The Strong New York Podcast

In this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with longtime friend and multifaceted entrepreneur Ben Hart to discuss career reinvention, modern dating, and relationship dynamics. From his early days in fitness and startups to becoming a dating expert, dating coach, and author, Ben shares his unconventional career journey and what inspired his shift into dating advice and relationship coaching. The conversation dives into early-stage dating, dating psychology, communication in relationships, and how social media, dating apps, and technology have transformed the way people connect and build relationships. Ben also breaks down how TikTok became his platform for viral dating content, the inspiration behind his book Starting at Zero, and his candid, no-nonsense take on the challenges of dating in today’s digital world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:50 Benny Hart's Career Journey
02:59 Writing the Book: Starting at Zero
04:12 Transition to Dating Expert
05:15 TikTok Success and Viral Moments
07:37 Insights on Authenticity and Content Creation
11:02 The Role of a Trainer in Understanding People
13:47 Dating in New York City
16:44 Live Streams and Audience Engagement
20:14 Navigating Early Stage Dating
20:52 Identity Frameworks in Decision Making
21:25 Societal Pressures and Dating Challenges
22:41 Over-Influence and Information Overload
24:47 The Human Aspect of Meeting People
26:22 Fear and Dating Apps
27:55 Common Sense Dating Advice
29:30 Men vs. Women: Different Dating Advice
30:22 The Impact of Social Media on Dating
34:57 Balancing Interest and Overexcitement


What is The Strong New York Podcast?

Being STRONG is more than just how much weight you can lift.

The Strong New York Podcast is dedicated to inspiring you to become your strongest self- in the gym, in business, in relationships and in life.

Join Kenny as he sits down with his strong as fuck buddies and shoots the shit on what it takes to be strong willed, strong minded and physically strong. Season one features everyone from entrepreneurs and local business owners to doctors and industry leaders in the fitness and wellness space.

With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself known as one of New York City’s top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. After transforming his life at 15 years old through fitness, Kenny made it his mission to transform the lives of those around him.

Kenny has trained some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jon Bon Jovi, Liev Schreiber, and Frank Ocean, and has been tapped as a fitness expert sharing his training approach with Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Runner's World, SHAPE, Well+Good, among other publications.

Kenny is the creator of STRONG New York, NYC's only Health and Fitness Expo. Strong New York is an immersive day of workouts, wellness experiences, panel discussions, and inspiring conversations with the best in-class wellness professionals, industry leaders, and change makers who are sharing their expertise on today's hottest wellness trends and first-hand experiences on how to optimize your overall health and life.

You can find Kenny at The Strength Club, his private training and group strength training facility in the heart of Manhattan located on 28th and 5th Ave in New York City.