Podcast appearances and mentions of robert andrews

Dr. Wilner would love your feedback! Click here to send a text! Thanks!Many thanks to former Congressman Robert Andrews, a graduate of Cornell Law School, an original author of The Affordable Care Act, and CEO of the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA). Rob is here today to speak about the fundamental importance of an effective health care system to every individual and some of the ways the US healthcare system can be improved.  During our 40-minute discussion, we discussed the complex landscape of healthcare in the US that tends to separate physicians and other providers from their patients. Rob estimated that 30% of the money spent in our healthcare system goes to people who are not directly involved in patient care, and “that's too much.”During our interview, Rob described how the HTA lowers overhead and improves outcomes by focusing on education, prevention and removing barriers to prescription and provider access.Please click "Fanmail" and share your feedback!If you enjoy an episode, please share with friends and colleagues. "The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner" is now available on Alexa! Just say, "Play podcast The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner!" To never miss a program, subscribe at www.andrewwilner.com. You'll learn about new episodes and other interesting programs I host on Medscape.com, ReachMD.com, and RadioMD.com. Please rate and review each episode. To contact Dr. Wilner or to join the mailing list: www.andrewwilner.com To support this program: https://www.patreon.com/andrewwilner Finally, this production has been made possible in part by support from “The Art of Medicine's” wonderful sponsor, Locumstory.com, a resource where providers can get real, unbiased answers about locum tenens. If you are interested in locum tenens, or considering a new full-time position, please go to Locumstory.com. Or paste this link into your browser: ...

This is a special live BHI episode with exciting special guests Robert David Andrews and Mikke Elizabeth. We'll be diving into all things LADCs in Private Practice, including the fascinating world of Dual Licensure under 148F rules. Have burning questions or topics you want us to cover? Drop them here, and let's make sure we address all your concerns. This podcast promises to be an engaging and enlightening session that you won't want to miss. Robert's contact information robertdandrews@gmail.com soulsavvy.biz  inkedin.com/in/robertdavidandrews Mikke's contact information mpapes89@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/mikke-papes-msw-lgsw-ladc-89302724 https://www.mpowermeinc.com/ Sponsor CalmiGo Enter the code BHIPODCAST  for $30 off the device. calmigo.com?fid=614&utm_source=affiliatly&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=Jacob_Minnig-614&utm_content=facebook-ig&utm_term=BHIPODCAST&source=affiliatly&placement=facebook-ig&medium=influencer&aff_id=614&aff_name=Jacob_Minnig&coupon_code=BHIPODCAST

0-15: Robert Andrews getting back on and seeing an increase in ACL injuries. Understanding the complexity of the ACL injury and initial exposure to the gravity of the situation. Discussing the loss of identity issues surrounding a major injury. The sensory input from the trauma of the injury, sights, sounds, smells and the holographic imprint from the limbic system in the brain. 15-25: Physical therapy and physical progress can only be maximized when the mental piece is in the right place. Interference mentally can stall physical actions. Understanding appropriate access to sports psychology and a plan of care/prognosis that will work for an athlete. The challenges that can limit the ability to work cooperatively with multiple disciplines.  25-30:Underlying concussion symptoms affecting progress. Athletes recovering from a major injury need direction and progression points. The challenge with understaffed training rooms and resources. Efficient rehab processes and focusing finances on mental and physical health with individualized programs. The challenge w/ organized sports and fear mongering of participation. Parents requiring some mental health care in response to their child's injury. 30-35: Exaggeration of emotions and expectations in response to the injury. Triggering responses to the injury and situation. Concussion correlation to injury. 35-40: Pushing the buy in for making the change in improving human performance and reducing injuries for our youth. Coaches punishing their athletes for missing practice for therapy or sports psychology. Understanding what a true coach is, coaching moment and coaching principles. 40-45: Conquering irrational fears following injury. ACLs are affecting children as young as 8 years old.  45-50: Anxiety, stress and sleep deprivation are major components contributing to injuries. The toxicity of social media and how it affects the mental space of an individual coming back from injury and on a daily basis. Social media creating a complex of perfectionism. The organized sports schedule drastically affecting time for rest and recovery for youth with schoolwork and practices. Using wearables such as Whoop strap to help monitor health of athletes. 50-55: Social media affecting Olympic athletes and the craze of attraction and attention, viewership affecting lifestyle and performance. The book "The Anxious Generation".  55-60: Trauma comes from many items, not just injury but can stem from fears of behavior or activity. How memory is processed with traumatic experiences.   Wrap up and big picture of sports psychology, conquering injuries and efficiency healthcare. Follow COACH HOS:  Facebook Page: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachhos/ Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachhos   YouTube: ➡️ https://youtube.com/@coachhos21?si=z3ZEmZGfR2ZRDqUW Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/coachjoehos Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/coach_hos/ TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/coachjoehos Linkedin: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joehos/ Follow Dr.Mike  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honeybadgerjuicy Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/honeybadger_juicy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-st-george-pt-dpt-99a12587/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@DrMikeStGeorgeDPT ACL RETURN 2 PLAY ACADEMY  powered by SPORTS TECH SOLUTIONS

