Success isn't always convenient, but it's worth the effort. Armed with grace and grit, towards a healthier, happier you. Joining us again, is Jenn DeTracy. You might remember her from her previous appearance on our show about six months ago when we talked about the realms of leadership. Today, we'll be demystifying wellness and physical health. Ever wondered why certain ingredients are allowed in some countries but banned in others? It's a fascinating discussion that will make you think twice about what you're putting into your body. When it comes to taking on a health journey. Are you approaching it as just another "one day" or is today truly "day one" of your transformative journey? We debunk the myth that all diets are created equal and discuss the significance of sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes. As our guest wisely puts it, "All diets work, but do they truly make us healthier on the inside?" It’s important to understand what constitutes healthy food. It's not just about counting calories or macros; it's about knowing which foods nourish your body and support longevity. And it's not just about how you look on the outside; it's also about what's happening inside your body. We'll discuss the importance of prioritizing internal health over external appearances and why body shaming has no place in a healthy lifestyle. We'll share some tips on how to make healthier choices without feeling overwhelmed. https://linktr.ee/evolvelife Jenn DeTracy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdetracy/?hl=en Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

So, picture this: You're on an airplane, always in transit, yet never fully arriving. But what if we let go of the destination and just embraced the moment? That's the revolutionary idea our guest brings to the table. Today, we've got a special guest in the house who's here to shake things up and challenge the way we think about life. Our friend, Linus Hammarstrand, a Buddhist monk deeply rooted in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. He shares his journey into Zen practice, starting with Shaolin Kung Fu at the age of 16, and how it eventually led him to embrace the path of a Buddhist monk. We explore the evolution of Buddhist practice over time and how it's adapted to the demands of contemporary society. Linus discusses the concept of surrendering to the present moment. He beautifully articulates the importance of letting go of our attachments to future outcomes and simply being fully present in each moment. It's a powerful reminder of the peace that comes from embracing stillness amidst life's chaos. He talks about the beauty of impermanence and how nothing lasts forever, not even our most unbearable situations. It's all about fully experiencing each moment, even the uncomfortable ones, without resistance.  From formal meditation practices to simple acts like walking or eating, our guest shares practical tips for cultivating mindfulness in our everyday lives. And that includes the mistakes we make, or as Linus puts it, "failing better." It's okay to make mistakes because that's how we learn and grow. It's all about being kinder to ourselves and embracing the journey of self-improvement.   Keep your eyes peeled on our YouTube channel for upcoming meditations with Linus.  While you’re there make sure to like and subscribe! Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch!

