Just For Fun

Ep 329 Why I wrote a letter to my kids every day since they were born ft. Jody Maberry

Strong By Design Podcast — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Jody Maberry has hosted and produced more than 1,300 podcast episodes with nearly 3 million downloads. Podcasting has given Jody the opportunity to share the stage with a Governor, best-selling authors, well-known executives, and the Director of the National Park Service. Specifically, he has worked with executives from Disney, the FBI, and other organizations across a variety of industries.

On this episode, Jody shares about his experiences as a park ranger. More importantly, Jody expresses his intersectionality to be an invested, caring father and husband. Host, Jared Haley, and Jody enjoy an enlightening, and applicable conversation from parenting, to board games, do daily letters written to Jody's children. This is an episode you are not going to want to miss!

"I hope it will be a gift they treasure someday..." - Jody Maberry

Time Stamps

1:06 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 1:35 - Get to know today's special guest, Jody Maberry 3:24 - Jody shares his involvement in the 'Creating Disney Magic' podcast 6:41 - From Park Ranger into a Podcaster: Jody recounts his career shift to podcasting 8:15 - Discover the unbelievable moments in a Park Ranger's life 12:16 - Into the wild: Jody's most memorable wildlife encounter 15:00 - The spark behind his podcasting journey 21:17 - Jody talks about his daily podcast devoted to his son 26:48 - Family fun time: Best games for kids and parents to play together! 34:01 - The power of spending quality time as a family 43:43 - Jody on why he writes letters to his kids every day 51:20 - Where you can go to connect with Jody Maberry

Resources:

JodyMaberry.com

Connect w/ Jody:

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Ep 326 Why Dads Matter ft. Dr. Meg Meeker

Strong By Design Podcast — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

She is in a league all her own… a global leading expert on child-father relationships after 30 years as a practicing pediatrician.

Dr. Meg Meeker is a bestselling author and longtime father advocate having treated thousands of children and learning the art and skill of how to properly communicate and connect with kids. And she has four children herself… so she gets it!

Today on the Strong By Design podcast we have checked off a bucket list item, we got the one and only Dr. Meg on the show. Hosts Mike Westerdal and Chris Wilson have been super fans of Dr. Meg’s books and empowering newsletters for years.

Her bestselling books include: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Hero, Boys Should Be Boys, Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture, Strong Mother’s, Strong Sons and many more!

Hey Dads (and Moms), buckle up for one of the best conversations ever on the podcast about how much you matter to your children and why you are so incredibly valuable!

“A child is a child and you are their only dad. They need affirmation, affection, and attention from you.” - Dr. Meg Meeker

Time Stamps

1:02 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 1:12 - Get to know today's special guest, Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician, podcast host and best-selling author 3:33 - A woman's perspective: Discover the driving force behind empowering dads 9:03 - Dr. Meg talks about her book 'Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters' 12:07 - You are your kid's Hero: The important role of a dad 20:25 - How is God good for kids? 23:53 - Why it does not diminish you to apologize to your child 26:37 - Dr. Meg shares tips on how dads can handle a mother-daughter conflict 37:38 - 'I'm Not My Dad': The root cause of the psychological phenomenon 41:32 - A Father's Love: Dr. Meg shares an inspirational story of a father-son bond 43:53 - 'Ten Habits for Happy Mothers': Understanding your value as a mother 47:47 - Parents Need to Lead: The parental involvement between Mom and Dad 57:50 - Dr. Meg shares what's next and where you can connect with her

Resources:

· MeekerParenting.com

· Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters

· Hero

Connect w/ Dr. Meg:

· YouTube

· Facebook

· Instagram

· LinkedIn

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

● Youtube

● Facebook

● Instagram

● CriticalBench.com

● StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 324 Everyday Hero for Boys & Girls ft. Heather Hogsett-Castle

Strong By Design Podcast — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Heather Hogsett-Castle is the Senior Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Originally from Schenectady, NY, Heather has resided in Tampa Bay for the past 25 years. Heather attended Saint Leo University where she acquired a bachelor’s degree in social work and was a proud member of the Women’s Basketball and Softball teams.

