Stories of
Strength

This world is filled with heroes whose stories can inspire us all to achieve greatness. Stories of Strength tells the stories of some of the
world’s most amazing and inspirational individuals – showcasing strength, resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Join our host Jay Cardiello as he chats with guests who will motivate, uplift, and help you make a positive impact on the world. Presented by MuscleTech.

Episodes

Redefining Strength Through Technology with EB Samuels

Fitness Director for Men’s Health Magazine, Eb Samuels, talks about some of the challenges he has faced throughout his career, finding connections between his interests in technology and sports, and learn how Eb is redefining strength through his training and writing.

FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | 38:25 | S1:E12

Refusing to Submit with Torrie Wilson

Wrestling Hall-of-Famer Torrie Wilson talks about personal struggles, coming back from an injury, and advice for dealing with what life throws at you.

JANUARY 25, 2022 | 16:03 | S1:E11

Staying Calm and Motivated with Military Pilot Andrew Malcolm

Jay Cardiello is joined by model, author, and military attack pilot, Andrew Malcolm. Listen as they discuss how his strength was tested when he was deployed to Afghanistan, why he decided to become a pilot, how he learned the complexity of flying a helicopter, the importance of staying calm, staying humble, and getting enough sleep!

JANUARY 11, 2022 | 25:04 | S1:E10

Breaking Barriers with Erik Weihenmayer

On the newest episode of #StoriesofStrength, Jay talks with adventurer Erik Weihenmayer – a man who has conquered Mount Everest, and all of the Seven Summits – the world’s seven highest mountains – and has kayaked the entire 277-miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon – despite losing his sight at the young age of 13! Erik brings his “No Barriers” message to our podcast for an episode you will not want to miss!

OCTOBER 26, 2021 | 37:35 | S1:E9

Aiming For The Stars with Alyssa Carson

This week Jay Cardiello talks with Mars hopeful Alyssa Carson, who shares how she’s chasing her dreams of being first person on Mars.

OCTOBER 12, 2021 | 26:00 | S1:E8

ELLIE BLACK AND THE POWER OF POSITIVITY

This week on #StoriesOfStrength we have gymnast Ellie Black who tells us about how she was able to stay resilient while battling injuries in Tokyo.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 | 26:25 | S1:E7

Hope, Growth, and Mental Health with Gracie Gold

This week on a brand new episode of #StoriesOfStrength Gracie Gold tells her story and we learn about how mental health awareness is becoming more prevalent in the athletic community.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 | 39:00 | S1:E5

From the Locker Room to the Boardroom with Leslie Osborne

This week our host gets to chat with entrepreneur and former professional soccer player Leslie Osborne!

AUGUST 24, 2021 | 30:00 | S1:E4

Eric LeGrand Finds Light through Paralyzing Darkness

This week Jay sits down with former Rutgers University defensive tackle, Eric LeGrand. During the 2010 College Football season, Eric suffered a paralyzing injury that fractured his C3 and C4 cervical vertebrae.

AUGUST 10, 2021 | 29:00 | S1:E3

Sky’s the Limit with Jessica Cox

This week our host Jay Cardiello is joined by Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot. Jessica was born with a rare birth defect that left her without arms.

JULY 27, 2021 | 26:00 | S1:E2

Ryan Hall and Facing Down Challenges

The struggles Ryan Hall went through when facing injuries and retirement, and what it took for him to turn around into the athlete that he is today….

JULY 13, 2021 | 37:48 | S1:E1

Inspirational tales that redefine strength

JUNE 23, 2021 | 00:54 | S1:TRAILER

Re-Inventing Yourself with Klarity

This time on Stories Of Strength, Jay is joined by a man with many talents – actor, comedian, and entrepreneur, Greg Davis Jr. – also known as Klarity! Klarity was one of the pioneers of short form internet comedy, amassing over 4 million followers on the original Vine app. From growing up in a tough neighborhood in Orlando, to working his way up in Los Angeles while trying to break out in entertainment, Klarity has seen it all. He sits down with Jay to share his enthralling journey, how he bounced back after Vine shut down and how he’s kept reinventing himself to achieve his dreams.