“Faith is faith, as hard as integrity.” "It is criminal how little we've saved ($). Like it should be criminal." Ever found yourself questioning why the dollars you make don't always translate to financial security? It's not just about making money – it's about understanding how our emotions play an important role in sculpting our financial realities. This episode is a captivating exploration of how our emotional landscapes shape our financial realities After years of personal growth and introspection, Zoey Shannon has built a thriving business centered around helping others navigate the tricky intersection of relationships and money.  The realization of her own financial struggles, despite a significant income, became a turning point. Resonate with Zoey's struggle against shame and self-judgment as she confronts the challenges of managing money. Her powerful revelation about worthiness, unraveling the belief systems that kept her trapped in cycles of doubt and scarcity. As she candidly shares her experiences with relationships and financial breakthroughs, listeners will find inspiration in her vulnerability and strength. Financial security is a state of stability and confidence in one's financial situation. Zoey's journey implies a sense of assurance, not just in the amount of money one earns but in how effectively they navigate their financial landscape, make financial decisions, and create a sustainable foundation for their economic well-being. Connect with Zoey Shannon:Website: Richgirlschool.com, Femmefortexo.com Social Media: @thezoeyshannon IG TikTok  Youtube Facebook Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“Some (gender identifying) terms, to me, are not feminine or masculine. They just denote an energetic helpfulness to another human on the planet.” So, what's gender identity? Gender identity is a deeply-felt sense of being male, female, gender fluid or another gender. It may or may not align with the physical sex assigned at birth,  and can change over time for some people. The gender and pronoun conversation continues to be a hot topic and as its new and expanding terminology is exciting and liberating for some, for others it can be very complicated,  confusing, and even frustrating. Kaje Thomas is a non-binary life coach who’s pronouns are they/them. They take us through what it was like growing up with a female sexual assignment, and the awareness of having an attraction to the same sex at a young age in a time when non-binary pronouns did not exist. They also share some of those challenges they experienced and continue to navigate on their  journey of their own gender self-discovery. In recent years, younger generations of people who's gender identification and sexual assignment don’t align have started speaking up about their experiences, and are asking the world to make space for them in terms of equality and kindness. Progress has been made, but Kaje is here to help clear up some of the confusion and facilitate understanding. Kaje Thomas is the owner of No Bullshit Life Coaching. Their 20 year career as a coach, coupled with their eclectic and diverse life experiences has helped them develop deep empathy and compassion. They've devoted their life to sharing and teaching these qualities however they can. Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“To understand water is to understand the cosmos, the marvels of nature, and life itself -Masaru Imoto” Having discipline is very crucial in freediving, so one must learn breath control, technique, and mental focus. The parallel between scuba diving and freediving differs in how fast you come up from the exceeded depth, with freediving being faster than scuba diving. Part of the safety measures are the presence of safety divers, video cameras, and the contraband system, ensuring a swift response in case of emergencies, and also having a buddy in free diving to mitigate risks. Our guests suggest that the practice requires divers to be present in the moment and fully engage with their surroundings. Do not just focus on the end goal but also be aware of the present moment. Setting intentions allows freedivers to stay grounded, concentrating on each step of the process rather than giving way to external pressures and anxiety Alexey Molchanov is the current world record holder for freediving. He got into it through childhood memories and family trips. It started as a hobby during family trips, and later, as the sport gained recognition, he decided to pursue it professionally.  Olya Lapina is a multi-talented individual with a resume that includes mountain climbing, yoga, and also freediving. It all started with a suggestion during a Vipassana meditation retreat in Bali, and when she heard that Alexey was coming, she signed up for the course and the rest is history. So, what is freediving? It's anything you do while holding your breath underwater. Whether it's underwater photography, water fishing, or breaking world records, free diving is a mesmerizing exploration of the underwater realm. To learn more about our guest, Alexey Molchanov, visit their website Molchanovs.com. Follow Alexey's Instagram account @alexeymolchanov. Visit BaliFreediver.com to learn more about freediving. Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“Confidence is not built by shouting affirmations in the mirror, but by building up a stack of undeniable evidence that you are who you say you are. - Alex Hormozi” In life, we’re constantly faced with decisions. In making these choices, we must consider the regrets we’re willing to live with. This perspective serves as a guiding principle, empowering us to assess our aspirations, dreams, and desires against the potential consequences of inaction. Mark Robinson’s personal journey exemplifies this concept; he opted to leave the security of a corporate job, embracing the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. In this pivotal moment, he evaluated the regret of not pursuing his passion against the regret of taking a leap of faith. His decision to choose the latter not only transformed his life but also led to the creation of BRANDTEGIC, a testament to the power of choosing one's regrets wisely. The concept of choosing regrets serves as a motivational beacon, encouraging us to pursue our dreams, passions, and authentic selves. It challenges the conventional norms of societal expectations and corporate stability, prompting us to embrace the unknown in pursuit of a more fulfilling existence. This will remind everyone that life's most rewarding adventures often stem from the courage to confront uncertainty and select the regrets that lead to a life well-lived. Learn more about Mark Robinson, visit https://brandtegic.co/about. Follow them on social media platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandtegic/. Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brandtegic. Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to get support” Stay curious, stay courageous, and embrace the beautiful adventure of self-discovery. With people you trust and love. And it's not just about being vulnerable with the world, but choosing who gets to see your true self. It's like building a fortress with gates that you control. So you can let the right people in, the ones who appreciate and nurture your vulnerability. And it's not about weakness. It's about strength, the strength to be authentic, to be real, to be imperfect, and to show up exactly as you are. Don't wait until life becomes unbearable or until you're drowning in your own uncertainties. Coaching isn't just for fixing what's broken; it's for enhancing what's already there. It's a tool for self-discovery, growth, and fulfilment. It's an investment in yourself and your future. And the beauty of it is, you don't have to do it alone. You have someone there, a coach, to guide you, support you, and challenge you in all the right ways. Join Chris and Sarah with a special guest - the very first returning guest, Lori “life coach Lori” Prutsman, on this episode of the Zen Meathead podcast. To learn more about Lori or hire her as a coach, visit her website: https://www.loriprutsman.com/. Listen to the first episode with Lori Prutsman: Spotify: Life Change with Lori Prutsman Youtube: Life Change with Lori Prutsman Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“When we lose touch with the instinctive psyche, we live in a semi destroyed state and images and powers that are natural to the feminine are not allowed full development.” - excerpt from Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. In this episode, we explore a topic that's often overlooked in discussions about health and wellness: the experiences unique to women. Bri Martinez, the founder of Wild Moon, is a passionate advocate for reconnecting women with their true selves through menstrual cycle awareness and nature connection. She shares profound insights from her personal journey and expertise, shedding light on the transformative power of embracing the natural cycles of the female body. Bri explains the four phases of the menstrual cycle, likening them to the changing seasons, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the varying energies and emotions that come with each phase. Through her own experience and extensive research, she discovered the significance of embracing these cyclical changes, leading to self-acceptance and profound personal growth. Bri also introduces the concept of moon journaling, a practice that allows women to track their cycles, gain self-awareness, and harness the strengths of each phase. The episode provides valuable insights into a topic that is crucial for women's overall well-being and personal development. Tune in and join us in this enlightening conversation! To register for the coaching, workshops, and backpacking trips, go to Bri Martinez’s website: wild-moon.org. You can follow and connect with Bri through Instagram: @wildmoonexperience. Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“you have to start to surround yourself with the people that you think have fruit, so that you move towards the actions that they present.” “One of the hardest things is sometimes letting go of people that just aren't moving in the direction you wanna be.” Chris and Sarah are joined by the dynamic duo, Nate and Jen DeTracy. Discussing the keys to building a thriving culture of success in fitness and business. They emphasize four fundamental elements: belonging, leadership identification, efficient systems, and nurturing individual talents, all while promoting a service-oriented mindset. The conversation highlights the importance of selecting the right collaborators and creating an inclusive atmosphere for long-term triumphs.   Nate and Jen also delve into mindset shifts and reframing challenges for personal and professional growth, sharing anecdotes like the transformative power of simple rituals. They stress the profound impact of community support and accountability, offering listeners a call to action to seek guidance, share goals openly, and embrace the transformative force of community in their own life journeys. Tune in for insights into creating a thriving culture and achieving remarkable success. https://evolvelifebydesign.com/ https://linktr.ee/NathanDeTracy Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

