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42. Food Is Medicine

You are what you eat ! AND we are home consuming right now… food, media, oxygen… at least the air is cleaner during this time! What is the real impact of the food we are putting into our bodies? Are there larger questions we should be asking? What about our kids and youth nutrition? So. Many. Things!

Join me, Dr. Teddy Brose, and former nurse, Karla Jones, as we discuss food as medicine and how we navigate these conversations with medical staff, kids, and ourselves. They share their journeys to a healthier lifestyle and how simple changes (while tough at first) can change the trajectory of your health journey and the loved ones you look out for. We talk about responsibly and why taking charge of your own health and knowledge around what you’re consuming is so important. We discuss how to lead the way for kids to make better nutritional choices, even while at school or at a friend’s house and how to provide space for further conversation so they really understand why. We talk about little changes you can make now to eat cleaner and change the trajectory of your health. The wellness, health, and fitness spaces are all business- arm yourself with knowledge!

Highlights

Questioning a better way. Why don’t doctors and nurses know more about nutrition? They are not nutritionists:) Kids and food. Kids and sugar. Plant based vs. the standard American diet. Changing one small thing vs. everything. Wellness, fitness, and business. What to do now? 

Dr. Teddy Brose is a physician in Appomattox, Virginia. She specializes in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and works closely with her patients in the application of evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine for the prevention, treatment and reversal of chronic diseases. She further facilitates the Complete Health Improvement Program in her community, a three month comprehensive lifestyle medicine program which aims to educate and arm its participants with the tools necessary for success in their journey to health and wellness. She further teaches numerous free class’s in her community and does a monthly Walk with a Doc program where she discusses various health related topics while taking a walk with community members. 

Karla Jones is a mom of 3 young kids and wife to a college baseball coach. She is a master’s prepared nurse turned mama on a mission from Central VA. She loves running, a good book, building things with her hands, and sharing her simple tips for a healthier lifestyle. After learning the relationship between nutrition and disease, something she wasn’t educated on in nursing school, she’s been on a mission to pay forward this important information. She’s partnered with a company whose mission is to inspire health living around the world. Most people strive to live a healthier lifestyle, but find where to start a challenge. Karla is able to help people ignite their journey with one simple change. This incredible partnership has allowed her to live her best life and inspire others to do the same. She is all about making impact for good in helping families thrive! This is what has lead her to become a #mamasetfree.

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41. Hot Cup #2

It’s another HOT ONE! Yup, Hot Cup #2… no idea what to expect on these other than sipping some fine libations over some wild laughs. Ashley joins me once again to cover some crazy questions about life, reality tv, men, women, and anything in between! Won’t say too much here, but you get some incite to what is going on in our worlds and what we think about a few things… bad dates, sweat pant pro tips, and best way to sip tequila… in a fine tea kettle, of course. Join us in some lighthearted convo and a drinking game- cheers!

Highlights

All the craziness. Unedited, unfiltered, raw convo… you know this. Tequila, dates, school, reality tv. Denver and beyond. Fans tuning in live- it’s a first. We’re out here figuring it out folks, this is some of our journey thus far. Laughs and libations. Cheers and frustrations. Happy hour Zoom, another one… but this one is varsity. 

Ashley Knight 

Ashley Simone Knight is an Esthetician, Model, and Colorado native. She started modeling when she was 20 and gained her experience in the growing Colorado market. She has been an Esthetician for the past 6 years and has recently evolved from working at various spas and salons to starting her own business. Ashley loves balance: Caring for others as a Skin Care Therapist, imparting all of the lessons she’s learned to others who are navigating life in her industries, as well as dancing and singing karaoke.

@theashleysimone

@4youeyesonlyesthetics

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40. Start a Podcast!

“It’s not all about the number of downloads you have, you find a lot of benefits in smaller, more loyal following.”

