When Your Body Says Something’s Wrong: Faith, Hormones, and Healing with Heidi Cooper

🌟 Episode SummaryMany believers know the frustration of “doing everything right”—clean eating, consistent exercise, even regular doctor visits—yet still feeling exhausted, foggy, or unwell. Why does this happen? And what can you do about it?In this episode, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Functional Medicine Practitioner Heidi Cooper, co-founder of Cooper Health Solutions, to uncover why conventional medicine often misses the root of the problem and how God designed our bodies to heal when we steward them well. Heidi shares her personal testimony of battling autoimmune thyroid disease, chronic fatigue, and weight gain—while being dismissed by traditional doctors.Her journey of suffering not only drew her closer to Christ but also ignited her mission to help others overcome hormone imbalances, brain fog, and energy crashes.Together, Alex and Heidi explore:-Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean you’re healthy-The crucial differences between conventional (branches) and functional (roots) medicine-How toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices influence epigenetics and chronic illness-The spiritual cost of poor health—and how it keeps believers from fully living their calling-Practical steps to restore energy, balance hormones, and walk in freedom-Whether you’re discouraged by your own health struggles or curious how faith and functional medicine intersect, this conversation offers both hope and a roadmap forward.👉 Be sure to grab Heidi’s Brain and Hormone Optimization Guide (link in the show notes) for your next steps.🕑 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome & prayer5:40 – Meet Heidi Cooper – Her background & mission13:30 – Heidi’s valley & testimony – From Hashimoto’s to healing21:00 – Why you still feel crummy when “labs are fine”28:15 – Pain to purpose – How suffering deepened her walk with God33:00 – Stewardship, bondage, and health in the church40:20 – Brain & Hormone Optimization Guide – Practical tools for listeners43:30 – Starting with Cooper Health Solutions – Assessments & labs49:40 – Conventional vs. functional medicine – Alex’s “tree” metaphor57:10 – Stewardship costs & investments – Eggs vs. Lucky Charms lesson1:01:30 – Living differently from the world – Joshua’s declaration applied to health1:03:20 – Speaking to the discouraged listener – Heidi’s heartfelt encouragement1:04:30 – Virtual coaching & resources – How to connect with Heidi 1:05:20 – Closing prayer & blessingShow Resources: Visit https//:BetterDaily.live/devo to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional👥 Join our Better Daily community: https://betterdaily.live/invite Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitness🙌 Connect with HeidiFree Resource: https://get.cooperhealthsolutions.com/brain-and-hormone-ebookCooper Health Solutions: https://cooperhealthsolutions.com/Follow Heidi on social media: https://www.instagram.com/skinsideout_heidicooper/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Episode Summary:When life hits harder than you ever imagined, how do you keep moving forward?In this powerful conversation, Coach Alex Van Houten sits down with martial artist, author, and fellow believer DK Kang — a man who has walked through job loss, financial strain, and his wife’s battle with cancer, yet discovered how mindset became his lifeline.Drawing from his book Mindset Metamorphosis, DK unpacks what it means to shift from a fixed mindset (“I’ll never be good enough”) to a growth mindset rooted in God’s truth and daily choices. Together, Alex and DK explore:-How reframing negative self-talk can transform despair into hope.-Why saying no creates space for stewardship, health, and family.-The biblical foundation of mindset renewal in Romans 12 and Philippians-Martial arts lessons, Spartan race grit, and even Dragon Ball Z wisdom.By the end, you’ll see why mindset isn’t just psychology or motivation — it’s spiritual stewardship. Whether you’re fighting battles in your health, relationships, or faith, DK’s story will inspire you to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep trusting God with your next step.Key Themes & Timestamps:[0:00] Mindset as martial arts training for the soul[6:30] Dragon Ball Z, Jackie Chan, and the fight scenes that shaped DK[10:50] Why mindset became DK’s lifeline through cancer and job loss[15:00] Fixed vs. growth mindset — the biblical perspective[20:00] Reframing negative self-talk through journaling and faith[33:00] How “die trying” became a breakthrough moment[39:00] Spartan races, grit, and the power of repetition[43:00] Lessons from Job and encountering God in suffering[51:00] Why saying no is essential to stewardship[58:00] Why Vegeta (not Goku) is DK’s favorite character — and what that reveals about redemption [1:05:00] Final encouragement: start small, pray harder, and keep growingShow Resources: Visit https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitness Take a look at Mindset-Metamorphosis here: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Metamorphosis-practical-transformative-mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJC1W8H3Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📖 Episode SummaryWhat does it mean to steward your body as a temple when