Welcome to Zen Meathead folks! In this episode, hosts Chris and Sarah invite their friend Michael Bradley to share his compelling journey from being a music enthusiast and creative talent to facing the depths of addiction. Michael candidly discusses his initial involvement in the music scene, using substances to cope with anxiety and challenges. As his addiction escalated, he found himself in a dangerous living situation, experiencing an overdose that marked a turning point towards recovery.   They explore Michael's process of seeking help, his transformational experience in the ICU, and the rebuilding of his life post-recovery. The episode emphasizes the significance of support systems, resilience, and seeking help, serving as a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. You can find Michaels music on Soundcloud under the name boaconstructor. Also mentioned: National Helpline for Substance Abuse: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): https://www.aa.org/ Narcotics Anonymous (NA): https://na.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/

In this episode of the Zen Meathead podcast, hosts Chris and Sarah sit down with their fascinating new friend, Heather Slye. Heather shares her unique journey and experiences in the world of fitness, where she balances her worlds of bodybuilding, pole dancing as a form of exercise and working for tech giant, Microsoft. Heather takes us through her initial interest in fitness, her discovery of bodybuilding, and how she fell in love with the art of pole dancing as a way to challenge herself physically and artistically. Join us as we delve into the world of fitness and technology with the inspiring Heather Slye. Hear how her dedication to bodybuilding and pole dancing led her to live a healthier lifestyle.

This is a special, and extremely endearing episode where our guest becomes the host, taking us on a journey into the heart and soul of Chris and Sarah; as themselves and as a couple. Chris and Sarah take turns being interviewed by Beth, someone who’s known them both for almost 20 years and who was there when they first met. Get ready to uncover the intricate layers of each of their journeys, from childhood to today. The experiences that have shaped them into the captivating voices you’ve come to know and love. From their early experiences to the pivotal moments that led them to embrace podcasting, we'll explore the diverse paths that converged to create Zen Meathead. But this episode isn't just about Chris and Sarah. It's about what makes them tick, what ignites their spirits, and the values that underpin their conversations. We'll delve into their individual backgrounds, their unique perspectives, and the life lessons they've learned along the way. Get ready to meet Chris and Sarah.

“Hormones have a lot of great benefits from bone health, energy, anxiety, fatigue, you name it. Hormones, sleep, metabolism, fat loss, weight loss, muscle building… So we need those hormones and like I said, as we age, unfortunately, they decline.” We’re in Phoenix, Arizona today, talking to Dr. Greg Jones and Dr. Joelle Fox of Ennovative Wellness Center. Dr. Jones and Dr. Fox are licensed Naturopathic Physicians and two of the several experts Zen Meathead is partnering with to bring you a new wellness program called, What Do You Have to Lose? More news on that coming soon. For now, Dr. Jones and Dr. Fox are giving us a preview of a future episode where we’ll take a deep dive into the powerful benefits of hormone optimization for overall health and longevity. Ennovative Wellness Center https://www.enovativewellness.com/ Also, check out Dr. Jones' podcast, Optimization Academy Podcast. https://www.thedrjonespodcast.com/ Head over to https://thezenmeathead.com/ all things Zen Meathead, including merch! And subscribe to get the latest on sales and events.

