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Leyla Novini is an entrepreneur and founder of The Creativity Quotient, offering one-on-one and group coaching for creative professionals. As a Creative Life Coach, she empowers passionate individuals to reconnect with their creativity, overcome self-doubt, and design a life that reflects their true artistic spirit. With a blend of intuitive guidance and practical strategy, she helps clients break through blocks and bring their creative visions to life, whether they're changing careers, launching a creative business, or simply craving more inspiration and fulfillment in their work. With an extensive career in the tech industry, she has held roles specializing in marketing, photo editing, and user experience design. Creativity drives the inspiration in her work and has enabled her to navigate successfully throughout her career. She received her MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design and her Bachelor's degree in Music Business from Hofstra University. In her spare time, Leyla loves to play the clarinet in community wind ensembles and orchestras and take improv classes. Follow her journey: https://leylanovini.com/ instagram: The_Creativity_Quotient ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
In 2018, Andrew O'Brien nearly lost his leg — and with it, the belief that his body could ever carry him the way it once had. Today, he's running 26.2 miles in Cape Town on May 24th to raise money for Congolese refugees through UNHCR, fueled by a love for Africa that was born during his first visit to Cape Town in 2019, was deepened in the internally displaced camps of Goma in the DRC in 2024, and cemented in the refugee camps of Burundi in 2025. This is a comeback story, a mission, and a whole lot of heart — and we're so glad he's back on the show to share it.
Gina Chen is the Founder and Managing Attorney of One Ally, a boutique corporate law firm redefining what it means to practice business law with both rigor and heart. A former M&A attorney at Davis Polk, Paul Weiss, and Mayer Brown, Gina has led and advised on over $10 billion in transactions, representing public companies, private equity funds, and high-growth businesses across industries. But Gina's path to Wall Street began far from it. A first-generation immigrant who came to the United States at age nine, she has spent her life navigating the intersection of community and capital. Before law, she worked on sustainable farming initiatives in China, conducted post-earthquake rebuilding research as a Fulbright Scholar, and co-founded a nonprofit delivering vision care to thousands of rural students. Through One Ally, Gina now brings big-firm expertise to mission-driven founders, women entrepreneurs, and minority-led businesses seeking strategic, values-aligned legal guidance. She believes law should be empowering, accessible, and deeply human. Gina is passionate about mentorship, cross-cultural leadership, and helping founders build businesses that create lasting impact, not just financial returns, but generational change. My social handles are: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaychen Instagram: oneallylegal Website: www.one-ally.com ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Send us Fan MailJoin your host Clifton Pope as he is joined by the Founder and President of MS Mastery: Stephen GlausStephen Glaus was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but that didn't slow him down towards becoming a certified High Performance Coach, Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor , Speaker, and completing 3 full distance Ironman Triathlons to show others that you can achieve the same level of breakthrough from MS Mastery!In our conversation, we discussed what Stephen's thought process when he discovered he had multiple sclerosis and how a typical day looked like losing control of his basic bodily functions!We break down the brain's superpower of neuroplasicity in simple terms, the web of average, and the spiral of attrition!Not to mention, we break down the backstory of MS mastery and how Faith, fitness, and nutrition help Stephen in his training to help empower people to move past their limiting beliefs self doubt, and lack of direction regardless if they have MS or not!Visit Msmastery.com to follow Stephen Glaus's journey!Keep up with every conversation on Apple/Spotify Podcasts/Rumble so you don't miss a single episode of the show!Claim and recieve Clifton Pope's newest book: The Fitness Mirage and leave a review for more readers to tune in as it is available on Amazon now with link below!https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1FZZPKIf you love the show, please leave a rating/review for more people to tune in!Thank you for the love and support!Support the showhttps://athleticism.com/HEALTHFWEALTHBhttps://coolgreenclothing.com/HEALTHFITNESSWEALTHBUSINESShttps://normotim.com/HEALTHFIThttps://www.portablemeshnebulizer.com/pages/collab?dt_id=2573900official affiliates of the HFWB Podcast SeriesPlease support the mission behind each product/services as it helps grow the HFWB Podcast Series to where the show can continue to roll along!
