Gritty Genius

“Our personal genius IS a part of our personal mission.” The soul of Gritty Genius and the process of uncovering our personal genius is always tied to our mission in life. When was the last time you reflected on yours? With the close of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage month, I take a moment to honor my mission- of advancing my Latino/a community through representation and creating opportunities for POC. I will always “hold the door open” so that other Latinos, Latinx, and POC will be seen, heard, and valued in spaces where I am. This mission is why I am willing to get out of my comfort zone and dream bigger! Never underestimate what your presence- in the classroom, boardroom, meeting, or office- could mean to someone else. You could be planting a seed that will change the course of their life forever, just like Dr. Thomasa Gonzales did for me.

Dropping a Gritty Genius minute to remind you that when you feel like you are being ripped apart, you WILL GROW BACK STRONGER. Trust yourself in the most challenging moments because you will get through them. Training for peak performance reminds us that the harder we push out of our comfort zone, the stronger we ultimately get, and so it is with life. Hang in there. I am in it with you.

Dr. P is dropping a Gritty Genius Minute reminding you, "Don't Go Stale" Being comfortable is one thing, but sitting too long on your gifts, talents, and passions will make you stale. I've teamed up with two badass-amazing-intelligent-passion-driven women for a *NEW* podcast called Rewiring The Collective. Check it out on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr1BCvj6t_Y

Happy New Year! As you start to lay out your 2022 goals, intentions, and resolutions I encourage you to embrace the perspective that the discomfort is apart of the process of greatness. Any quality that you admire in anyone has been shaped by discomfort. The difficulties in life or challenges in the process are the "tools" use to shape who you said you want to be. I wish you much success, peace, health and excellence in the new year. Peace and mucho love! -Dr.P

What a way to close out 2021 Gritty Genius podcast series with none other than my former high school soccer teammate, badass Latina and marathoner, Elizabeth “E” Sanchez. In this episode, E and I chop it up about how soccer was a catalyst for empowering our identity and smashing gender roles. We talk about owning our voice and representing in spaces where there are, still, too few women have a voice. We bring to light that in the sport of running, and marathoning, there is a need to smash the “thin ideal” body type and embrace all (our) body types. E shares that her career journey is deeply rooted in her desire to create consciousness shift and help create a more empowered narrative for others. I am so honored that E took the time to chat it up on the Gritty Genius podcast. Enjoy and Happy New Year! Bio: Elizabeth Sanchez grew up in Adrian, Michigan, but has been at home in Chicago for the past 17 years, raising her family of three kiddos with her husband while working in sports communications. Her first love is soccer, and she was in the Communications Department at the U.S. Soccer Federation for 15 years, serving as an interpreter, youth national team press officer, media operations officer and overall jackie of all trades. She was one of two venue press officers to manage four matches in the historic Copa America Centenario, where she oversaw three group matches (Lio Messi hat-trick, anyone?) and a semifinal at Soldier Field in 2016. In 2019, she transitioned from the international game to the Chicago Fire Football Club, where she was also hyped into signing up for the Chicago Fire Foundation's Chicago Marathon team. Despite being on the cross country team for two years in high school, she would never ever have called herself a runner, but now, 21 years, three kids and one marathon later, she thinks she just might be. Elizabeth is the sister of a former guest and Mario Aguirre. For inspiration and realness follow Elizabeth on Instagram @chivet

Don't know who needs to hear this but it was something on my heart that I needed to check-in on. For this Gritty Genius Hot Minute I share my perspective on how we can view our past as a roadmap and release ourselves from judgement or doubt. While we have the power to create our reality, we are also human. We can learn from where we have been and mistakes we have made, not with judgement but with trust and self-compassion. Everything now is preparing you for something later down the road. See your past as preparation and roadmap to help you more forward with more intention. Thank you always for sharing this little space with me and much love!

Dr. P checking in for a Gritty Genius hot-minute with some post-cancelled race reflections from Ironman California on October 24, 2021. To note, on October 24, 2021 Sacramento, California had record breaking rainfall and what was called a “BOMB CYCLONE” here are some of my reflections a couple weeks later… To summarize: When life/sport doesn't go as planned… •It's okay to feel the feels but don't stay there too long because triathlon/sport is a lifestyle AND #firstworldproblems •No effort EVER goes wasted. Be proud of everything you have accomplished and the journey it too to get to the start line. •Your start line tells an important story too. Honor it! •Triathlon is a lifestyle and should reflect your values of what living a healthy life is about. •As you change, grow and evolve your relationship to sport and what you want to get out of it will evolve too.

