He is a 3x All-American Georgia Bulldog, Lombardi and Bednarik Award recipient, former first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and featured on ESPN’s College GameDay as a football analyst for 13 years…
Yeah, I would say that qualifies our guest as a ‘football great.’ But what makes him truly great has more to do with his heart for God and people.
Today’s special guest on SBD is David Pollack, husband, father, and Kingdom man.
David is using his gift of speaking and passion for his Christian faith to go beyond the football field and into the home, helping parents teach their children life’s most important values through sports.
Partnering up with Brave, his new children's book, The Won’t Quit Kid, is designed to help kids understand the value of perseverance, teamwork, and hard work.
"There's so many lessons that I learned that God showed me through my journey... Not the way I wanted to end, but (I'm) very thankful." — David Pollack
Time Stamps
01:00 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:26 - Meet today’s special guest, David Pollack: 3x All-American, former NFL first-round pick, College football Hall of Famer, author, and former ESPN College GameDay Analyst
04:00 - David reveals the roots of his passion for coaching and sports
09:42 - Was David good at football in high school?
14:31 - Redefining goals: Path to creating a new purpose
19:27 - Unforgettable GameDay moments highlighted
23:47 - What inspires David's speaking engagements with parents and coaches
28:15 - Why modeling failure and our response is crucial for kids
32:20 - Introducing the 'Won't Quit Kid' Brave book and its inspiring message
39:23 - What is the Family Goals Podcast all about?
42:49 - The Pollack Family Foundation: Origins and Mission
48:35 - Support David: the Pollack Family Foundation & The Won’t Quit Kid
50:13 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
· The Won’t Quit Kid [BRAVE BOOKS]
· The Pollack Family Foundation
Connect with David:
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The 2024 Presidential Election is here…
And it ‘feels’ as if our country is as divided as ever between our two candidates, former President, Donald J. Trump (R) and current Vice President, Kamala Harris (D).
Much of the news coverage and social media posts are largely ‘Anti’ one candidate over another rather than each side promoting what they stand for and why we should consider giving them our vote.
Today, four members of the Critical Bench team discuss the political climate we are living in. A huge thank you to Tim Nixon, Samantha Harrison, and David Sautter for participating.
One thing we MUST remember as our friend Dr. Frank Turek says routinely on his podcast, Cross Examined:
‘We are not voting in one person to office. We are voting for a platform and policies. Our vote brings in an administration of 5,000 people to influence change in our country.’
We must also remember that both candidates are flawed, broken people and we need to look beyond their character issues, which they both have many, to see what they stand for and how will they influence law, policy, and the American way of life for the next 4 years.
Your vote matters!
"Whoever wins needs to have a diversification of thought, constituents and people voting for them.” -Tim Nixon
Time Stamps
00:51 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:15 - Join us today as the Critical Bench Team hosts a special episode
04:04 - What would our forefathers think of us today?
08:25 - The CB team shares thoughts on the two-party system
19:54 - Are political views driving us apart?
27:45 - How do social media and the media shape our votes?
34:45 - How to remain united with different political views
39:19 - Sam shares powerful lessons from Adam Grant’s book
42:22 - Popular Vote vs. Electoral College: What’s the difference?
46:00 - Voting with due diligence: What you need to know
52:50 - Life's priorities: What really matters?
1:00:09 - What’s the real definition of tolerance?
1:05:50 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
· The Constitution of the United States of America
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Jack-O-Lanterns, ghosts, goblins, skulls, spiders, cobwebs and horror movies remind most of us of Halloween along with fun costumes, bags of candy and spooky scary decorations.
But what are we really celebrating?
While many of us ‘celebrate’ and observe this holiday annually by dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, decorating our houses, and handing out candy to kids in our neighborhoods, most of us don’t reflect very much on what exactly we are honoring.
We are in fact just going with the flow of culture.
On today’s episode, members of the Critical Bench team discuss the dilemma of Christians celebrating a day with convoluted spiritual significance, death, and darkness.
Does this day go against the teachings of the Bible or the Words of Jesus or is the American celebration of Halloween just about having some fun, wearing costumes, and eating some candy?
"Death and darkness are encapsulated around this holiday, and it made me step back." — Cairistiona Haley
Time Stamps
00:44 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:07 - Join us today as the Critical Bench Team hosts a special episode
02:47 - First thoughts on Halloween
11:24 - Halloween origins: What are we really celebrating?
17:38 - Coach Chris reveals his upcoming Halloween costume!
20:03 - Halloween’s meaning for Cairistiona, Jared, and Steve
29:00 - Halloween 101: What are you supposed to do?
