Everyone longs for a hero to save the day and most people all over the world love a good Superhero movie. So then, what are the characteristics we associate with a hero that make them so powerful and amazing? Well, heroes are brave, courageous, strong, and fearless. Yes, those are great but what about this list of attributes… loving, compassionate, truthful, devoted, humble, meek, patient and oh yes, sacrificing. While the first list gets the attention at the box office, the second list is the foundation of any great Superhero at his or her core. And those attributes are also associated with the ultimate hero, Jesus of Nazareth. He is often the star of the movie, whether people realize it or not. In his 3rd time on the Strong By Design podcast show, Frank Turek shares his insights about his latest book, Hollywood Heroes with host Chris Wilson. “We all want to have a hero come in and save us and take us to a place of bliss… That’s what Jesus actually does.” -Frank Turek Time Stamps 01:01 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 03:02 – Meet Frank Turek, speaker and award-winning author 05:30 – Frank discusses his new book, ‘Hollywood Heroes: How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God’ 12:40 – Captain America vs. Iron Man: Discover their respective unique characteristics and how it relates to Jesus 20:50 – Frank reveals how Harry Potter points to the ultimate hero, Jesus 27:53 – Frank deep dives into the Star Wars saga 33:45 – What does C.S. Lewis mean by Christianity as the True Myth? 38:05 – Batman: Understand the hidden message in ‘Batman’ movies 44:35 – What to expect in ‘Hollywood Heroes: How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God’ 45:35 – Wonder Woman: What’s her unique superpower and how does that align with Christianity? 50:20 – Why Jesus is the ultimate superhero 57:00 – Where you can go to connect with Frank Turek Resources: Grab your copy of Hollywood Heroes Connect w/ Frank: Official Website YouTube Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
Most people will never run 26.2 miles. Only a very small percentage of the population are willing to push themselves to that extreme level of endurance. Not only is that distance intimidating physically, the mental demand may be even more jaw dropping for any aspiring competitive athletes. Today’s guest, Dave Frazier, is a longtime friend of SBD host, Jared Haley, and shares some sound advice when it comes to taking control of your health and training for the world’s most popular foot race, a marathon. "The key is to just go slower… If you feel like 'ugh, I’m not just gonna make it' -- you're either going too fast or you've been going so long that you need some fuel to keep going."-Dave Frazier Time Stamps 0:40 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 01:26 – Get to know today’s special guest, Dave Frazier 06:36 – Dave shares the major changes he made in his diet and nutrition 10:21 – Importance of having a healthy relationship with food 12:00 – Dave recounts his jour...
God says over and over again. Fear not! Do not be afraid. Be strong and courageous. Trust me. Why? Fear doesn’t seem like the most serious of vices, it’s not one of the 7 deadly sins, nor is it the object of church discipline. So why does God tell us to stop being afraid more often than he tells us anything else? It’s not to spare us from emotional discomfort. Rather it is because fear sabotages flourishing. Fear keeps us from following God wholeheartedly. As John Orberg says, “Fear is the number one reason human beings are tempted to avoid doing what God asks them to do.” Today on the Strong By Design podcast show, host Mike Westerdal sits down with friend and pastor of Skycrest Community Church, Chris Stephens, to discuss the topic of fear and the impact on flourishing. "Failure is essential because there are some lessons we are not going to learn if we don’t fail... So don’t be paralyzed in fear of making the wrong decision.” -Pastor Chris Stephens Time Stamps 00:00 – Choosing courage over fear 01:22 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 01:45 – Get to know today’s special guest, Pastor Chris Stephens 06:44 – Pastor Chris on what does the Bible mean when it tells us to FEAR NOT 11:58 – The power of decisiveness 15:20 – Pastor Chris dives deep into the types of fear 26:29 – What to do when fear interferes? 30:55 – Training for courage: How to live a more courageous life 43:27 – Pastor Chris’ message to the non-believers 49:45 – Where does FEAR come from? 55:48 – Pastor Chris on overcoming the fear of the unknown with God’s word 1:06:39 – Where you can go to connect with Pastor Chris Stephens Connect w/ Pastor Chris: Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