Selenne and Dr. P chop it up all about endurance training! Dr. P kicks off the conversation with Selenne's USF 30 under 30 nomination. They talk about the parallels of endurance training and life. Dr. P is training for Iron Man California (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, 26.2-mile run) happening in Sacramento, CA in October. Selenne is training for the Boston Virtual Marathon (26.2 mile run) happening in Boston, MA in October. The chicas talk all about training, the mental commitment, what they've learned from previous races and training, and their expectations for endurance races this year. “It's one thing to be successful and make it but to me it's not valuable unless you share it and how do you lift other people up to share it.” -Selenne Alatorre, USF 30 Under 30 Winner 2021

In this Gritty Genius episode I share my post-yoga insights regarding the themes of self-worth and its connection (for me) to guilt. Check in and ask yourself… Do I move around in the world trying to prove my worth (consciously or unconsciously) through what I can do, how many followers I have, who I know, or what I have? Do I have patterns of over justifying, to others or myself, why my wants and needs are valid? Or do I move around in the world knowing my worth, and anything that I want, need, or desire affirms that knowing. Do I ask for what I want empowered fully knowing that it needs no justification? Do I fully, wholly, and internally feel worthy despite what has happened to me, what I may have done or how someone has treated me? Self-worth is a big theme! I hope you take a listen and it stirs something in your soul, and… reminds you why YOU ARE WORTHY!

*MUST LISTEN* Dinanga Mulumba, attorney, engineer, woman of color in STEM and mom keeping it real during the pivots of life. This one is for the books! There is so much depth and heart in this conversation with my long-time friend and soul sister Dinanga Mulumba. I’m so thrilled to share this space with her and you all! We jam on the theme of pivoting in life, overcoming fears of complacency, and creating our own path of growth. We share our reflections of being a woman of color in STEM and feeling the weight of responsibility in spaces. One thing Dinanga said during this conversation was “If you don’t push for your own path and interests, people are very happy to put you in a box that makes them feel comfortable that they get who you are” POWERFUL and so much more to this conversation. Enjoy! Bio: Dinanga Mulumba is a corporate attorney, who has worked in the biotech, aerospace, and research and development industries. She holds a bachelor’s of science in Chemical Engineering and Spanish minor from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She also holds a Master’s in Engineering Management from FIU and Law degree from NSU. Born and raised in NY, she is now based in Boston and is the mother of lovely curly headed kids. Respect note: I mentioned my time at the NIH and it was Dr. Jean Lud Cadet, MD whom is Chief, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch and Chief, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section at National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program.

*TRIATHLETE EDITION* Quick little episode sharing one of my memorable racing moments at Longhorn 70.3 (that is what it was called back in 2008). Dropping my favorite triathlete wisdom- when it comes to racing “it’s all about the engine!” Don't get caught up the hype of latest gadgets, gear, team kits or bikes. When it comes to racing all those things are tools but in the end you should be able to get yourself from start to finish because of your fitness, attitude and mindset! Check it out and be on the lookout for more Gritty Triathlete Episodes! Shout out to my badazz triathlete friend and endurance queen Lisa..much love!

Dr. P and Selenne take on the first "Chop'n it Up with the Chicas" series episode where they talk about their roots of grittiness and how their upbringing instilled the willingness to take on every challenge they face. Although they grew up on different coasts and have different stories, they share the ways their moms made significant impacts on the way they show up in the world today as Latina women.

Dropping another Gritty Genius Minute with me, Dr. P. Spring has sprung and what is manifesting in your life? What has been underground all winter that this sprouting up in your life? Observe, reflect, commit to getting one 1% better each day and “weed” out things (people, places, etc.) that are hindering you, if necessary. Book reference: Atomic Habits by James Clear Correction: 37% better at the end of the year if we commit to getting 1% better each day; the temperature in which ice starts to thaw into water.

Dr. P and Selenne talk down-to-earth-highly-motivated-realness-on-display conversation about goals, doing the work, making jefa moves and not settling for the comfort zone. Big news, Selenne will be a future co-host of the Gritty Genius series “Chop’n it up with the Chicas” Be on the lookout for more juicy conversations that will elevate you to the next level! Bio: Selenne Alatorre is a Research Project Manager at Boston University. She obtained a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Sacramento State and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of San Francisco. Her work in the public health field has focused on addressing childhood obesity, mental health and wellbeing, and other health-related behaviors. She has presented research on childhood obesity, social determinants of health, maternal health, and mental health at conferences across the country; including the Nation College Health Association Conference, the American Public Health Association Conference, the California Childhood Obesity Conference, and the Latina's Rising conference. Selenne is a daughter of immigrants and a proud Latina. Her ultimate goal is to work with Latino communities by addressing health and socioeconomic disparities in a meaningful way. When Selenne is not bossing it up, she can be found running marathons and throwing some heavy weight in the the gym.