38:25 - What it really means to grow up
45:00 - A new perspective on Halloween
50:00 - Seeing things the way Jesus did
56:58 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
· Billy Graham Evangelistic Association – Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
· Focus on the Family – Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
As someone who struggles with a quick temper and anger, this episode was very personal for coach Chris.
While we tend to be on our best behavior in public and at work, often when at home with the people we love the most, we can resort to explosive anger, yelling, cursing, and using harsh, hurtful words.
Basically, our most cherished people in the world, our children and spouses, see us at our worst.
In this solo podcast, host Chris Wilson reveals where his deep seeded anger and yelling behavior comes from. He talks about his father’s lifelong alcoholism and violence, the closeness of his mother and brothers and what he is attempting to do to overcome this unwanted, destructive behavior.
"I want to get to the point that over-reaction doesn't happen at all... I'm not yelling, I'm not loud or irate." — Chris Wilson
Time Stamps
00:44 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast
01:40 - Join us today as Coach Chris Wilson hosts a special solo episode
02:45 - Coach Chris discusses his childhood struggles and how they influence his reactions today
15:00 – From 0-100, what does it mean to make a mountain out of a molehill?
28:08 - Is raising your voice necessary?
32:06 - Ways to express anger and frustration positively
41:59 - How does prayer bring emotional balance?
45:50 - Chris opens up about his dad
48:18 - Parenting: Understanding each other’s reactions
50:14 - How to master your emotions for better control
54:11 – 4 ‘final thought’ key takeaways from today’s episode
Resources:
· Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion by Gary Chapman
· Uncommon Manhood by Tony Dungy
Connect with Chris:
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Allison Maslan is CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, and last year was named “One of the 10 Women Entrepreneurs to watch in 2023”, by Forbes Magazine.
She is the Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of, Scale or Fail, which is endorsed by Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran of the legendary show Shark Tank and Allison has built 10 successful companies over the last 40 years.
In today's episode host Chris Wilson and Allison talk about what it takes to be leaders others will follow, how personal and professional core values can make or break success, hiring and firing decisions and the key actions to start and stop in your business. Get your notepad and pen ready, Allison is about to drop some truth nuggets!
For the past 15 years, she and her team of CEO Business Mentors have helped over 150,000 Founders and Leadership Teams scale their companies, fast-track their success and create a more meaningful life through her company, Pinnacle Global Network, one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies 2 years in a row.
"You can thrive in any scenario. It's really how you think and how you open your eyes to opportunities and how resourceful are you." — Allison Maslan
Time Stamps
00:47 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:10 - Meet today's special guest, Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, named one of Forbes' '10 Women Entrepreneurs to Watch' in 2023, and author of the book 'Scale or Fail'
04:50 - Allison shares her journey in leadership and entrepreneurship
07:40 - What is Pinnacle Global Network, and what does it do?
11:23 - Guiding people to step into leadership roles
15:49 - Allison's wake-up call to success
20:17 – Don’t be your company’s bottleneck
24:39 - How core values drive success
26:24 – Hiring smarter with the Rule of 3
32:05 - The key actions to start and stop in your business
37:29 - Allison discusses her love for trapeze
41:10 - 'Scale or Fail': The ultimate guide for entrepreneurs
47:38 – The quest for success: Can it be both personal and professional?
51:07 – Connect with Allison Maslan to explore her work and Pinnacle Global Network
54:15 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
Connect with Allison:
· Facebook
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
In his first solo episode on the Strong by Design podcast, Jared Haley speaks to the reality of how difficult it is for many of us to manage our time well.
In our culture, we are consistently being pulled in a thousand directions. So, how do we determine the best way to manage our time?
To answer this question, Jared points to the reality that the Bible actually can help us discern what is important, and what is a priority. We can even look into the very life of Jesus himself to teach us how to manage our time, live within boundaries, and develop healthy rhythms.
"We have to understand the why behind what we are doing. If we don't understand the why, then the what becomes confusion. It becomes cloudy." — Jared Haley
Time Stamps
00:20 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
00:44 - Join us today as Jared Haley hosts a special solo episode
01:08 - Jared discusses biblical principles for managing our time
05:45 - Discover five practices to intentionally manage our time
09:18 - 'Know Your Why' with Michael Jr.
13:28 - Understanding the 'Why' behind what we are doing
16:50 - How to develop healthy rhythms
27:40 - The power of reinforcing healthy boundaries in your life
33:04 - How to escape the noise of technology and take back your time
41:40 - Key takeaways from the episode
44:55 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
· Know Your Why featuring Michael Jr.
· The Bullet Journal Method: Ryder Carroll
· Rhythms of Grace: Life Saving Disciplines for Spiritual Leaders: David O Williams
Connect with Jared:
· Facebook
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which is legally known as child pornography, is a global pandemic.
Unfortunately, the United States remains one of the largest producers and consumers of child abuse content in the world.