Ever wish you had more time to get stuff done? Time is a constant… the one thing we all get the same amount of each day no matter our level of success, wealth or determination to GSD. And for many, the feelings of overwhelm and anxiety has reached an all time due to the increasing speed of life. So, what can we do? In today’s episode, host Chris Wilson discusses the many strategies we can all apply in our lives to create more time, live our best lives and slow down time. (Insights based on an article he recently read). "I wish we could just press a giant red button and press pause to get done what's in front of us so that we could be prepared for the stuff that's coming." -Chris Wilson Time Stamps 00:00 – Do you wish time would slow down? 00:52 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 05:12 – Host Chris Wilson gives tips on how to slow down time 11:02 – Why time slows down when you’re traveling 13:43 – The power of breaking down your goals into manageable pieces 18:18 – Why are new experiences important to our lives? 22:28 – The magic of enjoying the sound of silence 24:40 - Chris on how journaling prompts to slow down time 29:38 – Why it’s important to capture those special moments 32:57 – The importance of giving yourself grace Resources: Episode based on this article Connect w/ Chris: Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
One thing is for sure, we are all designed differently. The definition of temperament: a person’s or animal’s nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior. In this façade-removing episode of the Strong By Design podcast show, guest Jared Haley and host Chris Wilson discuss what Jared refers to as the BIG ugly: Who we actually are and who we portray ourselves to be in the world. Both guys reveal their personal Enneagram test results and take a closer look at how to truly know ourselves on a deeper level and understand that God designed us all with a plan and a purpose… "As you learn about yourself, you learn what your weaknesses and strengths are so that you can develop and get better, and not so you can use it as an excuse." -Jared Haley Time Stamps 01:09 - Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 05:10 – Temperament: What is it and why it’s important to know your personality type 10:44 – Jared Haley and Chris Wilson on building better relationships by understanding personality types 16:38 – The Enneagram Personality Test: Jared and Chris talk about their experience 20:19 – Jared and Chris share the results of the Enneagram test 26:26 – Discover the 9 Enneagram personality types 34:28 – Advantages and disadvantages of learning your personality type 36:22 – Jared and Chris on our reactions towards others in stressful times 46:23 – Living behind a façade: Who are you, really? 50:12 – Why having a ‘safe space’ is important 57:16 – The power of admitting failure 1:00:03 – Jared and Chris on how to become the best version of yourself Connect w/ Jared: Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
From where we stand, things can "appear" to look better off in the distance. The famous saying ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ is often referred to by people pursuing interests other than the ones they’re currently involved with. However, in reality it’s more like the other famous phrase that goes like this, ‘good from afar but far from good’. Honestly, how well do we really know other people's stuff? Most people post their highlight reel life and not the day-to-day grind and frustrations but the image they want others to see. The grass from afar looks perfect, green and full. However, when you examine it up close you realize it's not so perfect, it's flawed, needs weeding, has dry patches and needs to be cared for just the same as the grass you're standing in. Remember, the enemy wants us looking backwards... but we are called to look to the present and the future. So, take care of the grass where you are and spend time focused on it. "The windshield is much larger than the rear window for a reason. Why? Because we need to see where we are headed, more than we need to see where we've been."- Chris Wilson Time Stamps 00:41 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 4:29 – Is the grass REALLY greener on the other side? 06:57 – Host Chris Wilson explores why do we compare ourselves to others 10:20 – What does the Bible say about the 'Grass is Greener" syndrome? 14:57 – The importance of living in the moment 16:14 – Chris on why you should focus on your own grass 18:49 – The power of gratitude 21:00 – Chris reads some great reviews from the listeners Connect w/ Chris: Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
“Real heroes are all around us. They face challenges with fear and grace.” Our special guest today on the Strong By Design podcast show is the embodiment of selflessness, courage, faith, and inspiration. “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” (Maya Angelou) Matthew Miller, also affectionately known as Superman, shares how God prepared him to do something BRAVE and HEROIC for the sister he prayed God would provide when he was a young boy. His story is inspiring, touching, and educational. Matt’s incredible story paints a beautiful picture of how God placed him on this earth to accomplish many tasks. One such task was to save his sister. God was developing him for a long time for a unique calling. When God calls, He fully equips you to accomplish His work and will for your life. You are in for a real treat as Jo Miller interviews her hero and husband Superman. We hope and pray you learn a lot, enjoy the episode, share the podcast, and give it a 5-star review. Thank you for your support. "She’s family, and I feel so blessed to have been in a position where we didn’t have to have her on the list and wait for months or years, hoping we could find a kidney.”