What does it take to become the World’s Strongest Man — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally? In this episode, Mitchell Hooper reveals how science, mindset, and curiosity transformed him from a marathon runner into a global strength icon — proving that true power isn’t just built in the gym, it’s built in the mind.

Mitchell Hooper is the reigning World’s Strongest Man, a clinical exercise physiologist with a master’s in kinesiology, and one of the most intelligent voices in modern strength sports. Known for blending data, movement science, and mindset, Mitch has transformed how athletes think about power and performance.

Today, he joins Tom Swales on Staying Relevant to share how curiosity, recovery, and purpose keep him evolving in life and sport.

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Mitchell reveals:

▫️ The neuroscience behind his calm focus under pressure

▫️ Why emotional intelligence matters more than brute strength

▫️ The science of recovery — and which tools actually work

▫️ How he balances global success with family, legacy, and staying grounded

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⏱ Timestamps

00:00 — How fatherhood and curiosity changed the World’s Strongest Man

05:30 — The brain scan that explains Mitchell’s calm under chaos

16:30 — What testing revealed about strength, emotion & recovery

30:00 — From Marathon to Strongman

40:00 — Inside Mitchell’s $50,000 setup and what actually matters

45:15 — The Ultimate Performance Enhancer

51:00 — The 10 people who matter most

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Follow Mitchell Hooper:

📸Instagram – @mitchellhooper

🔴YouTube — @mitchellhooperstrongman

🌐Website — Lift Heavy Be Kind

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The Staying Relevant Podcast:

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💪 Learn more about the AMT Certification

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Sponsor — The AMT Certification This episode is brought to you by the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) System — the neuro-centred certification that helps clinicians and performance coaches solve the root cause of pain and accelerate client results.

👉 Start your training: amtcertified.ca