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Today on Strong By Design, we’re joined by Ben Velazquez, an award-winning strength and conditioning coach and one of the nation’s top experts in concussion recovery and corrective movement.

As the founder of Grey Matters Sports Group, Ben has worked with elite athletes from the MLB, NFL, and NHL — including legends like Mariano Rivera and Connor McDavid — helping them recover from injuries, correct imbalances, and extend their careers.

In this episode, Ben shares the science behind his five-tier concussion recovery system, reveals the most common movement imbalances that lead to injury, and explains how small corrections can create major performance breakthroughs. He also discusses what separates good athletes from great ones and why understanding the brain-body connection is essential for true athletic longevity.

If you want to move better, stay injury-free, and perform at your best for years to come, you will not want to miss this conversation.

Learn more about Ben’s work at benvelazquez.com

Time Stamps

01:02 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
02:42 – Join Coach Chris along with our special guest Ben Velazquez
04:00 – Sharing memories with their old friend & mentor Ben Prentiss
07:42 – Ben's memorable success from working with a pro athlete
11:47 – What inspired a career as a strength coach & movement specialist?
17:55 – What your body needs before getting stronger
23:53 – Comparing force production: Pro football vs Pro hockey
24:05 – #1 issue Ben sees with older high-level athletes
27:14 – Strength blueprint: Steps before targeting a body part
29:51 – Sharing insights about various elite athletes
45:24 – How teams and athletes often misjudge concussions or injuries
51:27 – Key factors to perform at your highest level
55:20 – What causes early retirement among athletes?
1:00:27 – Spotting and addressing concussions early in Youth sports
1:06:02 – The importance of combining postural and movement training
1:08:38 – Stay connected beyond the episode with Ben Velazquez
1:09:42 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast

Resources:

BenVelazquez.com

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When you look at what’s happening in the world today—wars, division, moral confusion—it’s hard not to wonder: Are we in the end times?

In this compelling and timely episode, hosts Jared Haley and Mike Westerdal dive into the fascinating world of Biblical prophecy and what Scripture says about the signs of the end. Drawing from the Book of Revelation, the teachings of Jesus, and other prophetic passages, they explore how ancient words may connect to the realities of our modern world—from global politics and technology to cultural shifts that blur the line between good and evil.

While opinions and interpretations vary, Jared and Mike’s goal isn’t to predict dates or feed fear—it’s to encourage awareness, faith, and readiness. Through clear, relatable discussion, they unpack complex theological ideas like the “mark of the beast,” the rebuilding of the Jewish temple, and the symbolism of the red heifer in a way that’s easy to follow and thought-provoking for believers and seekers alike. They also discuss how the Bible’s references to wars, rumors of wars, moral decay, and the rise of global governance might resonate with today’s headlines.

Most importantly, this conversation reminds listeners that Jesus’ message was never about fear, but about faithfulness, urgency, and hope. As Jared and Mike emphasize, no one knows the day or hour—but we are called to be ready. This episode challenges listeners to stay awake, stand firm, and live with purpose in uncertain times by following Christ boldly, sharing the Gospel, and living prepared for His return.

Time Stamps

00:16 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
00:40 - Join hosts Mike Westerdal & Jared Haley for today's special episode
01:10 - What exactly do people mean by 'End Times'?
04:45 - The unmistakable signs: Are we living in the last days?
05:55 – Diving into the Book of Revelation
12:22 - Unpacking the Biblical significance of the Third Shrine
19:00 – Uncovering the meaning of the Red Heifer in prophecy
23:50 - The dangers of the last days
29:53 - The true meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins
33:20 - In these last days, who will stand for the great commission?
39:55 - What is Christ’s 1,000-Year Reign?
45:13 - This episode's challenge: Read the Word!

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App

Connect with Mike:

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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Coach Chris Wilson continues his heartfelt discussion with Preston Ely, founder of Comeback Kings, diving even deeper into what it means to live a life of true purpose and faith.

Together, they unpack the struggles men face when measuring their worth by worldly standards and reveal how genuine strength comes only through surrender and identity in Christ.

Preston opens up about his biggest obsession, the birth of Comeback Kings, and how faith and success can coexist when Jesus remains at the center. Chris and Preston also explore the power of simplicity, the meaning of real character, and how doing good impacts the world around us.

The episode closes with a moving prayer and reflection — a reminder that we are all clay in the hands of the ultimate Maker, being shaped for His glory.

Time Stamps

00:53 – Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast!
01:17 – In Part 2, Coach Chris continues his candid and insightful discussion with special guest Preston Ely
05:33 – Years ago, what really measured a man’s worth?
08:43 – Preston’s biggest obsession revealed
14:14 – Success and faith: Can the two truly co-exist?
17:40 – The origin of Comeback Kings
20:46 – Learn the 7 core values of Critical Bench
25:03 – Understanding the two seasons of life
31:06 – Would you rather be a caricature of a character or have real character?
34:36 – Preston shares what physical fitness truly means to him
39:30 – How doing good changes the world around you
42:45 – Why simplicity speaks volumes
47:10 – Chris on the powerful biblical Claymaker story (Romans 9:19-23)
51:10 – Stay connected beyond the episode with Preston Ely
52:33 – A moment of reflection: closing prayer by Chris
53:56 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

Comeback Kings

Connect with Preston:

Instagram

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

Support the show

Connect w/ CriticalBench:

• Youtube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• CriticalBench.com
• StrongByDesignPodcast.com