Turmeric and Tequila™

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32. The Whole Human Approach Feb 28, 2020

Show notes

Who knew we'd go from deadlifts for time to dead ass serious convo around how we evolve in our time? Focusing on how we slow down instead of speeding up?… What happened to us!? Evolution… and botox. Worry not. Some things will always remain on brand #corevalues. On this cast I sit down with long time fitness fam and Colorado OG Crossfitters, Courtney and Brandon Miracle. We have known each other for over 10 years and have seen CrossFit grow and expand to what it is today- from the farm up. Courtney and Brandon own CrossFit Surge, one of the longest running and most successful CrossFit gyms in Colorado. They have seen the cf fitness phenomenon as competitors, business owners, and business partners. AND they are still married!! I joke, but maintaining a biz, a competitive athlete's schedule, kiddos, pups, and all in-between are no easy feats. The real cardio in life is juggling the balance and prioritizing. Responsibilities over ego.

Like Courtney and Brandon, fitness and sports have been the entrance doors for me questioning a better way. How can I sleep better, eat better, train better… which eventually opened doors to the mental game and further, deeper questioning. How do I actually feel? Is my body telling me something? Maybe it's not supplements I need, maybe it's mediation and vision board? And what does that mean? It took me about 5-7 years to really dig into not only knowing myself as an athlete, but as a whole human. From core values, to allergies, to intuition. How can you be your best self when you don't know what you are fully dealing with? You wouldn't go compete without the proper training prep and gear, why would the game of life be any different? I have been so lucky to have had so many different people aid and guide in my personal and athletic journeys, but I really had to piece different things together to make it all fit- one group for training, one for recovery, one for nutrition, one for mental and brain wellness, etc. SO, when I saw Courtney and Brandon launching The Shift Project, a whole human approach to human optimization- I knew we had to cast!! They have streamlined a whole process for you to become your best self, from anywhere! It's for athletes, parents, entrepreneurs- any and every one looking to live their best life as fully as possible. Tune into hear the details and how their real-life experience, evolution, and commitment to the greater good has brought them to where they are today. It was an absolute pleasure to catch up (and cheer on) my meathead, spiritually enlightened friends as they make the world a better place one human at a time. I am so glad they are coaches, business owners, and role models for a successful relationship… but, mostly that they are parents shaping the next generation that will evolve and lead even faster than we did:)!!

Highlights:

Human optimization. The whole human approach, The Shift Project. From PR's in the gym to PR's in life. Learning the hard way and speaking from experience. Ethos, credibility, ego, and humility. Competing in sports, CrossFit, and life. Balance and checking in with yourself. Universe speaks, breakdown and breakthrough. Passion and persistence to do good for the world, starting with ourselves. Questing a better way. Varsity humans.

Courtney and Brandon Miracle

Courtney and Brandon are coaches at heart and serial entrepreneurs. Founders and owners of CrossFit Surge, The Happiness Endeavor and co-owners of Rom-Aid. Their entrepreneurial journey started over 15 years ago, but got a lot more real when they opened CrossFit Surge 10 years ago. Over the last 10 years they have learned that there is so much more to helping people become happy and healthy, and the workouts are often the easy part. They created the Total Shift Project to help their clients understand that the life, happiness and health they want is just a few simple SHIFTS away. They believe in a whole life, whole human approach. Connection of mind, body, soul and business that starts from the inside out. They have 2 amazing daughters who are 4 and 6. Their daughters are truly the reason they have become so passionate about helping the world SHIFT. Their mission is to teach them that they can be strong, passionate and accomplish anything they want in this world, and do it without stress, struggle or overwhelm!