Recent awards include receiving Spectrum Bay News 9 Everyday Hero Award and the Saint Leo University’s Community Alumni Women's Basketball Award.

Heather’s passion is to create opportunities for children that will impact them for a lifetime. She strives to have an impact every day and goes above and beyond to make that happen.

Her work at BBBS Tampa Bay allows her to make that passion a reality; seeing the direct impact she has on children and their mentors gives her great satisfaction and empowers her to continue this journey in the future.

"It just takes that person that has that spark that wants to come in and make an impact." - Heather Hogsett-Castle

Time Stamps

1:19 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 1:31 - Get to know today's special guest, Heather Hogsett-Castle, Sr. Director of Big Experiences - 'Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Tampa Bay' 3:12 - Heather's 'Why:' Discover the driving force behind her 'BBBS' involvement 4:43 - The mission of 'BBBS': Transforming lives through one-on-one mentoring 6:00 - Heather recounts how former American football player Tyrone Keys made a profound impact on her life 9:03 - Become a volunteer: What is a Big Brother/Big Sister and how to become one? 12:06 - Parents as partners: How the program resonates with parents 15:17 - Heather on what it means to be a 'Little' and who are the kids who want to become 'Littles' 21:20 - Discover some of the exciting events coming up for 'Big Brothers Big Sisters' 23:43 - Heartwarming stories: Heather shares the power of Big-Little bonds 27:07 - Ways to lend a hand with the 'Big Brothers Big Sisters' program 29:58 - Where you can go to connect with Heather Hogsett-Castle

Resources:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

Connect w/ Heather:

· Facebook

· Instagram

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

Ep 321 Secrets to being Single and Successful while Dating ft. Natalie Freeman

Strong By Design Podcast — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

So, what exactly is the secret to being single, successful and … wanting to date? Join Coach Tonya Fines as she sits down with the fabulous Ms. Natalie Freeman to discuss all of that! Find out, from Natalie’s own research, what it is that men want from women that we are not giving them and …

What may actually be the one thing that is making dating, while being single and successful, somewhat of a challenge. You will not believe how simple a fix this is! From hilarious dating misadventures to the heartfelt lessons of self-love, the conversation with Natalie is both relatable and inspiring.

Whether you are single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, get ready to challenge the stereotypes and embrace the journey of dating while being a successful single!

“Everything doesn’t have to lead down the aisle. Establish a friendship first. Find people you can laugh with and enjoy yourself with.” -Natalie Freeman

Time Stamps

01:08 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

1:14 - Get to know today's special guest, Natalie Freeman, host of 'Successful but Single' podcast

03:02 - Natalie on what prompted her to start the 'Successful but Single' podcast

05:58 - Why are you single?

7:55 - Beyond stereotypes: Natalie reveals what men want women to know

14:34 - Are men intimidated by successful women?

21:02 - Natalie on why you shouldn't feel pressured to be in a relationship

23:49 - Why romantic relationships aren't always the end game

26:33 - Thriving alone, together: Finding comfort in friendship and community while single

30:10 - Natalie's dating chronicles: The importance of recognizing the signs

36:38 - Understanding the dynamics of dating then and now 40:00 - How networking can catapult your dating life beyond business

43:42 - Natalie's call to courage for women: Trusting your sixth sense and taking purposeful action

49:45 - Where you can go to connect with Natalie Freeman

Resources:

Connect w/ Natalie:

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Ep 318 Can’t Fall Asleep? ft. Dreamful Podcast creator Jordan Blair

Strong By Design Podcast — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 02:37:00 +0000

Jordan created Dreamful podcast because she was having a hard time finding just the right bedtime story to put her two little girls to sleep. So, I did what any normal person would do and said “I can just make one myself! How hard could it be?”.

With a background in art, writing, and theatre; she has been able to put those skills to good use. Her podcast started as a little thing for her kids, then it grew, and grew, and grew. Now, she gets to share bedtime stories with thousands of people all over the world.

Although created for kids, Dreamful podcast developed a large adult following. Many of her listeners struggle with anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping at night. This is relatable for Jordan as she too struggled with anxiety in her own life. Listen as Jordan vulnerably shares her own story, and how today she is grateful her podcast is able to help those struggling with mental illness to find peaceful and restful sleep.

