Bad Knees? No Problem. Ironman Dad Phil Thompson on Grit, God, and Endurance

What does it take to be a high-performing athlete, a dedicated father of four, and a man of faith—without compromising any of it?In this inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Phil Thompson, an optometrist, father of four, and accomplished Ironman triathlete. Phil shares how endurance training became a tool not just for physical transformation—but for spiritual growth, fatherhood, and character development.From overcoming multiple knee surgeries to racing in full Ironman events while juggling work and family life, Phil’s story is a masterclass in discipline, faith, and grit.Whether you’re a parent struggling to find time for fitness, an aspiring triathlete, or someone just needing encouragement to keep going—this episode will remind you that you were made for more.🔥 Topics Covered:-How Phil went from hockey injuries to Ironman finishes-Building grit through endurance and how it reflects biblical faith-Using training to teach your kids how to overcome hard things-Time management secrets from a dad who trains 15–18 hours a week-Why the garage gym is a sacred family space-The spiritual power of not giving up—and how God meets us in the pain-Fueling for long races while showing up at work and home-“Take the pain to get rid of the pain”—a family mantra for grit⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:42 – Phil’s background, family life, and love for endurance sports04:32 – Why he started triathlon after hockey injuries09:56 – Raising boys, wrestling, and staying strong for your kids12:57 – How training as a dad is a different kind of discipline14:25 – Phil’s first sprint triathlon to first Ironman20:08 – Distances broken down: Sprint → Ironman23:55 – Recovery when you still have to be dad the next day26:54 – The why behind pushing through pain28:52 – “Take the pain to get rid of the pain” and other wisdom31:53 – Mindset shifts: “Is this an Ironman? No? Then I can do it.”34:29 – Chasing the sub-10-hour Ironman: goals & strategy36:48 – Fueling for performance & life beyond the race40:12 – Time management: making time, not finding it44:38 – Making fitness normal in the household46:34 – Active fatherhood as the ultimate fitness goal51:20 – Passing the torch to the next generation53:43 – Teaching kids pacing, resilience, and endurance55:46 – The role of faith in endurance training and parenting57:16 – Relying on God when there’s nothing left in the tank59:03 – Coaching new triathletes: “If I can do it, you can too.”01:00:16 – Why grit changes everything📣 Calls to Action:🎯 Ready to Get Stronger in Mind, Body, and Spirit?👉 Take the Faithful Fitness Assessment for just $7: https://BetterDaily.live🏋️‍♂️ Start Your Fitness Journey With Purpose → Join the Better Daily Beginner Series to lay a strong foundation: https://BetterDaily.live/beginner📕 Pre-Order the Devotional: Get your copy of Faithful Fitness: A 40-Day Devotional for Christian Fitness and Stewardship launching Sept 1, 2025. Visit https:/BetterDaily.live/devo📲 Follow Phil on Instagram: Connect and be inspired: https://instagram.com/HealthyEyes365 🎧Subscribe + Review the Podcast: If this conversation encouraged you, hit subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so others can find Faithful Fitness!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎧 Episode Title: Breaking the Chains of Disease: Healing, Hormones, and Holy Stewardship with Coach Amanda Jabczynski📝 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with Coach Amanda Jabczynski—also known as Coach AJ—a retired Navy veteran, homeschooling mom, and certified health coach with a transformative story of reclaiming her health and faith.Diagnosed with prediabetes after following a wellness protocol that was supposed to prevent it, Coach AJ found herself at a critical crossroads. Rather than succumbing to medication and generational patterns of illness, she turned toward a radically different approach—anchored in Scripture, rooted in fasting, and empowered by Christ.Together, Alex and Amanda explore:-How women’s bodies respond differently to fasting—and why fasting “like a girl” matters-What it means to put Christ at the center of your health journey-The tension between "vanity" vs. "ability" in modern fitness culture How Amanda broke generational cycles of disease and how you can too-The emotional and spiritual awakening of seeing yourself honestly, sometimes for the first time-Practical ways spouses can support one another in stewardship—not sabotageWhether you're battling burnout, managing hormones, or simply looking to realign your body with your beliefs, this conversation will bless, challenge, and inspire you.