Curious People…the Summer Olympics are finally upon us!!! As we prepare for the most major event of the season, we also get curious about how Olympians prepare. Robert Andrews joins Jonathan to talk about working with countless elite athletes– including Simone Biles–to eliminate stress in their lives so they can focus on their sport. The two go deep into the world of Sports Psychology: what goes on in the brain when you incur an injury, quieting the pressures that surround competition, and sports that encourage lifting each other up. Plus, CORE mapping and how you can apply the tenets of Robert's work to your own life. Robert Andrews is the founder and director of The Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, Texas who has 30 years of experience in private practice as a mental training consultant and licensed therapist. Robert has worked with Olympians and Olympic hopefuls in the last five Summer Olympic Games, contributing to the success of numerous athletes who have clinched Olympic Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals and World Championships. His expertise spans 11 countries and 13 sports, including men's and women's gymnastics, trampoline, swimming, diving, basketball, fencing, judo, track & field (sprints, pole vault, and middle distance), and rhythmic gymnastics. The Institute of Sports Performance is online at https://tinssp.com/ Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a full transcript of this episode, click here. I've been in a couple of meetings lately. In one case, a healthcare company came up with a strategy and deployed it; and the strategy didn't go as planned. The other one, it did go as planned—it worked great. Of course, I'm coming in on the back end like a Monday morning quarterback here; but the plan that failed, I have to say, I wasn't surprised. Had they asked me ahead of time, I would have told them to save their money because the plan was never gonna work, even though the strategy looked like kind of a straight line from here to there. Nor was I shocked by the success of the other plan, even though this one that triumphed had what looked like five extra steps and was slightly counterintuitive if you looked at it cold, without understanding the way the healthcare industry actually works. Here's my point: It might feel like the healthcare industry is chaos monkey central and impossible to predict actions and reactions—and, for sure, there's always unknowns and intersecting variables—but it's not a complete black box. The trick is, as you know and I know, you gotta understand what other stakeholders are up to. You gotta get a bead on what they're doing and what their incentives are because then you can better predict actions and potentially reactions. So, let me state the obvious (that's why listeners tune in to this show as I just said, and it's what we aim to shine a light on here at Relentless Health Value): the pushes and the pulls and the forces. What's going on outside of the organizations or the silos that we work within day-to-day. Because if you're looking to sell to, partner with, not be obstructed by [insert some stakeholder here], then it's very vital to be keyed in on what they're doing or what their customers are doing or what their customers' vendors are doing. This show should feel like it gives you a measure of control (or at least that's my hope) or a method to find the measure of control. And I hope you succeed. That's why I continue to put out these shows. The RHV tribe members want the same thing I want—to fix the healthcare industry for patients and for members—so, thanks for being here and for making actionable the insights that you might find here. I have been so looking forward to doing a show with Ben Schwartz, MD, MBA, orthopedic surgeon and prolific writer of deeply thoughtful and insightful posts on LinkedIn. In this healthcare podcast, we are talking about bundled payments. And today's your lucky day if you think you know a lot about bundles, because most people who listen to this show at least know enough to be dangerous. So, that's our starting point, which is why I asked Dr. Schwartz to talk to me about what most people find surprising about bundles and bundled payments. There are four surprises that we go through in the show today. Listen to the show or read the transcript to find out exactly what they are. So, no spoiler alert alert. But relative to these surprises, we get into the four types of bundles that may or may not be available. And those four types of bundles are: 1. CMS bundles such as the BPCI (Bundled Payments for Care Improvement) and the CJR (Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement) bundles, and we talk about the current state of said BPCI bundles, which are being sunsetted probably because so many efficient clinical teams are being penalized for getting too efficient. They become victims of their own success the way the program is currently designed, wherein the goalposts keep shifting. 2. Commercial bundles—ie, a bundle that is offered by a commercial carrier such as a BUCA (ie, Blue Cross Blue Shield/UnitedHealthcare/Cigna/Aetna/Anthem) carrier 3. Direct bundle—a bundle that is paid for directly by a plan sponsor such as a self-insured employer 4. Condition- or diagnosis-specific bundle. These types of bundles do not spiral around a surgical intervention at their core, which most of the current bundles do. This may describe CMS's recently announced “Making Care Primary” initiative, but we'll have to see about that. Speaking about the #3 kind of bundle, the employer-direct bundles, especially for musculoskeletal (MSK), let me share a post by Moby Parsons, MD, that I thought captured the entrepreneurial spirit of some of these orthopedic surgeons who are seeking employers to direct contract with and cut out the middleman, etc (which, by the way, is the main topic of an entire show upcoming with Elizabeth Mitchell from the Purchaser Business Group on Health). But Dr. Parsons wrote: “When our bundle business has sufficient growth to ensure the absolute sustainability of our practice against declining reimbursements … in a fee-for-service system, I am getting this tattoo. Don't tell my wife. [And the tattoo is ‘Free Yourself.']” My guest today, aforementioned, is Dr. Ben Schwartz. He's an orthopedic surgeon in the Boston area still in full-time clinical practice. He's grown very interested in healthcare innovation, healthcare technology, and does some advising and investing. Dr. Schwartz also writes a great Substack called Dem Dry Bones. After you listen to this show, please go back and listen to the one with Steve Schutzer, MD (EP294) talking about how to create a Center of Excellence and also the one with Rob Andrews (EP415) about how and why if you are a plan sponsor you might want to consider direct contracting with quantifiably amazing provider groups. Also, if you are an ortho or involved in MSK care, I might suggest following Karen Simonton on LinkedIn, as well as Moby Parsons, MD, and, for sure, of course, my guest today, Dr. Ben Schwartz. Also mentioned in this episode are Moby Parsons, MD; Elizabeth Mitchell; Steve Schutzer, MD; Robert Andrews; Karen Simonton; Peter Hayes; Al Lewis; and Cora Opsahl.   You can follow Dr. Schwartz on LinkedIn and read his blog on Substack.   Benjamin J. Schwartz, MD, MBA, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He has served numerous healthcare leadership roles on both a local and national level with a focus on developing and implementing evidence-based, high-quality musculoskeletal care delivery pathways. Dr. Schwartz is vice chair of the Practice Management Committee for the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and helps advance knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions as a member of the Hip and Knee Content Committee for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and editorial board member/elite reviewer for The Journal of Arthroplasty. Dr. Schwartz has extensive experience in value-based care, having personally achieved over $400,000 in savings during his first year in the CMS BPCI-A program. He has received awards for clinical care and professionalism and was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2022 and 2023. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schwartz maintains a strong presence in healthcare technology and innovation as advisor and investor to early-stage digital health companies. He is frequently sought after by clinicians, founders, and venture capitalists for his ability to bridge the gap between real-world medicine and start-ups/entrepreneurship. Dr. Schwartz's passion is thoughtful implementation of technology and innovation to improve healthcare quality, accessibility, costs, and outcomes.   06:07 Where are we in the development of the bundled payments space? 08:09 What are the four types of bundled payments? 09:52 How can bundled payments create perverse incentives? 11:04 What are the positives in bundled payments, and how can they help push us toward value-based care? 13:02 What is surprising about bundled payments? 18:50 EP415 with Rob Andrews. 27:03 How do Centers of Excellence connect back to bundled payments? 29:00 EP346 with Peter Hayes. 30:29 EP294 with Steve Schutzer, MD. 33:38 EP331 with Al Lewis. 33:43 EP372 and EP373 with Cora Opsahl. 37:13 What does Dr. Schwartz think the future is for bundled payments?   You can follow Dr. Schwartz on LinkedIn and read his blog on Substack.   @BenSchwartz_MD discusses #bundledpayments on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation   Recent past interviews: Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode! Justin Leader, Dr Scott Conard (Encore! EP391), Jerry Durham (Encore! EP297), Kate Wolin, Dr Kenny Cole, Barbara Wachsman, Luke Slindee, Julie Selesnick, Rik Renard, AJ Loiacono (Encore! EP379)  

In today's BHI episode I had the honor and pleasure of having returning special guest Robert Andrews-Mendoza. In this part 3 episode we will be continuing our discussion on new and updated policies and rules for what takes for an MN LADC to have their own private practice. We will also be getting to the questions the audience has regarding policies and procedures of developing a private practice. We also get into all of the ethical issues that LADC's may come into effect while having a private practice. We also went into discussion about therapeutic SUD group and one on one interventions and scope of practice for LADC's and other health care professionals. It was an honor having Robert as a BHI guest. Roberts contact information MN LADC's in Solo Private Practice https://www.facebook.com/groups/536566350818500 ramendoza@soulsavvy.biz robertdandrews@gmail.com Sponsor CalmiGo Enter the code BHIPODCAST  for $30 off the device. calmigo.com?fid=614&utm_source=affiliatly&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=Jacob_Minnig-614&utm_content=facebook-ig&utm_term=BHIPODCAST&source=affiliatly&placement=facebook-ig&medium=influencer&aff_id=614&aff_name=Jacob_Minnig&coupon_code=BHIPODCAST

In today's BHI episode I had the honor and pleasure of having returning special guest Robert Andrews-Mendoza. In this prt 2 episode we will be continuing our discussion on new and updated policies and rules for what takes for an MN LADC to have their own private practice. We will also be getting to the questions the audience has regarding policies and procedures of developing a private practice. We also went into discussion about therapeutic SUD group and one on one interventions and scope of practice for LADC's and other health care professionals. It was an honor having Robert as a BHI guest. Roberts contact information MN LADC's in Solo Private Practice https://www.facebook.com/groups/536566350818500 ramendoza@soulsavvy.biz robertdandrews@gmail.com Sponsor CalmiGo Enter the code BHIPODCAST  for $30 off the device. calmigo.com?fid=614&utm_source=affiliatly&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=Jacob_Minnig-614&utm_content=facebook-ig&utm_term=BHIPODCAST&source=affiliatly&placement=facebook-ig&medium=influencer&aff_id=614&aff_name=Jacob_Minnig&coupon_code=BHIPODCAST

In today's BHI episode I had the honor and pleasure of having returning special guest Robert Andrews-Mendoza. In this episode we will be discussing new and updated policies and rules for what takes for an MN LADC to have their own private practice. With Roberts knowledge, passion, and hard work he has paved the way for more LADC's to learn about these game-changing career opportunity's. We also went into discussion about therapeutic SUD group and one on one interventions and scope of practice for LADC's and other health care professionals. It was an honor having Robert as a BHI guest. Roberts contact information MN LADC's in Solo Private Practice https://www.facebook.com/groups/536566350818500 ramendoza@soulsavvy.biz robertdandrews@gmail.com Sponsor CalmiGo Enter the code BHIPODCAST  for $30 off the device. calmigo.com?fid=614&utm_source=affiliatly&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=Jacob_Minnig-614&utm_content=facebook-ig&utm_term=BHIPODCAST&source=affiliatly&placement=facebook-ig&medium=influencer&aff_id=614&aff_name=Jacob_Minnig&coupon_code=BHIPODCAST

Former New Jersey Congressman and Health Transformation Alliance (HTA) CEO Robert Andrews joins Eric to discuss how HTA –  a cooperative of more than 60 of America's leading employers –and its members employers are fixing our broken healthcare system by sharing data, challenging the status quo and implementing innovative solutions. Robert shares many bright spots from HTA, including initiatives in medication management and infant mortality. He explains how the cooperative has saved its member companies well over $2 billion in healthcare costs to date.   About Robert As CEO of the HTA, Robert oversees the strategic direction of approximately 60+ major corporations that have come together in an alliance to fix the broken healthcare system. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Lolo Health, a health tech company that connects consumers to a high-value health experience. Andrews previously led the Government Affairs practice at Dilworth Paxson law firm for two years before joining the HTA.   Before private practice, Andrews served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for nearly 24 years. Upon his departure from Congress, President Barack Obama praised Andrews' service as “an original author of the Affordable Care Act…and a vital partner in its passage and implementation” and cited his “tenacity and skill” in representing the people of New Jersey.   About HTA The Health Transformation Alliance (HTA) is a cooperative of more than 60 of America's leading employers coming together to fix the broken healthcare system. Formed by four founding members in September 2015, the HTA member companies collectively are responsible for over 8 million employees, dependents, and retirees with an annual healthcare spend of $30+ billion.  Some members include Walgreens, 3M, Marriott, Shell, Coca-Cola and NextEra Energy.