you're also shepherding a congregation? In this powerful conversation, Pastor and Revelation Wellness instructor Wes Scheu (pronounced "Shoy") joins Coach Alex VanHouten to explore the deep intersection of faith and fitness—and why the Church cannot afford to stay silent about it.As a husband, father, and leader in both pastoral ministry and the health coaching world, Wes brings a rare blend of biblical wisdom, theological depth, and real-life practicality. Together, he and Alex discuss why physical stewardship isn’t about vanity, but availability—why God created us not just with bodies, but for embodied living in relationship with Him.They explore what it means to bear God's image, how the enemy attacks our view of the body, and why the Church must reclaim holistic discipleship that includes our physical health. This episode also gives listeners a glimpse into Alex’s new Faithful Fitness Devotional, including why healing your relationship with your body begins with Truth, not trends. Whether you’re a pastor wondering how to care for your flock without burning out—or a believer trying to align your health habits with your walk with Christ—this episode will challenge and equip you.🔍 Main Discussion Themes-Why most pastors neglect physical health—and what changes when they don’t-What it means to be made in God's image bodily, not just spiritually-How fitness becomes a tool for freedom, not self-focus-The role of movement in spiritual and emotional healing-Lies the enemy tells about the body—and how to fight them with truth-Insights from the Faithful Fitness Devotional on stewarding the temple-Practical encouragement for busy believers to prioritize health⏱ Timestamped Outline00:00 – 03:32 – Intro & why Wes stands out as a pastor who embraces fitness03:33 – 09:15 – Wes’s testimony: how pastoral ministry led to coaching at Revelation Wellness 09:16 – 15:04 – Why the Church has to reclaim the body as part of discipleship15:05 – 20:42 – What “made in God’s image” really means for your physical body20:43 – 27:55 – Lies the enemy tells about health, shame, and body stewardship27:56 – 34:10 – Why movement is medicine—Wes’s definition of “fitness”34:11 – 40:05 – The cost of not stewarding your health in ministry or parenthood40:06 – 45:15 – Practical rhythms, real struggles, and Wes’s own habits of discipline45:16 – 49:47 – Sneak peek into the Faithful Fitness Devotional: healing starts with Truth49:48 – 54:10 – Final encouragement: you don’t need to be perfect to be faithful54:11 – END – Resources, prayer, and closing with “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”📣 Suggested Calls to Action🙏 Download your copy of the Faithful Fitness Devotional: https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com💪 Explore Revelation Wellness training and free tools: revelationwellness.org/resources🎧 Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for weekly conversations that blend science, Scripture, and sweat👥 Join our Better Daily community: https://betterdaily.live/inviteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Episode Summary:What if every mile you ran was a prayer for a sick child? In this deeply inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with ultra-endurance athlete and founder of the Praying Ninja Warrior Foundation, Nick Apicella.Together, they explore how prayer, suffering, and radical endurance can become powerful expressions of faith, love, and support for children facing life-threatening illness. Nick shares his recent completion of the grueling Tahoe 200—a 200-mile ultra-marathon run in honor of over 900 children battling cancer and rare diseases.But this isn’t about medals or personal records. It’s about sacrifice. It's about holding space for suffering. It's about carrying the weight of grief, hope, and intercession with every step. Listeners will hear raw stories of loss and healing, including families impacted by pediatric cancer, the miracle of a unified praying community, and how prayer itself can draw us into deeper dependence on God—even when the outcome isn't what we hoped.Main Discussion Themes: The spiritual and physical burden of running 200 miles in intercession Founding Praying Ninja Warrior Foundation to support families of sick children When prayer doesn’t “work” the way we want—and how faith still holds Biblical endurance: running with perseverance the race set before us (Hebrews 12) Why suffering isn’t the end of the story for those in Christ The September 20th race and how to join virtually or in person Carrying hope, grief, and God’s love through action⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline00:00 – Intro & Nick’s 1 a.m. hill runs before a 3 a.m. shift06:00 – Running 100 miles in prayer: the birth of Praying Ninja Warrior11:00 – Stories from the field: prayers that changed lives—and saved them17:00 – The Tahoe 200: what it is, why it matters, how God led24:00 – Mentors, pacers, and divine encounters along the trail30:00 – Physical preparation meets spiritual warfare: pain, pacing, and provision36:00 – Losing children, loving families: grief and hope as intercession42:00 – Alex shares Izzy’s story and how grief led him to faith49:00 – What it means to walk in suffering with God54:00 – The September 20th 5K and Half Marathon: how to join and why it matters57:00 – Rapid fire: blisters, tacos, Tahoe lung, and divine recovery61:00 – Hebrews 12 and the “cloud of witnesses” who carried Nick through66:00 – Prayer, benediction, and a call to run with purposeShow Resources: Visit  https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional Race Signup: September 20th (5K / Half Marathon / Virtual) - Praying Ninja Warrior Benefit Race  Can't make it in person? Register for the virtual race and run wherever you are! https://www.prayingninjawarrior.com/ Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitnessBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Episode SummaryIn this inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Casey Ruff—longtime trainer, host of Boundless Body Radio, and outspoken advocate for low-carb, keto, and carnivore nutrition.From his early days in the corporate gym world to building his own business during the chaos of 2020, Casey shares how a crisis pushed him to rethink health, career, and the way he serves clients. Casey opens up about his journey into ketogenic and carnivore eating, the science and case studies that convinced him, and the surprising mental health benefits—what he calls “carnivore zen.”Together, Alex and Casey explore the deep connection between faith, discipline, and stewardship of the body, even when their traditions differ. This conversation goes beyond macros and reps. They discuss the “noob phase” of fitness, how to navigate the indoctrination of nutrition dogma, and the spiritual nature of helping others reclaim health.From client success stories to reflections on resilience, this episode challenges you to consider not just what you eat or how you train—but why. Whether you’re curious about carnivore, looking for encouragement on your own health journey, or seeking to connect your physical stewardship with a deeper purpose, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Main Discussion Themes:-The origin story of Boundless Body Radio and building a business during --COVID-19-Casey’s transition into keto and carnivore nutrition—and why it stuck-The “carnivore zen” effect and the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry-Why nutrition can feel like a belief system—and how to keep it client-focused-The parallels between starting a podcast and starting a fitness journey-The spiritual and relational depth of personal training and coaching-Faith as a driver for perseverance and purposeful healthTimestamped Outline00:00 – Lighthearted opening, podcast swap banter01:18 – Episode trajectory and topics preview03:07 – Casey’s background and the launch of Boundless Body Radio05:39 – Leaving the corporate gym world during COVID07:46 – Starting a business and committing to consistent podcasting10:05 – The learning curve of podcasting and parallels to fitness growth17:03 – Casey’s “noob phase” in keto and carnivore nutrition20:57 – Discovering ketosis, client transformations, and mental health benefits23:23 – First carnivore experiment and experiencing “carnivore zen”25:42 – Metabolic psychiatry and reversing severe mental disorders27:04 – Nutrition as “indoctrination” and why belief systems form around diet31:36 – Human omnivory, nutrient density, and plant compound considerations36:11 – The long-term proof of a nutritional approach (“you will know them by their fruits”)38:34 – The real driver behind client coaching—agency and transformation43:08 – Removing the body as an obstacle to living fully45:09 – Spiritual depth in Casey’s work and ritual in coaching49:18 – Why AI won’t replace personal coaching50:48 – Guest resources and connecting with Casey52:55 – Casey’s reflections on the Christian faith55:19 – Closing encouragement and prayerIf this resonated, you should:-Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast on your favorite platform-Check out the Faithful Fitness Devotional for deeper integration of faith and health – https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com-Join the Better Daily community app for coaching, resources, and accountability – https://betterdaily.live/inviteruFeatured Guest Resources:-Website: myboundlessbody.com-Boundless Body Radio Podcast: Available on all major platforms-Free nutrition seminar resources: Available via the Boundless Body website-Complimentary 30-minute consultation: Book directly through the “Book Now” button on websiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎧 Episode Title Raising Warriors: Faith, Fitness, and the Fight for Our Youth How the Power In Me movement is awakening identity, healing, and purpose📖 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Melanie Thurnau and Nathan Remole—co-leaders of the Power In Me ministry and creators of Missouri’s largest youth obstacle course event, the Warrior Course.What started as a grief-stricken mother's obedience to God has grown into a transformative movement to restore identity, confidence, and calling in today’s youth. Melanie shares how multiple child losses and spiritual depression forged in her a fire to fight the enemy’s lies with truth—truth about the body, about purpose, and about God’s love.Nathan, a licensed Christian counselor, brings deep insight into how trauma, broken relationships, and lack of movement are robbing a generation of their God-given identity—and how movement as medicine can help.Together, they unpack why fitness and faith are inseparable in this fight, how The Warrior Course has impacted hundreds of youth and families, and how churches can move beyond the walls to meet people in their battle zones—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.This conversation is a call to arms for parents, pastors, and leaders who are tired of watching young people flounder in confusion and shame. It’s also a beautiful testimony to how God brings beauty from ashes and uses everyday believers to spark revival—one obstacle, one prayer, one redeemed life at a time.