January 3, 2023 | 39:59 | S2:E14

The Journey of Believing with Michael LewiS

On this episode of Stories Of Strength, Jay is joined by former NFL Wide receiver and Return Specialist who is currently the Team Ambassador of the New Orleans Saints, Michael “Beer Man” Lewis! Despite only playing football his freshman year of high school, Michael found great success playing flag-football in his early twenties while also working as a Budweiser truck driver. Before long, Michael was making his way through the various semi-professional football leagues throughout the country and getting invited to numerous Pro-Camps before making it to the NFL. Michael sits down with Jay to share his exciting journey from flag-football to becoming a New Orleans Saints Hall Of Famer, and so much more.

December 6, 2022 | 29:02 | S2:E13

The Evolution of Recovery with Dr. Jason Wersland

On this episode of Stories Of Strength, Jay is joined by the CEO, Founder, and Chief Wellness Officer of Therabody, Dr. Jason Wersland! Therabody is a leading global wellness tech company rooted in science and technology. Their most well known product, the Theragun, is no stranger to the internet and has popped up repeatedly on social media in recent years, showcased by celebrities, professional athletes, and everyone in between. Dr. Wersland joins Jay to share his journey from a practicing chiropractor to an entrepreneur and discuss the growth and ongoing innovation of his wellness tech company.

November 22, 2022 | 27:18 | S2:E12

Entrepreneurship to Create Change with Jordan Greenfiled

On this episode of Stories Of Strength, brought to you by MuscleTech, host Jay Cardiello is joined by Jordan Greenfield, an Entrepreneur and the Founder of ‘Hoo.be,’ a creator-first, invite-only platform that helps creators stand out in the crowded digital world. He is also the founder of several other companies, one of which strives to help gen-z and millennials make a difference in the world, not to mention Jordan was also at one time a Professional Lacrosse player. He joins Jay to share his story and discuss how he is trying to make a difference for the next generation.

November 8, 2022 | 29:55 | S2:E11

Redefining Strength with Ellie Gonsalves

On this episode of Stories Of Strength, Jay is joined by Model, Actress, Entrepreneur, and Wildlife Warriors Ambassador, Ellie Gonsalves! Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, Ellie is an accomplished entrepreneur and the Co-Founder of athleisure brand, 9186 Collective, as well as the NFT project ‘Crypto Girl Originals & Crypto Girl Collectables’ with her partner Ross Scutts. She sits down with Jay to share her story, talk about her definition of strength, coping with the suicide of a loved one, and even gives some insight into how she’s become so successful in all of her pursuits. Disclaimer: This episode deals with the topic of suicide.

October 25, 2022 | 42:47 | S2:E10

Injury & Healing On and Off the Field with Jesse Kriel

Back in 2019, just a few months before the Rugby World Cup, Jesse Kriel had to undergo ankle surgery and then work tirelessly to recover in time for the competition, only to then injure his hamstring in the opening game, forcing him to the sidelines where watched his South African teammates go on to win the title without him. Since then he’s become a symbol of strength and recovery in the face of adversity and joins Jay Cardiello to talk all about his amazing journey and what it means to never give up.

October 11, 2022 | 37:31 | S2:E9

The Power of Transformation with Ethan Suplee

Best known for his roles in the films American History X, Remember the Titans, John Q, The Wolf of Wall Street, Without a Paddle, and several of Kevin Smith’s films, as well as television hits like Boy Meets World and My Name Is Earl. Actor Ethan Suplee was just 24 years old in 2001 when he found himself standing on a freight scale at a shipping center as part of a humiliating detour before checking into a treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction. Since then he’s become an icon of recovery and transformation and sits down with Jay Cardiello to talk all about his incredible journey, the importance of getting help, and what it means to be an inspiration to others.

September 27, 2022 | 33:30 | S2:E8

The Road to Recover with Shaun Weiss

On this week’s episode of Stories Of Strength, our host Jay Cardiello speaks with someone who is continually inspiring and helping others. Joining us is Shaun Weiss, who you might remember as Greg Goldberg in the 1992 Disney Comedy the Mighty Ducks. Shaun hasn’t had an easy go at life since his stint as a child star, having grappled with addiction. Despite this, Shaun is on the path to recovery and joins Jay to share his story and hopefully inspire others to find help and achieve recovery.