“It’s not going to disappoint anybody if I say no to doing a project, no to doing a family picnic because I don’t want to...” -- Jordan Blair

Time Stamps

01:22 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:02 - Get to know today's special guest, 'Dreamful' Podcast creator Jordan Blair

4:45 - Jordan recounts the beginnings of her mental health struggles

7:40 - Panic Attack: What is it and how does it feel? 09:10 - How stress and sleepless nights affect her vision and hearing

15:09 - The importance of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance

16:10 - The journey to healing: Jordan shares what led her to seek professional help

21:50 - How growing up in the digital age impacts your kid's mental health

30:54 - Discover the inspiration behind the creation of the 'Dreamful' podcast

38:12 - Jordan shares tips to prevent mental health relapse

40:31 - Mental health SOS: Knowing when to reach out for help

42:45 - Jordan talks about her plans for the 'Dreamful' podcast

44:00 - Where you can go to connect with Jordan Blair and learn more about the 'Dreamful Podcast'

Resources:

· Dreamful Podcast

· DreamfulStories.com

Connect w/ Jordan:

· Facebook

· Instagram

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

● Youtube

● Facebook

● Instagram

● CriticalBench.com

● StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 302 Desk Job to Fitness Coach ft. Ashley Lamont [Part 2]

Strong By Design Podcast — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We continue the conversation with the sensational Ashley Lamont, aka Coach Ashley on the Critical Bench YouTube channels.

In part 2 of this special 3-part interview, Ashley talks about her conversion from office work to becoming a total badass fitness coach. Nobody has more energy and passion than Ashley and, in this episode, you find out where it comes from!

(From part 1)

So, what makes her tick? Where did her deep seeded passion for excellence in the gym come from? Find out coach Ashley’s story in this special never before done 3-part episode on Strong By Design.

This is uncharted territory for the SBD show… never before have we had a nearly 3-hour long conversation with a guest. But coach Ashley is unlike most people as you will soon find out. She’s a thinker, an athlete at her core and a person of great conviction and strength. Get to know the legendary Critical Bench coach on a whole new level!

“I never run out of fumes. I jumped out of bed at 3 o’clock in the morning, ready to go.” - Ashley Lamont

Time Stamps

00:42 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

1:48 - Ashley recounts her real estate journey with a nasty supervisor

8:46 - Ashley on what inspired her to get into bodybuilding

10:19 - Discover how she met her husband in an unlikely place

13:24 - Passion vs. Job Stability: What's your choice?

15:06 - Ashley shares early career experience as a fitness coach

20:30 - How Ashley and the Critical Bench team meet 29:06 - Ashley shares the struggles of being a mom and working full-time

33:19 - Discover the miracles of a mother's milk 39:33 - The workout competition between Ashley and Frank: Who won?

46:41 - Ashley candidly opens up about her fitness challenge experience at Clearwater Beach

Connect w/ Ashley:

Instagram

YouTube

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

Ep 301 The Wonder Years ft. Ashley Lamont [Part 1]

Strong By Design Podcast — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Ashley Lamont (formerly Castleberry) was not always the mega confident, ultra-athletic and fit super mom that you’ve seen for years on the Critical Bench YouTube channels.

So, what makes her tick? Where did her deep seeded passion for excellence in the gym come from? Find out coach Ashley’s story in this special never before done 3-part episode on Strong By Design.

"Education is something that only I can acquire, but nobody can take away from me." - Ashley Lamont

Time Stamps

00:50 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

3:38 - Get to know today's special guest, Coach Ashley Lamont

6:10 - Ashley shares the back story that got her into fitness and figure competition

9:51 - The power of being decisive

13:04 - Discover the deep passion Texas athletes have for sports 

16:35 - Ashley discusses her deep bond with her stepfather

21:07 - From the US to India: Ashley on what it was like to live in India 24:00 - How her passion for reading and learning ignited 28:11 - From India to West Africa: What was it like to be an American living in Africa?

32:39 - Ashley on the things about America you only truly appreciate after being abroad

36:21 - Ashley opens up about her experiences with bullying during her time at school

43:45 - Fitness over Alcohol: How did she come to realize?

