Stories Worth Sharing with Ray Binkowski

Hosted by Raymond Binkowski

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101

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Stories Worth Sharing with Ray Binkowski is a podcast about the people, experiences, decisions, and lessons that shape our lives. Join entrepreneur, author, and business owner Ray Binkowski for conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, athletes, and everyday people who have extraordinary experiences and insights worth sharing. From building businesses and overcoming adversity to leadership, personal growth, health, fitness, and living a fulfilling life, each episode explores real stories, practical ideas, and lessons you can apply to your own journey. With more than 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business ownership, fitness, and education, Ray brings curiosity, real-world perspective, and a passion for learning to every conversation. Some episodes feature in-depth interviews. Others are straightforward conversations and solo discussions about business, success, personal development, and the challenges and opportunities we encounter throughout life. Different people. Different experiences. Stories worth sharing.

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60 recent

October 25, 202631 min

Strength Training After 40: Why Working Out Harder Isn't Getting You Better Results

Are you working out consistently, eating healthy, and putting in the effort—but still not seeing the changes in your strength, muscle development, or body composition that you want? The problem may not be how hard you're working. It may be how you're training. In this episode of Stories Worth Sharing with Ray Binkowski , Ray draws on more than 25 years of experience in strength training, bodybuilding, and physique coaching to explain why simply exercising more, eating less, or adding cardio doesn't necessarily lead to better results—especially for women over 40. You'll discover: Working out vs. training: Why exercising regularly isn't the same as following a structured plan designed to produce measurable results. Progressive overload: How tracking your weights, repetitions, and sets helps you determine whether you're actually getting stronger. Nutrition and muscle development: Why eating less isn't always the answer and how calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats support your goals. Cardio with a purpose: How to use cardiovascular exercise strategically instead of automatically doing more. Recovery and adaptation: Why your body needs sufficient recovery to respond to training. The five-point physique checklist: How to evaluate your training, nutrition, cardio, recovery, and overall strategy before making changes. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, the principles of building muscle and improving body composition don't disappear with age. But your approach needs to be intentional, measurable, and sustainable. The takeaway? Stop guessing. Start training with purpose. Want to learn more? 🎥 Watch Ray's complete FREE Strength Training After 40 webinar: https://fitworkz.com/fitworkz-strong-after-40 💪 Ready for a structured program? Explore FitWorkz Strong After 40 — The 4-Week Training Reset , a self-guided program featuring four structured workouts per week, exercise demonstrations, progress tracking, and practical nutrition and cardio guidance. $97 one time. No monthly subscription. https://www.trainerize.me/profile/fitworkz/?planGUID=3c9e9ccc0f2a44c6a4d2b244bf4f2019 About the Host Ray Binkowski is a strength and physique coach, natural bodybuilding promoter, and the founder of FitWorkz. With more than 25 years of coaching and training experience, Ray shares practical insights on fitness, business, personal development, and the experiences that shape our lives. Stories Worth Sharing with Ray Binkowski — Conversations, experiences, and insights worth passing along.

October 13, 202634 min

Why You Can't Stay Motivated to Work Out (And What Actually Works)

You start a new workout or nutrition program feeling motivated. You're going to get back in shape, lose body fat, build muscle, and finally stay consistent. Then life happens. Work gets busy. You miss a workout. Your nutrition isn't perfect. The scale stops moving. Suddenly, the motivation that got you started disappears. Here's the problem: Motivation was never supposed to be your long-term strategy. In this episode, fitness coach Ray Binkowski explains why motivation comes and goes, why the all-or-nothing mindset sabotages progress, and how to build the habits, discipline, and systems that produce lasting results. Drawing on more than 25 years of coaching experience, Ray shares practical strategies he's used personally and with clients to make exercise and healthy eating more consistent—even when life gets complicated. In this episode, you'll discover: Why motivation disappears and why successful people don't rely on it. How all-or-nothing thinking turns one missed workout or imperfect meal into weeks of lost progress. The difference between motivation, discipline, habits, and identity. Why your fitness strategy needs to change as your life and responsibilities change, especially after 40. How to turn exercise intentions into scheduled appointments. Why having a Plan B can be more valuable than chasing the perfect workout. How to stop punishing yourself with extra cardio or restrictive eating after an imperfect day. The importance of accountability and identifying what's actually holding you back. Ray's five-part framework: Plan, Reduce, Prepare, Track, and Return. You'll also hear how a simple alarm clock helped Ray establish his own exercise habits more than 30 years ago—and why he believes the most important skill isn't avoiding setbacks, but getting back on track when they happen. Want a Personalized Strategy for Your Fitness Goals? If you're tired of starting over, working hard without seeing the results you want, or struggling to figure out what needs to change, Ray offers a 60-Minute Physique Strategy & Feedback Intensive for $297 . During this private Zoom session, you'll review your current training, nutrition, recovery, goals, what's working, and where your biggest opportunities for improvement may be. The goal is to help you identify the right next steps and build a strategy that fits your life. Book your $297 Strategy Intensive here: https://fitworkz.com/your-presonal-physique-strategy-session-checkout Remember: You don't need more motivation. You need a system that works without it. Learn more about coaching and fitness programs at https://fitworkz.com Hosted by Ray Binkowski | FitWorkz #FitnessMotivation #WorkoutConsistency #FitnessOver40 #StrengthTraining #HealthyHabits #FitnessCoaching