The Higher Ed Demand Gen Podcast is a show that aims to help higher education marketing leaders share knowledge about learning strategies and tactics that are relevant today. In each episode, the host, Shiro, and a guest speaker discuss marketing topics around creating and capturing demand in higher education. The podcast is sponsored by Concept3D, a company that leverages the power of events and location to elevate the way businesses connect with their community. In this particular episode, Shiro interviews Robert Andrews, the AVP of Admissions and Financial Aid at Duquesne University. They discuss various topics related to higher education, including why people love working in the industry, the history and values of Duquesne University, and how higher education institutions can create and capture demand in the current landscape. Robert talks about his own experience as a first-generation college student and how education has transformed his life. He also explains how Duquesne University's mission is to serve others and positively impact the world. Throughout the conversation, the guests touch on different marketing strategies and tactics that can help higher education institutions attract and retain students. They discuss the importance of creating an inclusive environment, using technology to enhance the student experience, and building strong relationships with prospective and current students. Visit Concept3D.com to learn about out how we may help your institution.

A Sunday school teacher starts to explore her sensual wild side, she finds it exciting but there is one thing standing in her way......her husband Robert Andrews. However the vows she made to him make no difference to her not only with her affairs but also for murder. See how the Ichthys (Christian fish symbol) helped to solve this case in an ironic twist. Music from pixabay- call of the sea source information Forensic Files - Season 10, Episode 32 - Sunday School Ambush - Full Episode - YouTube Brenda Andrew and James Pavatt: The Sunday School Killers | Crime News (oxygen.com) An Ordinary Family, Extraordinary Murder Story - ABC News (go.com) Profile of Death Row Inmate Brenda Andrew (thoughtco.com) Pavatt v. Royal, No. 14-6117 | Casetext Search + Citator Brenda Andrew | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers Tragic twist after man killed in Brisbane shopping centre stabbing (yahoo.com)

Robert B. Andrews MA, LMFT Robert Andrews is the founder of the Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, Texas. Robert is a licensed mental health professional and a mental training and performance expert and works with individual athletes, teams, coaches, and organizations. Robert works with elite athletes who wish to strengthen their mental approach to competing at the highest levels. He has developed a dynamic mental training program that has helped Olympians and Olympic hopefuls in men's and women's gymnastics, trampoline, swimming, diving, judo, fencing, track & field (including Olympians in pole vault), figure skating, and skeleton. Robert also specializes in assisting injured athletes as they overcome the mental and emotional impact of serious sports-related injuries. Robert has worked with active and retired Navy SEALS and their families. He has done extensive work with Gold Star families and has participated in transition forums for SEALS approaching retirement. He has been a presenter and program developer for forums that focus on mental health and wellness for active and retired military. Robert is married to his wife Gisele. They have two children. A son, Galen who played college baseball and a daughter Abby who played high school and club volleyball.www.tinssp.com www.championsmentaledge.com

In today's BHI episode I had the honor and pleasure of meeting with Robert Andrews-Mendoza to discuss what it takes for an MN LADC to have their own private practice. With Roberts knowledge, passion, and hard work he has paved the way for more LADC's to learn about these game-changing career opportunity's. We also went into discussion about therapeutic interventions and scope of practice for LADC's and other health care professionals. It was an honor having Robert as a BHI guest. Roberts contact information MN LADC's in Solo Private Practice https://www.facebook.com/groups/536566350818500 ramendoza@soulsavvy.biz robertdandrews@gmail.com

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Brad Walbridge, Daniel Black, Robert Andrews, and Shawn Piedrahita tackle the question, “how should men think when it comes to managing rest?” They unpack the role of personality when it comes to managing rest and share practical ways to incorporate rest into our daily lives. Share, listen, and then discuss the application, key ideas, and Scripture references in a one-on-one conversation or with a group of men by visiting: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/podcasts/men-at-grace APPLICATION Do you identify more with the tendency to overwork with limited rest or underwork with too much rest? Explain. What activities and interests allow you to feel most at rest? What stirs the creative side of your mind? Do you currently have a consistent rest plan? What does this look like? What are some changes you need to make to your schedule/routine to incorporate additional periods of rest in your life? RESOURCES Authentic Manhood Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/authentic-manhood A Man and His Work Study: https://resources.gracechurchsc.org/teaching/mens-roundtable/a-man-and-his-work Celebration of Discipline by: Richard Foster https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CRKXMB7/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 Fight Hustle, End Hurry Podcast: John Mark Comer & Jefferson Bethke https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-hustle-end-hurry/id1480300467 Practical ideas pertaining to rest: One practical way Daniel combats the tendency to overwork is by establishing a 24-hour Sabbath. This involves shutting down his phone on Friday afternoons, giving it to his wife, and having an extended time to rest/decompress. This small act allows him to be more present with his wife and family, prepares his soul for worship on Sunday, and serves as a reminder that he is not that important. Robert incorporates rest into his daily routine through activities such as reading, sketching, writing, or anything that allows him to “step down” and move into the category of low energy impact. Shawn incorporates short periods of rest throughout the day to intentionally stop and take a break from work. This might involve leaving his office, going outside, playing guitar, playing an active game, etc. He also takes time to read alongside his wife at night, choosing a book that allows him to dive into another world and activate the creative side of his mind. If you know a man who would benefit from hearing this episode, share it with him. Having intentional conversations around these principles is a great way to disciple and help others move towards Christ.

Hiking give us an opportunity to connect with nature. We're not walking up a mountain, we're going somewhere else. Transcript PatronsNick, Queen Axi, tetoris, Nathan Derby, Jez Broome, William Meringolo, The Coffeemancer, obsidiandarke, vamp, Ace Decker, Trestyn, Falt, Turner, BulletBill318, Peter Cargill, Teagan Zee, Carbon 281, Robert Andrews, Salti, petter, Dead till Friday, Tron Wild, DantePD, Lyssa Discordia, Jules, Grady, and Tamara Relota!Cast & Crew:Project Serapis was written by Ben CounterGallio - Jon GrilzMcCoffrey - Graham RowatShelby - Elissa ParkRoman - Sushant AdlakhaHerc - Alvan Bolling II____________Line Editor - Daisy McNamaraSound Designer - Dana CreasemanMusic by Tom Rory ParsonsShowrunner - Pacific S. ObadiahProducers - Tom Owen & Brad MiskaPresented by Bloody Disgustingwww.Bloody-Disgusting.com www.SCParchives.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scp_pod Twitter: https://twitter.com/scp_pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scppod Discord: https://discord.gg/yW5BVPFgzp See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Listen to The Story Podcast - Episode 17 based on chapter 16 readings. Today we have special guest Robert Andrews joining Dr. Pouncey for the podcast.