@Courtney.mericle

@B.mericle

@totalshiftproject

@crossfitsurge

@theromaid

crossfitsurge.com

Totalshiftproject.com/main

The Happinessendeavor.com

ROM-aid.com

More info at www.TurmericAndTequila.com

31. Letting Go Feb 21, 2020

Show notes

One of the hardest things to do in life is to let go. Often times you know it's coming or it's necessary, but it doesn't make the process any easier. We have no training in this, so the natural inclination is to hold on… personally, professionally, spiritually, relationships, ideas, narratives, etc. We cling to what we think we need. Change is hard all the way around and to admit that something is no longer serving you- something that you love, have created, spent a lot of time on, are committed to, or is part of your identity, is WORK. We often get to a space where we can literally no longer bare the situation and come to a choice point. Ideally, you let go, have some time, and can positively reflect on a hard decision that was the right decision and realize how happy you are in moving on. This process will continue throughout our lives no matter what and the sooner we can be aware of the need to let go in situations, the better. It's a constant check in point on all things with ourselves. How is XYZ really serving me? If it's not, we need to let go.

On the cast fitness and wellness rock star, entrepreneur, leader, and longtime friend, Andria Bever, and I discuss scenarios in our worlds where it was HARD, but necessary to move on. Both of us are entrepreneurs, contractors, and creators- anyone in that space knows, things move fast and are constantly changing. Business plans change, people change, budgets change, lots of variables… but that's also what makes it fun:). We dive into the personal and professional, but focus on businesses and situations that we have built from the ground up and at some point, had to let go and move forward. Like me, Andria is someone that bleeds the brand. There is no middle ground, we are either all in or all out… balance is also a learning process:). We are both a bit type A, so we'll commit until it's right... or until we make it right. Right? Naa, we have both acquired an awareness on when it's time to LET GO. Hopefully this cast can somewhat streamline your process in moving on if that is a current space you are in or choice point you are at. Let our work, work for you!!

Whatever you believe, you can rest assure that there is a larger order to things. Often times our hardest decisions are the ones that point us in the right direction. Trust yourself, your gut, and the good people around you and advise you accordingly. The next thing WILL serve you.

Highlights:

Letting go. It's in the stars. Larger order. Bleeding the brand. Creating, building, and establishing a brand, only to let it go. Choosing your own path, even when it's not the popular choice. Trusting your young self and being aware of how what you should be doing (or what you love) shows up early in life… go back to that kiddo!! Breakdown, breakthrough. Evolution and revolution. The next big thing.

Andria Bever:

My love for sports began at a young age, which allowed me to discover my calling early in life. I found a passion for wellness and discovered the value of taking care of our bodies in order to obtain peak performance.

My career began in 2001 as a Soft Tissue/Stretch Therapist at Exos (teamexos.com, formerly Athletes Performance) from 2004-2011. This setting taught me the value of Recovery for optimal on-field performance. My experience working with professional athletes gave me unique insights into helping the weekend warrior reach his/her potential. This belief became one of the guiding principles of Denver Sports Recovery. As Co-Founder of DSR my work extended far beyond the realm of Soft Tissue and Stretch Therapy. I tapped into my entrepreneurial spirit and ran all aspects of the business. I defined the brand and led the business culture by hiring like-minded professionals, created and implemented all Systems and Processes, managed vendor relationships and established strategic partnerships.

@andriabever19

30. The Power of Humor Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

LOL… laugh out loud. Love out loud. Live out loud. All the things, out loud. If you know me, out loud is a comfort zone:), mostly because I naturally have no volume control. Perhaps my creator knew I'd have a podcast one day? (Thank you God, Madonna, glitter, and tequila)… Who knows, but what I do know, after MANY years of uncomfortable biz, sports, personal, and life conversations- humor can save the day. In our current reality, many tough conversations and decisions are coming to the table, thank goodness, and we need find common ground and connection to communicate effectively, with open minds. The range of education, exposure, and tolerance (and so much more) varies greatly person to person. It's hard to broch tough convos, to want to have them, and then to know how to have them. What about tough convos with kids? There is no rule book for any of this AND communication is the one thing we need the most right now. So, knowing that all things might be imperfect and that there are likely many uncontrolled variables with every tough convo, I offer humor as an entrance point. This is a skill in itself, hence I am SO excited to have Debbie Scheer on the show with me to cover her background and how her gift with humor has been a powerful entrance point to heavy conversations and challenging points in life. Debbie is gracious, smart, experienced, quick, and humble. She has mastered the art of communicating a heavy message with a comforting wave of humor surfing in the larger topic at hand. It's a vital skill set that we should all embrace. Enjoy a good listen, notes suggested:)

Highlights:

Humor. Communication with adults, kids, and everything in between. Stand up comedy, fundraising, auctions. Sex Ed. Life pivot points that are blessing in disguise. Following your heart… out loud. Motherhood and adoption. Positive energy and embracing the universe looking out for you. It takes a village. LOL.