March 24, 202646 min

Decoding the New Food Pyramid: What Science Actually Says About Protein, Fat & Carbs

For decades, we were told to eat low fat, base our diet on carbohydrates, and be cautious with protein. And yet… fat loss got harder, muscle was harder to maintain, and diets stopped working — especially for women over 35. Now the food pyramid has changed. But most nutrition advice hasn’t. In this episode, we break down: Why the original food pyramid emphasized carbohydrates What “essential nutrients” actually means (and why it matters) Why there are 9 essential amino acids, 3 essential fatty acids, and ZERO essential carbohydrates Why protein now sits at the top of modern nutrition guidance What “highly bioavailable protein” really means (and why not all protein is equal) How women 35+ should think about protein, fat, and carbs today This is not a fad diet discussion. This is not groupthink. This is biology explained in plain English — and how to apply it to your training, your nutrition, and your results.

April 11, 20252 hr 7 min

Your Athlete Got a Concussion, Now What?

In this podcast we cover what a concussion is, signs of concussion, what to do, the recovery process and things you can do to maximize recovery. My son had a concussion, and I wanted to learn then share things I wish I knew before, during and after his injury. Though he had a previous concussion and I had done a webcast/podcast with a great certified Athletic Trainer on concussion.. my wife had a chance meeting with a doctor that worked in a concussion clinic at a pinewood derby of all places. Our son went to the concussion clinic where he went through a battery of tests and was prescribed physical therapy. At which point I realized there was a lot more to learn about concussion. Assets and resources mentioned in this podcast: Pediatric Sports Specific return to Play. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4004129/pdf/ijspt-04-242.pdf Link to an article on vestibular rehab post concussion. https://ijspt.scholasticahq.com/article/128282-effectiveness-of-vestibular-rehabilitation-in-children-post-concussion-a-systematic-review SCAT Sport Concussion Assessment Test. https://cattonline.com/scat Online dizziness assessment calculator. https://orthopowertools.com/DHI Denny PT Solutions Dr. Denny Kolkebeck, D.P.T., O.C.S., C.M.T.P.T., H.S.P., K.T.C., C.S.C.S. https://www.1daybetternow.com/physicaltherapy Cleveland Clinic Zone Training site. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exercise-heart-rate-zones-explained Book on float tanks being used with Tier 1 operators for PTSD and language skills. https://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Fire-Maverick-Scientists-Revolutionizing/dp/0062429655 Vit B in Nerve regeneration/Injuries. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34337067/ Role of magnesium in helping acute stage of magnesium. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33243533/ Article on numerous supplements and concussion. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11314487/pdf/nutrients-16-02430.pdf

February 7, 202549 min

Ageism Choose Not to be Defined by Age

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into ageism —how it affects fitness, mindset, and overall quality of life. From everyday conversations to the fitness industry, we uncover the biases, self-imposed limitations, and the decisions that shape how we age. 🎯 Key Topics Covered: ✅ What is ageism, and how does it hold people back? ✅ The self-fulfilling prophecy of "I'm too old for that" ✅ How the fitness industry neglects aging adults—and why it shouldn't ✅ Inspiring stories of people defying age stereotypes, including 72-year-old pro bikini competitor Renee Landers ✅ Why strength training is a MUST at any age (and how it prevents loss of independence) ✅ The power of mindset —how to reframe aging as an opportunity, not a limitation ✅ Practical steps to stay strong, active, and engaged in life 🚀 Your Age is Not Your Limit—It’s Your Decision Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, this episode will challenge your mindset and inspire you to take action. You don’t stop playing because you grow old—you grow old because you stop playing. 💬 Join the Conversation! Drop a comment below—how do you see ageism in fitness and life? Have you overcome it? Let’s break the stereotypes together! Follow & Subscribe for more discussions on fitness, mindset, and breaking limits at any age!

