Exercise Confidence

*TRIGGER WARNINGS*: Anxiety, depression, mental health, and suicide are discussed in this episode. I have the honor and pleasure of delivering a very raw episode of Exercise Confidence to you listeners. I had the opportunity to chat with my best friend, Kaley Pedulla, and my new friend, Paul Waller. The three of us navigate a conversation about confidence, the lack of it, and mental health. Each of us brings a unique perspective to the discussion as we talk about the unseen ways confidence and mental health can go hand in hand. We have some great laughs, share some deeply personal struggles, and bare our souls as we express our passions, fears, and hopes. I hope you find what you may be looking for in this episode. If you are seeking mental health resources please consult the list below and never hesitate to reach out! Suicide Prevention LifelineExternal1-800-273-8255 Veterans Crisis LineExternal1-800-273-8255 Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National HelplineExternal(1-800-662-HELP (4357) OK2Talk Helpline Teen HelplineExternal1 (800) 273-TALK Crisis Text LineText SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling CalHope - 833-317-4673 Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Gear up for an episode full of laughs! I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend, Chandler Schuyler. Chandler shares his own struggles on his confidence journey with us and how he did not initially consider himself an outwardly confident person. He talks with us about how he has had to make some difficult decisions that were in his best interest but ultimately led to him being more confident in himself. One of the guiding forces in his life has been his faith and we dive into how that has also aided in his confidence. Chandler competes in strongman competitions and we chatted about how being a part of the fitness industry has affected his mental health and confidence. If you would like to keep up with Chandler's journey you can follow him @onehandchan. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Helena Czohanski chats with us in this episode about her own confidence journey. Helena is the first Gen Z guest I have had on the show and I was excited to get her perspective on her confidence journey having grown up in a social media-centric society. She expresses how representation is an important matter when it comes to self-confidence and how the women in her life have afforded that to her. Helena talks about her own body positivity battles that she has fought and learning to appreciate her body's capabilities via competing in triathlons and marathons. Helena is currently pursuing her bachelor's in pre-dental studies, as she works to become a dentist. If you would like to keep up with Helena's dental aspirations and life you can follow her at @helena.czo Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Austin Logas chats with us in this episode on Exercise Confidence. Austin is a high school physics teacher and baseball coach. He shares his story with us about overcoming cocky beginnings and how a few humbling experiences have allowed him to intentionally work on rebuilding a truly confident foundation for himself. Austin expresses how he has become very intentional with the way he lives his life as well as the lives that he interacts with on a daily basis as a teacher. If you would like to keep up with Austin's confidence journey you can follow him @austinlogie. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Taly Goody, Esq. shares her time and wisdom with us in the episode of Exercise Confidence. Taly is an attorney who owns and runs her own law firm. As the daughter of immigrants, she expresses how fortunate she is to have parents who supported her goals and aspirations, along with a spouse who does the same for her. She gives us her personal insight into how she has overcome obstacles such as self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Taly has excellent advice on how to face the giants in your life and reminds us that they are just visitors - not permanent residents. If you would like to keep with Taly or utilize her as a resource in your own legal career journey, you can follow her @talygoodyesq. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Nick Manzano shares his confidence journey with us on Exercise Confidence. He expresses how as a man his confidence was most influenced by a woman - his mother. Nick talks with us about how an unforeseen season of solitude afforded him the opportunity to decide to work on his self-growth. Decisions are an interwoven theme in Nick's story. He has had moments where he decided to take risks, work on his fitness, and even change the trajectory of his career. Nick currently works in marketing in the Los Angeles area where he enjoys spending quality time with his family. If you would like to keep up with Nick and follow him @nickbuble. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hannah Quinn is one of thee coolest people you will ever get to know! She is a genuine ray of sunshine whether you are hanging out with her or listening to her in this episode. Hannah chats with us about her journey as an openly gay woman of faith. She shares her struggles and her triumphs of what this has been like for her. Hannah expresses why the dinner table is a sacred place to her and how she even found healing around the dinner table. Hannah’s mother and siblings have been some of her biggest supporters and confidence role models. Currently, Hannah's most recent hobby has become her passion - she LOVES gardening and is affiliated with Friendly Hills Farm in Whittier, CA. If you want to keep up with Hannah or her gardening endeavors you can link up with her socials at @theehannahquinn or @friendlyhillsfarm. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Amanda Lee chats with us about how her choice to exercise confidence in herself led to her saving her own life. Amanda was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. This diagnosis was no easy road. After having an encounter with a doctor who discredited her pain and fat-shamed her, Amanda decided enough was enough! Growing up in and working in the musical theater industry, Amanda was no stranger to people shoving their biased opinion down her throat. Rather than allowing other's negative input to affect her, she chose to channel the empowerment and self-confidence that her mother instilled in her. Amanda's inspiring story is one that you do not want to miss! If you would like to follow Amanda's journey you can find her on Instagram at @mandapaints. