The Strong New York Podcast

On this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, Kenny Santucci sits down with NYC-based health coach Hunter Stoler (@healthwithhunter) to unpack why so many people struggle with fitness—often falling into the trap of extremes instead of committing to small, sustainable habits.

Hunter opens up about his personal turning point after reaching 227 lbs in college, and the Thanksgiving moment that pushed him to make a lasting change. By mastering the fundamentals—like maintaining a calorie deficit, improving nutrition, and staying consistent—he transformed not just his body, but his energy levels and even healed years of cystic acne.

The conversation dives into the importance of patience, accountability, and the role of group fitness, as well as the reality that nutrition fuels fat loss while exercise supports mindset. Hunter also shares practical, no-BS strategies you can implement immediately—from prioritizing protein, fiber, and healthy fats to hitting daily step goals and incorporating resistance training. Plus, he drops some of his favorite healthy NYC food spots and go-to grocery staples.

If you’re ready to move past the all-or-nothing mindset and build habits that actually stick, this episode is for you.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:11 Why People Fail at Health
03:25 Sustainable Training Mindset
05:14 Hunter’s Turning Point
07:26 Motivation and Discomfort
09:01 Weight Watchers and Food Swaps
10:13 Acne and Lifestyle Fixes
11:45 Support Systems and Your Circle
13:10 Breaking Vices Diet Soda
16:55 Fruit Sugar and Cravings
18:21 Kenny’s Weight Loss Story
22:12 Family Transformation and Exercise
23:34 Gym Mindset Shift
24:06 Accountability Beats Excuses
26:12 Early Mornings No Excuse
27:31 Three Tips For Plateaus
30:32 Healthy NYC Food Spots
33:58 Best Bars And Electrolytes
36:55 Alcohol And The 80 20 Rule
38:49 Dexa Scan Body Recomp
41:05 Self Advocacy And Ownership
42:57 Treat Your Body Like Gold
44:50 Wrap Up And Where To Follow


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.