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What if the key to a healthier, sharper brain wasn’t a pill or a special diet—but simply getting up and moving your body every day?

In this episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with Dr. Charles Hillman, a world-renowned expert in cognitive neuroscience, exercise science, and neurocognitive kinesiology. Dr. Hillman has dedicated his career to understanding how physical activity affects brain function and cognitive performance, especially in children and older adults.

Their conversation explores how movement shapes the brain across the lifespan, from childhood to old age. Dr. Hillman shares groundbreaking research—like how fit kids have larger hippocampal volumes and stronger memory skills, and how lifelong activity can help protect against age-related cognitive decline.

He also discusses how a sedentary lifestyle can harm both physical and cognitive health, why schools need to prioritize physical education, and how parents can create movement-rich environments at home to support their kids’ brain development. Dr. Hillman’s work has even influenced U.S. public health policy through the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, showing that staying active isn’t just good for the body—it’s essential for brain health and lifelong learning.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to stay sharp, feel energized, and keep their brain and body healthy for years to come.

Time Stamps

00:39 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:24 – Join Coach Chris Wilson with special guest, Dr Charles Hillman
04:34 – How Dr. Charles (Chuck) developed his fascination with the brain
12:30 – Coach Chris shares his passion for fitness and health
14:25 – How early-life activities influence the way we age
18:49 – What is the main reason many people don’t exercise?
22:08 – Learn about the health risks of being out of shape
26:51 – Our lack of emphasis on physical activity and physical education
31:26 – How other countries prioritize physical activity and health
36:04 – How physical movement influences key areas of brain function
40:45 – Chuck talks about sports and the study of movement
49:14 – Can your body easily bounce back after years without exercise?
54:50 – Benefits of being physically active as a family
59:33 – Please share and leave ratings and reviews for the SBD podcast!

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Resources:

TEDx Talk - How lifelong movement supports your brain - Christopher Wilson

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Northeastern University College of Science

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In this episode, elite coach Eric Mitchell shares his journey from struggling athlete to world-class performance coach, revealing the life-changing lessons he learned along the way. From the heartbreak of losing his father to the breakthrough of finding faith, Eric’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless service to others.

Discover how his “Tsunami Effect” coaching method helps high performers conquer fear, anxiety, and self-doubt before they become overwhelming. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone seeking a fresh start, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom.

Eric is a performance coach and leadership strategist with over three decades of experience helping athletes, executives, and educators overcome mental and physical barriers.

As the founder of The Tsunami Effect Coaching, he equips high performers to conquer fear, anxiety, depression, and frustration before they derail success. With a background spanning NFL combine training, youth performance academies, and corporate leadership, Mitchell’s transformative methods have impacted both fitness professionals and business leaders.

Time Stamps

01:00 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
01:24 – Join Jo Miller along with our special guest, Coach Eric Mitchell
02:29 – Eric shares his cultural experience and why he loves the team
05:07 – How Eric learned to be both approachable and tough
07:28 – A quick snapshot of who Coach Eric is and what he does
10:39 – Amazing story about how Eric got started as a coach
14:29 – Eric shares how he launched the Speed School
17:20 – Jo recalls a nice memory of her manager
18:54 – Eric explains what sets a trainer apart from a coach
23:00 – What coaching 'really' means, according to Eric
27:35 – What exactly is the Parisi Speed School?
31:17 – Jo shares about LifeBridge Health & Fitness and its community
36:10 – Eric receives the 'Loving Your Neighbor More Than Yourself' award
39:10 – The importance of story time in training – Eric shares his perspective
44:00 – What Eric does to stay in top shape
50:10 – Insights about how coaches confront players
52:47 – Eric opens up about what’s been happening in his life lately
59:01 – What the 'Tsunami Effect' Coaching is all about
1:05:09 – Looking ahead: Eric’s vision and next steps
1:08:46 – Jo talks about the vision board her husband Matt created
1:12:33 – How to stay connected with Coach Eric Mitchell
1:13:49 – Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

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Parisi Speed School

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In this heartwarming episode, Coach Chris Wilson sits down with entertainer and comedian Danny Adams, a man who has been bringing joy to audiences for over 30 years. Danny shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams of showbiz to starring in the faith-based kids’ show, Iggy & Mr. Kirk.

Danny believes that laughter is one of the greatest medicines—not just for kids, but for adults too. Together, Chris and Danny explore the transformative power of humor, the importance of faith-based media, and the unique challenges and rewards of creating a show that is both fun and meaningful for the next generation.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this conversation will leave you smiling—and maybe even feeling a little more hopeful about the world we are shaping for our kids.

Time Stamps

00:49 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast!
03:00 – Meet today’s special guest, Danny Adams
05:51 – How Danny got started in show business
09:03 – What brought Danny to Los Angeles as an adult
09:50 – What Danny is up to with his show now
11:50 – Chris and Danny talk about cherished moments of laughter
14:06 – The moment young Danny knew this was his life’s calling
18:07 – What laughter really does for the heart, mind, and soul
19:33 – Behind the scenes of "Iggy and Mr. Kirk"
22:29 – Danny reveals how he was chosen for the show
25:50 – Danny highlights what we learn in each episode
28:28 – Chris talks about a previous episode featuring Kirk Cameron
34:02 – Danny shares feedback from others about the show
36:26 – Explanation of how the team brings the puppets to life
39:06 – Find out where to stream the episodes and full season
41:42 – Danny shares some insight into their household
43:22 – How to stay connected with Danny Adams
44:40 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

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Resources:

Watch Iggy and Mr. Kirk on BRAVE+

Danny Adams Testimonial Reel

Check out BRAVE Books

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