Connect w/ Ashley:

Instagram

YouTube

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 

Ep 295 Mankind’s Greatest Achievement… a White Lie? ft. the Tin Foil Hat Club

Strong By Design Podcast — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

NOT your typical Strong By Design podcast episode.

Do you ever question the world as you see it? Have you ever been skeptical about past events that are widely considered fact? Conspiracy theories have been circulating for decades about the big and small things in life.

Today on the show we feature for the very first-time videographer Stephen Ohocinski and marketing specialist Jessie Decille from team Critical Bench. Hosting today are Mike Westerday and Jared Haley. It’s time to get ready to re-think reality and have your minds blown!

“We tried to get to the moon, we realized we couldn’t, we have made that promise to the world, and a move to try to unify and have that triumphant victory, we put the plan in motion. I believed the astronauts went into orbit but they didn’t go to the moon... After all the things that I’ve seen, there’s no way that occurred. - Stephen Ohocinski

Time Stamps

01:10 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

1:01 - Get to know today's special guests, the Tin Foil Hat Club on a Conspiracies podcast

3:54 - Discover what is the idea behind the foil hat

8:06 - What is 'The Mandela Effect'?

19:33 - Understanding the theory of 'The Time Travelling Trump Family'

30:05 - Do you believe that we probably went to the moon?

31:48 - Steve talks about the 'Historical situation after we went to the Moon'

36:24 -Are there flags on the moon?

36:51 - Uncovering the theories of us landing on the moon

44;41 - Discover the footage from the unused tape of NASA

49:07 - The PROPAGANDA: What's true, what's not true?

Resources:

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

Ep 279 The ATTACK on Men & Masculinity ft. Zach Zenios [Part 2]

Strong By Design Podcast — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In Part 2, Zach reveals his thoughts about today’s apparent attack on masculinity.

In recent years it is abundantly clear that men and just about anything masculine or manly has been scrutinized and portrayed as bad or toxic.

Coach Chris and Zach with nearly 20 years between them, tackle this highly controversial topic with boldness, honesty and insight.

“One of the biggest reasons why men are being disempowered is because they are not creating, they are not living on their edge, and they are not physical with their body." - Zach Zenios

Time Stamps

1:05 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

2:26 - Zach talks about how the world perceives masculinity as toxic in today’s age

8:32 - Discover how crucial it is for men to embody masculinity

10:14 - Masculine vs Feminine: What's the difference

13:48 - The downside of not living on your edge

15:35 - Dynamics of a nurturing mother and a strong father figure

23:24 - Understanding the Philosophy of Stoicism

27:24 - Zach shares what's next for him with his new structural therapy degree

Connect w/ Coach Zach:

· Instagram
· Facebook

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

● Youtube

● Facebook

● Instagram

● CriticalBench.com

● StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Ep 276 Bullying & Eating Right ft. Critical Bench Kids

Strong By Design Podcast — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The next generation visits the Critical Bench Compound with host Jared Haley who is a father of 4 himself and was the perfect ‘neutral’ candidate to sit down with these rascals.

Siblings Karina and Lincoln along with Kellan and Camryn talk through their feelings about some of life’s biggest questions and issues…

While some of the answers may seem simple, often times in life adults tend to over complicate things. There is a lot of wisdom and insight from these young people. Hope you enjoy our first ever all kids’ episode.

“Part of bullying is not on the bully; it might be personal stuff that they can’t control... Maybe they have abusive parents or their parents are divorcing.” - Kellan Wilson and Karina Westerdal

Time Stamps

00:30 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast

00:54 - Introducing today's special guests, the Critical Bench Kids

01:39 - What would you do if you could do anything today?

05:11 - Critical Bench Kids reveal who their most favorite person in the world is

08:07 - What makes them nervous?

10:12 - Critical Bench Kids describe God's attributes

13:44 - How will the kids deal with and prevent bullying?

23:00 - Critical Bench Kids on why is it important to eat healthy, and what healthy eating looks like

25:55 - Discover the sports they participate in 29:08 - Critical Bench Kids ask host Jared Haley some rapid-fire questions

Connect w/ CriticalBench: 