Robert B. Andrews MA, LMFT Robert Andrews is the founder of the Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, Texas. Robert is a licensed mental health professional and a mental training and performance expert and works with individual athletes, teams, coaches, and organizations. Robert works with elite athletes who wish to strengthen their mental approach to competing at the highest levels. He has developed a dynamic mental training program that has helped Olympians and Olympic hopefuls in men's and women's gymnastics, trampoline, swimming, diving, judo, fencing, track & field (including Olympians in pole vault), figure skating, and skeleton. Robert also specializes in assisting injured athletes as they overcome the mental and emotional impact of serious sports-related injuries. Robert has worked with active and retired Navy SEALS and their families. He has done extensive work with Gold Star families and has participated in transition forums for SEALS approaching retirement. He has been a presenter and program developer for forums that focus on mental health and wellness for active and retired military. Robert is married to his wife Gisele. They have two children. A son, Galen who played college baseball and a daughter Abby who played high school and club volleyball.www.tinssp.com www.championsmentaledge.com

Mercedes De La Cruz is a Canadian born actress and model best known for her memorable and charismatic performances in more than two dozen television shows and independent films. After a successful modeling career, De La Cruz made the transition to a versatile supporting actor lauded as a great actress by the likes of Academy Award nominee, Sally Kirkland for her role as Carla, a savvy pregnant prostitute in Ramshackle Blues, De La Cruz was nominated for a best-supporting actress at the 2019 Vancouver Bad-Ass Film Festival. De La Cruz recently wrapped filming a co-lead in the feature Because You're Dead to Me. And also a movie called The Machine where she can talk a little bit more about while we have the interview. And the co-starring role in the Netflix series Made an extensive spiritual journey, led her to overcome an alcohol and drug addiction. Vincent Ferguson: Her in-depth study in A Course In Miracles led her to a massive change in her perspective and gave way to her being able to see energy on objects. This new development opened her eyes to energy work and set her on an even deeper mission. Health and fitness have always been a high priority for Mercedes as a classically trained ballerina for well over a decade, she is no stranger to a strict fitness regimen. She lifts weights, does circuit training, Yoga and Pilates, and when it comes to nutrition, Mercedes has always been interested in pushing her boundaries, everything from intermittent fasting to breatherianism or the Paleo diet to being a vegetarian. She is now a firm believer in being in communication with your body, giving it what it needs, and eating a lot less than we are used to. So let's welcome Mercedes De La Cruz to my Six Weeks to Fitness podcast. Mercedes how are you? Mercedes De La Cruz: Hi. Wow. I'm really good. How are you? Vincent Ferguson: I'm good. I'm good. Before we talk about fitness and spirituality. Let's talk also about your acting career. Mercedes De La Cruz: Sure. Yeah, absolutely. Vincent Ferguson: You started out as a model, a very successful one, and yet you transitioned to acting what or who inspired you to get into acting? Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, I actually, even before modeling, I was a dancer and I started on stage when I was three years old. And I really like performing, ballet was one thing, but performing just being up there and the crowd and the lights and the excitement and all the energy up there. I really, really wanted more of that. And I mean, I was super young, I was three years old. And so I've been on stage kind of ever since. So I wasn't actually inspired by anyone really specific to perform. I just kind of have always done it. And actually my boyfriend asked me this today. We were doing this fitness stretching class a little while ago and I was really flexible. And he's like, "Have you always been so flexible?" And I was like, "Well, yeah, I was a ballerina. And he was like, "Well, but before you were a ballerina?" And I'm like, "Well, there wasn't anything before." Vincent Ferguson: Right. You're a toddler. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. I don't have any in-depth memories of what it was like before I was three years old. So it feels that same way with performing as well. Vincent Ferguson: Well, so you're actually doing what you believe you were born to do? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah, pretty much. And that's the funny thing, being a dancer... And it wasn't just ballet that I did. I did ballet, jazz, musical theater, song and dance, like whatever my dance school had. I didn't do tap because I heard it was bad for your knees. That was silly. I was always dancing and performing and I realized later on that it wasn't even really dance that I wanted to do. It was more the performing side, but it was my mom who really was like, "Oh, you're such a great dancer." And I wanted to make her happy and we do that as human beings. We want to please the other people around us and get approval. But I think if someone would have really asked me like, what I preferred I probably would have been acting a lot sooner. Vincent Ferguson: Really? A lot sooner. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. I mean, not sooner than three, but rather than taking all those years of dance, I think I would have liked to get more into acting sooner than I did. Vincent Ferguson: But doesn't having that background in dance compliment your acting? Mercedes De La Cruz: Absolutely. I think there's a lot of major benefits from all the dance classes that I took and in that is discipline. Right. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Mercedes De La Cruz: Also, competence and learning about you, about your body as well. I'm not shy by any means, and I don't know if I would've ever been, but all the years of being on stage or being around that many people I think probably contributed to that as well. And then also listening. Right. Like being able to take direction. I think that was cultivated in dance. Vincent Ferguson: I know you were born in Edmonton, Canada, but you moved to Vancouver. Why did you move to Vancouver? Mercedes De La Cruz: To pursue acting. Vincent Ferguson: Really? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. I've always worked really hard and I left home really early when I was about 13 years old was the first time that I left home. Vincent Ferguson: Really? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. And I always had lots of jobs. I really wanted to be successful. And so I had part-time jobs and even through school, even when I wasn't living with my family, I always worked. And then I started a bunch of businesses and I had a home decor and painting company, and I had a marketing and promotions company and I was modeling and acting and traveling, and I was doing so many things and I was really spread thin. And I think because of that, and probably because I was drinking a lot as well I just wasn't feeling centered. And I felt quite depressed. And a close friend of mine, Robert Andrews, who had been a photographer actually, who's been taking my pictures since I was 17 years old, he sat me down and he was like, "All right, you're not happy. I can see that. What is it that you need to be doing? Or if you woke up every day and you were going to be doing something that would make you happy, what would it be?" Mercedes De La Cruz: And without even thinking, I was like, "Acting." Like, it was like quick. Vincent Ferguson: Quick. Mercedes De La Cruz: Quick answer. And he was like, "Okay, you got to move." And so I thought about two places that I could live in Canada where I would act and it would be either Toronto or Vancouver. And Vancouver was a lot closer. Vincent Ferguson: Okay. Mercedes De La Cruz: To Edmonton. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Mercedes De La Cruz: And I chose Vancouver. And so within I think it was three weeks, I got rid of everything pretty much that I owned and packed up what I could fit in my Volvo and moved to Vancouver. And I didn't know what I was going to do. I didn't have an agent. I didn't know anybody. I didn't have an acting class set up, nothing. I had no idea, but I just felt that's where I needed to be. And lo and behold, it worked out perfectly. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Most definitely. Now again, you stepped out on faith. Mercedes De La Cruz: I did. Oh yeah. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Mercedes De La Cruz: I do that a lot. Vincent Ferguson: Faith. And you had no agent. Okay. Mercedes De La Cruz: Nope. Vincent Ferguson: Nope. So did you have to audition for your first show, for your first movie? Mercedes De La Cruz: First things first when I got to Vancouver, this was before everybody had computers. Right. So I was going to internet cafes when that was the thing. Vincent Ferguson: Okay. Mercedes De La Cruz: And I doing up my resume at the internet cafe and I was looking for an agent and I was sending my resume to all these different agencies. And then you would have to audition for your agent. They would want to see what you were like. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Mercedes De La Cruz: And I mean, I was lucky. I'm ethnically ambiguous so I can play a lot of different roles. And that's definitely something that agencies would like to have. I have like a Hispanic look. I'm very mixed, so I can play a lot of different things. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Versatile. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Very versatile. And in Vancouver, there's very few Hispanic actors. So I did have a pretty big pick of agencies that I could go with, but still I had to audition for that. Mercedes De La Cruz: And in the beginning... I mean, I already had acting credits, I had experience. And I had been taking classes and I had already had a resume of work that I had done, but it was different. Like now I'm in a city where there's TV shows. Right. And I've never been on a TV show before. I didn't even know what that looked like. So I started doing backgrounds and for, I think probably two years, I did background work, which was great because it got you or got me to see how that all works. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Mercedes De La Cruz: Right. What everyone's job is in the production, the hours, and also just like the craziness of having to do the scene over and over and over again. And it's like Groundhog day, right. Mercedes De La Cruz: Not only that let's say it's a party scene and you're dancing at a club. Well, you'll have to do a take where you're dancing with music. Then you have to do a take with dancing without music, probably a few times. Then you have to do it again because you have this person's dialogue and then it's the other person's dialogue. And then there's going to be times where you're supposed to talk to the people that are around you. And other times you have to pretend that you're talking to these people because they don't want to have any sound. It's crazy. Vincent Ferguson: Yes. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. So that was really interesting. And then of course, for anything that I was wanting to be part of it, definitely an audition process. I mean, I was new to the city. I didn't know the casting agencies. Mercedes De La Cruz: I didn't know of casting. I didn't know anybody. Right. So I was going in like completely blind. And I mean, even just to get to these places at the time... I don't think I had a car when I had first, when I first moved down there. Yeah. I don't know what happened there. So I was like taking the bus to weird places and getting lost. Vincent Ferguson: Yes. Exactly. By yourself. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Everything that happens when you move to a brand new city and you're young and naive, but it worked out great. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. It definitely worked out. Mercedes De La Cruz: Now it's a different beast as you've been in the city longer, you know the people and it's not so scary. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Exactly. Exactly. But it's worked out for you in Vancouver. All right. Most of your success has been there, correct? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Vincent Ferguson: But I understand you're no longer in Vancouver is that a fact? Where are you now? And why did you move from Vancouver to where you are now? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. All right. Well, where I am now is Belgrade, Serbia. Vincent Ferguson: Serbia. Oh my goodness. Mercedes De La Cruz: Serbia. Yeah. It's been a while wild ride. Vincent Ferguson: Wow. Mercedes De La Cruz: I didn't even really know much about Serbia until a few years ago. My, partner, my boyfriend, Mario Milanovich, he is Serbian born in Belgrade, but didn't actually live here. He lived in Germany and then Canada and sometime in the U.S. But about five years ago, he came back for some business and we had started to take trips here and we really enjoy it. The people are so welcoming. The food is so fresh. Like GMO, what? They don't have that here. Vincent Ferguson: Really? Nice. Mercedes De La Cruz: No, I mean, it's incredible. And the prices are like... Gosh, you go to the farmer's market and you get bags and bags and bags of produce and it's like five bucks. And the tomatoes are the size of like two hands. Vincent Ferguson: What? Mercedes De La Cruz: It's wild. Yeah. Beautiful. Vincent Ferguson: Really? Mercedes De La Cruz: So anyways, we had been coming back and forth for some time and really enjoyed it. And then when COVID happened, it was challenging in Vancouver. The prices are really expensive, property's expensive, my bills were really high and I wasn't working. So I found it quite challenging to sustain my regular lifestyle. And my partner really wanted to get out of the west. So he came out to Serbia and he persuaded me to come too. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Whoa. Yes. Mercedes De La Cruz: So yeah, I did kind of what I did in Vancouver I gave all my things away. I also had an energy healing business in Vancouver. I closed the doors of that. I gave everything, I owned away like all my clothes, all my accessories. I used to style shoot too so I had closets full of yeah, full of everything. And I gave everything I owned to friends and whatever else I wasn't able to give away I gave to charity. And I packed two suitcases and moved to Serbia. And I mean, I didn't know the language. I didn't have any friends or family here. I didn't know what I was going to do. I didn't even know if I was going to act. I was just, again, going on faith- Vincent Ferguson: Really. Mercedes De La Cruz: ... Yeah. And I said, "All right, universe. All right, God, I know that everything's always working out for me so let's just dive in and trust that everything that I desire is still going to be accessible." And then I'm just going to do it and so I did. And within like a month, I got acquainted with an amazing acting coach from New York City, Adam Davenport. Yeah. And he's a phenomenal human being. He's now my acting coach and publicist. And he started an acting school out in Serbia, believe it or not because he came to prep for a movie that he was doing and he is a phenomenal acting coach to begin with in New York. He won like to top 10 acting coaches in the region. So when he came out here, he thought, "All right, I'm going to start a school." So I joined his acting school and met friends that way and got acquainted with casting agencies. And lo and behold, I end up working on a Hollywood movie in Serbia. Vincent Ferguson: Really? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Vincent Ferguson: A Hollywood movie in Serbia? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Yes, in Serbia. I've been trying to break into the Hollywood scene for some time and I'd done some small roles here and there or whatever, but I would've never thought that coming to Serbia would land me a role in a legendary picture, feature film. Vincent Ferguson: Amazing. Mercedes De La Cruz: But it did. Vincent Ferguson: Yes. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Vincent Ferguson: I was just going to say, I was going to ask you, well, most actresses if they want to make it big, they'll usually travel to Hollywood. Okay. But you traveled to Serbia and ended up in a Hollywood movie. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Yeah. Vincent Ferguson: So, how is the film industry out there? Is it booming? A lot of opportunities for you? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Actually, it's fantastic. They really have a good foundation for productions to come here now. They have tons of crews ready to go there. The government is offering a tax incentive. It's also cheap. Right. The labor is inexpensive. Vincent Ferguson: Wow. I see. Mercedes De La Cruz: And it's not unionized out here. Vincent Ferguson: Oh, it's not. Mercedes De La Cruz: No, I know it's very different in Serbia. They didn't even have any agents here up until this past year. So even all the actors, they just represent themselves, which is something that is unheard of in the west. Vincent Ferguson: Crazy. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. It's all who you know, right. So you end up knowing casting directors or casting agents and they will find their roles that way. And it's super unusual. But because of that the pay is very low typically for the actors out here. So when a production from, let's say, New York or Los Angeles comes here and they're paying bigger rates, it's a big deal. It's a big deal for the actors here. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. I could imagine. Must be fighting to get a role. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. But I mean, we always are anyway. Vincent Ferguson: It's so interesting though, because again, wherever you go you seem to land on your feet? Mercedes De La Cruz: Absolutely. Vincent Ferguson: And we're going to talk about that, but I know that you, again, after reading your bio and you've mentioned you are classically trained ballerina. I also understand you are a Miss Hawaiian Tropic as well as being a successful actress, but which tells me that you are someone who pretty much takes care of her body. And yet at one point in your life, you had a drug and alcohol problem. How did that come about and what steps did you take to kick that habit? Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, I've always been very good to my body and then also not so good to my body. And I think primarily... Gosh, like how did it start? I don't know. I mean, I think it first starts like, you're just a kid and you're having fun and you're drinking and partying with friends and then you get a little older and you're still drinking and partying with friends and then maybe your friends are getting out of that and you still kind of doing it. It was a progressive thing for me. There wasn't any specific incident where it was super traumatic and I wanted to escape. But I found as the years went on, I did use it for escapism. Like there's beliefs that were going on, maybe beliefs of not being good enough or worthlessness or lack, right. Mercedes De La Cruz: Or fear. And I think rather than having to feel those feelings, it's so much easier to just numb it out. And that's what I did. And I think also another big part of it was my lifestyle. I had all these jobs and some of them were in nightclubs and some of them were in lounges and bars. And some of them were like in party scenes. Like when I had that marketing and promotions company, I was putting on big events, traveling all over with other models. Even like with the Miss Hawaiian Tropic stuff, you're with other gorgeous women at parties and they're offering you whatever, drinks and drugs. And so, it's a party until it's not a party. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Exactly. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah, I think that's really what happened for me. But I think the longer that I drank and did those drugs, the more I felt those feelings of worthlessness. Like the depression would set in the next day. And for five days after, and I hated myself and I hated my life. And it would take for me to get like, "Okay, I got to get up, dress up, show up, get to the gym." Right. And I would do this cycle thing. Okay. So I party all weekend and then come Monday, I'm back at the gym. I got to get my body back and I started feeling better by Friday. And then here we go, party again on the weekend. So I think it was for me, I had to hit a place that was kind of like a rock bottom where I just couldn't do this anymore. And from that, I was able to make some changes, but it wasn't until I put the alcohol down completely that I could make any change. Vincent Ferguson: Okay. So you did this on your own? No one came to you. You didn't go to a drug rehab program, alcohol anonymous, anything like that? Mercedes De La Cruz: Oh my God. No, I tried everything. Vincent Ferguson: Oh, you did? Mercedes De La Cruz: Oh, sure. God, must've been nearly a decade ago now when I chose to quit drinking. I was like, "Okay, there's got to be a better way. Enough is enough." And I was on a spiritual path. I knew that there had to be a better way and I wanted to shift my perspective. And in that I went and stayed at a spiritual retreat center for three months. And I mean, it wasn't a rehab facility, but it was for anybody, anybody who wanted to make a shift in their lives. I started something that I sort of made up called the Yes Experiment where I would say yes to anything that came into my experience. Mercedes De La Cruz: And so if someone was like, "You should try this course." I would say, "Yes." "You should go to AA." I said, "Yes." "You should get a sponsor." I said, "Yes." So I did absolutely everything I could get my hands on. I've gone for silent meditation retreats. Like the Pasana where you meditate for 10 hours a day, 10 days straight, which is a hundred hours of meditation- Vincent Ferguson: Really? Mercedes De La Cruz: ... in 10 days. Yeah. And in that you can't talk to anybody. You can't look at anybody, you have to keep your gaze down. Yeah. That was interesting. I've gone and done like Ayahuasca ceremonies, probably 20 of them. I've gone and done like dark room meditations. I've gone for different sort of body work, energy work. Oh my gosh. You know what? I probably have a list of like 40 different things that I've tried. Vincent Ferguson: Really. Really. Unbelievable. Mercedes De La Cruz: I did not do it alone. Vincent Ferguson: Most definitely. I guess I have to wait for the book to come out right, on your life. Mercedes De La Cruz: Pretty much. Vincent Ferguson: Because I also know that you studied a course called A Course in Miracles. That book, that course was written by Marianne Williamson, correct? Mercedes De La Cruz: No. Vincent Ferguson: This is the original. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. The original is not. The original is actually it was written by Automatic Writing and it was Ellen Schulman. And this was in the seventies and her and her partner, they were psychologists or psychiatrists. No psychiatrist, yeah, at a university. And at the university, it was really having lots of issues and it was going downhill and their faculty was really having a hard time. And her and her partner Bill Thetford, we're like, "Okay, something's got to give." And Ellen started hearing voices in her head. And the voices were saying, "This is a course in miracles, take notes." And at first she thought she was crazy and she didn't want to do anything with it. And she thought, "Oh my gosh, this sounds like schizophrenia." And being a psychologist, this doesn't sound good. So eventually as time went on, she eventually told Bill like, "Look, I got to tell you something. I'm hearing these voices. What do you think I should do?" And he was like, "Did you ever think of taking notes?" Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Mercedes De La Cruz: Because that's what the voices were saying. Vincent Ferguson: That's good. Wow. Mercedes De La Cruz: [crosstalk 00:26:11] take notes. So she did, she started taking notes and went and showed him the next day. And as he read what she wrote he was like flabbergasted. It was the words of, and this is I mean, it sounds crazy, but Jesus. And specifically, she was an atheist Jew or something like that. So, I mean, this was not something that she was writing herself, but it was very old English, which is not the way that she spoke. But they ended up writing this whole thing. And it was seven years, it took them to write this book. And then there's the Course and there's 365 lessons one per day. And it's all about changing your perspective. And so the Course in Miracles was really transformational for me because, I was stuck in this point of view of believing these ridiculous beliefs about myself and with the shift of perspective you can start seeing how the things that maybe I thought at one time, maybe aren't true. Right. Yeah. Vincent Ferguson: So this has changed your life and your whole perspective on life? Mercedes De La Cruz: Absolutely. I mean, and that's where it started. There's different ways of saying it. There's tons of different books and even like Landmark Personal Development Program was kind of the first step that I had in that direction when I quit drinking. And the same thing, it's about shifting your perspective. And it's like, this is the story and this is what I made up about the story or what the story means about me. Right. And so it's that distinction between this is actually what happened, and this is what I feel happened. And when I can separate the two, I'm not a victim anymore. And when I'm not a victim anymore then I have control and I can choose the kind of reality that I wish to perceive or to have more of or to create. Vincent Ferguson: Hm. Very, very deep. Mercedes De La Cruz: Thanks. Vincent Ferguson: And I love it. Do you believe in miracles or do you believe that we create our own miracles? Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, I think both. I think a miracle and even in the Course in Miracles, what they talk about is a miracle is just going from fear to love. In our experience we oscillate all day long where we're in love... And when I mean love, I don't mean like romantic love, but just feeling joy, peace, freedom, all of that. And when we're in fear, we're feeling anything either than peace, love, and joy. So it could be annoyance. It could be when I say fear, not just fear of like the dog, but like fear of tomorrow, the future, the path. It could be heartache. It could be loneliness, like all of these emotions are all under the fear category. And so the miracle is being in a state of that and then being able to get out of it right and shift to that love state. And I think that's what we're doing all the time. Right. We want to spend more time over there. And when I'm over there, then I get to create more of that because whatever I'm focused on, I get more of. So it's simple. It's just not easy. Vincent Ferguson: Definitely not. But whatever you focus the most of your time and energy on that's what you bring out. Right. That's what you bring about. And it's easy to say, but it's hard to focus on what you really want. Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, yeah. We're so imprinted and patterned with this looking for what's wrong rather than looking for what's right. Vincent Ferguson: Exactly. Do you believe there is a higher power that directs your life? Mercedes De La Cruz: I definitely believe that there's a higher power. I don't necessarily think that it's directing my life. I believe that it's there if I want to take it. I believe I'm directing my life, but when I let go and relax and I trust then I can go with the flow. But because I have free will I can push away from that flow- Vincent Ferguson: Yes. Easily. Mercedes De La Cruz: ... anytime I want. Vincent Ferguson: Exactly. Yes. Yes. So true. So true. Now at this stage of your acting career and your life, how important is fitness? Mercedes De La Cruz: Wow. It's very important to me. Fitness and nutrition both are very important, but it's in a different way. I used to be a crazy gym rat, like I would spend three hours a day at the gym. And I'm that girl that like, if I'm supposed to do 10 pushups, like I'll do 50. Vincent Ferguson: Wow. Mercedes De La Cruz: Like I pushed myself so hard almost to a detriment because I didn't listen to my body for a really long time. And I didn't know how. I think as human beings, we were raised where our parents said, "Listen to me, I know better." Or the teacher says, "Listen to me, I know better." Or the doctor says, "Listen to me, I know better." Nobody said like Follow your inner guidance system. You know what to do." Vincent Ferguson: Right. Mercedes De La Cruz: Nobody said that. And because of that, we don't trust ourselves. We don't trust how our body feels. We don't trust these little bits of insight maybe, or intuition that we get. We don't know that we know. And so forever, I kept reading books about what I thought I should do for fitness or reading books about what I thought I should do about nutrition. And now I do the opposite, I do what I can and I do what lights me up. And with food, I eat what I want. And I don't mean it in a way of like, eat donuts all the time. But I used to have this point of view that I'm supposed to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, then three snacks in between. And like don't eat after six and all of these things that we read or we heard, and that's fine and dandy, but like, that's not what my body's asking for. Vincent Ferguson: Ah, yes. Mercedes De La Cruz: Right. So it wasn't until I took food away entirely. I became a breatherian. Which a breatherian is somebody who sustains their life force energy by A changing your mind to what's possible in breathing exercises. And in that you don't have to eat food. I know that sounds wild, but I did that for half a year. Vincent Ferguson: Really. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. And at first I thought, oh my gosh, there's no way that I'm going to be able to have any energy or whatever. And it was actually the opposite. Vincent Ferguson: Really. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yep. I had more energy than I had ever had before. I didn't need to sleep as much. And this is why, this is what they say. And I mean, I don't know the facts behind it, but what they say in breatherianism is that we use 80% of our energy to digest our food. Mercedes De La Cruz: So if that's the case and you get up in the morning and you eat, and then you eat lunch and then you eat dinner and then you eat before bed well, you're digesting all day long using 80% of your energy. That means that you're working on 20% energy all day. Vincent Ferguson: Wow. Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, how are you supposed to like drive your car, be creative, basic motor function, have conversations, like that's tough. Well, you take all that digestion process away and all of a sudden you have 80% more energy. So you can be more creative. Your body can heal throughout the day, rather than waiting for you to fall asleep when you're finally not eating. Things like that. So anyways, long story short, I wanted to throw that in there just to say, when I took all the food away and realized that these points of view that I had around... I mean, we were told no food or water for three days, you'll die. Right. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Mercedes De La Cruz: I think of a common "fact". Well, I've gone seven days with no food and no water and I wasn't thirsty or hungry and I could have went longer I was just bored. Vincent Ferguson: Oh my goodness. Mercedes De La Cruz: What I believe will then become my reality. And so that's why it's important to change your mind to what's possible. In doing all of that, I realized like my body will tell me what it needs. And because I took everything away, I could just start implementing what I needed. I wouldn't call myself a breatherian anymore. However, I might go a couple of days without eating and then maybe I'll go a few days with eating a lot. Or maybe I won't have breakfast for a while. Maybe I'll decide, I just want salad. But I just listen to my body and I give it what it desires and I don't have any problems. I feel light. I feel more energetic. Vincent Ferguson: Yeah. Mercedes De La Cruz: I have more energy to go out and... I started running. Like, I didn't think I was a runner. I started doing that. And I love working out. I love working out in the gym. I love heavy weights, but I don't go as crazy as I used to. I just do what feels good. Vincent Ferguson: And you listen more to your body. Correct? Mercedes De La Cruz: That's it. Vincent Ferguson: Amazing. Now you recently wrapped up filming, as I mentioned, a co-lead and the feature Because You're Dead To Me but you said you also wrapped up a movie called The Machine. Talk about that for a minute. Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, yeah. The Because You're Dead To Me is an independent film that we shot in Vancouver. And right now it's being sent to festivals. So we'll see what happens with that. And then The Machine is a Legendary Pictures, feature film from LA. And that movie is about Bert Kreischer. He's a comedian in the U.S. and you can actually watch his special on Netflix. He's hilarious. Vincent Ferguson: Nice. Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah, he's a jolly dude that doesn't like to wear a shirt. So he's usually topless in all of his spandex. He just doesn't like the way it feels, he's so funny. And actually doing the movie, he wasn't wearing clothes for most of that. I mean the top, he had pants on. Anyway. Yeah. So he's a hilarious comedian. And he has a standup routine called The Machine. Mercedes De La Cruz: And what it's about is him in college taking Russian, which he actually thought was Spanish in the beginning, but is like that good of a student that he didn't realize. He wanted to get out of the class and the teacher was like, "Look, we need X amount of students for this to be a class, just stay in the class and I'll give you a C." And he was like, "Okay." Vincent Ferguson: Really. Cool. Mercedes De La Cruz: And she's like, "You don't have to do..." Yeah, "You don't have to do anything. Don't worry about like writing tasks. I'll just give you a C." And he was like "Score." So he took it. And after four years of Russian, they went on a class trip to Russia where he got involved with the Russian mob. And it's a hilarious skit that he does all about that. So for the movie it's about that. And then 20 years later, him and his dad get abducted by the Russian mob for things that they believe that he did 20 years prior. So it's Bert Kreischer and Mark Hamill plays his father who was Luke Skywalker. Vincent Ferguson: Mark Hamill. Mercedes De La Cruz: The original Luke Skywalker. Yep. And yeah, and I'm in that and I play his teacher. Vincent Ferguson: Nice. And you said you wrapped it up. So is it going to be released in a film or Netflix? How is it going to be released? Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, it's a feature film. So Legendary Pictures also did like Godzilla, The Hangover, they're a big production company. Yeah. I believe it's going to be a Hollywood blockbuster. I don't know when they're going to release it. I don't know. I don't know what's happening with that now that so many productions were probably put on hold because of COVID and maybe aren't released yet because all the theaters aren't back in running. I don't really know. Vincent Ferguson: Right. Right. Mercedes De La Cruz: But I do know that Bert right now is on tour with his standup. So he's probably promoting the movie and hopefully it will be out maybe by next year, I'm hoping. Vincent Ferguson: Yes. I hope so, too. It sounds great. It really does. How can my listeners find out more about you Mercedes? Mercedes De La Cruz: Well, you can check me out on Instagram. I'm Mercedes De La Cruz one. Also, you can look me up on IMDB and my IMDB link is on my Instagram page, also Facebook. But I post on Instagram a few times a week, at least. And I'm always talking about what I'm up to in my stories. And I make little videos here and there as well. And I post a lot of modeling pictures and people can reach me that way. I've also helped people out, when it comes to getting clean and sober, giving advice, whatever. So if anybody needs a hand with anything like that or just wants some advice, drop me a line. Vincent Ferguson: And they can do that via Instagram? Mercedes De La Cruz: Yeah. Vincent Ferguson: Nice. Well Mercedes De La Cruz on behalf of body sculpt of New York, that's my nonprofit organization, and Six Weeks of Fitness I truly want to thank you for coming on my show today. Mercedes De La Cruz: Thank you. Vincent Ferguson: And to my listeners, I truly hope this program was informative, encouraging, and inspiring, and that you will continue tuning in to our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for the show, please leave them on my Six Weeks to Fitness blog at www.6weekstofitness.com or email me at vince@sixweeks.com. And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Mercedes De La Cruz: Bye.  