Dominique is the CEO at Group Coaching HQ. She has built group coaching programs for Fortune 500 companies, and has trained over 300 coaches in the art of group coaching. As a consultant for organizations scaling their group coaching programs, she supports them to amplify their coaching culture. She holds a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Change, is an ICF PCC, Certified Mentor Coach, Certified Systemic Team Coach, Hogan Assessments Certified Coach and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator and Coach. A surfer and adventurer, and she lives a peaceful life in Brooklyn, NY. Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-mas/Https://groupcoachinghq.com ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
I have always believed that people carry far more depth than they feel safe revealing. Beneath what is spoken, there is curiosity, intelligence, and longing waiting to be discovered. I am drawn to that space. I move toward it instinctively. I do not stay on the surface. I never have. I follow questions inward, then further, then further still. Discovery has always felt more natural to me than certainty. I build by going deeper, not wider. Each layer reveals another. Intuition guides my work. It arrives as a physical knowing, a jolt, a signal that something is ready to move. When it appears, I follow it. That is how paths form. That is how my first film recently came to be. Not through force, but through alignment. Creation, for me, is an act of leadership. It is the willingness to step forward without precedent and trust that clarity will meet motion. I believe that when something is made with presence and intention, it sparks recognition in others. Not because it explains, but because it reveals. I live and work in New York City, where momentum and stillness coexist. My work continues to be shaped by timing, intuition, and the quiet confidence to move when something calls. I trust the unseen architecture of things coming together. Follow her: Website: https://www.creatiffity.me/about-me Instagram: @Tiffany Smith "Creatifity NYC" ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Happy new moon, everybody! Today we fly down to the hills of Calabasas, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where I sat behind a microphone at a walnut desk across from the one and only Rich Roll. Rich went to Stanford and Cornell and was a national athlete in swimming before his career was cut short by a decade-long struggle with alcohol—eventually landing him in jail and rehab. On the eve of his 40th birthday, as he walked up the stairs he was left totally winded… and decided it was time to make a change. The next day, Rich overhauled his life. He switched to a 100% vegan, plant-based diet, grabbed his running shoes, jumped back into the pool, and two years later, fueled only by plants and after losing 50 pounds, he became the first vegan to ever compete in the 320-mile ultra-marathon and finished as the 3rd fastest American in the race. Are you kidding me?? He then went on to complete five Ironman Triathlons on five islands of Hawaii in one week! In 2012, he wrote his inspirational memoir 'Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself', which became a bestseller upon its release. It's a fantastic book and memoir. I've read it. I loved it and can't recommend it enough. In 2013, he launched The Rich Roll Podcast which is honestly my favorite podcast on the planet. Rich hangs out at the edge of personal growth and development and offers deep exploration—what he calls "a weekly aural dance"— with guests like Yuval Noah Harari, Malala Yousafzai, and, yes, even me! If you know Rich this classic chat is a way to see him from a new side by learning about which books make him tick ... and if you don't know him yet, well, you're in for a treat. He's a gem and I think after the chat you'll want to keep hanging out with him on YouTube or Instagram. Pull up an extra chair and grab a seat at our table!
My passion and purpose have always been to support individuals in work and life. In 2017, I realized my dream of creating a world and business dedicated to helping others achieve their goals while dedicating more time to volunteering and giving back. Prior to starting CKL Strategy, I spent 20 years in advertising and communications agencies in strategy, client and account management, project management, business development and leadership. My career began in live entertainment, progressing in the industry's top two agencies over 15 years. As part of agency leadership, I managed regional and local teams and impacted agency growth and operations. I opened and oversaw satellite offices in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, drove new business growth and developed client and partner relationships nationwide. In the latter part of my corporate career, I moved into social cause marketing, working in government, non-profit, education and automotive industries. Through this work, I discovered my love for developing talent through coaching, training and facilitating. A New England native, I now live in Santa Monica, CA with Jules “Bug”, my rescue Schnoodle. I am an advocate for the brain tumor community, volunteering as an American Brain Tumor Association peer mentor as well as serving on their Volunteer Leadership Advisory Council and Host Committee for the Los Angeles 5K annual fundraiser. I am also a very proud “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles. Follow her:https://www.coachingforcauses.com/ Photo credit: Robin Aronson Photography ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Rebecca Bonnington, MSc Coaching & Licensed Trainer of NLP, she is the CEO and Founder of Tricres. She's on a mission to give brilliant business coaches the best toolkit to create kick-ass cultures in their client's businesses. Tricres was never meant to be your bog-standard ordinary business coach training company. With over 25 years of running her own businesses, Rebecca is ready to revolutionise business coach training by building a global community of like-minded business coaches. You'll learn the entire Kick Ass Culture Coach Training Course with Rebecca. She's trained over 100 brilliant business coaches already. Follow her: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabonnington/ Her company: https://tricres.com/ Her substack: https://rebeccabonnington.substack.com/?r=ovsgy ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Julie B. Hughes ran her first ultra marathon, the historic JFK 50 Mile, and discovered it felt a lot like writing a book: a solitary act of courage that only becomes possible because of the community cheering you forward, one step and one word at a time. A licensed physical therapist, author, and mother of two, Julie founded the Run to Write Community to help others find their footing on the road and on the page when life's challenges feel overwhelming. She encourages members to tackle their challenges, believing in the therapeutic nature of storytelling, and her books and poetry inspire readers to approach life's difficulties with a spirit