-Matt 'Superman' Miller Time Stamps 01:20 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 02:41 - Get to know today’s special guest, Matt 'Superman' Miller 06:53 – Matt recalls his first meeting with his wife, Jo Miller 11:33 – What was life like for Matt before the kidney donation 20:03 – Matt shares his experience of the kidney donation process 25:28 – The emotional and mental health support before the surgery 27:35 – What makes him decide to donate his kidney 29:11 – Matt shares his precautions and preparations before kidney donation 37:06 – Discover the risks of becoming a living kidney donor 42:04 – Matt recounts the day of surgery 50:05 – Matt shares what recovery was like after a living kidney donation 58:08 – Matt on working out and lifting weights after the surgery 1:07:48 – Life after kidney donation: life changes and going forward 1:11:56 – Matt’s relationship with God after the kidney donation Resources Matt’s Website – Livefit.net Connect w/ Jo and Matt: Jo on Facebook Matt on Facebook Jo on Instagram Matt on Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
What is passion? And are you living a passion filled life? For our team here at Critical Bench we define passion this way… Passion is a deep love of who we are, what we do and who we serve. It is one of our 7 core values that guides us, leads us and creates the foundation for our purpose at work and in the world. Another important question to explore is, “Are you a slave to your work?” In this episode on SBD, coach Chris Wilson passionately discusses these questions and more based on an article he recently read in Forbes. Remember, you are not a robot, you were designed for greatness and passion is one of the keys to unlocking it. "When passion is fuelingwhat you do, you will naturally outwork and outlast your competitors." - Chris Wilson Time Stamps 00:00 – From TGIF to TGIM: Start looking forward to Monday 00:41 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 4:04 – Host Chris Wilson recounts the creation of the company’s core values 09:06 – Why PASSION is the key to success 14:12 – Do you lose yourself in your work? 17:20 – How PASSION sets you apart from your competitors 25:01 – Discover the 7 Keys to be ‘Strong By Design’ 26:02 – How can you identify your passion? Connect w/ Chris: Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com
Is all of the worry, tension and stress of life festering inside your body? How do we manage our emotional state from one day to the next? Without establishing healthy outlets to rid yourself of the anxiety of life you will spend your time treading water and fighting for air. Never happy, never content. Today on SBD coach Chris Wilson talks about the necessity of finding positive ways to deal with the stressors in life. Simple things all people can do to infuse joy and purpose in their lives. We must discover beneficial habits and routines that can revitalize us while squashing anxiety and worry. Chris covers 15 of his favorite life-giving ways to handle stress. "I think a lot of us let things overlap and we do a bad job of cutting things off... We let our work life interfere with our personal life." - Chris Wilson Time Stamps 00:52 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 2:01 – The importance of understanding and managing life’s stressors 5:09 – Discover the healthy ways ...
Baptism does not bring salvation. So then, why do believers in Jesus Christ as the Son of God get baptized? The concept of baptism seems so simple, get dunked under water by a church pastor and recognize Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But there are so many differing beliefs about ‘why’ we should or should not be baptized and when that should occur. Why do babies get baptized in many denominations of the Christian faith? And what are the three big reasons why adults should get baptized? On today’s SBD episode, our guest Jared Haley, pastor and video production specialist for Critical Bench, answers all of these common questions regarding baptism in the church. "Baptism is not for salvation... My decision to follow Jesusand my salvation, I have to be old enough to make that decision in my own heart and for my own life.Nobody can make that decision for me." -Jared Haley Time Stamps 00:00 – The power of walking in obedience to God 00:48 –Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design’ podcast 05:55 –Get to know today’s special guest, Jared Haley 07:40 – Jared shares his kids’ baptism experience 12:56 – Is Baptism necessary for salvation? 21:01 – Baby baptism vs. baby dedication: What’s the difference? 26:51 – The true meaning of Baptism 32:24 – Why was Jesus baptized? 34:08 – Jared on why you should get baptized 46:33 – Is baptism a public declaration of your Faith? Connect w/ Jared: Facebook Instagram Connect w/CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com