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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    320
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Strength Connection
  • Show Website
    The Strength Connection

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