Today on the Strong By Design podcast we are honored to have Bryan Weight from Operation Light Shine. Their main purpose is to create, fund, develop and equip INTERCEPT Task Forces that are working tirelessly to rid the country of child exploitation material, child sexual abuse and human trafficking.
In recent years this mission has gained some traction with advocates like Tim Tebow and movies like Sound of Freedom to help put the spotlight on a very real and disturbing truth. Sexual predators are out their and we all need to stand vigilantly to protect our children.
We thank Bryan, his father Jack and his entire OLS team for their strength, boldness, and willingness to fight for our children.
Matthew 5:16 reads, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Operation Light Shine plea…
Help shine a light of hope into the dark underworld of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
We Need You To Stand With Us (WATCH NOW)
“The US is the #1 producer and consumer of child sexual abuse material.” -Bryan Weight
Time Stamps
00:43 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast
01:05 - Introducing today’s special guest, Bryan Weight, from Operation Light Shine, an initiative dedicated to combating child exploitation and human trafficking
03:58 - Bryan shares his motivation and how he first got involved with OLS
06:03 - Does Operation Light Shine resemble 'The Sound of Freedom' movie?
08:39 - Understanding the core differences between child exploitation and human trafficking
17:02 - Is Operation Light Shine directly involved on the front lines?
19:00 - The Imbalance in funding - Where does the BIG money go?
21:08 - Was OLS named after Matthew 5:16?
22:53 - Is there more risk today if you let your kids play outside?
25:06 - The Bark Phone: Introducing gadgets to kids
30:34 - The importance of open communication with your kids
34:22 - Bryan discusses the Intercept Task Force
38:45 - An overview of Operation Valiant Knight
43:04 - Jared and Chris highlight the significance of law enforcement
45:25 - Discover how to support and learn more about Operation Light Shine
48:09 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
Connect with Bryan:
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Self-Evident Ministries is dedicated to seeing all Americans understand the foundation of our nation and to understand that those rights come from God.
Today on the Strong By Design podcast, coach Chris Wilson speaks with Chief Operations Officer Mike Sonneveldt from Self-Evident Ministries. Mike is a national speaker, author, and co-host of the Self-Evident podcast.
Find out the vision and mission of Self-Evident which ultimately points back to having a healthy relationship with our Creator. If there is no standard beyond what we as the people determine it to be, then it is just simply our opinion.
But our nation, that was founded in 1776, was rooted in God’s ‘self-evident’ Truth.
If we are to be ‘One nation under God’ like the pledge of allegiance says, then we must look to the Word of God for the blueprint to get there… and over the last 100+ years, the erosion of God in our culture has proven to be catastrophic as we move further away from the Truth.
From theSelfEvidentTruth.com…
The name Self-Evident was chosen because as it states in the Declaration of Independence, freedom for all and freedoms coming from our Creator are truths that do not need to be proven or reasoned. Meaning it is truly “self-evident.”
"If you stand on conviction, have integrity, follow the lord in obedience, (and) are willing to say yes to what the Lord has for you... the Sky is the limit for where the Lord can lead you." — Mike Sonneveldt
Time Stamps
00:53 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast
01:17 - Introducing today’s special guest: Mike Sonneveldt, Chief Operations Officer at Self-Evident Ministries, national speaker, author, and co-host of the Self-Evident podcast
04:38 - Mike offers a glimpse into his life and the purpose behind his work
14:57 - Chris and Mike share who they admire and why
22:51 - How can we give hope in difficult times?
34:02 - The vision for making America great again
50:36 - Understanding the heart of George Washington
58:50 - The influence of small business entrepreneurs
1:08:31 - The vision and mission of Self-Evident Ministries
1:15:45 - Support Mike Sonneveldt and learn more about Self-Evident Ministries
1:16:26 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the Strong By Design podcast
Resources:
Connect with Mike:
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Dr. Jeanne Kuckelman is the founder of Inside Out Christian Counseling, a Non-Profit organization formed in 2002 following a passion to bring “authentic and lasting change” to those seeking help for their broken hearts. Her passion led to the development of several other centers, and to the training of other counselors. From an office nestled in the corner of rural Iowa, she has ministered utilizing the APS report in Brazil, Germany, Bulgaria, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jordan. Inside Out has also extended its reach into more than 15 states through way of video conferencing.
Jeanne has been licensed as a Clinical Christian Counselor for 21 years by the NCCA. She holds her doctorate with Cornerstone University, and a master’s from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Additionally, she is a Clinical Supervisor, and International Representative. Jeanne is also a Certified Temperament Coach.