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Allie Curtis joins us in this episode to talk things from crowns to combat artillery! Allie is a woman with a tenacious story and a passionate approach to life. Allie was Miss Rhode Island 2015 and used her platform to encourage young women to believe in their dreams, especially those pertaining to running for public office. Currently, she is serving full-time in the Rhode Island National Guard as a Public Relations Officer as well as the state's first female Artillery Officer. Curtis holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Relations from Syracuse University, a Master of Public Affairs from Brown University, a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security from Salve Regina University. Allie is on a lifelong journey to impact the world in the best way she can. To follow Allie's impactful journey you can follow her @alliecurtisri or keep up with her at alliecurtis.com. If you are interested in more information pertaining to the United States National Guard you can follow the link below www.nationalguard.com/ Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

I had the opportunity to chat with Marisa Butler, the current Miss Earth USA. Marisa is a young professional who is a trailblazer in the finance industry. Marisa earned her bachelor's degree in economics while she was also a student-athlete at her university. Marisa talks about her transition from being a soccer player to a lacrosse player and how she needed to remove herself from an environment where her self-confidence was not being fueled. She also talks about how she got involved in pageantry and how that has allowed her to use her platform to make a positive environmental impact with her own volunteer organization she began called "We Clean Trails." Marisa shares why it is vital to self-confidence that you are intentional about your choices in life and how your power is already within you at your core. If you would like to follow Marisa's year as Miss Earth USA or get involved with her trail cleaning impact you can follow her at @marisapaigebutler or @MissEarthUSA Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, I get to chat with Molly Crawford. Molly talks about how confidence can kind of be like a rollercoaster at times with highs and lows. As a woman who has spent most of her life as a dancer, she talks about her passion for movement and why it is important to her. She shares her journey of battling with an eating disorder as well as body dysmorphia, and how that took a toll on her mentally, physically, and emotionally. Molly bravely shares how her personal growth has allowed her to be at peace with herself and how to truly take inventory of how she is feeling on a day-to-day basis. Working in the fast-paced world of public relations, Molly recenters herself by practicing yoga and in doing so has found another avenue for a new passion of service. To get connected with Molly or if you would like to be a part of her "Service Yoga Series" you can follow her on Instagram @mollyaincelee. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, I have a chat with Nick Mariduena about his confidence journey. Growing up in a family full of accomplished and confident people, it was made apparent to him very early in life that he had a decision to make: fall out of line or follow suit. He talks about how he wrestles with reconciling the dichotomy of his two most dominant personality traits. Nick takes somewhat of a scientific approach to his view of confidence. Through this view of confidence, he has achieved many goals he has set for himself. His boldness has taken him to places in life he may not have necessarily mapped out at first but forged a path that way when it was needed. Nick is a big mental health advocate not just in his personal life but also with the work that he does as a judicial assistant. He also believes physical fitness can help play a positive role in combatting some mental health issues. If you would like to keep up with Nick's fitness journey and life you can follow him on Instagram @darksideanakinlifts and @007nickalexander. Books discussed in this episode: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief" - 1st Edition by Jordan B. Peterson "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Tarek Houx is a man who has a lot to say and what he has to say is worth listening to. In this episode, we discuss how he began his journey as someone who was not confident and far away from his goals. Tarek shares how he actively and intentionally changed his mindset in order to create the life of abundance that he was seeking, rather than living in a place of scarcity. Tarek owns and runs his own supplement company @ratlifeinspired - though this is not the end game for Tarek. To find out about his "what" to his "why" click on this episode and tune into some inspiring dialogue that will ensure you "we're all gonna make it." To keep up with all things Tarek, you can follow his business and life on social media @tarekhoux Books discussed in this episode: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl "The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure" by Grant Cardone "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek "How to win friends and influence people. How to stop worrying and start living" by Dale Carnegie "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Alissa Anderegg is a woman of many achievements. She is the current Miss World America, she has been advocating for years on behalf of the Alzheimer's Organization, she has a thriving career in the field of communications, she earned her Bachelor's degree from Duke University and her Master's degree from Northwestern University, and she still made time to be sit down with us for an interview. Alissa shares