Strong By Design Podcast

Team CriticalBench
  • 4.9 (277)
  • Fitness
  • 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. 16h ago

    Ep 445 - If AI Does Everything, What’s Our Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail If AI could do your job, pay your bills, and provide everything you need, what would get you out of bed in the morning? In Episode 445 of Strong By Design, Mike, Tim, and Steve react to Elon Musk’s vision of a future where work becomes optional—and explore what that could mean for our purpose, identity, and faith. Would freedom from earning a paycheck help us discover our calling, or leave us struggling to feel useful? From men’s identity as providers to creativity, parenting, and the value of human connection, the conversation goes beyond technology to ask what makes life meaningful. Through a Christian perspective, the guys discuss discipline, serving others, and using our God-given gifts in a world that’s changing faster than we can imagine. What would you do with your life if you no longer had to work for money? Listen in, then bring that question to your next family dinner. Timestamps 00:35 - Welcome to the 'Strong By Design' podcast 01:36 – Elon Musk’s strange vision: A world without money or jobs 04:31 – If AI provides everything, what is left of you? 06:48 – The dangerous line between ultimate freedom and human decay 12:12 – The crisis of pride: What happens when the hunt is gone? 13:46 – A biblical perspective on work: Genesis, Adam, and the origin of toil 20:17 – Finding true identity and purpose in serving others beyond AI's reach 28:05 – What sectors should be protected from AI takeover? 30:05 – Why AI will never fully replace sports, live theater, and human competition 33:23 – The great divide: The ghosts of the digital world vs. the truly alive 40:16 – The defiant choice to hope when the screen says to despair Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 445 - If AI Does Everything, What’s Our Purpose

  2. Oct 28

    EP 444 United States or Divided States? The Columbus Day Debate ft. Steve Ohocinski & Tim Nixon

    Send us Fan Mail Mike Westerdal is joined by Steve Ohocinski and Tim Nixon to explore why Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day have become a point of division and what the debate reveals about the way we view history, identity, and one another. Mike, Steve, and Tim examine the difference between celebrating a historical achievement and endorsing every action of the person behind it. From Columbus’s voyages and Italian American heritage to the contributions of Indigenous peoples, they consider whether both stories can be recognized without turning the holiday into a competition. The conversation then turns toward colonization, slavery, and the challenges of judging historical figures through a modern lens. With candid opinions and plenty of humor, the three discuss changing cultural standards, the role of activists and media in shaping public debate, and why acknowledging the failures of the past doesn’t have to mean dismissing every accomplishment. One of the central themes of the conversation is learning to approach history honestly, recognizing both its achievements and its harms while asking what we are actually choosing to celebrate. As the episode comes to a close, the discussion returns to a question that reaches beyond the calendar: Are we looking for reasons to come together, or more reasons to stay divided? Mike, Steve, and Tim share their thoughts on honoring both holidays and using the conversation as an opportunity to talk about history with the next generation. Timestamps 00:00 – Why are these two holidays on the same date? 00:32 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast! 00:58 – Join hosts Mike Westerdal, Stephen Ohocinski, and Tim Nixon for today’s special episode 01:23 – An unexpected mix of Indigenous and Italian ancestry 02:04 – The New York City encounter over Columbus 04:14 – Why do these holidays share the same Monday? 06:07 – Columbus, colonization, and historical controversy 08:32 – Did Columbus really discover America? 10:46 – Do holidays unite us or divide us? 13:41 – Can we separate achievements from human flaws? 17:31 – The debate over names and changing standards 20:01 – Are we judging history by today’s standards? 23:40 – The dangers of crossing the Atlantic 26:09 – Would separating the holidays solve the debate? 28:55 – Can America still celebrate together? 31:54 – Teaching history without turning it into a battleground 32:40 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast! Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    EP 444 United States or Divided States? The Columbus Day Debate ft. Steve Ohocinski & Tim Nixon