“If somebody keeps telling you you're divided then yeah, you're gonna be divided. But the reality is, the spiritual reality, is we are connected. We're just not aware we are.” Greg Roth is in the studio with Chris and Sarah today. Greg is a cycling enthusiast and documentary film producer. He’s come to share his inspiring journey of healing through cycling in this episode. He reveals how he embraced cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice and how it allowed him to confront and overcome childhood trauma. Inspired by his cycling coaches, the cycling community, and the memory of his mother, Greg was moved to create a documentary to remind people of the tangible and invisible aspects of human connection and how they relate to healing. We invite you to experience the captivating #WeRideWhy? trailer by clicking here. For a more immersive viewing, the complete #WeRideWhy? documentary is available on their official YouTube channel. Stay connected with the documentary on the following social media platforms: Instagram: Weridewhy_documentary Tiktok: Weridewhy_documentary Facebook: WeRideWhy Discover the transformative power of cycling and the significance of supporting the upcoming 2023 Fred Hutch Obliteride. This summer bike ride and 5K event raises funds for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, empowering individuals to contribute to the fight against cancer. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 12th, 2023, in Seattle, WA, and be part of this impactful event. For more information, go tohttps://ridewithgps.com/events/195822-2023-fred-hutch-obliteride. To stay connected with Greg Roth, you can find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/gregro. Also in this episode: Greg extends his heartfelt appreciation to Fount Cycling, a cycling club that has played a vital role in his personal journey. He also acknowledges his devoted coaches, David 'The Rocket' Richter and Jennifer Wheeler, for their unwavering support and guidance. Tune in to the #WeRideWhy? radio podcast on PodBean and Apple Itunes. An inspiring interview with Veronica Ewers: https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/introducing-veronica-ewers/ The Fred Hutch Cancer Center is a renowned institution dedicated to advancing cancer research and treatment. Explore their initiatives at https://www.fredhutch.org/en.html.

“Money is like love;  it kills slowly and painfully the one who withholds it, and it enlivens the other who turns it upon his fellow man.” -Kahlil Gibran Financial struggles can be a daunting and stressful experience for anyone. Whether it's due to unexpected expenses, job loss, or mounting debt, financial hardship can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness as you try to navigate through the challenges of managing finances. Many people struggle to make ends meet and find themselves facing difficult choices such as cutting back on necessities or taking on additional jobs to make ends meet. However, it's important to remember that financial struggles are not insurmountable. With proper planning, budgeting, and support, steps can be taken to overcome these challenges and achieve financial stability. Nelya Calev is in the studio with Chris and Sarah today. She’s an author, realtor and investor, here to share her wonderful personal story and a wealth of financial advice. You can find Nelya’s book, Nothing Held Back, on Amazon. You can connect with Nelya on LinkedIn.

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person that can live in peace with others.” “You have to be accountable. We can victimize ourselves until the cows come home and we all have reasons for our ailments but our reasons are not excuses. The quality of life is a chosen thing.” “If someone is not necessarily in communication with their body, they aren’t necessarily able to advocate for themselves.” There’s a powerful and liberating truth in this world that more and more people are realizing. We can choose our own emotional state and how we react to the world. We can take the high road when faced with annoying or challenging situations. It takes a small shift in mindset to consider that this is possible and the result is a greater sense of self-awareness, self-control, and well-being. Suddenly the world becomes more open and peaceful. Situations that used to be a trigger become opportunities to experience inner strength and unlimited potential. Sammie G. is very clear on what this means to her and she articulates her experiences and wisdom in a way that’s both down-to-earth and elevating. Her expertise and enthusiasm on yoga and how to come to know your self and communicate with your self and your body is sure to inspire you. Chris and Sarah are right on point having come to their own understandings of these things through their own experiences. This conversation is lively and elevated and will give you a wealth of ideas on how to get out of your head and into your body and beyond. Sammie G. Is the High Rise Hippe. She’s a professional ballroom dancer, a licensed aesthetician, registered yoga teacher, trained transcendental meditation instructor, Usui Reiki healer and Ayurvedic nutrition consultant. https://www.thehighrisehippie.com/about Also in this episode: Don’t forget that Chris and Sarah are offering a 3 month health and fitness coaching program, staring in May. Email Chris at chris@thezenmeathead.com to apply for one of 12 coaching spots. Sarah’s Boss Lady Power Spotify playlist.   https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4a5XUQVLWmUGEWddYq5bov?si=4b807762d1f241c5