of curiosity, courage, and faith. Julie resides in Central New York with her husband and two children. Follow Julie on Instagram @runtowritejulie, or subscribe to her Substack newsletter at juliebhughes.substack.com for regular writing and inspiration. Book: Miles and Meaning: from Doubter to JKF 50 Mile Finisher Photo Credit: H3 Photography ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 800+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Get ready to meet a true champion for small business owners! Alice Chin is the founder and CEO of Your Other Half, an HR consultancy that helps entrepreneurs build teams they love without the legal landmines, leadership headaches, or overwhelm. With over 20 years of hands-on HR experience and more than a decade at the helm of Your Other Half, Alice has helped 150+ small businesses across the country reduce chaos, strengthen leadership, and grow with integrity. Backed by a powerhouse team with 120+ combined years of HR expertise, Your Other Half is built to meet any team challenge a small business may face, with clarity, compassion, and actionable strategy. Beyond her client work, Alice has served as a mentor for American Corporate Partners supporting female veterans, coached creative entrepreneurs at the NYU Game Center, and chaired the Professional Leadership and Development Committee of the Alumnae Association of Barnard College. Social handles:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicewchin/ @alicewchin (Insta)https://www.yourotherhalfsolutions.com/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Everything I do includes the full expression of my heart, my innovative brain, a smattering of humor, and New York grit. I strive to creatively guide my clients to craft stories that incorporate all of their parts and connect with the right people. My clients range from solo entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to small-mid-sized businesses. They often come to us through referrals and are frustrated from going through one too many rounds of bright shiny internet BS. As the online world becomes more crowded, complex, and divisive, we must be more discerning about what we share, who we connect with, and the tools we use. Understanding our stories, our audience, and our content, as well as leveraging media, and tools are the way to do this. https://cravottamediagroup.com/media/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnacravotta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cravottamediagroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnacravotta/ Substack: https://substack.com/@donnacravotta ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Everything I do includes the full expression of my heart, my innovative brain, a smattering of humor, and New York grit. I strive to creatively guide my clients to craft stories that incorporate all of their parts and connect with the right people. My clients range from solo entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to small-mid-sized businesses. They often come to us through referrals and are frustrated from going through one too many rounds of bright shiny internet BS. As the online world becomes more crowded, complex, and divisive, we must be more discerning about what we share, who we connect with, and the tools we use. Understanding our stories, our audience, and our content, as well as leveraging media, and tools are the way to do this. https://cravottamediagroup.com/media/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnacravotta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cravottamediagroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnacravotta/ Substack: https://substack.com/@donnacravotta ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Qin Gao is the endowed Professor and Associate Dean for Doctoral Education, Acting Director of Asian American Initiative at Columbia University in New York. She is also a coach, trainer, and speaker who specializes in career development, professional relationships, and leadership for people in academia, including graduate students, professors, researchers, and administrators. Further, she is a professor of social policy and social work, and associate dean for doctoral education at Columbia University. Her motto is “See the Light; Be the Light.” Through coaching, she inspires clarity, hope, and strategies for awareness and action. She holds a PhD in Social Work from Columbia University and is a member of ICF NYC Chapter. Social handles:https://www.linkedin.com/in/qingao/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Akihiko Morita, Ph.D., is a Board Member of ICF Thought Leadership Institute (TLI). As a professional coach and practical philosopher, Akihiko seamlessly integrates academic insights with real-world coaching applications. His extensive background as a Japanese diplomat, United Nations official, and director of an international NGO provides him with unparalleled intercultural perspectives and global expertise.With a Ph.D. in social thought and over a decade of experience as a university professor, Akihiko brings academic rigor and a depth of knowledge to his coaching practice. His own transformative journey with coaching profoundly changed his life, enabling him to release negative self-perceptions and embrace a life of authenticity, positivity, and fulfillment. This experience ignited his passion to help others unlock their full potential and lead meaningful lives.Beyond his professional contributions, Akihiko finds joy in music, cycling, cooking, and reading—pursuits that inspire creativity and balance in his life. At the Thought Leadership Institute, Akihiko brings his global perspective and commitment to transformation to advance thought leadership for people and planet.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akihikomorita/?locale=en ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Bruno is a French-Lebanese American now in his third career. He began in PR and communications, then shifted gears into restaurant management—two worlds that taught him how people think, feel, and connect. Today, he's a startup founder in tech, building software to help teams create products people truly want, instead of the endless stream of AI noise. His path has been anything but linear, and that's exactly what keeps it interesting. Bruno's biggest lesson? People will always surprise you—if you stay curious enough to let them.Follow his path:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunotagerhttps://www.instagram.com/brunotager/https://x.com/brunotagerhttps://www.codiris.build/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Diana Feinstein, Founder of Max Pact Health, is a health strategist who helps busy, high-achieving women navigate (peri)menopause with strength, clarity, and confidence. She teaches women to treat their health as their greatest ROI—an investment that fuels energy, stability, and fulfillment in this transformative season of life.Blending behavior science, emotional agility, and personalized health strategy with cutting-edge fitness and nutrition support, Diana