🔍 Main Discussion Themes -Why the Warrior Course was born from suffering—and why that matters-Teaching youth confidence through identity in Christ and embodied truth-How movement and challenge restore dignity, agency, and healing-Connecting modesty, wellness, and spiritual warfare-Why churches must break outside the walls to meet real needs-The power of equipping “quiet conversations” around hush-hush issues-Reclaiming fitness as ministry for the next generation⏱ Timestamped Outline00:00 – 03:15 – Intro: Why this conversation matters for Christian families and youth03:16 – 08:49 – Melanie’s story: loss, depression, and the seed of Power In Me08:50 – 13:55 – Nate’s heart for family healing and restoring relationships13:56 – 19:18 – What is the Warrior Course and how it impacts youth spiritually and physically 19:19 – 24:34 – Why confidence must come from Who made you, not performance24:35 – 29:55 – The role of physical hardship in overcoming spiritual strongholds29:56 – 35:42 – What churches are missing when they separate wellness from worship35:43 – 42:07 – Stories of healing, tears, and transformation on the course42:08 – 47:26 – Practical ways to get involved and bring Warrior Course to your city47:27 – END – Final encouragement + resources, prayer, and “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”📣 Suggested Calls to Action💥 Want to walk through spiritual and physical restoration yourself? Grab the Faithful Fitness Devotional: https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com🙌 Get Tickets For The Warrior Course: https://www.itickets.com/events/483508.html Learn More About The Power In Me Movement: powerinmeconference.com🧠 Explore Christian counseling with Nate: oakringscounseling.com🎧 Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast for more interviews at the intersection of faith and embodied stewardship👥 Join our growing community at: https://betterdaily.live/inviteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📖 Episode SummaryIn this solo episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast*, Coach Alex VanHouten tackles one of today’s most controversial health trends: the rise of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and ZepBound. As a faith-based health coach and exercise scientist, Alex unpacks the science behind peptides—what they are, how they work, and the pros and cons of using them in a health journey rooted in stewardship and discipleship.But more importantly, this conversation goes deeper than biology and brand names. Should Christians be using these drugs? Can they be tools of stewardship—or are they shortcuts that skip the spiritual transformation required in our walk with God?You’ll learn what peptides do in the body, how they impact satiety, insulin response, and lean muscle mass—and why none of that matters if you haven’t laid a strong foundation first. With biblical encouragement and practical wisdom, Alex walks listeners through three critical prerequisites before considering these drugs: consistent weight training, high-nutrient eating, and adequate protein intake.Whether you’ve considered taking these medications, are already on them, or are supporting a loved one who is—this episode offers clarity, caution, and Christ-centered perspective.🔍 Main Discussion ThemesWhat GLP-1 and GIP peptides do in the body—and why they matter for weight lossThe difference between semaglutides (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatides (Mounjaro, ZepBound)The role of satiety, delayed gastric emptying, and insulin regulation in peptide functionThree non-negotiables before considering peptides: training, nutrition, and proteinHow to talk to your doctor about side effects, thyroid risks, and family historyWhy peptides should not be a “first step” in a faith-based health journeyA prayer of surrender and discernment over your body and its care📣 Call to Action🎓 Ready to build a strong foundation?Start the 10-Part Faith & Fitness Foundations Series today.This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you:Establish a consistent exercise routineLearn the basics of nutrient-dense eatingUnderstand biblical principles of fasting and restMake your fitness journey part of your walk with GodStart now: https://BetterDaily.live/BeginnerCheck out Coach Alex's 40 day devotional here: https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com*There are several visuals through the video version of this podcast. Check out the video here! https://youtu.be/L0JJskaybYkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📖 Episode SummaryIn this deeply moving episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with Jennifer Neufeld, a registered nurse, Revelation Wellness instructor, and founder of Fresh Journey—a grief-focused hiking ministry.Jennifer shares how her own decade-long experience with grief transformed into a soul-healing mission to help others process pain through nature, movement, and faith.Together, they explore how hiking becomes both metaphor and method in navigating the valleys of sorrow—illuminating how the physical act of moving forward mirrors the spiritual journey of trusting God through loss.Jennifer introduces the CORE framework (Completely Honest, Open to the Spirit, Responsible for Self, and Empathetic) and describes how it empowers grievers to walk with integrity and purpose, even through pain.If you or someone you love is carrying unresolved grief, this conversation offers practical hope, grounded truth, and an invitation to walk with Christ—literally and figuratively—on the path to healing.