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEWS This week, Jessica speaks with attorney and Olympic Champion, Nancy Hogshead-Makar of Champion Women about emotional abuse (A.C.E score) and SafeSport rules, the 8-year ban for Maggie Haney, whether this counts as progress, what a culture of silent obedience looks like, and a new bill pending before Congress. Learn more usopu.info  She also speaks with Robert Andrews, therapist and founder of the Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, about the long-term effects of childhood trauma and emotional abuse and what needs to change for USAG to be able to prevent abuse.  As a child. Andrews was inspired by the book They Fought Back. His series Champions Mental Edge is available here. GYMTERNET NEWS We won the COVID-19 Feeding America fundraiser. Still time to donate if you can. Watch here. 8 Years: Maggie Haney has been suspended for 8 years. We discuss what Laurie said about her experience, the details of the suspension, the information we'd still like to know, why now and why her (because there sure are others...), how shocked we are that emotional abuse was actually taken seriously, and what emotional abuse actually means Maggie's Rules from The Skating Lesson Fantasy Floor Music: We finally learned the details of Dan Kendig's 2018 resignation for getting caught doing something that most college programs do—and rant about the stupid NCAA rules on paying for floor choreography JOIN CLUB GYM NERD  Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Get discounts on awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview 187: McKayla Maroney Episode 28: Kristen Maloney 420: Jamie Dantzscher Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience Aimee & Maggie Extended Interview Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 423: Little Dumpster Fires Everywhere 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 420: Jamie Dantzscher 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 421: Tokyo Rule Change Mini-sode 419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri Behind The Scenes: Exactly What is Going on With Gymnast's Special Underwear? Behind The Scenes: Agina Simpkins Floor Interpreted Behind The Scenes: Pet Psychic Episode