⏱️ Timestamps:[00:00] Intro, VBS chaos & migraine faithfulness[07:00] Meet Coach Amanda Jabczynski: Retired Navy, Mom of Two, Coach AJ[10:15] Her post-military health crash and the "Mandatory 10 lbs"[13:45] Discovering her prediabetic diagnosis while being a health coach[17:30] When your health program fails you: processed carbs and the fasting breakthrough[23:45] Fasting Like a Girl: Why female bodies need a different approach[26:30] Homeschooling, adolescence, and stewarding health while mothering teens[29:50] Her "Damascus Moment": Seeing the truth in a Facebook photo[33:00] Fasting vs Starving: Fueling well in a shorter window[37:15] Frankenfoods, real nourishment, and fasting as spiritual clarity[42:40] The link between mineral depletion, stress, and hormonal breakdown[46:00] Shifting from "vanity" to "ability": health that lasts to age 90[49:30] Your body is not your own: stewarding God’s temple[52:10] From diagnosis to destiny: Her decision to break the generational cycle[56:15] When a diagnosis becomes an identity—and why that’s not of God[57:50] Scripture is full of fitness wisdom—once you have eyes to see it[59:42] Amanda’s free resource: Mastering Your Insulin guide[1:03:00] How husbands can support the women in their lives well[1:07:15] Final prayer and blessing for Coach AJ, her ministry, and your journey📢 Featured Resource:🎁 Free Gift from Coach AJ:Download her free guide “Mastering Your Insulin” to learn how to balance blood sugar, fast effectively, and nourish your body with purpose. 👉 Get the Guide Here: https://fierce-mover-1157.kit.com/products/guide-to-mastering-your-insulin?promo=FF100📣 Calls to Action:✅ Enjoyed this conversation? Share it with a woman you love.✅ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.✅ Grab your copy of the upcoming Faithful Fitness Devotional → https://betterdaily.live/devo✅ Train Hard. Pray HARDER. Join our free Better Daily community → https://BetterDaily.liveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🔥 Episode Summary:In this power-packed episode, Coach Alex sits down with Ben Barker—husband, father of four, fitness coach, and host of Real Talk with Ben & Kim—to explore what it means to be a fit father who follows Christ.Their conversation weaves humor, hard-won wisdom, and raw encouragement for every man striving to lead his home with strength, humility, and purpose.Ben shares how his own fitness journey evolved from chasing performance to prioritizing presence—at home, in his community, and in his walk with Jesus. They dive deep into the spiritual conviction behind fitness, what it looks like to lead through play and service, and how the world is desperately hungry for present, powerful fathers.If you've ever wondered how to balance faith, fitness, and fatherhood—or you’re a dad who feels stuck on the sidelines—this episode will ignite your heart, convict your soul, and give you practical tools to get in the game.⏱️ Timestamps:1:06 – Ben’s introduction & fatherhood hilarity (pull-ups and sibling rivalries)4:54 – Warrior Kid stories and lighting the fire in our sons7:12 – Ben’s journey from fitness influencer to faith-centered leader11:32 – Wrestling with platform, purpose, and reaching both believers and skeptics16:51 – Serving in your community even when it’s inconvenient19:54 – Fitness as ministry: showing up for your kids and your neighborhood24:21 – The hunger for father figures in a fatherless generation35:22 – Encouragement for the dad who wants to get back in the game45:05 – “Mud Moments” that change everything (including Ben’s dad’s transformation)50:53 – Alex’s own defining dad bod moment53:10 – Balancing purpose and family without sacrificing either54:28 – Ben’s top fitness time hacks for busy dads58:00 – Why backyard dumbbells and kid chaos still count1:00:40 – The power of active family values & consistency over perfection1:02:13 – What Ben’s working on & how to connect with him1:05:14 – Big lifts, bigger lessons, and a prayer over the Barker family🙌 Key Takeaways:Fitness is service: Your strength isn’t for aesthetics—it’s for presence, play, and protection.Your kids need your body and your heart: Wrestling, running, and engaging physically are acts of love.Be the Neighborhood Alpha Dad: When dads show up strong, kids are safer and the community flourishes.Start where you are: You don’t need a perfect program—just consistency, humility, and the willingness to begin.Mud moments matter: When you realize “I wasn’t made to live like this,” change becomes possible.