💬 Main Discussion Themes-Why grief isn’t something to “fix,” but to walk through—with Jesus beside you-How hiking provides physical, emotional, and spiritual processing space-The science of grief and how exercise helps the brain reconcile loss-Jennifer’s CORE framework for building inner strength in hard seasons-The role of journaling and nature in trauma recovery-Why Christians must grieve differently—not less—than the world-How Fresh Journey is inspiring new grief-walking ministries across the U.S.⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline00:00 – Introduction and show setup02:30 – How Fresh Journey was born from Jennifer’s decade of grief10:15 – The three-circles method: physical, emotional, spiritual healing14:00 – Grand Canyon training and the trail as metaphor for grief17:45 – The science of grief and why movement matters (Dr. Mary Frances O'Connor)22:00 – Daily journaling as a healing tool (Jennifer’s personal prompt)25:30 – How God speaks through nature: birds, waterfalls, rooted trees30:15 – How Fresh Journey has multiplied into new hiking ministries34:00 – Introducing Jennifer’s new workbook: Hiking to Explore Grief36:00 – Grieving with hope vs. grieving like the world (1 Thessalonians 4:13)43:00 – The CORE acronym for Christ-centered healing52:10 – Lightning round: trail snacks, worship music, waterfalls, and community tips57:30 – Prayer for the grieving and encouragement for listeners59:00 – Close: Train Hard. Pray Harder.🧰 Additional Resources📖 Visit  https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional🎧 Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for more real conversations at the intersection of faith and health📬 Share this episode with a friend or church leader who’s walking through loss or leading others in grief🥾 Connect with Jennifer at Fresh Journey’s Journal PromptHttps://sites.google.com/view/fresh-journey-selfcare/homeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Coach Alex sits down with Holly Tucker—faith-based health coach, trauma-informed nutritionist, and host of the Wholly Well podcast—for a deep dive into what it means to pursue wholeness over hustle in today’s wellness world.Holly shares her personal journey through religious rigidity, chronic illness, and body shame, toward a grounded faith where healing flows from identity in Christ—not perfectionism. With wisdom rooted in Scripture, neuroscience, and lived experience, she exposes the dangers of spiritualized diet culture and invites listeners into a deeper, gentler view of health rooted in truth, not trends.They explore the subtle idols of body image, the power of nervous system regulation, and the beauty of being Spirit-led in nutrition, movement, and life. Whether you’re burned out from “doing all the right things” or just yearning to honor your body as a temple without shame, this episode offers a new framework of grace, stewardship, and trust.🔑 Main Discussion Themes-Breaking free from hustle culture and religious performance-What “wholeness” actually means—spiritually, mentally, and physically-Body image, shame, and finding your worth in Christ alone-How trauma and nervous system dysregulation impact health habits-Holly’s personal health journey: from burnout to balance-Redefining stewardship in the realm of food, fitness, and recovery-Discernment in faith-based health spaces and social media⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline 00:00 – 03:32 — Intro and heart behind the conversation03:33 – 10:00 — Holly’s story: from disordered striving to divine surrender10:01 – 16:45 — Understanding trauma and nervous system patterns16:46 – 23:10 — What religious shame does to the body and spirit23:11 – 29:40 — The difference between stewardship and striving29:41 – 35:20 — Spirit-led habits and health rhythms35:21 – 41:55 — Wholeness vs. wellness: reframing our pursuits41:56 – 45:00 — How to discern healthy voices online45:01 – End — Closing encouragements and “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”📣 More Faithful Fitness? Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for more Christ-centered health content Pick up your copy of Faithful Fitness here: https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.comJoin the Better Daily community for support on your health journey: https://betterdaily.live/inviteConnect with Holly Tucker - The Lies we believe about Joy! - Revelation WellnessTrain Hard. Pray Harder. 💪🙏Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

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//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com📲 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.