Strong By Design Podcast

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Have you ever known exactly what you should do… and still done the opposite? 
In Romans 7:15–20, the Apostle Paul describes one of the most relatable struggles in the entire Bible: “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
In this episode, Coach Chris Wilson unpacks Paul’s raw honesty about the internal war between the desire to obey God and the pull of the sinful nature. This isn’t just about bad habits — it’s about the deeper spiritual conflict every believer faces.
You’ll learn:
• Why the struggle with sin doesn’t mean your faith is fake
• The difference between conviction and condemnation
• The two common traps that keep Christians stuck (shame and self-reliance)
• Why willpower alone can’t defeat the flesh
• How Romans 8 provides the hope and power that Romans 7 exposes
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, discouraged, or tired of repeating the same cycle — this conversation will remind you that the fight itself is evidence of spiritual life. 
The war within is real… but so is the Spirit of God.
Your struggle is not proof that God has left you. Sometimes it’s proof that He’s working.
Scripture: Romans 7:15–20 (NIV), with references to Romans 7:24–25 and Romans 8:1-4, 26-28.

Time Stamps
0:00 – Is your struggle proof you’re spiritually alive?
0:32 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
0:55 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode
4:51 – Why you keep doing the very thing you hate
6:59 – The inner battle nobody talks about
8:35 – Is it lack of discipline or spiritual warfare?
10:32 – Why the fight doesn’t mean you’ve failed God
13:40 – The two subtle lies that keep you stuck
15:45 – Why “trying harder” keeps backfiring
17:42 – The turning point that changes everything
18:23 – From constant defeat to unexpected power
19:14 – What if freedom is already available?
21:42 – Why the struggle shouldn’t shock you
22:16 – The secret strength found in confession
23:02 – Surrender: the daily move that shifts everything
27:08 – Why you can stop chasing perfection
27:28 – Could the struggle mean God is at work?
29:14 – You’re not broken — you’re in a battle!
30:32 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:
YouVersion Bible App

Connect with Chris:
Instagram

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What if strength training was about more than building muscle?
In this powerful conversation, Coach Chris sits down with licensed professional counselor, EMDR-certified therapist, and strength coach Alena Alsruhe to explore how physical strength becomes a pathway to emotional resilience, spiritual depth, and personal transformation.
Rooted in John 10:10 and the promise of an abundant life, this episode dives into the healing power of movement, the science behind trauma recovery, and why resistance training is one of the most overlooked tools for mental health. Alena shares how EMDR works, how pain can be transformed into purpose, and why physical challenges shape mental toughness in ways comfort never can.
You’ll also hear how strength training uniquely empowers women to stop shrinking, reclaim their confidence, and step fully into who they were created to be. From the importance of presence over platitudes when walking through pain, to the restorative power of nature and sunlight, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating a hard season.
If you’re looking to build more than muscles—if you want to build resilience, identity, and faith—this episode is for you.
 
 
Time Stamps
0:00 - The secret to living fully | John 10:10
0:56 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
1:52 - Meet Licensed Professional Counselor & Strength Coach Alena Alsruhe
5:18 - EMDR: What it is and why it matters
9:48 - Where Alena's love for strength training began
12:39 - More than muscle: The spiritual power of moving your body 
16:18 - Starting your health journey? Listen to THIS!
18:24 - Why physical challenges make you mentally tough
25:44 - How strength training empowers women
33:56 - How pain becomes purpose and power
40:20 - Presence > platitudes: Walking w/ people through their pain
46:12 - The healing power of nature and sunlight
51:30 - Alena shares highlights from the 'Strong & Beautiful' conference 
1:00:05 - In a hard season? This one small step can change everything
 
 
 
Resources:
Alena’s Counseling Website – www.alenaalsruhe.com
Alena’s New Coaching Website – www.thealohawellnesscolletive.com
Alena’s - YouTube Channel
EMDR and credible counselor network
Short video Alena mentioned about Trauma 
 
Connect with Alena:
Instagram
 
Connect with Chris:
Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
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Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
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Support the show
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
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StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson is back with nutrition and weight-loss expert William Grazione (The Educated Dieter) to dig even deeper into the real reasons people struggle with fat loss, cravings, and lasting health change.
This episode breaks down why your body craves the wrong foods, how ultra-processed foods hijack blood sugar and appetite, and why most diets fail because they ignore the fundamentals of whole foods, fiber, and consistency.
Chris and William also discuss how fasting can impact the brain and hunger signals, when carbs actually make sense for performance and muscle growth, and why “detox” is often misunderstood. You’ll also hear practical strategies like the “90% trick” for dieting success and simple daily habits that make staying on track feel effortless.
Plus, the conversation wraps with an important discussion on Apple Cider Vinegar, gut health, and how ACV gummies may support appetite control and healthier blood sugar levels.
If you want real nutrition talk without the nonsense — this is the episode.
 
 
Time Stamps
0:00 – Why your body craves the wrong foods
0:56 – Welcome to the Strong by Design Podcast!
1:49 – The whole-food rule most diets ignore
4:55 – Fiber vs. Ultra-Processed Foods: The blood sugar battle
5:51 – The surprising brain hack in fasting
6:43 – When to eat carbs to fuel performance and build muscle
7:44 – The story behind 'Family Fueled Nutrition'
10:37 – Discover the amino acid that builds muscle fast
12:42 – Apple Cider Vinegar’s surprising effect on appetite and sugar
13:45 – Eating healthy? Your body might disagree
16:29 – Why your health keeps stalling, and how to fix it
18:05 – What truly happens during a detox?
21:02 – The simple habit that keeps nutrition on track
25:13 – The 90% trick that makes dieting easy
29:48 – Discover the diet rule nobody talks about
31:47 – How tiny, consistent steps lead to lasting change
34:12 – One gummy a day for a healthier gut? Try ACV gummies
35:50 – Why it’s never too late to take control of your health
36:28 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!
 