  3. Oct 14

    Ep 443 Youth Sports- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

    Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail Are youth sports building stronger kids—or have pressure, politics, and the pursuit of winning caused adults to lose sight of what really matters? In this episode of Strong by Design, Mike Westerdal sits down with his friend and fellow youth coach Dean Sarigumba for an honest conversation about youth sports: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Drawing from their experiences as athletes, fathers, and coaches, Mike and Dean explore how sports can build confidence, resilience, friendships, and character. They also share stories of sideline confrontations, favoritism, and the parent pressure that can turn a positive experience into a stressful one. Together, they unpack playing-time expectations, the importance of teaching kids to communicate with coaches, and why coachability, effort, and being a good teammate matter beyond the game. They also discuss early specialization, the growing cost of travel sports, and what happens when chasing scholarships overshadows a child’s love of playing. The conversation closes with a reminder about faith and family: our identity belongs in Christ, and our children’s worth is bigger than their performance on the field or court. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will challenge you to think about what success in youth sports really looks like. Share it with someone who could use encouragement—and send us your own youth sports story! Time Stamps 00:00 – Youth sports and the “great race to nowhere” 01:05 – Welcome to Strong by Design with Mike Westerdal and Dean Sarigumba 04:45 – Sideline chaos: How Mike got into coaching flag football 07:33 – The good: How sports build character and resilience 10:17 – Why kids can benefit from team and individual sports 12:26 – Teaching kids to communicate with their coaches 14:22 – Competitive vs. recreational sports: Setting expectations 18:24 – Favoritism and the challenges of coaching your own child 22:39 – Consistent standards and constructive coaching 26:46 – Why kids lose their love of sports 28:15 – The business of youth sports and chasing scholarships 29:54 – Early specialization, travel teams, and family sacrifices 33:52 – How puberty changes the playing field 35:38 – Character traits that matter beyond athletic skill 37:01 – When parents coach from the sidelines 40:35 – Effort, hustle, and learning to push through challenges 44:24 – A volleyball lesson in resilience and letting kids struggle 46:44 – Being a positive teammate and building others up 47:28 – When parent behavior crosses the line 53:11 – Finding identity in Christ and keeping family first 54:46 – What parents and coaches can do better 56:35 – Share your stories and encourage a coach, parent, or athlete Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 443 Youth Sports- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

  4. Sep 30

    Ep 442 Young Washington: Failure, Grit and the American Dream

    Send us Fan Mail What can George Washington’s early setbacks teach us about grit, ambition, and purpose? In this shorter episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Mike Westerdal and Stephen Ohocinski share their reactions to the film Young Washington. They discuss the young leader’s repeated failures, his refusal to give up, and the role faith may have played in shaping his path. Along the way, they offer candid thoughts on the movie’s storytelling and battle scenes, and consider how perseverance can turn disappointment into growth. It’s a lively conversation about history, faith, and the determination to keep going when the road ahead is anything but clear. Time Stamps 00:00 – How divine protection shaped young Washington 00:50 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast! 01:15 – Join hosts Mike Westerdal and Stephen Ohocinski for today’s special episode 01:50 – Meet the story behind 'Young Washington' 02:48 – What historical films can teach us 05:18 – Why independent films tell different stories 07:48 – How failure shapes ambition 10:55 – The making of a young leader 14:43 – Why resilience changes everything 20:36 – What failure can teach us 23:41 – How warfare changed early America 27:18 – Can art be separated from the artist? 28:08 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast! Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 442 Young Washington: Failure, Grit and the American Dream

  5. Sep 19

    Ep 441 When Did the Church Leave the Public Square? ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel [PART 2]