February 3, 202550 min

Track or Don't Track while Eating What You Want and Losing Weight

Track or Don't Track while Eating What You Want and Losing Weight using Eat by Color or Macros. Episode Summary: What if we told you that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to lose weight? No more extreme diets, no more guilt, and no more unrealistic food rules. Sustainability is the key to long-term weight loss success! In today’s episode, we dive into the BIGGEST mistake people make when trying to lose weight and how to create a plan that works for your lifestyle—without cutting out the foods you love. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why most diets fail (and what to do instead) ✔️ How to lose weight while eating the foods you love ✔️ The science behind calories and why they still matter ✔️ How Eat by Color makes weight loss simple and sustainable ✔️ Why food tracking might NOT be necessary for you 🚀 Ready to ditch the diet mentality and start seeing real results? Tune in now! 🎧 Listen on: [Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | [Google Podcasts] | [Your Platform] 🔗 Resources & Links: 📖 Grab the Eat by Color book: [Insert Link] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: [@YourHandle] 💬 Join the conversation & leave us a review! 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this episode with a friend who needs to hear this! #WeightLoss #SustainableWeightLoss #EatWhatYouWant #CalorieDeficit #MindfulEating #FatLossTips #HealthyLifestyle #DitchTheDiets #FitnessOver40

January 28, 20251 hr 35 min

The Supplement Blueprint: What You Need and What You Don't

In this episode, Raymond M. Binkowski takes you on an insightful journey through the ever-expanding world of dietary supplements. Discover which products are worth your investment and which are just marketing hype. (Click to Learn More!) 💡 What You'll Learn: - Why the supplement industry keeps growing and what that means for consumers - The truth about protein powders and how they help hit daily protein targets - Vitamins and minerals: The unsung heroes of your health 🥗 - The science-backed benefits of creatine beyond performance enhancement - Are BCAAs essential for recovery, or is it all about protein? - Pre-workouts: Necessary tool or overrated trend? This episode is perfect for anyone looking to cut through the noise of flashy marketing and make smart choices for their health and fitness. 👉 Links & Resources: Click here for more details and recommendations. 🎙 Listen now and subscribe to stay informed about health, fitness, and supplements!"

January 25, 202541 min

Thriving Through Menopause: Your Ultimate Guide to Hormones, Health, and Strength

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about menopause —from its stages to actionable strategies for managing symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, and more. (Click to Learn More!) Topics Covered: - Understanding perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause and the common age ranges for each stage. - How hormonal changes affect your body and what to look out for. - Testing options like bloodwork and 24-hour saliva tests to monitor hormone and cortisol levels. - The benefits of supplements like ashwagandha and phosphatidylserine for stress and hormonal balance. - The importance of strength training and proper nutrition in managing symptoms and long-term health. - When and why to seek guidance from a female medical professional for specialized care and insights. 👩‍⚕️ Menopause can be challenging, but with the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can navigate it with strength and confidence. Listen Now for tips, tools, and expert-backed advice to take control of your health and thrive at every stage.

January 12, 20251 hr 16 min

Want to Compete? Path to the Contest Stage

Want to Compete? Path to the Contest Stage Are you ready to take the ultimate leap and step onto the contest stage? Whether you’re dreaming of competing in bodybuilding, bikini, figure, physique, or classic physique, this episode has everything you need to know to make your prep a success. We’ll cover the most common questions, debunk myths, and give you a clear roadmap to bring your absolute best on show day! (Click to Learn More!) Here’s what we cover: ✅ Cheat Days: Are they friend or foe for your prep? ✅ Cardio: Do you need it to get stage lean, or is there a better approach? ✅ Eat What You Love and Get Shredded: Why restrictive diets aren’t the answer. ✅Forget the Tilapia and Asparagus! ✅ Optimum Prep Time: How long does it really take to get show-ready? ✅ Avoiding the "Group Think" Trap: Why following the crowd might hurt your results. ✅ The Right Category for Your Genetics: Find the division where you can shine. ✅ Hydration Strategies: Water manipulation done right for maximum results. ✅ The Elusive Peak Week: Cracking the code to nail your final look. Whether you're a first-time competitor or a seasoned athlete looking to optimize your prep, this episode is packed with expert advice, actionable tips, and hard-hitting truths to help you dominate your journey to the stage. Tune in now and take the first step toward making your contest dreams a reality! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content to help you crush your fitness and competition goals! (Click to Learn More!)

January 1, 20251 hr 1 min

Middle Age Joint Pain Relief Now

Are you struggling with joint pain or worried about keeping your joints healthy as you age? This podcast and webcast dive deep into actionable strategies to help you manage and prevent joint discomfort effectively. (Click to Learn More!) Join us as we explore: - The role of diet: Inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory foods. - Supplements that can support joint health. - The surprising impact of new shoes on knee pain. - Techniques like deep tissue massage, self-myofascial release using lacrosse balls, and massage guns. - The benefits of weight training to boost bone density and fight osteoporosis. - Solutions for common joint issues to keep you moving pain-free. Your go-to guide for joint health, this series combines science-backed tips and real-world strategies for a healthier, more active midlife. Let's chat now and start your journey to lasting relief and vitality!