Debbie Scheer is a speaker, emcee, benefit auctioneer, and humor coach/strategist who resides in Denver, CO. with her two children.

As a speaker, Debbie effortlessly uses humor as a way to break through the discomfort that prevents us from talking about the things that we NEED to be talking about. Her motto is, if we can laugh about it then we can surely talk about it, regardless of what the 'it' is.

When Debbie isn't speaking, emceeing, or raising money for nonprofits, she can be found forcing her children to hike with her in the Colorado mountains. You can't miss them on the trail because she is the one shouting, "WE LIVE IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STATE IN THE COUNTRY", while her boys let out deep sighs of annoyance as they eye roll their way along the trail.

Debbie's Connects:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

More on TurmericAndTequila.com

29. Conscious Career Change Feb 12, 2020

Show notes

When the universe quits encouraging you to follow your heart and finally makes you... this cast is about a conscious career change that highlights one person's journey to his most purposeful space:)

On this cast I sit down with long time lax and fitness fam brother, Dave Loudenslager. We have known each other for over ten years, both played lacrosse and then both got swooped into CrossFit and weightlifting. We have certainly seen each other "grow up(ish)" over the years, so this was a very cool conversation to highlight the personal and professional evolution (or lack thereof, HA). Dave is a long-time educator, coach, and mindful human being. His journey is the perfect example of consciously blending passion and professional worlds to fuel his new business venture, The Athlete Mindset. I won't say too much from there, but it's a fun one. If you are looking to truly do a job that highlights all your natural gifts and acquired skill sets, but are not sure how or when to make that leap, this is a great cast for you!

Highlights:

Fitness/sports makes friends. Truly living the turmeric and tequila lifestyle. Aka enjoying life and leading fellow humans. The education system. When you get into a job to help people, but lack the agency to do so. Finding and creating a better way. School and what they do and don't teach us. The evolution of the student and the curriculum. What do our kids need now? Sports and mindfulness. Merging the physical with the mental. Fun.

Dave Loudenslager, Educator, Coach, and Entrepreneur

Hometown: Hudson, OH

College: College of Wooster

Positions You Played: Defense

Positions You Coach: Defense, LSM, Midfield

Athletic Accomplishments : 2002 Ohio All State team, 2003 Ohio All State team, 2004 1st Team All NCAC, 2006 2nd Team All NCAC.

Where have you coached in the past : Cathedral High School, Chatfield High School, The Lacrosse Academy Camps, Hudson HS Lacrosse camps, Western Reserve Academy Lacrosse Camps, Colts Lacrosse Club

The Athlete Mindset

@athletemindset303

@dloudenslager

28. Clean Beauty Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

If you are in health and wellness, you know at this point it's not just about diet and exercise. It's about a full, well rounded approach to how you live and how you consume. Fitness, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness… and now toxins! Who knew there was more to worry about? Until recently, we let the majority of our purchasing behaviors be steered by our family and friend (our immediate environment aka influencers) or straight up marketing. Until recently, we didn't even know what to question or how…. Our make-up, detergent, air fresheners? Again, it's overwhelming to know how much you need to know to live as clean as you can. AND the more you dig in and do the research you really see how much you don't know. Hello outsourcing. Find someone who lives and works in the space and consult them accordingly. That person is Karen for me. She is a long time, great friend that I met while training at FRCF #fitfam. She has all the makings of a great advisor/coach… certifications, degrees, AND she lives it. She talks about training, tips, tricks, sources on where to find the right stuff, questions to ask… and if you don't need the ENTRIE clean life 411, she can just tell you what to do and what not to do:). I have come to her many times over the years for nutrition, recovery, supplement advice and now beauty products! I had no idea how many toxins were in the things we were consuming every day and how much is absorbed in our skin. AND a lot of companies know this… WTF. So just like the nutrition and fitness space, transparency is not the highest priority. Karen and I chat all things clean beauty, questions to ask, why she loves and supports Beautycounter (google them if you don't know already) and how they are taking things to the next level fighting for further beauty regulations federally. I highly recommend everyone watch the NetFlix Doc, Stink, it sums up why you should be wondering what we are putting on our bodies, cleaning our houses with, and what products that are not consumer packaged goods are treated with. Its mind blowing. Cheers to clean living, one convo and product at a time!