    Send us Fan Mail The conversation continues in Part 2 as Coach Chris Wilson and Jared Haley sit down with Pastor Anthony McDaniel to explore what faithful Christian engagement should actually look like in a culture increasingly shaped by competing ideas, ideologies, and political division.  Anthony explains why self-restraint matters, how Christians should think about the proper role and limits of government, and why passion without wisdom can become counterproductive.  The conversation then turns toward Christian leadership, the ideas shaping our culture, and what history can teach us about the consequences of ideology. Chris, Jared, and Anthony also examine how crises reveal leadership, why simply creating believers isn't enough if we're not making disciples, and how Christians should respond when major cultural events challenge their convictions.  One of the most important themes of the conversation is learning to stand firmly for truth without abandoning grace and understanding how disagreement, when handled properly, can actually strengthen our convictions.  As the episode comes to a close, the discussion turns toward a question we all need to consider: What can bring divided communities back together?  Part 2 is a challenging conversation about leadership, conviction, responsibility, and what it means to live out your faith beyond the walls of the church.   Time Stamps 0:00 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!  00:10 – Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley with special guest Pastor Anthony McDaniel [Part 2]  00:30 – Why does self-restraint matter?  02:40 – How much power should government have?  04:00 – Know when protection becomes a responsibility  08:59 – Why passion alone isn’t enough  11:08 – What makes a strong Christian leader?  15:01 – The ideas shaping our culture  19:40 – What can history teach us?  24:36 – How ideology changes the way we think  27:48 – The mistake that weakens persuasion  32:32 – What crisis reveals about leadership  36:01 – Are we making disciples or just believers?  42:38 – How should Christians respond to major events?  45:14 – Can you stand for truth without losing grace?  50:08 – Why disagreement can strengthen your convictions  52:08 – What can bring communities back together?  54:22 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!   Connect with Pastor Anthony: Instagram   Connect with Jared: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 441 When Did the Church Leave the Public Square? ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel [PART 2]

  6. Sep 16

    Ep 440 When Did the Church Leave the Public Square? ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel [PART 1]

    Send us Fan Mail Should Christians stay out of politics or has that mindset caused the church to retreat from its responsibility to engage culture?  In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Coach Chris Wilson and Jared Haley sit down with Pastor Anthony McDaniel to tackle one of the most important questions facing Christians today: What does faithful engagement with culture and government actually look like? The conversation begins by challenging the popular image of “Hippie Jesus” before moving into Anthony’s own journey from professional trumpet player to pastor and the political awakening that changed how he viewed his responsibility as a Christian.  Together, they unpack the biblical meaning of the separation of church and state, five common mistakes Christians make when thinking about politics, the Great Commission, and what churches can learn from successful sports organizations.  They also take a closer look at the Parable of the Talents, personal responsibility, success beginning at home, and why pastors have a responsibility to provide moral clarity. The conversation closes by examining the often-misunderstood idea of “Christian nationalism” and what it means to live faithfully as both a Christian and a citizen.  This is only Part 1… Please come back for Part 2 as the conversation continues. Part 2 releases on Saturday, September 19th!   Time Stamps 00:00 – The “Hippie Jesus” myth vs. reality  00:33 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!  01:12 – Join hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley with special guest Pastor Anthony McDaniel [Part 1]  02:40 – A prayer for truth, guidance, and strength  04:18 – From professional trumpet player to pastor  05:10 – What sparked a political awakening in 2008?  07:53 – Addressing cultural issues in the church  12:25 – Why are Christians pushed toward political passivity?  15:57 – Understanding the separation of church and state  18:28 – The history behind the King James Bible  21:10 – Five common mistakes Christians make about politics  23:00 – Re-examining the Great Commission  28:38 – What churches can learn from sports organizations  33:23 – What the Parable of the Talents teaches  39:00 – The Parable of the Talents and socialism  46:44 – How success starts at home  50:08 – Why pastors should provide moral clarity  52:38 – Understanding “Christian nationalism”  56:45 – Faith, citizenship, and everyday life  58:16 – Come back for Part 2 and leave ratings and reviews for the SBD podcast!   Connect with Pastor Anthony: Instagram   Connect with Jared: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 440 When Did the Church Leave the Public Square? ft. Pastor Anthony McDaniel [PART 1]