📣 Connect with Ben Barker:🏋️ Train Heroic Program Launching This Week! – A new, accessible strength program for dads.✉️ Subscribe to Ben’s Weekly Newsletter: BenBarkerFitness.com/contact Get workouts, recipes, and real encouragement straight to your inbox.🎙️ Listen to Ben & Kim’s Podcast: Real Talk with Ben & Kim — candid conversations on marriage, parenting, and following Christ.💪 Follow Ben on Instagram: @benbarkerfitness📌 Coach Alex’s Resources: 📖 Pre-Order the Faithful Fitness Devotional: A 40-Day Journey of Stewardship for Christians → https://betterdaily.live/devo🏋️‍♂️ Start Your Fitness Journey: Access the Better Daily Beginner Series → https://betterdaily.live/beginner🤝 Join the Community: Be part of a movement that trains hard and prays harder → https://BetterDaily.live 🙏 Final Word: You were never meant to live in the mud. God calls you to strength—not just of body, but of purpose. Whether you’re a dad in the game or longing to get back in, this episode is your rallying cry. Let it lift you. Then go lift something heavy.Until next time... Train hard. Pray harder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎙️ Episode Title: How Mitochondria, Mindset, & Faith Heal the Body | Dr. Bruce Cooper🔍 Episode Summary:In this profound and energizing episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten welcomes back one of his most beloved guests — Dr. Bruce Cooper.With over 25 years of experience in natural medicine, fitness, and functional health, Dr. Cooper shares his powerful journey from frustrated physical therapy hopeful to founder of Cooper Health Solutions, and now, PhD in Natural Medicine.Together, Alex and Bruce unpack the hidden drivers of chronic fatigue, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance—pointing listeners to the often-overlooked cellular level, specifically the role of mitochondria. But this isn't just about biochemistry.It's a call to take radical ownership of our health and reframe our mindset from victimhood to empowered stewardship. Anchoring their discussion in biblical truth, they explore how a joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22) and how faith can fuel transformation—physically, mentally, and spiritually.Whether you’ve been labeled by a diagnosis, feel stuck in cycles of dysfunction, or just want to optimize your energy and longevity, this episode delivers hope and practical wisdom rooted in both science and scripture.🧠 Topics Covered:-Dr. Bruce’s unexpected career path and the role of divine detours-What’s really behind the question: “Why do I feel like crap even when my labs are normal?”-Why mitochondrial health is foundational to vitality-The 3 types of stress (physiological, physical, psychological) and their hidden toll-How cellular detox and nervous system rebalancing can reset hormone function-The healing power of mindset and the danger of disease-based identity-Biblical encouragement for those carrying heavy health burdens-Integrating faith and functional medicine in a way that brings wholeness⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Intro and Dr. Cooper’s background 10:55 – From physical therapy rejection to tech to personal training to PhD20:16 – God's purpose through detours and suffering24:00 – Orthopedic surgery vs. lifestyle medicine: the deeper problem26:57 – “Why do I still feel terrible?” Cellular dysfunction explained30:00 – Mitochondria’s role in energy, immunity, and apoptosis35:00 – Toxins, stress, and mitochondrial damage40:57 – Dr. Bruce’s 3-Phase Healing Process: Detox → Nervous System → Hypothalamus Reset 48:54 – Don’t underestimate the power of mindset52:00 – Scripture, mindset, and health transformation57:36 – Don’t adopt a diagnosis as your identity1:01:26 – Carrying the cross of illness without letting it define you1:04:06 – Faith, optimism, and the Proverbs17:22 framework1:12:08 – Closing prayer and blessing📖 Key Scripture: Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.