Highlights: Clean beauty. Holding companies accountable. Questioning a better way. Ramifications of these toxins? Karen's fitness and wellness journey. Good options. What you can do to help make a difference. Balance and beauty. Out spoken women and pups:)

Karen Rylander

Karen is a certified nutrition consultant passionate about helping clients uncover their innate, primal health buried under all of our modern toxins.

She's a native Texan, but has called Colorado home the past 20 years. She's been working as a certified nutrition consultant since 2011 when she graduated from Bauman College. She also has a Food and Wine certification from CookStreet and a B.A. in Anthropology from University of Colorado. In 2017, Karen joined forces with Beautycounter, a skincare company on a mission to get safer products into the hands of everyone. She lives in Denver, CO with her husband who is a chiropractor and their dog, Ginger.

Beautycounter.com/karenrylander

goprimalbykaren.com

advancedspinedenver.com

IG @karenscleanliving

27. Dear White Women Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

I believe in the power of communication and conversation. And, I believe in the necessity of uncomfortable conversation. If we can breakdown walls, we can breakthrough with evolution. Besides, looking the other way is so 1990. Like fitness, you tear down the muscle (workout) for it to grow back stronger #itsscience. On this cast I sit down with the founders and creators of the Dear White Women Podcast, Sara and Misasha, and we get our convo cardio in! These women are POWER PLAYERS. They are equal parts: drive, dedication, experience, and education… ½ white, ½ Asian… 100% influencers IRL. They are true bright lights leading us all to positive change.

We are all products of our environments- social, cultural… digital norms. We have exposure to very different things. We have different conscious and unconscious bias. This cast is a beautiful love note encouraging us to pause for a moment and think about why we think a certain way and experience things the way we do? As our world and realities further blend (thankfully so), these are hard conversations that we need to have now for our future generations. It's not about attack, blame, or guilt. It's about conscious evolution and acknowledgment, thus allowing space, grace, and empathy for someone that experiences life on the daily different that you do. Collectively, if we can understand one another further, we are one step closer to harmony…. A long way to go, but hope is on the horizon.

Highlights:

Questioning a better way. White women. All women. Everyone. Race and adults. Race and kids. Personal and professional experience, from Harvard to motherhood to the corporate world to podcasting. Our differences and our similarities. Being enough. Breaking outside of what we know and seeing what we don't know. Teaching moments and learning curves. Mission, understanding and unity. Communication for the greater good.

Sara Blanchard

Sara Blanchard helps communities build connections through conscious conversations, which she does as a podcaster, facilitator, TEDx speaker, writer, and happiness consultant. Having worked at Goldman Sachs and taught positive psychology at Harvard, Sara speaks the language of traditional accomplishment, but for over 10 years, Sara has also pursued the science and techniques of well-being as a life coach, mother, and author of Flex Mom. In addition to emceeing events like the World Happiness Summit and facilitating meaningful panel discussions, Sara now co-hosts award-winning Dear White Women, a social justice podcast that highlights the humanity in the history, race, and happiness of the United States.

Misasha Graham

Misasha Graham has spent her life attempting to bridge gaps, both professionally and personally, and foster understanding among groups of people. Misasha is an accomplished attorney, specializing in intellectual property law and cross-border work with Asia, with over ten years spent at several international law firms honing these skills. She is currently a Special Counsel at a Bay Area law firm, having stepped away from BigLaw to focus more on being present at home. Misasha is also passionate about diversity, equality and inclusion in the practice of law as well as in her communities. Besides being a Megaformer instructor, she is the proud mom of two very active young boys, and the co-host of the award-winning Dear White Women, a social justice podcast that highlights the humanity in the history, race, and happiness of the United States.