“Grit is passion and perseverance for long term goals.” Getting in shape, as it turns out, is not magic. It’s a mathematical equation that when applied with intention and consistency delivers reliable and reproducible results. Anyone can do this with the right mindset and education and that’s exactly what our guests Morgan and Kawika Jarman are here to talk about today. Morgan is a professional health and fitness coach who helps guide people to the crux of what inspires them to make positive change in their lives and health. As an expert, she knows how to see the bigger picture of each person’s health and how to steer clear of the mess of misguided nutrition advice we’re all exposed to on social media. This bigger picture view of your health sets you up for a much higher level of sustainable performance, confidence, and overall health. Morgan was a professional trainer at Pro Club, Seattle for 10 years. She then went her own way and founded Pure Grit Performance to take her ability to improve people’s lives to the next level. Pure Grit Performance is club for everyone, from people just getting started, living with or recovering from chronic illness, elite athletes, first responders, the elderly and children. https://www.puregritperformance.com Also mentioned in this episode: Real Papa Swolio

“Failure is only a failure if you didn’t learn anything from it.” “The problem isn’t that you stumbled, the problem is when you stop making the call that you want to be better.” “We did have to go through some real pain, some real ugly horrible times, but it’s so worth it.” Life experience is the greatest teacher. On the subject of fear and transformation, today’s guest is an expert. JR Covey was suddenly taken to the threshold of faith and transformation while drunk with a friend in a bar. With a pocket full of elicit drugs, JR began his journey toward a more principled life and ultimately toward facing everyone’s worst enemy: fear. He left his old ways behind and went back to school to become a Psychologist. Fear comes in many forms and JR has dedicated his life to helping people get to the root of their fears and overcome them. He founded the program Fearproof to help people navigate the obscurity that fear creates in the mind and that holds people back from truly living. He and his wife have been operating Fearproof since 2015. “Our goal is to help people recognize, they have authority over the stories they tell themselves. And if the story you’re telling yourself isn’t benefitting you, change the story.” They've taken Fearproof from America to Europe. They’ve also contributed to efforts to rescue girls out of human trafficking. To learn more about JR and Fearproof or to set a no-obligation appointment, go to https://www.fearproof.me/. If you want to see live-action Chris and Sarah talking with JR, you can watch this episode, our first recorded video podcast, on the Zen Meathead YouTube channel!

"Success is 90% mindset.”  -Marie Kondo “If you don't take care of your body at a certain point it will fail. And you will have fewer years, you will be in more pain, it affects everything. It doesn't have to be that way and you don't have to be extreme. You don't have to do all the hardcore diets. You don't have to do all the hardcore exercises. You just gotta start and you gotta be willing to say, I will not quit. I will continue. I'll find my jam and you will find your jam.”  - Jeremy Sackett Today, Chris and Sarah are joined by their good friend and fitness coach, Jeremy Sackett. The three take fitness seriously but it’s more than just lifting weights and looking good. To cultivate the body you have to cultivate the mind, so being clear on your motivations and overall mindset will help you take your lifting and your health to the next level, and in a way that you can maintain for years to come. Jeremy is a fitness coach Pro Club in Bellevue, Washington. In this episode we’re discussing gym culture, personal motivation, and workout routines—we have an exciting and possibly life changing journey ahead of us. To learn more about the amazing Pro Club, go to https://www.proclub.com/club. Also in this episode: Spark Joy by Marie Kondo https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Your-Best-Life/dp/1529148456

On today’s episode Chris and Sarah are joined by Raji Rajagopalan (Raji Raj) where they have an exciting conversation on the topics of her new novel, Daring to be Different: Stories and Tips from a Women Leader in Tech—where Raji shares her experiences with public speaking and common workplace problems. This episode will be focused on the skills and advice Raji has gained over the years working with Microsoft and being a leader in the tech industry. Raji brings a lot of wisdom to the Zen Meathead Podcast and even has some interesting questions for Chris and Sarah. Join us for another wonderful episode of Zen Meathead. Foot Notes: To learn more about Raji Raj or to book her for your corporate speaking event, go to her webpage at https://www.rajiraj.com/. You can find her new book, Daring to be Different: Stories and Tips from a Women Leader in Tech, on Amazon, or on her website at https://www.rajiraj.com/daring. Raji is launching Daring to be Different at the Side Hustle Bar in Kirkland, Washington on the 18th of February. You can learn more about the event here. Also mentioned in this episode: Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear