WHY to Fitness
The WHY to Fitness podcast is dedicated to supporting Christians in achieving peace of mind and heart in all areas of life because every aspect of life affects our health and fitness.
Hosted by Aaron O'Connell, an IFBB Professional athlete actively pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies, the podcast's goal is to assist Christians in discovering their divine purpose while triumphing over spiritual, mental, and physical challenges related to their well-being.
At the core of this journey is the belief that God serves as the ultimate WHY, i.e., the ultimate driving force behind existence.
In this context, fitness is our ability to overcome the obstacles standing before the goal. It extends beyond exercise and nutrition to encompass relationships, mental health, finances, spiritual growth, and life experiences.
Tune in on a biweekly/weekly to access valuable insights, mindset strategies, theological discussions, interviews, and more to achieve success, which translates into attaining peace of mind and heart across every facet of life.
Episodes
36 episodes
The Unseen Boss: Aligning Spirituality and Career Success with Bridget Hom
Picture this: you're facing challenges, yet you start a coaching business during a pandemic and find remarkable success. That's the story of our special guest, Bridget Hom, owner of Bridge to Freedom Coaching, who discovered the power of viewin...
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Episode 36
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42:33
The Art of Embracing Falls
Join us as we take a deep, meaningful look at the concept of falling and the power of rising above it all! We guarantee you that this candid discussion will provide you with a new perspective about falling short of perfection and embracing it i...
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Episode 35
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18:24
The Divine Gift of Food: Honoring Your Body with Dara Hedrick
How often do we think of food as more than just sustenance or a tool for weight loss? Embrace the opportunity to reimagine your relationship with food as we converse with the brilliant Dara Hedrick. Unravel her intriguing journey from a public ...
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Episode 34
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59:52
The Hidden Dangers of Lukewarmness on Your Health
Have you ever thought about the real implications of being a lukewarm Christian? We're not just talking about missing a few church services or not participating in Bible study. Today, we delve deeply into the concept of spiritual lukewarmness a...
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Episode 33
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14:17
Sweating the Small Stuff with Heather Vecera
Don't miss our power-packed episode as we explore the realm of faith, health, and relationships with Heather Vecera, founder of Without Walls Revival Ministries. We unpack the profound impact of seemingly small things in life and how they can s...
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Episode 32
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46:57
Knowing is Not Enough
Are we adequately applying our knowledge or merely collecting it? Join me, Aaron O'Connell, as we dive deep into the paradox of our abundant access to information and yet, our struggle with its appropriate usage. We pull in threads from age-old...
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Episode 31
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20:24
Stewards of Creativity: A Discussion with Scott Barlass
Imagine experiencing creativity from a spiritual perspective, as a divine gift from God. Join us as we engage with serial entrepreneur, Scott Barlass, who enlightens us about the intrinsic harmony between creativity, entrepreneurship, and Chris...
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Episode 30
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50:25
Thanksgiving, not Thankswanting
What if the key to achieving your fitness goals was simply expressing Thanksgiving? Today, we are shifting the spotlight away from our relentless quest for more and instead, focusing on the power of thanksgiving. We'll explore the biblical pers...
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Episode 29
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16:40
The Eleventh Element Experience with Logan Poirier
What if church meets fitness? In a world where physical well-being takes precedence, how can spiritual health complement this journey? Listen in as Logan Poirier, founder and executive director of Eleventh Element, spins an intriguing tale on h...
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Episode 28
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1:01:00
10 Practical Ways to Offer Your Body as a Living Sacrifice
Imagine waking up every morning with renewed purpose and dedication to living a life that honors God. In this faith-filled episode of the WHY to Fitness Podcast, I, your host Aaron O'Connell, am thrilled to guide you through ten practical steps...
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19:43
Empowering the Youth: Guery Ulysse and Young In Faith
Imagine starting ministry at the tender age of 14 and it turns into a full-on ministry in the heart of your school and neighborhood. Sounds like a daunting task, right? That's exactly what Guery Ulysse, the founder of Young In Faith, did and co...
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Episode 26
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46:17
How to Escape the Pitfalls of Pride in Your Fitness Journey
What if the obsession with physical perfection contradicts your spiritual beliefs? Listen in to a thought-provoking conversation with Aaron of WHY to Fitness as we navigate the rocky terrain of pride and how it can derail your fitness journey. ...
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Episode 25
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27:02
Bringing the Kingdom Down to Earth with Nathan Alpert and YUGO Ministries
Join me as I sit down with Nathan Alpert, the dynamic president of YUGO Ministries, who is making a tangible difference in Ensenada, Mexico. Our heartfelt conversation centers around the ministry's fusion of an outward-focused mission trip with...
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42:35
Germs Have Us Screaming UNCLEAN! Get Away! - My Pet Peeve
Are you tired of living in a bubble, meticulously sanitizing every surface, and fearing the rise of superbugs due to the overuse of anti-germ products? Well, brace yourself for a paradigm shift as we challenge the conventional wisdom of germ th...
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Episode 23
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21:17
Humility and Success: Balancing Faith and Entrepreneurship with Colt King
This episode is a testament to the power of faith in entrepreneurship. Today, we welcome Colt King, a successful entrepreneur who bravely shares his transformative journey. He ventured to South Florida at the vulnerable age of 18 with nothing b...
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Episode 22
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1:19:47
A Chronological Look at the Mysteries and Blessings of Revelation
Join us as we unveil the blessings promised to those who venture into the study of Revelation. Along the way, we'll marvel at how Jesus fulfilled more than 324 of the known 1800 prophecies found in the Bible. At the heart of this journey is an ...
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Episode 21
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23:48
Faith, Fatherhood and Fighting with MMA Professional Jason Eastman
When you hear the words faith, fatherhood, and mixed martial arts, you might not be quick to connect them. Yet, our guest, Jason Eastman, intertwines these elements in a profoundly meaningful way. A fighter and a father, Jason takes us through ...
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Episode 20
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1:08:49
Unveiling the Secrets to a Stress-Free Fit Life
What if the key to achieving your fitness goals isn’t more time at the gym but less stress in your life? Welcome to our enlightening conversation about the surprising effects of stress on our fitness journeys. We challenge you to rethink the ro...
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Episode 19
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26:23
Unmasking Eating Disorders and Embracing Body Positivity: Kailyn España's Inspiring Story
Ever felt caught in the whirlwind of societal pressures, idolizing the 'perfect' body and using food as a crutch? Our guest today, Kailyn España, takes us on the rollercoaster ride of her journey with eating disorders and body-image issues. A c...
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Episode 18
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1:32:16
Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Cultivating Certainty in Your Weight Loss Journey
Do you ever wonder why progress seems elusive despite your best efforts to lose those extra pounds? We're exploring the less discussed issues of self-sabotage and excuses that could derail your weight-loss journey on this episode of the WHY to ...
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Episode 17
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22:45
Counseling, Medication, and Mental Health with Courtney Quinn
Have you ever grappled with the debate around counseling and medication versus faith? Today, I sat down with Courtney Quinn, a Master of Counseling graduate with a heart for Christianity. Together, we peeled back the layers of misconceptions th...
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Episode 16
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1:02:23
The Impact of Gratitude on Your Health and Fitness
Ever wondered why gratitude is often lauded as a transformative power? Why is it so talked about, and how does it play a crucial role in our Christian journey as well as our overall health and fitness? Tune in as we embark on a journey that unr...
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Episode 15
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20:03
Superhero Swim Academy: Life Lessons Through Swimming Instruction with Jacob Siegal
Ever wonder how to make education engaging, even in a potentially life-threatening context like swimming? That's exactly what we explore with Jacob Siegal of the Superhero Swim Academy, a unique swimming school that's breaking down conventional...
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Episode 14
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43:32
3 Ways to Overcome What’s Holding You Back
Prepare yourself to break free from the chains of procrastination and obstacles that are holding you back. As your guide on this journey, I promise to show you how to refocus your eyes on Jesus and not get distracted by the world. Learn how to ...
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Episode 13
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28:25
Self-Love and Healing with Crystal Swass
Ever struggled to find self-love amidst pain and trauma? Join me as we journey through the inspiring life story of my friend Crystal Swass, a relationship guru, published author, and radio personality. Born to a young, drug-addicted mother, Cry...
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Episode 12
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1:25:02