guides women through the changes of (peri)menopause with grounded, real-time insight and practical tools tailored to their day-to-day lives.Social Handles:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxpacthealth/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553425215670LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-feinstein-76a36b8/Website: https://www.maxpacthealth.com/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Marelda Rodrigues is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, author, and speaker specializing in women's midlife health. She believes transformation is a choice, and guides her clients to restore health, reclaim vitality, and thrive through one of the most important life transitions.Social handles:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mareldarodrigues/https://landing.mareldarodrigues.com/Sovereign_Becoming_is_now_open ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Twinz Talk approach to AI - Don is “do more” and Bill is “be more.” **Personal and professional development: “Don't let work get in the way of progress.”**Don saving my career in 1998 by his invention of the “Trial Balance Rollup.•When my son Ryan, and my family were struggling (mightily) with childhood cancer treatments and balancing our lives.**Encouragement around technology to “Think different” and “It is time for better.”Our early adoption mindset has been rewarded throughout our careers.Follow both:http://billtomoff.com/index.php/2025/10/28/twinztalk-on-ai-one-shows-you-how-to-do-more-the-other-shows-you-how-to-be-more/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
"I stopped doing what I didn't want to do anymore. It's not hard to stop doing something you don't want to do... I didn't want to drink anymore." - Chris LeverettIn this incredibly vulnerable and powerful episode, we step away from the usual technical discussions of self-funding and insurance captives to tackle a pervasive, often silent issue in our industry: addiction and sobriety.My guest is Chris Leverett, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Employee Benefits at TexCap Insurance. While Chris is a veteran in the benefits space, today he shares his personal testimony of battling high-functioning alcoholism while trying to maintain a career, a marriage, and a family.Chris opens up about the "boiling frog" effect of social drinking in the business world, the crushing weight of keeping up appearances, and the terrifying rock-bottom moments, including a lapse in insurance coverage during his daughter's premature birth, that finally led him to seek help.We discuss the freedom found in admitting powerlessness, how he replaced the "monster" of addiction with the discipline of Ironman triathlons, and how to navigate the alcohol-heavy social scene of insurance events without losing your edge.If you or someone you know is struggling in silence, this episode provides a blueprint for finding hope, help, and a better life on the other side.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: TexCap Insurance & Going Up-Market (00:04:48) Sobriety: It Doesn't Have to Be a "Life Sentence" (00:09:26) The High-Functioning Trap & Social Lubricant (00:13:24) Rock Bottom #1: No Insurance During a Crisis (00:17:27) The Final Wake-Up Call & A Wife's Dream (00:19:21) The Power of Admitting "I Am an Alcoholic" (00:28:25) Trading Addiction for Ironman Triathlons (00:38:30) How to Navigate Happy Hours Sober (00:45:13) The Blueprint: Steps to Finding HelpKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"I stopped doing what I didn't want to do anymore. It's not hard to stop doing something you don't want to do... I didn't want to drink anymore." - Chris LeverettIn this incredibly vulnerable and powerful episode, we step away from the usual technical discussions of self-funding and insurance captives to tackle a pervasive, often silent issue in our industry: addiction and sobriety.My guest is Chris Leverett, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Employee Benefits at TexCap Insurance. While Chris is a veteran in the benefits space, today he shares his personal testimony of battling high-functioning alcoholism while trying to maintain a career, a marriage, and a family.Chris opens up about the "boiling frog" effect of social drinking in the business world, the crushing weight of keeping up appearances, and the terrifying rock-bottom moments, including a lapse in insurance coverage during his daughter's premature birth, that finally led him to seek help.We discuss the freedom found in admitting powerlessness, how he replaced the "monster" of addiction with the discipline of Ironman triathlons, and how to navigate the alcohol-heavy social scene of insurance events without losing your edge.If you or someone you know is struggling in silence, this episode provides a blueprint for finding hope, help, and a better life on the other side.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: TexCap Insurance & Going Up-Market (00:04:48) Sobriety: It Doesn't Have to Be a "Life Sentence" (00:09:26) The High-Functioning Trap & Social Lubricant (00:13:24) Rock Bottom #1: No Insurance During a Crisis (00:17:27) The Final Wake-Up Call & A Wife's Dream (00:19:21) The Power of Admitting "I Am an Alcoholic" (00:28:25) Trading Addiction for Ironman Triathlons (00:38:30) How to Navigate Happy Hours Sober (00:45:13) The Blueprint: Steps to Finding HelpKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
Established leadership in embodied intelligence, movement for wellbeing, AI and spatial design. Deep experience in product creation, augmented and virtual reality, innovation strategy, interaction design, storytelling, both cinematic and live, and in leading large and small teams in creative collaboration. An award-winning filmmaker and author. Focused on the intersections of emergent technologies and human intent and on employing design to tackle challenges of today and the future.#thinking with movement I #breaks for teams I #immersive technologies I #lifelong learning I #wellbeing at workFollow her:https://breakthru.me/press/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-painter-9baa5814/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Christina Vidovich is an International Speaker, Producer, and Founder of Women Getting Visible—a global movement and conference series empowering women to share their stories and step boldly into the spotlight. Born in the U.S. to a Filipina-Spanish mother and a Croatian-American father, Christina brings a rich global perspective to everything she creates. A professional ballroom dancer and entrepreneur turned media producer, she amplifies women's voices through podcasts, livestreams, and international events. Traveling the world is both her lifestyle and her classroom, where she homeschools her son while inspiring women everywhere to rise, connect, and be seen.https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinavidovich/https://womengettingvisible.comhttps://www.instagram.com/womengettingvisiblehttps://YouTube.com/@womengettingvisible ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Andrea C. Walton, MBA, is a seasoned HR executive, former Chief People Officer at bluebird bio, and founder of Concrete Strategies, a boutique people-strategy and executive-coaching firm. She also leads The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, advancing educational access for emerging leaders, including a new partnership with the University of Cape Town. Andrea's career spans Fortune 500 and mission-driven organizations, where she has led mergers, workforce transformations, and culture-building initiatives. A writer and podcast host, she champions people-first leadership, equity, and legacy-building. She lives in Alexandria, VA.Follow her path:Concrete Strategies: https://www.concrete-strategies.comConcrete Rose Scholarship Foundation: https://www.concreterosescholarship.comPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QFpKh2wZREtXudBxoUl5c?si=9f2c5f68aa304a5f ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Susan Ward is a Global Learning Leader, Coach & Consultant and is passionate about finding creative ways to support people's growth and development. She has an MBA from the University of Ottawa in Canada and uses her exemplary interpersonal and communication skills with small and large groups to foster learning, create strategic alignment, transformation, and a performance-orientation. A significant portion of her time is dedicated to giving back and Susan's volunteer contribution includes mentoring rising female stars in Asia through the organization WEDU and being a “field of play” volunteer at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris. She recently completed her volunteer assignment at the Paris Olympics, 2024. Susan and her husband live in Thailand and share a passion for travel.Follow her:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ward-29097716/?originalSubdomain=thhttps://www.facebook.com/susan.ward.7922 ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Jason Bahamundi is a husband, brother and friend. He is also the founder of Run Tri Bike, a community of Everyday Athletes proving that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. Jason is an accomplished athlete with 8 finishes at the Ironman triathlon distance as well as 8 finishes at the 100 mile ultra marathon distance. He has also finished the Cocodona 250 and won his age group at the Rocky Raccoon 100.Social Media@Jason Bahamundi on InstagramJason Bahamundi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbahamundi/@Run Tri Bike on Instagram@Run Tri Bike on Threads@Run Tri Bike on YouTube ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Ride 4 a Woman is a charitable organization set up to empower women socially and economically in the local community of Bwindi, Uganda. The organization supports women who are struggling with poverty, HIV and domestic violence, and single mothers, widows and women who never went to school, carrying out many projects with a huge impact into their lives.Evelyne is the founder of Ride 4 a Woman and originally from Buhoma where the organization is based today. Eve is fulfilling her mother's dream and delivering on her vision for a better future for women. Evelyne has a Bachelor's degree in Tourism from Makerere University, Kampala and all the passion and determination required to drive Ride 4 a Woman forward.Follow their story and video: https://www.ride4awoman.org/our-story ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Uma Welingkar is a globally recognized product and strategy leader named one of the Top 50 Women in Tech in 2021. Uma has led global SaaS organizations through transformation by building high-performing teams, streamlining operations, and driving meaningful growth. After navigating her own health journey, she's become a passionate advocate for using technology with empathy creating products that truly serve people. She now mentors product leaders and advises mission-driven startups on how to scale through product-led and AI-powered growth.Linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/umawelingkar/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rnrgrlsf.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwelingkar/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
I'm a paralegal professional with over 20 years of civil litigation experience that advocates for people's legal rights under the law as a consultant at Ms. Camay International. I'm a motivational speaker who presents webinars on financial estate literacy, body positivity and addressing bullying in the workplace.I'm the President of the National Workplace Bullying Coalition and the Vice-Chair of the Paralegal Division at the Nevada State Bar and have dedicated my life's work to my community as “The People's Advocate” passionate about making and difference and impacting the world.I founded my non-profit organization, Local Vegas Legal Support, Inc., to champion the legal support professional and bridge the gap between local Las Vegas youth and their access to a career in the legal field.Fun Facts About Me:✅ Crowned Miss Plus World Intercontinental Royal Ambassador✅ Presented with the Volunteer Service Award by President Barak Obama✅ Founding “Boss Lady” on “The Boss Ladies Breakroom” on YouTube✅ Rock fashion runways with my King around the country✅ Nick-named “class cheerleader” in Les Mills Body Pump✅ Raised in Italy and Greecehttps://www.mscamayinternational.com/attorneyshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/camaymcclure/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY Join Substack: https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc?Enjoy one coaching session for free if you are a yearly subscriber. 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
I'm a paralegal professional with over 20 years of civil litigation experience that advocates for people's legal rights under the law as a consultant at Ms. Camay International. I'm a motivational speaker who presents webinars on financial estate literacy, body positivity and addressing bullying in the workplace.I'm the President of the National Workplace Bullying Coalition and the Vice-Chair of the Paralegal Division at the Nevada State Bar and have dedicated my life's work to my community as “The People's Advocate” passionate about making and difference and impacting the world.I founded my non-profit organization, Local Vegas Legal Support, Inc., to champion the legal support professional and bridge the gap between local Las Vegas youth and their access to a career in the legal field.Fun Facts About Me:✅ Crowned Miss Plus World Intercontinental Royal Ambassador✅ Presented with the Volunteer Service Award by President Barak Obama✅ Founding “Boss Lady” on “The Boss Ladies Breakroom” on YouTube✅ Rock fashion runways with my King around the country✅ Nick-named “class cheerleader” in Les Mills Body Pump✅ Raised in Italy and Greecehttps://www.mscamayinternational.com/attorneyshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/camaymcclure/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Noah Scalin is an artist, author, and activist. He founded the art and innovation consultancy Another Limited Rebellion in 2001 with the idea that he could make a living doing what he enjoyed and effect positive change in the world. Since then, Noah has traveled the world bringing his message of creative practice to everyone from incarcerated teenagers to Fortune 500 executives. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of The Arts, Noah started his career as the Art Director for Troma Entertainment and Avirex Clothing. Noah's artwork is collected internationally and has been exhibited in numerous museums and galleries, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Mütter Museum and NYC's Times Square. He is the author of six books — most recently Creative Sprint which he co-wrote with his sister/business partner Mica. Noah was the inaugural artist-in-residence at both Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business and the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University. His 2020 collaboration with Old Navy was one of the most viewed commercials of the year and in 2022 he won the Artfields Grand Prize.Social media:https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahscalin/https://www.instagram.com/noahscalin/Websites:https://www.anotherlimitedrebellion.com/https://noahscalinkeynote.com/https://www.noahscalin.com/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Cindy Van Eeckhout is the Creator of the Joy of Life Method, Business Strategist, Speaker and Podcast GuestWith a master's in business engineering, 8 years in corporate leadership, and over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience (including co-founding 4 thriving businesses in Provence), she brings both strategic insight and deeply human wisdom to her work.Today, as the Co-Founder and CEO of Alegria Coaching, she empowers high-achieving businesswomen work smarter, prioritize self-care, and create more Time, Freedom & Energy to do what they love—without sacrificing Success, Joy or Well-being.Her signature approach blends business strategy, mindset, and joy—because true leadership starts with how we lead ourselves.Website: https://alegriacoaching.euLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-van-eeckhout/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560597399934Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindy_alegriacoaching/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Amy McIver is joined by sports journalist Yanga Sibembe about the 2 athletes who died – during the swim portion of the Ironman Triathlon in Mossel Bay. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maddie is an internationally recognized sports dietitian on a mission to get science-backed nutrition information into the hands of the public. She was a USATF Indoor finalist at 3k, is an Ironman Triathlon competitor and is the founder of Maddie Riley Nutrition. Just in time for the holiday season, Maddie shares practical guidelines like Building a Performance Plate for successfully fueling for top athletic performance even when you're at Grandma's house. She includes far more "Do's" than "Don'ts" in this helpful presentation for coaches, parents, and athletes. Celebrate, enjoy, and then excel in competition after the holidays!
Judy Kane, author of "Your4Truths: How Beliefs Impact Your Life," is dedicated to helping individuals get past barriers that are keeping them stuck or causing them discomfort. She helps people change the limiting, subconscious beliefs that are holding them back. Through speaking engagements, workshops, and individual client work, Judy empowers others to achieve their goals. Links:https://www.alignedconsciousness.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykanepsychk/https://www.facebook.com/alignedconsciousness ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
www.susannemueller.bizTEDx Talk, May 12, 2022: Running and Life: 5K Formula for your Success | Susanne Mueller770+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 26 marathon races / 1 Ironman triathlon race / 5 half Ironman races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx TalkJoin my Substack for 10$ per month - https://substack.com/@susannemuellernyc
Yayoi Komiyama
Sherfan is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; lived 2 year in Chile, 3 years in Mexico, 3 years in France, and 17 years in US.Amazing sports career:1 50km Marine Corp Marathon18 Marathon Races (NYC, Paris, Rio de Janeiro)7 Half Ironman Triathlon Races (NJ, CT, NY, MO, FL, RI)1 Full Ironman Distance Triathlon, Italy, Emilia Romana 2023Follow his career: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherfan-cruz-4b28866/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Dr Nan Carmack lives and works in Richmond, Virginia. She has been practicing organizational leadership in the library space for over 20 years and is currently the interim Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association and teaches at the Masters in Library Science program at Old Dominion University. She is an artist, a knitter, a reader, and dog lover. In her free time she enjoys her creative passions and hanging out with her three dogs and husband.Social media:Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanbrunsoncarmack/Instagram: @nannermack ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Karen Naumann Blevins, APR, PMP, is a multifaceted, seasoned practitioner with more than 25 years of communication experience. She is an educator, global program manager, industry leader, and published author. She is an adjunct instructor and course developer in Crisis Communications at West Virginia University, where she instructs active military, earning a graduate degree. Recently, she spearheaded the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental and Climate Justice program's contractual Communications team for which she developed the national outreach strategy supporting multi-billions of funds that Congress authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The allocation supported climate-improving projects in communities historically excluded from energy infrastructure decisions and on the front lines of climate change. Follow her career: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karennaumann/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500 podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