September 13, 2022 | 52:03 | S2:E7

Building Positive Mental Health with Jessie Godderz

This week on Stories Of Strength, our host Jay Cardiello is joined by a truly inspirational person, one of the youngest 2-sport professional athletes in history with bodybuilding and wrestling. It’s Mr. Pec-Tacular himself, Jessie Godderz! Jessie is on the show to share the story of his journey and discuss mental health awareness as an athlete. Hear about how he got his start and what inspired him to become a two sport professional athlete. Not to mention, you’ll get to learn first hand how mental strength and mental health play a role in competing as a professional, and how those things are starting to be addressed more and more today in the athletic community.

August 30, 2022 | 47:08 | S2:E6

Celebrating Women in Business with Susan Walvius and Michelle Marciniak

On this episode of Stories Of Strength, we are celebrating women in business, some of their amazing achievements, as well as some of the ways they are pushing the boundaries. Our host Jay Cardiello speaks with two women who are transforming their love of athletics and comfort into a business and pursuing their dreams off of the court, Susan Walvius and Michelle Marciniak. After Coaching Division 1 basketball for 21 years, and experiencing the evolution of fabrics in athletic wear, Susan and Michelle had the idea to make bedding and sleepwear out of athletic performance fabrics to optimize sleep quality, in the same way athletic apparel keeps you cool, dry and more comfortable. The duo are here to share their story and give a little bit of insight into how they made the transition from athletics to business.

August 16, 2022 | 44:36 | S2:E5

Breaking Barriers with Merryl Tengesdal

On this episode of Stories Of Strength, our host Jay Cardiello sits down with Merryl Tengesdal, a retired Air Force Colonel who was the first and only African-American woman to fly the United States Air Force’s U-2 spy plane. Born in the Bronx and raised by a single mother, Tengesdal was obsessed with Star Trek and exploring the final frontier. Hear about how her love of space, Captain Kirk and adventure has led her down a path of breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way. The duo discuss overcoming obstacles, self reliance and resilience. Learn about her journey after the Air Force as well, becoming a fitness professional and helping others pursue their own goal of strength. 

August 2, 2022 | 35:18 | S2:E4

Enduring Difficult Times with US Army Ranger Jeff Struecker

Jeff Struecker is an author, pastor, and United States Army Ranger Hall of Famer whose involvement in ‘The Battle of Mogadishu’ in 1993 was portrayed in the movie Black Hawk Down. Today, Jeff joins host Jay Cardiello on Stories of Strength to discuss his definition of strength, what it is like to come to terms with dying, and much more. The pair speak about Jeff overcoming a crippling fear he had, and Jeff tells the story of how he ended up enlisting for the hardest job in the Army. Jeff talks about the Battle of Mogadishu and his mindset during that night, as well as some of the other battles he fought in and how they tested his resilience. Listen as Jeff recounts the moment he realized his career was becoming greater than his faith, and how he was inspired to use his experiences to serve others through the church once he retired from the Army. Jeff discusses the military lessons that make great civilian leaders and how listeners can find strength during difficult times. Plus, Jeff talks about the process of writing his award-winning books and starting his podcast, Unbeatable.

July 19, 2022 | 30:55 | S2:E3

Believing in Yourself with Lorraine Ugen

Lorraine Ugen is a professional athlete, business owner and the current British Long Jump record holder. Lorraine joins Jay Cardiello to chat about her experience as an athlete and discuss the impact sponsorships have on competing. Hear about her experience with starting her own clothing brand, called Unsigned, to sponsor herself and raise awareness and support for other unsponsored professional athletes.

JULY 5, 2022 | 43:04 | S2:E2

The Power to Stand with Chris Norton

Jay Cardiello speaks with Chris Norton, former American football defensive back who was paralyzed due to a tackle during the game. Despite being given 3% chance of ever regaining movement below the neck, he has continued to recover some sensation and mobility throughout his body. Chris discusses his journey what he is doing to uplift and motivate others who face similar situations.

JUNE 21, 2022 | 39:28 | S2:E1

Jay Cardiello

Jay Cardiello

HOST

Jay Cardiello is one of the most sought after and recognized health and wellness professionals in the world. He’s a strength and conditioning specialist to celebrities and professional athletes, a regular contributor to leading media outlets, a TEDx speaker and a published author.

Jay has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Sofia Vergara, Julianne Hough, Kevin Love, Minka Kelly and teams in the MLB and NFL. He is the former Fitness Editor at Large for Shape, a regular contributor to Men’s Fitness, Star and OK! magazines, and a member of the Advisory Board for Muscle & Fitness.

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