  7. Sep 2

    Ep 439 The WAR on Reality ft. Dr. Frank Turek

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a culture loses its grip on objective reality?  On this episode of Strong By Design, Coach Chris Wilson welcomes back Dr. Frank Turek for his fifth appearance on the podcast to discuss his provocative new book, The War on Reality. You can preorder the book at the link below! Frank is a Christian apologist, author, speaker, and founder of CrossExamined.org, and he has spent decades defending the truth claims of Christianity using reason, evidence, and logic.  In this conversation, Frank explains why he believes the battle we're facing today goes much deeper than politics or cultural disagreement. It is ultimately a battle over truth, reality, human identity, morality, family, information, and even our understanding of what it means to be human. Chris and Frank explore what happens when subjective feelings begin to outrank objective facts, whether technology and artificial intelligence have made it harder to know what is true, and whether a free society can survive without a shared understanding of reality.  They also discuss the role Christians have played in this cultural moment, why defending truth requires more than simply knowing what you believe, and how we can equip the next generation to think critically in a world increasingly confused about truth. If you've ever wondered why the cultural battles of our day seem to go far deeper than politics, this conversation with Dr. Frank Turek will give you plenty to think about.   Time Stamps 00:00 – Why “your truth” can’t define reality 00:49 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast! 01:12 – Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Frank Turek 02:48 – The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk 05:00 – Why is culture changing? 07:01 – Can 'feelings' change biological reality? 09:28 – How postmodernism changes the way we see truth 12:35 – How modernism led to postmodernism 15:00 – Are Christians partly responsible for cultural decline? 17:28 – What socialism gets wrong about human nature 20:07 – Why work and incentives matter 22:55 – Can we really customize reality? 24:25 – Finding peace through grief and loss 28:44 – Why rebellion is a deeper problem than death 31:09 – What history says about culture and civilization 33:07 – What the numbers reveal about America 37:08 – How language changes the way we see reality 39:00 – Can AI be trusted to tell the truth? 41:11 – What happens when students use AI to cheat? 43:19 – How can we know God exists? 45:37 – Get a closer look at The War on Reality (pre-order!) 48:55 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!     Get the book – The War on Reality: https://thewaronreality.com/   Frank’s past episodes: Ep 65 Stealing from God Ep 186 Is the 'Cancel Culture' Loving or Unloving and How Do We Respond? Ep 238 Hollywood Heroes - How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God Ep 310 Correct, Not Politically Correct   Connect with Frank: Instagram   Connect with Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 439 The WAR on Reality ft. Dr. Frank Turek

  8. Aug 19

    Ep 438 More Than Muscle: What It Really Means to Live a Strong Life

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to live a strong life?  Is it physical strength, a healthy body, a strong marriage, meaningful relationships, a life of purpose, resilient faith… or maybe all of it?  In this special Strong By Design episode, Coach Chris Wilson revisits six powerful conversations from some of the show’s most popular episodes over the past few years.  From health and fitness to purpose, legacy, family, faith, resilience, and the choices that shape who we become, these conversations reveal that true strength goes far beyond muscle.  These are some of the most memorable lessons, stories, and insights from the Strong By Design journey and a reminder that becoming stronger is about every area of life.   Time Stamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!  00:30 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special episode  01:15 – A look back at the past 2+ years  03:05 – What true strength really means  04:17 – The power of the one-minute workout  07:20 – Navigating fitness after big life changes  09:15 – Building lifelong exercise habits  11:37 – A biblical approach to time management  15:10 – Intentional living vs. watching the clock  17:50 – Uncovering your true purpose  19:34 – How to build a lasting family legacy  22:49 – Behind the scenes with Jody Maberry  28:15 – Daily habits that leave a mark  33:15 – Learning to walk in gratitude and faith  35:25 – Escaping the "if-only" mindset  40:20 – Finding hope in hard times  42:32 – Secrets to mastering your marriage  48:30 – The impact of strong home foundations  51:15 – Yearly rituals that strengthen relationships  58:32 – How to overcome life's deepest wounds  1:03:40 – The healing power of support systems  1:07:30 – How emotions, love, and laughter speed up healing  1:12:32 – Bringing it together: The 6 Key Pillars  1:14:40 – Share, rate & review the Strong by Design podcast!   Featured Episodes: Ep 38 One-Minute Interval Workouts with Meredith Shirk Ep 379 How You Spend Your Time will Shape Your Purpose ft. Jared Haley Ep 329 Why I wrote a letter to my kids every day since they were born ft. Jody Maberry Ep 386 What Does the Bible Say About Gratitude? Thanksgiving Day Special 🦃 Ep 351 Master Your Marriage ft. Robert & Sharla Snow Ep 385 Believe Big, Love Heals ft. Jo 'Animal' Miller     Connect with Coach Chris: Instagram Support the show Connect w/ Critical Bench:  YoutubeFacebookInstagramCriticalBench.comCriticalNutritionLabs.comStrongByDesignPodcast.com

    Ep 438 More Than Muscle: What It Really Means to Live a Strong Life
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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
    473
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Strong By Design Podcast
  • Show Website
    Strong By Design Podcast

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