-Veronica & Steve, Pod Sounds School Founders 

Are we having fun yet? Ya know this!! If you have been thinking about starting a podcast or wondered what it takes to make the leap, this one is for you. This is an awesome and informative cast with Veronica and Steve from the Pod Sounds School. The Pod Sounds School is a podcasting agency that focuses on helping you produce high quality audio and creative content to expand your business and grow your revenue through podcasting. AKA they are PROS in all things digital/social platforms: podcasts, You Tube, social media, audio, visual- everything. We dive deep into their “why” and how they initially got into podcasting. It’s not what you would expect, it’s even better. They share their journeys from the corporate world departure to the podcast world entrance and everything in between. We get into a tips, tricks, and suggestion, but mostly focus on the key pieces: the passion, the voice, and why each of us really do have a story to share. They even give me guidance mid cast, so you know I didn’t edit any of that out… the beginning is flawed folks (dogs barking/using their voice and all), but that’s that colors the journey! Embrace my learning experience and streamline your own potential podcast process! Check out all their platforms for more information and free master classes on how to get started. Veronica and Steve are two genuine humans following their hearts and making the world a better place with all the (digital and non-digital) gifts they have to offer- download accordingly!  

Highlights

Transparency is trending (Steve’s words:). Connection! We need it. Questioning a better way, via a pod cast. Starting a cast and finding your why. Steps to break into the biz and ways to keep evolving. Starting ugly! Taking the leap and making a career change aka following your heart. Revealing your authentic brand and then sprinkling some glitter on it. Embrace the insecurities and see the transformation happen. Life skills are happening, less adulting folks, please. 🙂 

The Pod Sound School

Studio Steve and Veronica created the Pod Sound School to help podcasters produce high quality podcasts in an entertaining and easy to digest way. We want podcasters to publish their best work into the world so they can grow their audience and expand their brand. 

We have so much love for the podcast community and for this project. We hope that love translates in everything we do. 

We offer one-on-one training and support in all aspects of the podcasting process, offer services to enhance your audio production, and create free content each week on our social channels and blog. So make sure to follow us and subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep in touch. We look forward to beginning this journey with you! 

Let’s get it done and start creating, podskis!

www.podsoundschool.com

@podsoundschool

@podsoundschool

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyPR3BsMo4OMdUz0n3U0VwQ

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39. Purpose + Service= Win

“Every day is a choice.”

-Kevin Ogar AND Amy Van Dyken 

If you are on the right path, the right people show up or circle right back into your life… thus I am PUMPED to sit down with Kevin Ogar and Amy Van Dyken to discuss all things tragedy, triumph, attitude, outlook, faith, family, resilience, and repetition… oh and, yeah, and we talk a little smack to one another as well, Turmeric & Tequila baby:)

Kevin and Amy are two of the greatest athletes of our time, not because of their medals, games appearances, winnings, or athletic accolades, but because of their recognized higher purpose – to live in continued service. They both have incredible charities, The Reveille Project and The Amy Van Dyken Foundation (Amy’s Army). Both charities are giving back by questioning a better way, building and supporting communities they saw needed it most. All bios below, check them out and dig in- it will inspire you to do more (no pressure:). 

I joined forces with Kevin, Amy, and both of their charities to support Red Bull’s nonprofit, Wings For Life, funding research for spinal cord injuries. The annual Wings For Life World Run has come to DENVER and we are excited to put it on the map out here. The in-person event is of course canceled, but you can login digitally on the app May 3rd and run with everyone else in the world at the same time- it’s pretty cool. Every dollar that comes in, goes to the cause… every dollar. All details below as well. Register and join us May 3rd, run for someone who can’t and join a community that is making a difference (while at home!!). 

Highlights

Purpose, service, attitude, questioning a better way. Charity and giving back. Overcoming and looking forward. Mind over matter, faith, family, and community. Animals > Humans. Personal grooming and/or lack thereof.

Kevin Ogar

Kevin is the Owner and Head Coach of CrossFit WatchTower. He is a Level 3 Certified CrossFit Trainer, has been coaching since early 2008, and is a member of the CrossFit Level 1 Seminar Staff. He is a 4-time Regional Competitor finishing as high as 6th in 2012. When he’s not at his gym, Kevin spends time with his dogs Boondock and Diamond.