Robert Andrews is a Sports Performance Coach at The Institute of Sports Performance who has created a mental training program used by 2008 & 2012 Olympic Medalists, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, World Champions, NBA All Stars, NFL All Pros, MLB All Stars, Heisman Trophy winners, College All Americans, and National Champions. In this episode we discuss what helps people perform at their peak level, not just in sports, but in business, relationships and in all areas of life. What is one of the key components of being your very best?  Listen and find out!  To connect with Robert and to learn more about what he does, you can visit these links below: www.tinssp.com www.championsmentaledge.com www.emdr.com Prayers to consider when feeling stagnant: "What is the highest and purest next step for me in my life, my career and in my business?" "How do I connect to Pure Source at the highest level?"   Light and Love, Michelle 

Robert Andrews CPA, CMA is Executive Director of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta(AFOA)and a passionate advocate for bringing professional skills back to improve Indigenous communities. Robert answers the question “What do you think are the most overrated and underrated leadership qualities?” and also discusses his work with the AFOA, barriers Indigenous individuals face in pursuing the accounting designation, and how the profession can help.

On the Midlife Male Podcast today I’ve got Robert Andrews he’s Founder of the Institute of Sports Performance in Houston Texas and the Author of Champion's Mental Edge – tales that help take you and your team to the next level of sports performance and beyond. Learn about overcoming mental blocks, addressing the emotional and impact of sports related injuries, parenting athletes and building championship sports culture with Champion's Mental Edge.  For anyone that has coached youth sports, has kids participating in sports, been part of a team as a player, as a parent this one’s for you. 

In this episode of Creating a New Healthcare, Dr. Zeev Neuwirth interviews Robert Andrews, CEO of Health Transformation Alliance (HTA).  HTA is a non-profit alliance of nearly 45 Corporations who are ...

In this episode of Creating a New Healthcare, Dr. Zeev Neuwirth interviews Robert Andrews, CEO of Health Transformation Alliance (HTA).  HTA is a non-profit alliance of nearly 45 Corporations who are working to improve the outcomes of healthcare and reduce the costs of medical care.  The Alliance includes such names as: IBM, Coca-Cola, 3M, Walgreens, Marriott, Pitney Bowes, Verizon, Dupont, Shell, Prudential and Fedex - to name a few.  Rob outlines HTA’s bold mission which is to “fix our broken healthcare system”; to “help companies take better care of the people who take care of them”; and to reverse the perverse incentives of the current Fee-For-Service payment model by paying physicians for value-based preventive care and improved health outcomes. Placing himself in challenging situations in order to serve the public, taking on ambitious goals, and getting them accomplished, is not a new pattern for Mr. Andrews.  Prior to his current role at HTA, he served as a Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 24 years.  Upon his departure from the House, President Barack Obama praised Rob’s service as “an original author of the Affordable Care Act… and a vital partner in its passage and implementation”.  In this interview Rob outlines the three major tactics the HTA is taking in order to accomplish its mission. The first is to lower pharmaceutical spending through appropriately cutting out non-value added costs in the pharmaceutical supply chain.  The second is to select provider groups with a demonstrable track record of delivering excellent health outcomes, cost effectively.  And the third is to engage employees in becoming proactive participants in their own healthcare.  These activities are all informed by IBM Watson Health’s supercomputing analytics.   It seems like HTA is well on its way to achieving its goals.  They are predicting healthcare savings of hundreds of millions of dollars in the first three years.  However, Rob Andrews convincingly argues that HTA's mission is not primarily about cost; but instead, they are focused on improving health outcomes, which will drive costs down - a win for employees and their employers.  You’ll be inspired by the conviction, integrity and energy that Mr. Andrews brings to this critically important task at hand.

