sports to business, revealing the mindset and habits that define champions. Discover how top athletes think about winning, resilience, and continuous improvement, and learn practical strategies to elevate your performance. Check out more from Alberto at: Instagram Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alberto Uncini Manganelli 02:58 The Journey from Sports to Business 05:54 Decoding the Champion's Mindset 08:51 The Importance of Wanting to Win 12:03 The Role of Long-Term Goals 14:58 Insights from Top Athletes 17:45 The Skill of Resilience and Resetting 20:42 The Margins of Success 23:16 Raising Standards Through Incremental Gains 28:53 The Power of Rituals and Mindset in Performance 34:21 Individualization in Training Methods 40:12 Expectations vs. Standards in Achieving Success

    43 min

  5. MAR 2

    Jess Mather: Live Rehabited

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Jess Mather is an internationally-recognized strength and rehab professional who helps others be in their bodies with less limitation, pain, fear or insecurity. With over 13 years of experience supporting thousands of individuals from 9 to over 99, she has repeatedly witnessed the body's incredible ability to adapt, strengthen and heal regardless of circumstance. Jess has spent the last 10 years in her telehealth practice helping clients across over a dozen countries through private coaching, courses and group programs. In addition, Jess is an accredited educational provider to teach doctors, therapists, and other health professionals how to effectively work with complex chronic pain, trauma, and stress. She is the founder and lead instructor with the Chronic Pain & Trauma Curriculum. Check out more from Jess at: https://www.facebook.com/jess.mather.75 Instagram Feminine Strength Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:07 Jess Mather's Journey into Fitness and Therapy 03:06 Early Movement as Therapy and Self-Discovery 05:21 Transformative Experiences with Physical Therapy and Nutrition 10:07 Shift in Women's Fitness and Lifting Culture 11:58 Physical and Mental Benefits of Strength Training 14:57 Strength as a Source of Empowerment and Grounding 19:32 Path from Strength Practitioner to Coach 27:09 Working with Trauma and Chronic Pain 33:47 Understanding Trauma-Informed Care in Physical Training 41:38 Nervous System Regulation and Trauma Healing Techniques 44:03 Strength Training for Nervous System Regulation 46:38 External Orientation and Body Awareness Practices 50:03 Simple Mindfulness and Body Scanning Exercises 51:40 Practical Approaches to Technique and Self-Listening 52:41 Closing Remarks and Follow-up Resources

    54 min

  6. FEB 16

    Redefining STRENGTH w/ Cori Lefkowith

    Welcome to the Strength Connection! Cori Lefkowith is the founder of Redefining Strength, beginning as a brick and mortar gym in Costa Mesa, California, that has grown into a global online coaching program… helping thousands of women reclaim their confidence and strength. In this conversation, Cori discusses her journey from tennis to becoming a fitness coach and the founder of Redefining Strength. We explore the importance of community, mindset, and the act-as-if framework in achieving personal growth and success. Cori shares her experiences with identity shifts, the evolution of coaching, and the significance of feedback in the learning process. The discussion emphasizes the need for action, the value of small steps, and the importance of seeking support in one's fitness journey. Check out more from Cori at: https://redefiningstrength.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningstrength/?hl=en Chapters 00:00 Cori Lefkowith's Journey into Fitness 02:44 The Evolution of Redefining Strength 06:01 Acting As If: A Framework for Success 08:52 The Importance of Customer Service in Fitness 11:47 Building a Community and Online Presence 14:34 Identity Shifts and Goal Setting 17:33 Mindset and Habit Formation 23:33 The Journey of Habits and Transformation 27:07 Embracing Discomfort and the All-or-Nothing Mentality 30:25 The Emotional Weight of Failure 32:58 The Power of Daily Wins and Positive Feedback 37:03 The Importance of Coaching and Community 39:23 Evolving Coaching Approaches and Mindset 43:53 From Tactics to Holistic Coaching

    50 min

  7. FEB 2

    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

  8. 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
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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
    323
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Strength Connection
  • Show Website
    The Strength Connection

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