The Reveille Project

The Reveille Project [TRP] is designed for veterans, by veterans. We believe in a holistic lifestyle to help restore veterans lives post active duty. [TRP] provides access to tools that aid in veteran’s ability to integrate socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually back into civilian life. Creating a foundation through fitness, nutrition, community and spiritual faith, [TRP] encourages a healthy prospective for a purpose driven life.

Amy Van Dyken

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is a 6-time Olympic champion. She won 4 medals in 1996 in Atlanta and two more in Sydney, Australia in 2000. Van Dyken-Rouen has the distinction of being one of the few Olympians whose medals are all gold. In 2007 she was the only American swimmer to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Class of 2007. She was also inducted to the Olympic Hall of Fame in July 2008. Amy is a public speaker and CrossFit enthusiasts!

The Amy Van Dyken Foundation

Amy’s Army is a network of people including donors, employees, and friends of The Amy Van Dyken Foundation. Together, we are a powerful ally to those with spinal cord injuries 

Mission statement: We strive to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.

Wings For Life World Race

The Wings for Life World Run is a global race where people from all over the planet begin running at the same time, on the same day. Where they stop is up to them. This year we are bringing this race to Denver and with nothing more than your smart phone and a desire to move you can help Wings for Life find a cure for spinal cord paralysis. On May 3rd we will gather digitally (via the WLF App) and the race will start at 5am MST, eventually a virtual “Catcher Car” will leave the start line from where you started! When the Catcher Car passes you, your race is over, and the distance you achieved appears on the Global Results List. Everything you’re doing is for a good cause because 100% of your entry fees and donations goes directly to research toward a cure for spinal cord injury.

Who: Anyone!
What: Race benefitting Wings For Life  

Cost: $23/per racer ($23 goes to charity)
Where: Digitally (Register in WLF App- Run outside, on treadmill, wherever!)
When: 5.3.2020, 5am
Why: It is our mission to bring the Colorado fitness community together on behalf of a great cause!

HOW TO REGISTER

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38. The Upside To The Down Side

Things happen in life. How we process those “things” is everything. The hard part of being able to process things is not always having the tools to do so. On this cast I sit down with Jason Hopcus and we discuss life, mental health, stress, stigma, and how to approached uncomfortable conversation, and of course, connection. Jason is the Founder and President of The Connection Project,  “The mission of the Connection project is simple- to strengthen the connection to ourselves and others”. Jason has a wealth of experience in life with equal parts education and evolution. We talk about how really hard things are usually the things that define our respective journeys the most and how it is time to celebrate and share that recovery process. There is really only one way to get through anything and that is together- through connection. The Connection Project meets people where they are, reshaping how we (the community) think about and speak about “mental illness” and/or more comfortably digested, stress. Stress is often championed in our society as many of us wear it as a badge of honor. And given this forced slow down because of CV19, we all know a rebrand of thinking around stress is needed! 

The Connection Project focuses on four main pillars: Health (mental and physical),  job, money, and tribe, through four key elements: community conversation, aligned partnerships, resource tools, and then training and education. They want to immediately welcome people in and surround them with people like them, likely letting some of the initial boundaries about connecting on any topic, aside. We need The Connection Project more than ever in society and now that CV19 is here, it’s critical. Join our conversation and please check out The Connection Project if you feel like it sounds like a community that would be beneficial for you or anyone you know. Stay safe out there, we are all in this together!

Highlights

Mental health and wellness. Community, connection, stigma, and worth, but uncomfortable conversation. The upsides to the downside. Breakdown and breakthrough. Celebrating the journey. Gratitude and strength. Humility and empathy. Graceful disruption. 

Jason C. Hopcus Bio 

In the effort to effect change, Jason Hopcus openly shares his personal story of the struggle with mental health. He battled his own king of hell to climb from the darkest semblance of human self- struggle. As a result, Jason fully acknowledges the amount of work it takes, how necessary it is to share each other’s journeys, and why we as a society need to move the needle towards unashamed conversation. Jason is a catalyst for a powerful, cultural shift because everyone, directly or indirectly, is affected by mental health. 