Dear White Women, Podcast

Sara & Misasha are the co-hosts of Dear White Women, an award-winning social justice podcast for busy people, who wish they knew more about race, happiness, history & current events in the United States. Their personal drive to leave this world a better place for their children became the impetus for this show, and each episode builds on their shared core beliefs in the humanity of all people, and that we rise by lifting others.

In a nutshell: they are best friends who met decades ago when they were walking out of a racial identity conversation (they're both half-White and half-Japanese) as undergraduates at Harvard. Misasha is married to a Black man, is a lawyer, amateur historian, and Megaformer fitness coach; Sara is married to a White Canadian man, is a life coach, positive psychology aficionado, and happiness consultant. Together they have four very mixed-race school-aged boys and girls. The podcast brings all these perspectives into consideration, as they dive into uncomfortable, informative conversations that help them - and listeners - know better and do better for themselves and the communities they're in.

You can listen to their new episodes every Wednesday, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and anywhere you subscribe to podcasts.

More at www.TurmericAndTequila.com

26. HOT CUP #1 Jan 22, 2020

Show notes

HOT CUP.... it's now a thing. Be ready.

This one is a little different! I sit down with two BFF's to dig into some HOT topics and share our general opinions around whatever topic gets pulled out of the cup... and I mean WHATEVER topic. How it works: before the convo we each wrote down "topics to discuss" and then put them all in a cup. From there we each pull out a topic one by one and discuss. It can be anything from "if you could be any Disney prince, who would you be?" to "the last time you wore pearls" to "would you take your husband's last name"? Simple, ish... as you know we tangent like pros (you're welcome) and we mix some heavy commentary (work place equality, tails of growing up, and more) alongside our lighthearted topical discussion…you know the drill. Turmeric AND Tequila:) I am not going to give too much more away here, but you should have a little mini ab workout by the conclusion of the cast. We go in… Hot Cup #2 coming soon.

Highlights:

General shenanigans. Growing up and youthful experiences. Kanye vs. Taylor. Gaston, don't ever choose him for anything! Pearls and first cars. Integrity and workplace equality. Exposure to adult material. Gross pizza and gratitude for zero social media during our college experience. This is a fun one. Enjoy

Ashley Knight

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

@theashleysimone

@4youeyesonlyesthetics

Paula

Former D1 Collegiate athlete, Master's Degree, and currently in education. She has coached women's sports for 15+ years. Dog lover and outdoor enthusiasts!

25. Influencers Under The Influence? Jan 20, 2020

Show notes

To drink or not to drink? In a social world (literally and digitally), alcohol is EVERYWHERE! You probably don't even notice all things alcohol is involved with until you stop drinking- for the night, the year, or forever. You drink to celebrate, to mourn, to relax… there is even alcohol at church. When we know all the negative effects of alcohol, why do we not only drink it, but drink it alongside all the emotions of life? It's a depressant! Is it culture or marketing or just plain social norms? As you know, I am a tequila fan and I love a libation or two:) and rarely say no to a good time. In addition, I am a lover of fitness and wellness- generally aiming to feel as good, healthy, and clear as I can. Hence, Turmeric and Tequila (the brand is authentic folks, the juxtaposition is real:). Many mornings after long party nights, waking up with a hangover and filing through receipts in my purse, I am not pumped about the costs around alcohol (energy, money, calories etc… #noregrets). Finding balance in work and play is a juggling act we all face one way or another and continuous self-check in points on all things that can get excessive, including fitness, wellness, and work, are necessary.

On this cast, myself and longtime BFF, fellow entrepreneur, and fitness lover, Jessica Crow, rap about the impact of alcohol and discuss where the line is in balancing alcohol in our lives. We also touch on people who have given up alcohol or meat or anything that is "out of the norm" and how to support their decision to do so. Is the social influence so strong that it's just easier to go with the flow? It can be, but hopefully this convo sheds a little light for those who are seeking balance with booze and/or have people in their lives that are non-drinkers. Proudly, Jessica and I are masters of fun AND love our health, family, and fitness… so on NEW YEAR'S EVE, we discuss the importance of balance. Cheers!

