Strong & Awake

Season 3 Teaser: A Season of Change Your future self sent a message—it's time for change! Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or just a long-overdue shift, this season of Strong & Awake is dedicated to helping you make it happen. We’re tackling the top resolutions and life changes that people chase year after year, but with a twist—no more strategies that don’t work. This season is all about...

Season 2, Episode 9 | "Without some version of these six words, the change you seek is going to be determined by something other than you."  In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge listeners to confront the drift of life and the allure of comfort that keeps us asleep. They introduce a powerful six-word mantra: "Up until now, from now on," as a tool for personal transfo...

Season 2, Episode 8 | "Action means action. Now means now, stand now."  In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the illusion of progress that comes from merely thinking about change rather than taking action. They explore the concept of "Stand Now," urging listeners to break free from the comfort traps that keep them stagnant. They emphasize the importance of immediate...

Season 2, Episode 7 | "If I wasn't concerned with the outcome, but was more concerned with being in the experience, what would that open up for me?"  In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the concept of playing infinite games versus finite games in life. They challenge the traditional mindset of winning and losing, urging listeners to focus on growth rather than just t...

Season 2, Episode 6 | “Course correction isn’t bad news—it’s the work. It’s the ongoing practice of staying awake and adjusting along the way.” In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the concept of course-correction and the inner dialogue that often holds us back. They discuss the importance of waking up, practicing with intention, and knowing your purpose. Through personal...

Season 2, Episode 5 | "Are You Prioritizing Comfort Over Profit in Your Life?" In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch tackle the insidious nature of comfort and its impact on our lives. They explore how our craving for convenience often leads to unprofitable decisions and how prioritizing voluntary discomfort can yield significant returns. Using the metaphor of profit in business, t...

Season 2, Episode 4 | "We're so used to being consumers, we're consumed, and we think it's normal. Freedom is to release." In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the concept of "Traveling Light". They discuss how overpacking—whether it's physical items for a trip or emotional and mental burdens—can weigh us down and distract us from what truly matters. They emphasize the imp...

Season 2, Episode 3 | "Fueling first is not just a nice-to-have thing, it's mission critical." In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the myth of invincibility and the dangers of running on empty. They explore the critical importance of "fueling first" in our daily lives. Just as we maintain and fuel our cars, we must consider how our lack of fuel is impacting our own ener...

Season 2, Episode 2 | "Are you playing the role, or is the role playing you?" In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the four archetypical roles we all play in life: victim, hero, guide, and rescuer. They discuss how recognizing and choosing these roles can transform your life. From pickleball to the literature we consume, this episode challenges you to wake up to the roles...

Season 2, Episode 1 | Introducing Season 2: Anchors In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the pervasive mindset of "have to" and invite listeners to trade that for "get to." They explore how reframing daily chores and responsibilities as opportunities can radically shift your perspective and enhance your life. From parenting and marriage to work and mundane tasks, this si...

Episode 19 | Are you stuck in a decision-making paralysis, afraid to make the wrong move? In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch tackle the universal struggle of making tough decisions. They break down a practical process to help you move from indecision to action, whether it's about your job, relationships, or any significant life choice. Discover how to identify your current statu...

Episode 18 | Humans who don't have the ability to delay gratification are stunted in their growth for the rest of their life. In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch tackle the pervasive allure of "shiny and new" distractions that derail our focus and growth. They share personal stories and practical strategies to combat the constant pull of immediate gratification. By acknowledging...

Episode 17 | The Leaky Bucket of Accountability In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the conventional wisdom around accountability. They argue that relying on others to hold us accountable is a way to dodge responsibility and set ourselves up for failure. Instead, they advocate for a practice of self-accountability that starts with creating and holding space for self-ref...

Episode 16 | "Is taking care of yourself selfish?" This episode of Strong & Awake challenges the conventional wisdom around self-care and personal growth. Dane and Mitch explore the paradox of self-improvement, questioning whether focusing on oneself is inherently selfish or if it can serve a greater purpose. They discuss the tension between self-care and serving others, emphasizing that true...

Episode 15 | Move from reacting to responding, from a routine to a practice. In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the conventional wisdom around routines and explore the power of building a personal practice. They discuss how our fight-or-flight responses are deeply wired and why it's beneficial to have these triggers. The conversation gets into the importance of volunta...

Episode 14 | "What happens when you let emotions drive your life?"  In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the pitfalls of letting emotions take the wheel. They share personal stories and practical insights on how to shift from a reactive, comfort-seeking mindset to one of intentional, voluntary discomfort. Using the analogy of a misbehaving puppy and the rigorous train...

Episode 13 | "What do you do when you’re just not feeling it?" In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch tackle the universal struggle of pushing through when motivation is nowhere to be found. They explore the physiological and emotional barriers that often lead us to give up on ourselves and offer actionable strategies to counteract these moments of weakness. From the power of daily...

Episode 12 | "Hard choices, easy life; easy choices, hard life." — Jerzy Gregorek In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the trifecta of challenges that every human faces: the drift, the whirlwind, and the comfort crisis (our response). They reveal how our natural inclination towards comfort can lead to a life of mediocrity and despair. Through personal anecdotes and metapho...

Episode 11 | "People would rather have the short-term comfort than the long-term benefit." In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the comfort-driven lifestyle that leaves many feeling weak and unfulfilled. They discuss how our preference for convenience and ease often sabotages our long-term goals, leading to a cycle of daily dissatisfaction. Learn how foundational aspects...

Episode 10 | How are you doing with your New Year's Resolutions? In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the pitfalls of comfort-centric living and the myths surrounding New Year's Resolutions and past efforts to change. They break down the common options and promises many rely on hoping for personal growth: big leaps and hyper-challenge, hyper-support, the "I just need..." m...

Episode 9 | "Why do so many people fail to change, even when they say they want to?" In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the critical stages of transformation and why true change often eludes us. They challenge listeners to examine their commitments and confront the unconscious preferences that keep them stuck in comfort. By understanding and navigating the five stages of...

Episode 8 | "Your job is not to get rid of fear. Your job is to learn how to dance with it." In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the transformative power of tension and discomfort. They discuss how the pursuit of balance often masks a deeper desire for relief from life's pressures, and why embracing tension is crucial for genuine growth. Drawing on insights from Seth Godi...

Episode 7 | Are you building a cathedral, or are you just pushing rocks? In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the crucial interplay between the present moment and long-term vision. Using vivid analogies like the parable of two rock-pushers - one building a cathedral, the other aimlessly toiling, pushing rocks - they underscore the necessity of connecting daily actions to a...

Episode 6 | This episode is all about failure and the complex relationship we all have with it. Dane Sanders and Mitch Dong discuss how perceptions of failure influence our behaviors and emphasize the importance of embracing failure and discomfort as avenues for personal growth. The hosts argue that facing challenges helps build resilience and strength, and they provide practical tips for starting...

Episode 5 | In this episode of Strong & Awake, hosts Dane and Mitchell explore the often misunderstood aspects of learning and personal growth. They challenge the common belief that outcomes can be easily bought and stress that real growth demands active engagement with challenges and discomfort. The discussion covers the misconceptions about learning, the importance of active participation ov...