“The stigmas of mental health cannot be unraveled unless we begin to celebrate those who have pulled themselves back up… and then some. It’s time to acknowledge recovery success.” 

-Jason Hopcus, Founder of The Connection Project

Jason’s mission is to advance human connection by embracing the conversation of fighters; the folks whose journeys from black to light give hope to those that deserve a 2nd or even a 3rd chance to be the ambassadors of conversation. The present narrative about mental health is often perpetuated through sad, scary, or traumatic events, which typically overlook individuals who are simply struggling with functional life issues. The Connection Project takes a fresh approach by focusing on those who have turned their personal struggle around to champion for a community-driven cause. Through the raw focus on the individual, Jason nourishes honest conversation to birth a system of ‘next level’ social responsibility. 

Jason Hopcus is a motivator and catalyst for cultural change within organizations. He believes that connection to one’s self, one’s transparency, and one’s passion to connect, allows individuals to live a wholly authentic, full life. He creates systems of people working to deepen their relationships to their work, their play, and ultimately our world. He presently serves as non-profit President/CEO of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Arapahoe/Douglas Counties and is Founder of The Connection Project, a for-profit company.

@realpeople_reallife

www.RealPeopleRealLife.org

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37. Vitamin F, Fulfillment

“You have to believe the world is waiting for what you’re bringing”

 -Jennifer Peters

How do you fill the gap between who you are and what you what you do (personally and professionally)? How important is it that you feel fulfilled in what you do?  

It’s easy to day dream AND it’s hard to actually chase those dreams… AND believe that they can come true, even when others tell you otherwise. 

Resilience, commitment, belief, and teamwork are all key ingredients in the recipe for success as an entrepreneur- this cast is proof:).  Tune in and take notes as I sit down with fellow entrepreneur and longtime friend, Jennifer Peters. Jennifer is the Founder of Just Be Kitchen in the heart of Denver, Colorado. It’s a local fave and the ONLY 100% scratch kitchen free of gluten, grain, and refined sugars. Jennifer founded JBK to fill the gap between who she is and what she does. She is a longtime athlete, food enthusiasts, and knew there was a better way to do “healthy food” for everyone, even people with a lot of food restrictions. She shares her personal and biz journey, highlighting her ability to be flexible, embrace opportunity to innovate and progress (even when unexpected), and her unwavering belief that “if you build it, they will come”, is her truth and the space where she feels fulfilled in her mission. 

If you haven’t heard of JBK- you will! They were recently featured on Diner, Drive ins, and Dives, and have had a host of local and national coverage. Jennifer and JBK are making waves, we can’t wait to see what is next as they make the world a better place one Fulfilled Burrito at a time. 

Highlights

Being a restaurant owner in the midst of CV19. Dream, believe, achieve. Trail blazing, changing minds, disrupting stats quo. Eating healthier, treating yourself kindly, avoiding the doc. Knowing that your tribe is waiting for you to show up. Graceful disruption. Questioning a better way. Sticking to your why. Bleeding the brand and the mission.  

Jennifer Peters, Just Be Kitchen Founder

With a mission to serve mindful mouthfuls from a conscious kitchen with kindness on a plate, Just BE Kitchen is more than just a place to grab some grub. In addition to food made with love and care from scratch, Just BE Kitchen is a place of connection & to feel cared and nourished. ​As Denver’s only 100% scratch kitchen free of gluten, grain & refined sugar, Just BE Kitchen prides itself in servicing diners who have a lot of restrictions. However, its menu doesn’t scream “health food.” Instead, Just BE Kitchen’s menu is a fun play on traditional comfort foods, yet done in a wholesome & healthy way so that people with allergies or who choose to eat a whole-based diet do not have a feeling of lack or sacrifice. 

“We want everyone to feel nourished and cared for when they are here. We want our guests to be able to have a ‘mindful moment’ at Just BE Kitchen, and feel connected to their minds and bodies. Overall wellness is essential to living a meaningful life, and for us, food is how we contribute to our guest’s wellness, because food is at the heart of total well-being.”—Jennifer Peters, Owner.