Resources:
TheEducatedDieter.com
 
Connect with William:
Instagram
 
Connect with Chris:
Instagram

Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
https://criticalbench.com/7worst
Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
https://criticalbench.com/7worst
Support the show
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
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Instagram
CriticalBench.com
StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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Did the original Food Pyramid quietly help create America’s modern health crisis?
In this eye-opening episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with nutrition and weight-loss expert William Grazione (The Educated Dieter) to unpack one of the most controversial topics in modern nutrition history — the 1992 Food Pyramid and its long-term consequences.
This isn’t political spin or diet culture noise. It’s a fact-based, no-nonsense discussion about how government nutrition guidance, ultra-processed foods, and profit-driven food systems collided — and why obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease exploded in the decades that followed.
You’ll learn how ultra-processed foods became “normal,” why cereal and refined carbs sabotage blood sugar, and why most dieting strategies fail people long-term. Chris and William also break down why body composition matters more than the scale, how muscle protects your metabolism, and what actually works if you want to lose fat and keep it off.
This is Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation that challenges outdated nutrition advice and gives you a smarter framework for health. Look for Part 2 of this conversation on Saturday, Feb. 7th.
 
Time Stamps
0:05 – Did the Food Pyramid set up a whole generation for disease?
0:54 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
03:39 - Join Coach Chris along with our special guest William Grazione
9:01 – How the old Food Pyramid made ultra-processed foods “normal”
9:24 – The shocking public health disaster they don’t want you to know about
10:07 – Know who really profited from the original 1992 Food Pyramid
16:51 – Why ultra-processed foods are literally designed to be addictive
21:17 – Why cereal spikes your blood sugar—and leaves you starving
23:37 – Learn why 'body composition' matters more than what you weigh
25:30 – Discover why building muscle is the secret most diets ignore
27:38 – Why dieting often makes you gain back more fat
35:13 – Could swapping carbs for protein fix America’s health?
48:19 – The Biggest Loser study: Extreme dieting and metabolic damage
49:01 – Learn a smarter way to diet that actually keeps weight off
51:45 – Can a short fast reset insulin resistance?
54:04 – How to go from pre-diabetic to normal blood sugar in 5 days
01:04:45 – Make sure to come back for Part 2! Share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!
 
Resources:
TheEducatedDieter.com
 
Connect with William:
Instagram
 
Connect with Chris:

Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
https://criticalbench.com/7worst
Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
https://criticalbench.com/7worst
Support the show
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Youtube
Facebook
Instagram
CriticalBench.com
StrongByDesignPodcast.com

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What really happened behind the scenes of The Biggest Loser—and what did it cost the contestants?
In this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Coach Chris Wilson is joined by fitness industry veteran Mike Westerdal and super fan and fitness enthusiast Lindsay Hurley for a powerful reaction to Netflix’s eye-opening documentary Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser. 
Together, they break down how one of the most popular reality TV shows of all time captivated millions through extreme transformations—while quietly pushing bodies to dangerous limits.
From brutal workouts and starvation-level diets to near-death moments, abuse allegations, and massive rebound weight gain after the cameras stopped rolling, this conversation exposes why extremes make great television—but terrible health strategies. You’ll hear why responsible coaches would never train clients this way, how rapid weight loss wrecks metabolism, and what the show actually changed in the fitness and reality TV industries.
Most importantly, this episode drives home the lesson that real transformation isn’t flashy—it’s built on consistency, sustainability, and long-term habits. If you’ve ever been inspired, disturbed, or conflicted by transformation TV, this is a must-listen conversation that separates entertainment from evidence-based health.
Listen in, share the episode, and leave a rating and review to support the Strong by Design Podcast.
 
Time Stamps
0:00 – See how abuse claims sparked controversy
01:10 — Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!
01:34 — Coach Chris with special guests Lindsay Hurley and Mike Westerdal
1:55 – Uncover what 'Fit for TV' revealed about The Biggest Loser
3:02 – Find out why extreme transformations hooked millions
3:32 – See what happens when weight loss goes too far
6:02 – Understand how rapid weight loss strains the body
8:59 – Peek behind the scenes of brutal workouts and diets
10:10 – Hear why coaches would not train clients this way
13:30 – Follow heroes, villains, and a near-death moment
14:50 – Learn what happens after the show
16:45 – Find out why rebound weight gain happens
23:32 – Discover how the show carried NBC and changed reality TV
28:04 – See when challenges pushed bodies too far
31:27 – Why extremes make great TV—but terrible health
36:50 – Explore what a billion-dollar show really changed
40:02 – Find out how consistency beats extremes
44:15 – See why sustainable change always wins
45:42 - Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!
 
Resources:
Check out Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest
Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
https://criticalbench.com/7worst
Go to criticalnutritionlabs.com/sbd
Use code STRONGMEN25 for 25% off your order 💪

Grab our FREE report - The 7 Worst Testosterone Killers
https://criticalbench.com/7worst
Support the show
Connect w/ CriticalBench:
Youtube
Facebook
Instagram
CriticalBench.com
StrongByDesignPodcast.com