Dr. P is getting back to the bricks of what “Gritty Genius” is about. It’s about using what you’ve gone through to refine and cultivate your own "personal genius,” and manifest it this world. It’s about keeping it real and sharing what we have gone through to help other realize this is process is apart of developing their life path and passions.--- "Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals…the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles.” + "Genius is an exceptional talent or skill, something above and beyond the norm." YOU HAVE GRIT and YOU ARE GENIUS!

Happy New Year good people! Here are my thoughts about New Years resolutions. I think the term "resolutions" has gotten a bad rap though the years and I'm here to challenge the mainstream thinking about them. Check it out and as always, SHINE!

Happy New Years Eve! I share few thoughts as we close out 2020. My main message, take up space in this world, own your space and take good care of YOU!

Dr. P coming at you with a Gritty Genius Minute to share why I believe that you CAN.NOT. FAIL.

Mario Aguirre is back for Part 2 of “Movement is Life” In this convo we get into the nitty gritty of his teaching and practice philosophy; why more than ever we need a mindfulness practice; and how self-reflection and keeping it real with yourself will help improve your life during these changing times! Mario's Bio: Mario Aguirre is an experienced practitioner in Shaolin Boxing, Qi Gong, Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness techniques. He has practiced and studied Shaolin boxing and Iyengar yoga for almost 20 years. Mario is a U.S. Navy veteran and obtained his degree Sports Medicine Exercise Science from Eastern Michigan University. Mario has over a decade of experiencing teach and is currently Adjunct Lecturer teaching courses through the EMU School of Health Promotion and Human Performance. Through his professional and personal endeavors Mario has been able to fine tune his approach towards exercise, health, and self-defense. Mario has a unique style, approach to teaching mindful movement workshops for emotional regulation and mindfulness. To contact Mario for group or 1:1 sessions: Email: shaolin.ninja.tablist@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mario.aguirre.587268

In this episode I briefly share where my mind is at, but also encourage you to shift your mindset, remember who you are, and why you can trust yourself in the face of the unknown. If we strip away our identities, roles, and what we do, what is left? Our character. It is is our character that reminds us who we are and what we have survived. Don't let the anxiety trick you into thinking you cannot handle this or that you are not safe. YOU CAN and YOU ARE. I'm here if you anyone needs support. Hit me up!

Alan Watts said “Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth." Well, I turned 40 last month and I have been "biting my teeth" trying to find a way to share my journey in a meaningful way that won't take a zillion hours. Here it goes! Hope you enjoy...also, if you have a story/topic that you want to jam on the show please reach out and connect with me. This space was created for other peoples light to shine!

A quick New Years Eve message for all you beautiful people! Remember to make goals, resolutions and intentions from a place of worthiness NOT lack. You lack nothing. You are everything and made in this world just so and totally capable to accomplish all you need and want! Much love and peace in 2020!

In this episode I discuss the importance of setting boundaries with social media, and I encourage you to take a social media break if you are feeling burned out. Boundaries are for your well-being and protection. Boundaries are personal rules and rights that you guide your life by and let others know what you will and won’t do. In regards to social media, think of them like an “out of office” reply. You are letting people know what is up with you and when they can expect a response.

It's my 9 year wedding anniversary today! And my husband, Ken, has been my greatest teacher! In this quick episode I share my thoughts on how I had to learn to do marriage, and that it's an ever evolving lesson in my life. Thank you for listening and the well wishes!

Dr. P checks in with a good word and reminds you to DO YOU with your life, and to stop trying to be a version of yourself that makes other people feel comfortable.

In this episode, I have a deep, keep- it-real conversation with L.A. born, Michigan based turntablist, martial arts instructor, mindfulness master, Mario Aguirre. Mario and I go way back and this conversation is filled with truth bombs and check-yourself moments. Mario challenges everyone to take a good look at their life and to live their truth. Mario and I talk about his martial arts training and philosophy, and how it has helped him through the gritty moments in life. Mario’s passion for teaching his students at Eastern Michigan University shines through as shares how and why he takes the approach that he does. Take a listen because this episode is so much more! Link to his full bio: https://grittygenius.wordpress.com/2019/05/12/mario-aguirre-movement-is-life/

Often when we see successful people, we only see the accolades or accomplishments. We rarely ask or see the story behind it. In this quick episode, I briefly share what my accomplishments represent but also encourage you all to keep doing the work. No effort ever goes wasted and what you give out will always come back, maybe not in the same form it was given but it will always come back. I truly feel that my life is a testimony to the power of persistence, grit, nonstop effort and believing beyond limitation.