Highlights:

Influencers under the Influence, The impact of alcohol. Memory lane back to kindergarten! Drinkers and non-drinkers. The social norms of drinking. Balance in all things. Excess. Your surroundings. Your normal. The things we tell ourselves. Partying, it's fun. Be responsible.

Jessica Crow

Jessica Crow is an entrepreneur, a wife, mom of two young boys, a former foster parent, current yoga teacher, a lifelong student, and creator of the M3™ wellness framework (movement, meditation, mindset). Her mission is to "power transformation by empowering people" through expanded awareness and understanding, whether it's in the workplace or at the individual level.

Jessica is the founder of Apogy (www.apogy.biz), an online training company for people who want to up-level their professional skill set and immediately add value in the workplace. Jessica started Apogy in 2019 after spending 15 years climbing the corporate ladder. She attributes her career success in part to ongoing training and professional development, which gave her the necessary skills and confidence to perform as she took on new opportunities. Jessica believes that access (time / money) to information should never be a limitation to advancement, and wants to make it easier for more people to acquire the skills they seek by providing high-quality, battle-tested training people can actually afford.

Apogy also offers wellness awareness (M3™) and "conscious leadership" training to help people bridge the gap between human "doing" and human "being. As a former workaholic and "stress addict", Jessica leverages M3 to maintain health, alleviate stress, and strengthen her connection to self / others.

@jesscrow_co

@jesscrow_m3

24. Spiritually Basic Jan 15, 2020

Show notes

Spiritually basic!? Naa, not at all, BUT all of the animals on my cards DID have blowouts- I can't make this up:)

Calling all witches, warlocks, scientists, and believers… this is a good one:). I am a strong believer in accountability, mostly from yourself, and then from the people/communities your respect the most around you. SO, I decided to have my cards read on air by longtime, friend, fellow CrossFitter, entrepreneur, and intuitive, Laura Mahony. Nothing like hearing what's in store live on air- SCARY! I wanted to see what is swirling in the universe for me- what is next… I am not sure?! Well, actually I know exactly and so do you as all answer are within. We already have the answers? Yup. That is a lot to actually grasp, hence I love readings, coaches, and anyone or thing else that can help you dial into you and your true wants, desires, and goals. I started this podcast quite simply because it was an easy way to seek, discuss, and share truth. Question a better way one gracefully disruptive convo at a time. This really wasn't a biz angle or a marketing ploy, it is a platform for varsity humans to share their journey and their truths- thus far. The more casts I do, the more I fall in love with it. Completely unedited, heart and passion filled conversation stemming from love, experience, faith, and fun. It's just so awesome.

Many times, over the years I have put energy into some of the wrong things. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change one piece of it as I wouldn't be where I am without it, but it has created a heavy consciousness around the energy spend now. I want to make sure and make sure again I am spending energy (time, money, and effort) on the right things. Of course I think this cast and many of the current projects are on point, but a little affirmation via cards never hurts… sometimes you just need to hear it from someone else:). The signs and answers really ARE all around us and we need to be continuously reminded of that, hence I keep Laura close! Enjoy this peak into my potential future, this cast, and me doing my fave cardio- following the heart #clichesfordays . If you are seeking a little guidance, I highly suggest you reach out to Laura, she is awesome and greatly gifted! Perspective is priceless, anything and all things are possible. Also, blowouts are imports- literally in all my cards. Even spiritually BASIC AYYE.

Highlights:

Full card reading around this podcast- and my general professional leaps. Spiritual awareness, signs, and animals with blowouts. Standing out of the crowd. Taking action and believing what is in front of you. Changing story. More blowouts, ponies, and unicorns. Balance, timing, intuition. Leaning into what you already know, faithfully. Break free from the pack and lead. Impact, our youth, and some hilarious jocks in between heavy cometary… aka Turmeric & Tequila.