IN THE NEWS  Spencer and Jessica chat about: Chinese National Games Jiang Tong's scream of joy after hitting floor  Retirements, including Bai Yawen and Shang Chunsong Chen Yile killer beam, TingTing is the top senior in AA qualification - beam Fan Yilin rocking a new Huang Huidan/Riley McCusker dismount Wang Yan’s brush-your-shoulders-off  floor routine China announced Worlds Team: AA -Liu Tingting, Luo Huan; VT, BB, FX - Wang Yan; UB - Fan Yilin Romanian Championships The craziest scoring of any national championship in the World. Larissa Iordache had a very head-shakey E score on beam, but upgraded to a Fabrichnova on bars We enjoy Catalina Ponor's death-stare-down at the beam after an unusual two falls in a row. Then we interpret Ponor’s new floor routine Varna World Cup, Italian and Swiss Nationals  Andrade Amanar We seethe about Brazil's decision to only send two athletes to Worlds this year. SEETHE! Deisree Carofiglio of Italy has a Dowell and so.much.drama. in her floor routine!  The official roster for US Worlds Training Camp is: Carey, Chiles, Frazier, Gaskins, Hurd, Locklear, McCusker, Schennikova, Smith, Thomas. GYMTERNET NEWS (46:56) Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Aliya Mustafina has returned to training at Round Lake with her baby.  John Geddart got caught in what seems to be a big fat lie about disgraced ex-MSU coach, Kathie Klages working at his gym.  Simone's therapist, Robert Andrews has written the best article ever on why gymnastics has found itself in hot water; the culture of disempowerment: USAG Sexual Abuse Scandal Is A Symptom Of Deeper Issues Danell Leyva will be on Danell Leyva Mira Quem Baila GAT Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to help gymnastics clubs impacted by Harvey. Houston warned in August 2016 of rain bombs FEEDBACK (46:56) 1996 Olympic commentary and what gymnastics was like in the 70's Accidental upgrades like the WolfKino: Stella Nistor accidental double pirouette Katelyn Ohashi speaking up Where is Gabby Douglas? Bone Density and gymnastics feedback from a Bioengineer How far can the bars be spread apart in FIG competition? Competing back-to-back from Floor to Vault WE ARE GIVING AWAY TICKETS TO WORLDS! Prize One:  A of pair tickets (so you can bring a friend!) for every final, including the sold out Women's All-Around Final.  Deadline: September 11th at midnight Pacific Prize Two: One ticket to all four all finals, including the sold out Women's All-Around Final Deadline: September 18th at midnight Pacific Who Can Enter: Club Gym Nerd members only. Join here. How to Enter: Tell us who you want to win at Worlds in Montreal.  Email: gymcastic@gmail.com using the subject line GymCastic Worlds Tickets OR Twitter or Instagram using  the hashtag #GymCasticWorldsTickets SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview  

Learn how to overcome the mental and emotional blocks that keep you from reaching your highest levels of performance with Robert Andrews. Robert is the founder and director of The Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, Texas. Robert specializes in mental training and performance enhancement for high school, college, professional, elite and Olympic athletes, teams, coaches, and organizations. Most recently he was part of a team that helped 2016 USA Olympic athletes win 7 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals, and 1 Bronze medal in gymnastics and swimming. He is the mental training consultant for Olympic Champions Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, and Simone Manuel. For more information, go to: www.championsmentaledge.com

Learn how to overcome the mental and emotional blocks that keep you from reaching your highest levels of performance with Robert Andrews. Robert is the founder and director of The Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, Texas. Robert specializes in mental training and performance enhancement for high school, college, professional, elite and Olympic athletes, teams, coaches, and organizations. Most recently he was part of a team that helped 2016 USA Olympic athletes win 7 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals, and 1 Bronze medal in gymnastics and swimming. He is the mental training consultant for Olympic Champions Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, and Simone Manuel. For more information, go to: www.championsmentaledge.com

Remains of found at an altitude of 2,803 metres in the Altai Mountains are being hailed as the first complete Turkik burial found in Central Asia. In the mummy's grave archaeologists found - alongside the human remains - a saddle, bridle, clay vase, wooden bowl, trough, iron kettle, the remains of entire horse, and what looks an awful lot like Adidas sneakers. Anthony and Jeff speculate on the origins of the fly-est mummy, and decide what kinds of things they'd like to be buried with. GET BONUS EPISODES, VIDEO HANGOUTS AND MORE. VISIT: http://patreon.com/wehaveconcerns Get all your sweet We Have Concerns merch by swinging by http://wehaveconcerns.com/shop Hey! If you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you use to listen. Here’s the iTunes link: http://bit.ly/wehaveconcerns And here’s the Stitcher link: http://bit.ly/stitcherwhc Jeff on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffcannata Anthony on Twitter: http://twitter.com/acarboni Today’s story was sent in by Robert Andrews: http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/n0638-archeologists-find-ancient-mummy-approximately-1500-years-old-in-mongolia/ If you’ve seen a story you think belongs on the show, send it to wehaveconcernsshow@gmail.com or leave it on the subreddit:http://reddit.com/r/wehaveconcerns

It’s looking kind of dark out there. What is happening to our country? How are we supposed to vote, given the political realities today? Can you trust any of the candidates? Well, we have some good answers for you. On our broadcast, we interview Robert Andrews, author and teacher in Washington State. He comes to share the four questions candidates need to answer before we can tell if someone is qualified to hold public office. You can learn more at his website: GospelParenting.com The post The Two Edged Sword – Robert Andrews appeared first on Home Front with Cynthia Davis.

Halle Friedman, Founder & President At the age of 18, Halle Friedman, Founder and President of Robert Andrews Laser & Aesthetics, entered the United States Air Force, where she proudly served her country for over 20 years in both Active Duty and as a Reservist.   While in the Air Force, Halle became a Computer Operations Instructor, attended college and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Southern Mississippi (1995) and became a commissioned officer - thus beginning an exciting and challenging career as an emergency/battlefield nurse.   Halle has worked in a number of impressive leadership positions to include, working directly with the Air Force Surgeon General Staff in Washington D.C., and as a Hospital Nursing Supervisor and RN Manager for the Emergency Department. In Colorado Springs she was Operations Manager and Manager of Patient Scheduling for Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department.   Halle’s in-depth medical career also includes certification in Medical Aesthetics from the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She is proficient in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Ablative and Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing; Sclerotherapy; Advanced Botox (Neurotoxins), Dermal fillers and more.   In addition to her medical background, Halle holds a degree in Information Systems Technology, and an MBA from Colorado Technical University.   Halle’s background and life experience is very broad, extensive, and accomplished - and she prides herself in seeing the big picture in life. She remains deeply involved in her profession and has served as the Treasurer, Secretary and Media Chair for the Colorado Emergency Nurses Association.   In October 2013, Halle realized her dream and established the Robert Andrews Laser & Medical Aesthetics clinic in Colorado Springs, where she is proudly bringing the highest level of science, technology, skill - and genuine care - to her clients.    

Wonder why the country is not getting better?  Listen tonight for the answers!  Our guest, Robert Andrews will share with us the problems and the solutions for the decline of the family in our country.  Robert Andrews, shares with us some wonderful stories of families that have been through difficult times and how we can win back the hearts of our children. Robert Andrews is a graduate chemical engineer who has been a college campus evangelist, high school chemistry teacher and basketball coach, church teaching elder, church planter, national conference speaker and certified business and family coach. You can read Robert’s weekly Gospel Parenting blog at www.gospelparenting.com The post Robert Andrews – Fixing the Family in Modern America appeared first on Home Front with Cynthia Davis.

Join us for a great conversation with Robert Andrews, founder of http://gospelparenting.com/.  Robert lives in Colville, Washington and shares some insights on the role of civil government.  Robert is a former high school chemistry teacher, basketball coach and college campus minister. The post Robert Andrews Talks About the Family and Civil Government appeared first on Home Front with Cynthia Davis.

Parallel Session V-B, Sunday Afternoon, 3 August 2008, The Natural Sciences and Issues of Faith