In this episode, I talk about a couple of articles I saw recently about running in the heat—about heat acclimation and endurance training—that honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way. So alert runners: we need to have a talk about this. I start by reading an excerpt from one of these popular running websites and unpacking some of the flawed assumptions behind this kind of messaging. You’ll hear me break down why the obsession with suffering—grinding through extreme conditions, chasing bigger mileage, and pushing your body to the limit—has become so normalized in endurance culture, and how that mindset can quietly lead to overtraining, burnout, and hormone dysfunction. I also share a more sensible approach to building heat tolerance and aerobic fitness that honors health, balance, and long-term consistency. TIMESTAMPS: Brad talks about some of the "running in heat" articles he has read, and points out some disagreements he has with those articles. [01:06] The compelling argument that for the vast majority of recreational runners, running is a very bad idea. [04:00] The popular modality of high intensity interval training, by and large is conducted in an ill-advised manner in workouts that last too long and are significantly too stressful for the vast majority of participants. [06:05] If you stop sweating, you know you are close to heat stroke. [15:19] There's no justification to go out there and stick it to yourself in heat preparation. [22:09] Even though Brad is talking about the danger of racing in the heat, he understands the need to do it. [24:03] If you're running in the heat, but you're totally oblivious to how hot you're getting, that can be a recipe for disaster. [33:35] Some of the world's best runners do not workout at top speed. [36:50] If you insist on performing the workout in a fatigue state, you are literally training your body to run slower because the central nervous system is protecting you. [45:57] LINKS: Brad Kearns.com BradNutrition.com B.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and Recovery B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Brad’s Shopping Page BornToWalkBook.com B.rad Podcast – All Episodes Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes Primal Blueprint Fitness Pyramid Podcast with Hutchinson Podcast with Shelby Houlihan Shelby Houlihan Workout Wednesday Jay Feldman.com We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD. Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meagan Grega, MD, is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Kellyn Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice. Through the “Healthy Neighborhood Immersion Strategy”, Kellyn provides school-based healthy lifestyle education and “Garden as a Classroom” programs; supports access to nutrient-dense produce and delicious plant-powered prepared meals via the Eat Real Food Mobile Market; engages participants in hands-on, plant-based cooking classes in community settings and offers intensive therapeutic lifestyle change interventions for families, employers and community groups. Dr. Grega serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and as annual conference chair and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Follow her journey:website: www.kellynfoundation.orgFB: www.facebook.com/kellynfoundationIG: https://www.instagram.com/kellynfoundationX: https://x.com/kellynorgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCExGWMptPhBzfokJX5fvwyg ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500 podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Mark is a Master Certified Coach. He trained at one of the top Coach Training Schools in the world, and hold an Master Certified Coach credential (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He is dedicated to assisting people like you achieve their highest possible level of excellence and effectiveness, be that in your organization or in your personal life. He is a recognized expert coach, motivational speaker, facilitator and educator specializing in human potential and interpersonal communications.Follow his journey:My Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markschall1/My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkASchallMy website: www.markschall.comNew York City Gay Men's Chorus: nycgmc.orgAIDS/Lifecycle Ride (San Francisco to LA): https://www.aidslifecycle.org/Braking AIDS Ride (Philly to NYC): https://www.brakingaidsride.org/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 500 podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 4 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
Today's guest, Catherine, says that in many ways, she grieved for her daughter, Helen, not once but twice. The grieving began after she suffered complications during delivery, which led to seizures that began shortly after birth and multiple medical complications. Catherine grieved for the life she had hoped and dreamed of for Helen. Then, fourteen years later, Catherine's grief started fresh when Helen died unexpectedly in her sleep. Although Catherine says that she grieved Helen twice, Helen's 14 years were not years full of sadness and grief. They were joy-filled years. Catherine loved being Helen's hands and feet. She loved seeing her eyes light up and give big smiles. Catherine was a part of Helen, and Helen was a part of her. One day, when Helen was young, the two of them were watching TV, and Catherine saw the inspirational story of Team Hoyt, a father-son duo who competed in over 1,100 races, including numerous Ironman Triathlons. Son Rick suffered from cerebral palsy, but said that when racing in a specialized wheelchair with his dad, Dick, he felt freedom and joy. After Helen died, Catherine felt lost. She did not know what to do with herself without Helen being beside her. When asking her priest for advice, he answered that he didn't know what she should do, but that for many, participation in sport could be a good healing modality. That's when Catherine began to think once again about the inspirational story of the Hoyts. She knew that she couldn't physically swim, run, and bike with Helen, but perhaps she could still be with her emotionally. That's exactly what Catherine did. Her first triathlon was done almost secretively, with only her husband's knowledge. As she waited in the water of the lake at the beginning of the race, wondering if she had made a mistake in signing up, until the sun began to rise, and she felt Helen with her. Over the years, Catherine has continued to train and now races in an Ironman triathlon each year, following in the Hoyts' footsteps. She compares the training to her life, first as a mom of a special needs child and now as a bereaved mom. She chronicles her journey in her book, Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power Raising a Child with Special Needs.
In this episode of Legends of Triathlon, we sit down with one of New Zealand's greatest endurance athletes, Cameron Brown. Known for his incredible longevity at the top of the sport, Cameron carved out a career that spanned decades, inspiring generations of triathletes with his consistency, toughness, and passion for racing. From his early days breaking through on the international scene to becoming a multiple-time Ironman New Zealand champion, Cameron built a legacy few can match. He not only competed with the best in the world but continued to perform at the highest level well into his 40s, something almost unheard of in the sport. We talk about his career highlights, the mindset that allowed him to stay competitive for so long, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime in triathlon. Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or new to the sport, Cameron's story is one of resilience, dedication, and pure love for racing. You can follow Cam by clicking here.