📣 Calls to Action:🔗 Get Your Copy of the Faithful Fitness Devotional Explore more mindset-shifting truths and practical faith + fitness guidance in Coach Alex’s devotional.Reserve your signed copy here: 👉 https://betterdaily.live/devo🌿 Connect with Dr. Bruce Cooper & Cooper Health Solutions Learn more about Bruce and Heidi’s work, their proprietary Hormone Triad Reset, and virtual healing programs:👉 https://www.instagram.com/cooperhealthsolutionsllc/ 🙌 Share This Episode If this conversation lifted your spirit or helped reframe your health journey, share it with someone who needs to hear it.📲 Tag @betterdaily.live and use #FaithfulFitness🎧 Subscribe + Review Help more people find this mission! Subscribe to the podcast and leave a raving review. It only takes a moment and means the world.Train Hard. Pray HARDERBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎙️ Episode Title: Is Your Fitness Journey Fueled by Grace—or Guilt? | Kasey Shuler📖 Episode Description:In this spirit-filled episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten welcomes Kasey Shuler—author, intuitive movement coach, and co-founder of Joyful Health Co—for a deep conversation on stewarding our health without falling into obsession. From learning to trust our post-fall bodies to intuitive eating, Christian obedience, and raising the next generation in grace-filled wellness, this episode is a must-listen for those seeking to integrate faith and fitness.🎧 What You’ll Hear:✔️Kasey’s powerful testimony from performance-driven fitness to grace-fueled health✔️The danger of idolizing health in the name of stewardship✔️Intuitive eating and how it reconnects us to God's provision✔️Why women especially struggle with trusting their bodies—and how theology can help✔️How movement serves as worship and builds resilience✔️Real-life examples of mindset transformation in fitness classes✔️A theology of the body and what it means to steward it well💡 Key Quotes:🗣️ “Obedience is giving your life away so you can save it through Christ.” – Kasey🗣️ “The body is simple. Not easy, but simple. The mind complicates things.” – Alex🔗 Resources & Links:📖 Grab Your Copy Of "FAITHFUL FITNESS" - Pre Order Now! https://betterdaily.live/devo📸Connect with Kasey: https://joyfulhealth.co📖Get her devotional emails: https://Joyfulhealth.co🎙️ Join our Better Daily Community → https://betterdaily.live/invite🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend.🛐 Until next time: Train hard. Pray harder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📌 Episode Summary:What does it take to be on mission for God? And how does physical fitness play a role in serving effectively?In this episode, I sit down with John David Smith, president of BMA Global Missions, to talk about his journey from boots-on-the-ground missionary to global leader, and how he integrates faith and fitness into his calling.We also discuss:✔️ What real mission work looks like beyond short-term trips✔️ How fitness enhances our ability to serve and lead✔️ Why he rode 500 miles to raise money for global missions✔️ The importance of long-term leadership development in missions✔️ How stewarding your body is an act of worship🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Grab Your Copy Of "FAITHFUL FITNESS" - Pre Order Now! https://betterdaily.live/devo🎙️ Check Out BMA's Mission Efforts! | https://bmaglobal.org/give/🎙️ Join our Better Daily Community → https://betterdaily.live/invite📢 Leave a Review & Subscribe! If this episode inspired you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your support helps spread this mission worldwide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎙️ Episode Title: When Medicine Failed, Faith Took Over- Dean Hall's Wild Cure What if the very waters you fear could become the waters that heal you?In this powerful episode, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Dean Hall—licensed therapist, bestselling author, two-time cancer survivor, and world-record endurance swimmer. From battling leukemia and grief to swimming 187 miles upstream as an act of radical healing, Dean’s story will shake you to your core.We talk faith, fatherhood, resilience, and the transformational power of God’s creation. Dean also shares about The Wild Cure, his approach to wilderness therapy, and how reconnecting with nature can restore mind, body, and spirit.In This Episode:-Dean’s testimony of faith and healing -The story behind his 187-mile river swim as a cancer