Laura Mahony

Laura Mahony is an intuitive that combines different modalities to connect with spirit and to provide guidance and healing. Laura is also a portrait and commercial photographer. Laura uses natural light, studio lights, strobes, small flashes, ginormous lights, itty bitty lights, existing light, no light, and just about any kind of light she can get her hands on. Her style is playful, warm, and comfy, and she focuses on movement and relationships in her photos. Her photographs range from ethereal to dynamic and always portray the genuine and personal. Laura works with schools, political campaigns, famous people, not so famous people, businesses, professionals, people in Colorado, people outside of Colorado, and anyone who wants exceptional photographs. She feels privileged to capture each amazing slice of life. All sessions are held on location, whether natural light or other. All sessions are fun and playful, whether portrait or commercial. Laura can be reached at www.thejapaneselantern.com or laura@thejapaneselantern.com

@thejapaneselantern

23. Responding To The Responder Jan 10, 2020

Show notes

Rhonda Kelly, Founder of ResponderStrong and Director of Health, Wellness & Resilience for Global Medical Response... AND OG CF BF, joins me on this cast to dig into the lives of our first and emergency responders.

First responders (definition) typically include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters, rescuers, and other trained members of organizations connected with this type of work.

Rhonda is where a wealth of education meets a wealth of experience- she has done, lived, and learned it A LOT, across several service careers, continents, and communities. It's always refreshing to see people start initiatives, foundations, and business from heart space vs. potential capital gain (and I respect the biz person, as you know) and that is exactly what Rhonda did in establishing ResponderStrong. Rhonda shares her journey, career, and her mission to help not only save the lives of the first and emergency responders, but change the way the entire "service and responder industry" hires, maintains, manages, and protects their own. Mental health is a long overdue conversation that is thankfully, becoming more relevant and less stigmatized. Rhonda has seen this need for a focus on mental health for decades, particularly amongst our men and women of service, and that need is finally being recognized and things are being done about it- because of her and many change agents aka community influencers like her. The occupational stress put on our first and emergency responders does not just impact them, but their families and communities as well. We cover a host of mental health and wellness topics and talk about what is going on right now to make it better and grow the conversation and awareness. There is great information for anyone in service… or anyone that has a brain:). While this convo is specific to responders- it's great fuel for thought for everyone. It's ok to not be ok. We all need more selfcare AND maintaining that self-awareness will prevent us all from slipping down an unnecessary, destructive path. People are out there, resources are out there, it matters, you matter, please reach out!

Highlights:

Mental health. The lives of first and emergency responders. Support vs. solution. Wanting to help people, but not having the agency to do so. Disputing the disruptive cycle. Self-care. Childhood trauma to adulthood drama. Mind flexibility. Universe speaking, Rhonda following! Maslow's Hierarchy. Misunderstood human behavior. Occupational stress. Impact. Take care of yourself, take care of the world. The resources out there to help!

Rhonda Kelly:

@remykelly

Founder ResponderStrong and Director of Health, Wellness & Resilience for Global Medical Response

Rhonda has led a varied life as an oceanographer, firefighter/paramedic, and psych ER nurse among other pursuits. Several years ago, she guided her interest in emergency responder mental health into the creation of ResponderStrong, an initiative aimed at improving mental health supports for responders and their families. Most recently, she has returned to her broader passion of overall wellness and is developing a program encompassing nutrition, sleep, movement and mindset to help emergency medical personnel lead their best lives. Rhonda is an ardent believer in the power and synergy of collaboration to solve big issues.

ResponderStrong:

The mental, emotional and physical impacts of emergency response work can compromise our ability to be there for our brothers and sisters in uniform, to be engaged with our families, and to protect our communities. Founded at the National Mental Health Innovation Center of the University of Colorado Anschutz, ResponderStrong is a collaboration between emergency responders and their advocates. Our mission is to improve mental health supports for emergency responders and their families through joint focuses on intervention and prevention. Our site serves as a resource map for responder-informed crisis and clinical services as well as easily accessible educational content and tools for responders, their families, their leaders and the clinicians who work with them. ResponderStrong has also created custom educational content regarding relationships, stress management, and resiliency in response to community needs assessments.

ResponderStrong Facebook

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