In this episode of Legends of Triathlon, we sit down with one of New Zealand's greatest endurance athletes, Cameron Brown. Known for his incredible longevity at the top of the sport, Cameron carved out a career that spanned decades, inspiring generations of triathletes with his consistency, toughness, and passion for racing. From his early days breaking through on the international scene to becoming a multiple-time Ironman New Zealand champion, Cameron built a legacy few can match. He not only competed with the best in the world but continued to perform at the highest level well into his 40s, something almost unheard of in the sport. We talk about his career highlights, the mindset that allowed him to stay competitive for so long, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime in triathlon. Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or new to the sport, Cameron's story is one of resilience, dedication, and pure love for racing. You can follow Cam by clicking here.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3057: Eric Teplitz emphasizes that true discipline stems not from heroic willpower, but from small, repeatable actions that become second nature over time. By recognizing progress, leveraging past successes, and allowing discomfort to guide you back to purposeful habits, you can build lasting self-discipline and accomplish more than you ever imagined. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/better-humans/iron-discipline-these-7-steps-can-help-you-accomplish-your-goals-5e8c7a587274 Quotes to ponder: "The doing of the activity is usually not the hardest part. It's the getting yourself to do it." "You have stretched yourself. You have explored something and gotten a sense of what it is like based on the reality of it, not simply conjecture." "You are capable of taking action even when you don't feel like it, and you have benefited from doing so." Episode references: Ironman Triathlon: https://www.ironman.com The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I share my full DEXA scan results, including a visceral fat score of 0.38 pounds, which I’m determined to drop to “0.0 fricking zero” through sprinting—shown in research to preferentially burn visceral fat. My body fat is 21 pounds (12.5%), and I break down the fat and lean mass distribution throughout my body, including minor asymmetries. I was advised to gain 2–3 pounds of muscle for longevity, though my sprinting and high jump goals favor staying lean. I discuss why chronic endurance training can increase visceral fat due to cortisol overproduction, while short, explosive workouts like sprints or strength training create a healthy stress response. You’ll also learn why bone density suffers in cyclists and astronauts, what makes muscles a glucose sink, why Dr. Ron Sinha and Dr. Gabrielle Lyon emphasize maintaining muscle as the key to long-term health and metabolic flexibility, and I end the show with a plug for muscle-centric medicine—focusing on building and maintaining muscle as the key to longevity and leanness. TIMESTAMPS: There are three types of body fat. Brown fat is what cold therapy tends to activate. [01:07] The viseral fat collects in and around the abdominal organs and is extremely health destructive. [03:05] Testosterone replacement therapy is popular however one can also choose to focus on lifestyle optimization before you consider it. [04:20] The accumulaition of viseral fat is a sign that the body's fat storage systems have become overwhelmed. [10:34] Subcutaneous fat is soft and squishy. [12:38] The DEXA scan can examine the inside of your body. Sixty-eight percent of Americans are classified as overweight or obese. [13:31] If you have competitive goals, your body is going to respond to the training stimulus and create the body that is optimal for what you are doing to it. [22:40] For endurance training for a marathon or Ironman Triathlon, you to store visceral fat. [26:47] Our hectic stressful life causes a chronic overproduction of stress hormones. [28:41] More summary of the DEXA scan shows bone density, the weight of the skeleton, and how the viseral fat surrounds your organs. [30:01] The Tour de France cyclists lose bone density because they are sitting on their bikes instead of doing weight bearing exercise. [31:54] One can check out you viseral fat score by measuring your waistline. People have experimented with changing their body weight in a single day. [35:48] Focus on muscle mass. [39:02] LINKS: Brad Kearns.com BradNutrition.com B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Brad’s Shopping Page BornToWalkBook.com B.rad Podcast – All Episodes Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes South Asian Health Solution We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD. Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After achieving success in the corporate world, but at the expense of his physical and mental health, and losing a friend to suicide, Nick decided he needed a radical re-evaluation in his life. Nick learned to exercise his “vulnerability muscle” reach out to mentors, find rejuvenation in helping others combat isolation and burnout. Nic's bestselling book, Executive Loneliness, and his work with 800+ senior leaders across Asia have sparked real conversations around mental health in leadership. As an Ironman athlete, coach, and global speaker, Nick shares how resilience, vulnerability, and connection are the true hallmarks of great leadership. 0.00: Nick's background 4.00: The switch from corporate work to entrepreneurial freedom 8.30: Hitting rock bottom and bouncing back 14.30: Difficulties for men and executives to open up 20.00: Finding happiness in the small things 26.00: Why Ironman training helps Nick's mental and social health 33.00: Raising awareness for suicide prevention after losing a friend to suicide 39.00: Gratitude, Practicing Vulnerability, and Social Wealth Learn more about Nick: www.nickjonsson.com Nick's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Loneliness-Overcoming-Isolation-Depression/dp/B09QH58C32 Until next time, love and good vibes. Podcast Website: https://enterthelionheart.com/ Check out the latest episode here: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enter-the-lionheart/id1554904704 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tD7VvMUvnOgChoNYShbcI