patient-The difference between mountain and river mentality -Using movement to reclaim identity and restore health-NATURA: A new framework for holistic well-being-How to start your own “wild cure” wherever you are📖 Grab Your Copy Of "FAITHFUL FITNESS" - Pre Order Now! https://betterdaily.live/devo🛒 Grab The Wild Cure → https://amzn.to/42rkzdQ🌲 Learn more: thewildcureway.com📸 Follow Dean: @deanhallofficial🎙️ Join our Better Daily Community → https://betterdaily.live/invite Don’t forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs hope today.Until next time: Train hard… Pray harder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎙️ Episode Title: Manhood, Discipleship, And The 5% That Changes Everything With Steve Crawley 📌 Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Steve Crawley, the founder of MD5, to discuss a structured approach to biblical manhood that helps men focus on the 5% of life that only they can control. We break down the five F’s—Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Friendships—and how each plays a role in living a life of discipline, purpose, and stewardship.Topics Covered:✔️ How MD5 started and why discipleship is critical for men✔️ The eulogy exercise: Writing your legacy before it's too late✔️ Why most fitness goals are vanity without a spiritual foundation✔️ Practical steps to build a life plan centered on faith✔️ How financial stewardship is tied to spiritual growth✔️ The connection between fitness, faith, and long-term impact🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:📥 https://www.mdfive.org/📖 Grab Your Copy Of "FAITHFUL FITNESS" - Pre Order Now! https://betterdaily.live/devo🔥 Join the Better Daily community for daily health & fitness wins → https://betterdaily.live/invite 🙏 "Let’s train hard and pray harder!" Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs encouragement.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📢 Episode Summary: What if your workout was an act of worship? In this episode, we welcome Torie Lin, a faith-based fitness coach helping women break free from obsessing over or neglecting their bodies. Torie shares her personal journey from body image struggles to faith-filled fitness, how she overcame mom guilt, and practical steps for building sustainable health habits. 🔥 What You’ll Learn:✅ How fitness can be a form of worship and an act of stewardship✅ The balance between discipline and grace in health & faith✅ Overcoming mom guilt and prioritizing self-care without selfishness✅ The power of community & accountability in lasting health changes✅ How to be a light in the fitness industry, even in secular spaces 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:📖 Grab Your Copy Of "FAITHFUL FITNESS" - Pre Order Now! https://betterdaily.live/devo💡 Join Torie’s Coaching & Programs → torielinfitness.com🔥 Join the Better Daily community for daily health & fitness wins → https://betterdaily.live/invite🙏 "Let’s train hard and pray harder!" Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs encouragement.Intro Music - "Who We Want To Be" by Tom Day https://www.tomday.me/🎧 Watch the FULL interview on youtube here: https://youtu.be/fWFgKN-XkLE Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Pain is NOT just in your body—it’s in your brain. Dr. Deepak Ravindran, author of The Pain-Free Mindset, breaks down the science of pain, why movement is crucial for healing, and how small, consistent actions can retrain your nervous system for relief. 🔥In this episode: ✅ Why pain isn’t just about injuries—it’s about your brain’s interpretation ✅ How exercise, journaling, and community support rewire pain pathways ✅ The 7 key factors that influence chronic pain and recovery 💡 Resources & Links:📖 Get Your "FAITHFUL FITNESS" devotional! Pre-Order HERE: https://betterdaily.live/devo📖 Dr. Ravindran’s Book - "The Pain FREE MINDSET" → https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pain-Free-Mindset-Control-Overcoming-Chronic/dp/1785043390 📺 Follow Dr. Ravindran on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran🔥 Join the Better Daily community for daily health & fitness wins → https://betterdaily.live/invite 👉 LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE if this helped you understand pain better! 🎧 Watch full interview on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/KiZqIWQRbSIBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.