her beautiful wisdom and insight on why it is so important to give yourself grace and to make sure you are actively engaging in self care. She also shares about how finding a passion sparked her self-confidence and why it is imperative to change your view of your "failures" to seeing them as a "pivot" in your journey. Candle Alissa shared with us: https://www.hotelscents.com/products/my-way-candle Stickers J.R. talked about: https://www.bonanza.com/listings/Novelty-Stickers-Because-Adulting-Is-Hard-Make-You-Laugh-18-Stickers/902937937?goog_pla=1 Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Marina Salazar is a fierce woman who does it all! In this episode we talk all things confidence, business, health & wellness, and even motherhood. Marina is the definition of tenacity. She never gives up and finds a way to confidently walk into any situation life throws her way. She shares her insight as to how she has made her confidence work for her and how she is now using it in the work that she does with others to help them #ExerciseConfidence! You can follow Marina's inspiring journey on Instagram @marina__danielle. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode I sit down with myself. Yes, you read that correctly. This episode is just me, myself, and I. I get real and transparent about what it has been like for me during this pandemic. I expose the good, the bad, and the ugly. The biggest thing I keep coming back to in this episode is how our control of our response to the situations we encounter in life can either help or hurt us. As I mention in the episode, I have linked some national mental health resources below in the description. Please don't forget that we truly are going through this together. You are not alone. You are loved. You are worthy. You have a purpose. I believe in you. #ExerciseConfidence MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE: - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call 1-800-273-8255 - Text HELLO to 741741 - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ or call 1-866-488-7386 - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

NIa Sanchez exudes confidence in the most warm and genuine way possible. Nia has a long list of accolades to her name. She was Miss Nevada 2014 and went on to earn the title of Miss USA 2014! She is a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and hosts self-defense trainings all across the United States. Nia shares her highs and lows that she has been through and how she has turned her obstacles into opportunities. She discusses the importance of investing in yourself, having supportive people in your corner, and how goal setting can help your self-confidence. You can contact Nia at nia.bookings.@gmail.com and follow her on all of her socials @realniasanchez and @niaselfdefense. Books discussed in this episode include: "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen "Mastering Your Mean Girl" by Melissa Ambrosini "15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" by John C. Maxwell Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Mark de Grasse is a serial entrepreneur that specializes in growing small businesses online. He taught himself how to build and manage companies. Mark is a self-proclaimed introvert who also says he was a pretty shy person throughout his life. Regardless of this fact, Mark never saw it as a barrier, he just needed a way to overcome it, and that's exactly what he did. Mark shares what he believes are fundamental keys to success that can be applied in any area of life, especially in building your confidence. In addition to his success as an entrepreneur, Mark, and his wife Jamie, also have a nonprofit called Special with a Side of Mom. You can get more information about these endeavors on the links listed below. Mark's websites where you can get in touch with him: https://markdegrasse.com/ and https://megamadwebsites.com/ Website for their nonprofit: https://specialwithasideofmom.com/ Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode I had the privilege of interviewing a movie star! Grace Fulton and I first met years ago when her acting career was already getting well underway. You may recognize Grace from her role as Mary in Shazam! or as Carol in Annabelle: Creation. Grace was kind enough to openly share her journey of self-confidence with us. She shared some ways that can help you learn more about yourself so that you can have a better, introspective relationship with yourself. Grace also emphasized why it is so important to have alone time with yourself and how that recharge can be the boot you need to #ExerciseConfidence! You can stay up to date with the lovely Grace Fulton on her Instagram page @smoregrace and with all of her work credits on her IMDb page linked here. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1534201/ Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Mary-Kate FitzPatrick exudes confidence in everything that she does! It is evident in her voice when she speaks. Mary-Kate got her start in the film industry behind the camera. There, she gained a wealth of knowledge from that work she did. It gave her special insight that allowed her feel especially confident when she made the move to in front of the camera, as an actress. Mary-Kate currently works in Post Production for MotorTrend Studio producing three shows that air on the Discovery Network. She shares how to find your inner strength while unapologetic-ally being yourself! To keep up with where Mary-Kate's confidence is taking her next, you can follow her on Instagram @mkfitzzz." Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Amy Montes, BSN, RN, sits down with us to share her story about how she overcame her biggest roadblock: her own lack of self-confidence. Amy expresses why it is important to set goals, have a "to-do" list, and be kind to yourself. Amy had to have a real "heart-to-heart" with herself, when she decided to give up on her dream of pursuing nursing. She had to redirect her own negative self-talk in order to conquer the hurdles before her. She gives us an inspiring interview that is so honest and transparent about how finding hope and purpose, after you have a moment when you give up on your dreams. If you would like to stay up to date with Amy's nursing journey, or reach out to her for advice on your own journey, you can find her on Instagram at the @thehappyrn_ Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abby Omolafe is a young woman with a truly inspiring story! Abby immigrated to America at the age of 12 years old, when her grandmother adopted her after her parents passed away. Abby learned to navigate life in a new country and is determined to better the place that she calls home. Abby is pursuing her degree in Political Science with plans to attend Law School and serve in the United States Congress one day. She is a fierce trailblazer who is always happy to lend a helping hand. She is a prime example of how to always #exerciseconfidence in any circumstance! To keep find out how you can get involved with the work that Abby does, you can follow her @abbyomolafe on Instagram and you can find her by the same name on Facebook. To get involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocates program that Abby talks about in her episode, use the link below to access their website. https://nationalcasagal.org/ Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Valerie Alcaraz is a young woman who is full of some very wise words for us on this episode of Exercise Confidence. Valerie began competing in pageants with the Miss America Organization when she was just 13 years old. Over the next 11 years she competed 60 times before she ever won a title. She then went on to place in the Top 12 at the Miss California competition! How was she able to find the confidence to continue pursuing this dream goal of hers? Tune in to hear how she overcame naysayers and created the positive mindset that lead her to achieve her goals by always choosing to #exerciseconfidence! To keep up with Valerie you can follow her @missvalerie on Instagram. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Bri Guillory and I share a lot of laughs, even as we dive into some pretty serious topics about how to #ExerciseConfidence when you face overwhelming challenges. Bri has a fresh perspective on how to find that grit within you when you do not think you have anything left to give. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from California State University East Bay, where she played NCAA DII Basketball. Bri was recently accepted into the top graduate school program for Occupational Therapy, as well. She has many incredible achievements under her belt, the journey has not been an easy one. Bri's story has many aspects that we can all probably relate to, yet she faces each situation with her own, unique disposition of gratitude. If you want more of Bri's awesome inspiration and motivation, you can follow her @bribri_uno. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Arash Randjbar is quite the "filosopher." We have an introspective discussion that takes some turns I have never navigated before in a podcast interview. After graduating from university with his undergrad degree in sciences, Arash took a trip that lead to a journey of self discovery. He went back to school to obtain his Master's Degree in Media Journalism and Communications, and he is now using those skills to create, communicate, and connect. As a digital content creator and a stand-up comedian, Arash is cultivating a space in the world where he is able to make meaningful content that is impacting the world in a dynamic way. To keep up with Arash, you can follow him on social and YouTube at @guzzbargetem. The book I referenced that helps you find your temperament is Personality Plus by Florence Littauer. Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Raena Ramirez joins us again, on Exercise Confidence, to finish up her interview. This time we get a little more vulnerable and learn how being honest with ourselves can help us step up when we need to be the one to give ourselves our own confidence boost. Raena is a 23 year old Master's Candidate for the degree in Sports Psychology at California State University Long Beach, and NCAA DI Track & Field Athlete, member of the CSULB Women's Soccer Team, 2x Miss Garden Grove with the Miss America Organization, and an all around inspiration to anyone who finds themselves needing a confidence boost. In this episode we will talk about where Raena's confidence comes from and how she is able to exercise confidence in the pursuit of achieving her many dreams. You can keep up with Raena or reach out to her at @raenababie.

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Cozart. Rick is a guy from a small town who allowed life to lead him to big opportunities. He served in the United States Marine Corps, taught English abroad on two different continents, and has nailed the art of how to #ExerciseConfidence. Tune in to hear how this Marine grew from an introverted youngster to a confident trail blazer! To follow Rick's adventures you can find him on Instagram @rickcozart.

Raena Ramirez is a 23 year old Master's Candidate for the degree in Sports Psychology at California State University Long Beach, and NCAA DI Track & Field Athlete, member of the CSULB Women's Soccer Team, 2x Miss Garden Grove with the Miss America Organization, and an all around inspiration to anyone who finds themselves needing a confidence boost. In this episode we will talk about where Raena's confidence comes from and how she is able to exercise confidence in the pursuit of achieving her many dreams. You can keep up with Raena or reach out to her at @raenababie.

In our inaugural episode of the Exercise Confidence podcast, I sit down with Alexander Seeley as he shares the literal and figurative journey that he is on to create his own unique, success in life, and how his confidence has helped fuel him. Alex moved to Southern California to pursue his Bachelor's Degree in Business, with a concentration in Accounting, at California State University Long Beach. He has made many bold and daring moves that many would not dare to make, but through it all, he is always confident that it will always work out. To keep with Alex’s endeavors, or reach out to him, you can find him on Instagram at @seeley.ajs or email him at Seeley.ajs@gmail.com.