Recently, Jeanne has found the Temperament tool to be of great use in ministering to those on the mission field as well as church leaders in cooperation with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. The extensive use of this tool regardless of cultural context continues to be evident. Jeanne’s greatest passion is to sit with the hearts of those who are looking for a way back to their authentic self.
To peer into the brokenness of another’s soul may be the most sacred privilege any of us can know. In this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Jared along with his wife Cairistiona, interview Jeanne to understand what is temperament, and how does it affect the way we live our day to day lives.
“Each of us has a unique perception of the world based on how God designed us.” -Jeanne Kuckelman
Time Stamps
00:46 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:10 - Introducing today's special guest, Dr. Jeanne Kuckelman, licensed counselor, advocate and practitioner of Creation Therapy
03:00 - Jeanne shares her journey to Temperament Therapy
07:57 - Temperaments 101: What is it and why should you know yours?
14:51 - Understanding your kids' temperaments
19:43 - What are the 5 types of temperaments?
37:07 - Temperaments resemble the movie 'Inside Out'
41:03 - What makes creation therapy more effective?
46:42 - How God views our strengths and weaknesses
50:32 - How knowing your temperament can save relationships
56:00 - Jeanne shares how temperament therapy works for individuals and families
1:02:05 - Connect with Jeanne Kuckelman and learn more about your temperament
Resources:
· InsideOutChristianMinistries.org
· National Christian Counselors Association
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
In this episode, coach Tonya Fines sits down with Michele Riechman, a personal trainer, yoga teacher, health coach, and doctor of physical therapy, who is on a mission to help women feel their best.
Discover how to nourish your body, mind, and spirit to feel your best at any age. Whether you are looking to optimize your metabolism, manage stress, or simply live a healthier life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.
As the host of the Healthy Beyond 40 podcast, Michele brings a wealth of knowledge and a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Michele shares her insights on how to best nourish your body, going beyond the basics of diet and nutrition. She delves into the intricate connection between what we eat and how we feel, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet tailored to individual needs. Michele provides practical tips on optimizing metabolism, highlighting how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in energy levels and overall well-being.
But nourishing the body is not just about food. Michele underscores the crucial role of stress management and mental wellness in achieving optimal health. She offers strategies for reducing stress and fostering a positive mindset, explaining how mental and emotional health are integral to physical wellness.
Throughout the episode, Michele's compassionate and empowering approach shines through. She encourages women to listen to their bodies, honor their unique needs, and make mindful choices that support long-term health. Her expertise in physical therapy adds a unique dimension, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how to care for their bodies in a holistic and sustainable way.
“Start with small habits that you can stick to 80-90% of the time.” -Michele Riechman
Time Stamps
00:24 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
00:47 - Meet today’s special guest: Michele Riechman—personal trainer, yoga instructor, health coach, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and host of the Healthy Beyond 40 podcast!
02:00 - Explore Michele’s unique skills and expertise in health and wellness
05:32 - Michele on fueling your body and understanding her core clientele
10:10 - Eating and Emotions: What's the real connection?
18:08 - Simple tips for better eating
26:00 - Women and Protein: Why it’s essential and how to increase your intake
33:33 - How parents' healthy eating habits influence their children’s growth
39:03 - Michele’s 'TOP 5 Simple Habits' to kickstart a healthy lifestyle
45:08 - Connect with Michele Riechman and learn more about her work
46:05 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
Connect with Michele:
· YouTube
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
What makes you a credible fitness expert? Your degrees, years of experience, where you work… or is that all secondary?
Does your ripped physique solidify your authority?
Is it a requirement to have overdeveloped biceps, pecs, delts and calves or washboard abs to be seen as ‘a legitimate trainer’ in the eyes of others?
Long time strength coach and personal trainer Chris Wilson discusses his thoughts and philosophy when it comes to his 25 years in the fitness and health profession.
Regardless if you have 20” arms, walk around at 8% body fat or have a year-round tan to better showcase your shredded 6-pack, it does not necessarily make you a good coach.
A quality instructor and coach has far more to do with passion, knowledge, experience, and character… and yes, some muscles too!
Hope you enjoy this fun solo episode as Coach Chris speaks from the heart and does not hold back!
“Just because you’re huge and shredded doesn’t mean you’re a better trainer.” -Chris Wilson
Time Stamps
00:41 - Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:05 - Join us today as Coach Chris Wilson hosts a special solo episode
02:05 - Learn about Chris' motivation for fitness, muscles and strength
09:00 - Defining a Fitness Expert
14:52 - Does being huge and shredded make you a better trainer?
23:42 - Why Clients choose Chris over other Coaches
26:30 - Pathways to achieving true health!
29:46 - The Top 5 muscle and strength influencers that shaped Chris' expertise
40:13 - What determines your overall physical success?
46:34 - Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast
Resources:
Connect with Chris:
· Facebook
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
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