Dr. P discusses viewing failure as feedback and developing a process to better help athletes evaluate post-competition “failure.” She challenges athletes to view every performance as feedback to grow in wisdom and experience that will be carried forward.

This episode is like NONE other- raw, real and DEEP! I had the honor of talking with Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Massey of the United States Army. I am humbled to share space with him as he shares his personal grit story and profoundly life changing moments that forever shaped his life path. He speaks on his experiences as a soldier, in leadership in the military, and how his perspective has developed as a result of it. We talk gratitude, spirituality and religion, and what kind of human being we aspire to be in this world. Adrian is truly an evolved soul and I hope you gain as much as I did from this conversation. Enjoy! About Adrian Massey: He is Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.  He was born in Detroit and raised in Inkster, Michigan.  Upon graduating from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in 2002 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  While attending EMU he studied abroad at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.  He also, holds a Master’s Degree from Webster University in Information Technology Management and lastly, a Diploma from the United States Army Command and General Staff College class 14-01.  Adrian has served in the U.S. Army for nearly 17 years, has lived in Europe for 8 years of his adult life; served in prestigious units, such as the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the Second Calvary Regiment in Vilseck, Germany.  Adrian deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom III and Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 as a Company Commander, providing communications for over 4,000 Infantryman throughout Baghdad. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for excellence in combat.  Currently Adrian is deployed to Kuwait for 12 months.  Adrian is also published author of a collection of poetry, a book entitled “A Soldier’s Poetic Response: A Slice of His Life” To support and purchase his book -> http://marketingnewauthors.biz/products-page/educational-books/a-soldiers-poetic-response-2/

Here are some of my inital thoughts on goals, intentions, resolutions for the new year! I challenge listeners to first take stock of life and how your new goals, intentions and resolutions will fit in. Does everything in your life align with what you want to create or do you need to let go of things to make space? I also encourage you to have a system to check in on goals to hold yourself accountable. Otherwise, "life" will become the excuse that you didn't follow through or fell off the path. Also, I want you to consider that accomplishing goals, intentions, and resolutions are about change. And REAL change encompasses creating all new behaviors, new thoughts, lifestyle etc. That sh*t ain't easy, so be realistic with what you are able to do set forth. Hence, taking stock. Lastly, have the mental flexibility and faith that even though our goals may not happen in the exact way or timeline , that does not mean they won't come to fruition. Believe that no effort is ever wasted and the seeds of change always sprout. Because you have what it takes to make it happen in 2019!

Dr. P challenges you to ditch the quick-tips-and-tricks mindset and talks about the downsides to that mentality. She gives you five ways to challenge that mindset and to help you refocus on developing the mindset that will get you to your goals! Happy Holidays!

Dr. P briefly discusses non-judgment from a mindfulness perspective but elaborates more on the judgmental attitude that we all posses. She briefly discusses her pattern of judgment, to serve as a defense mechanism from vulnerability, and if we take the time to examine our patterns of judgement we could expand on our capacity for compassion. Episode Quote: "When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." -Wayne Dyer

Gritty Genius features it's first ever guest with Marni Sumbal M.S., R.D. CCSD, LD/N, Author of Essential Sports Nutrition (2018), 6x Ironman World Championship qualifier, Board Certified Sport Dietitian, Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, and 14x Ironman finisher. Marni and Dr. P discuss how grit, persistence, and passion played a role in Marni's journey to publishing her new book, Essential Sports Nutrition. Also, how the loss of her father motivates her daily to be the best person she can be and to inspire others for a healthy lifestyle. Dr. P discusses how TriMarni helped her uncover her personal genius and coached her to a podium spot at 2014 Ironman Texas. They also discuss mental health and encourage athletes to break the stigma.

Dr. P dedicates this episode of Gritty Genius to her husband Ken for his birthday. She reflects on her personal journey of lessons learned in their 10 years together. She offers honest insight as to why she believes that relationships are our greatest teachers. Correction: The book The Celestine Prophecy was written by James Redfield, but it was through Wayne Dyer that I heard about the book.

Episode 1 highlights where show name originated and the host, Dr. P shares her personal grit story and theme of show.