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Danielle is a wife, daughter, sister, traveler, survivor and trainer. Eight years ago, two weeks before Danielle was scheduled to move to Taiwan, she endured a near fatal boating accident off the Coast of Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida which left her paralyzed from the knee down. Danielle was the first person in the world to receive an experimental nerve surgery using Schwann Cells for Peripheral Nerve Paralysis. Knowing that she was destined to live an extraordinary life, Danielle agreed to this experimental surgery with the understanding that this research could change the lives of many suffering from paralysis in the future. Danielle moved to Taiwan a year and a half after the accident, later moving to Jamaica as a farmer, to California as a ranch hand and then to Southern Oregon where she is a personal trainer and fitness coach. Danielle is Founder of DCFIT a business that provides outdoor bootcamps and personal training. Danielle is living her dream of helping others through fitness. In her own words the accident “has been an asset to understanding my client’s mental states and the way the body can move, endure, and come back from injury. It has also allowed me to be more empathetic to those who move differently due to various traumas of the body”.

In this undeniably inspiring episode of The Know, Danielle shares her incredible story of life before and after a near fatal boating accident. Danielle speaks about the day of the accident, the events of the accident and her experiences thereafter. As a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast, Danielle shares her love of movement and how she has used it as both therapy and medicine. She reiterates time and again how many beautiful things have arisen from her darkest moments. Danielle's gratitude, honesty and grace are the embodiment of a woman living in her own personal knowing.

Other topics covered:

• anxiety
• the feelings attached to anxiety
• the beauty of exercise and movement
• Feelings can be universal
• There is always light

Connect with Danielle:

Web: www.strengthbeyondcircumstance.com

IG: @daniellemcrease

Connect with Nikki:

Web: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo

For information about sponsorships/collaborations, please contact [email protected].

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

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So many powerful points in this episode! Natalie Norfus is Managing Owner at The Norfus Firm. She is an HR & Inclusion Strategist, a mother, a trusted friend and a workplace problem solver. Natalie has over 15 years of experience counseling employers on diversity & HR strategies, compliance, and litigation. Natalie has worked with global employers in various industries including quick services restaurants, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare, and she firmly believes that there is no “one size fits all” approach to HR and diversity strategies. Having come from a diverse upbringing and having worked with employers across the globe, Natalie draws on her varied experiences to customize strategies that are unique to each organization. Natalie is passionate about supporting mentoring and educational opportunities for underserved youth. She currently serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.

In this informative episode of The Know, Nikki and Natalie examine the importance of building workplace cultures that include voices of varying backgrounds and ways to make this happen. Natalie and Nikki share their love of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and why they both find it crucial for their children to understand the importance of giving back to the community and truly being of service. Natalie discusses her role as an HR & Inclusion Strategist, and how she has been able to effectively work with companies to create safer and more productive workplaces. Natalie expands on her work with companies of varying sizes to implement short and longterm plans to increase minority representation and ownership and talks about why this is so important and culturally relevant. Natalie has also had a very pivotal role in helping companies to develop communication plans regarding their organizations’ position on diversity and diversity related issues. This episode touches on many important, sensitive, and timely topics that are critical to the success or failure of running a business in 2021. It is both engaging and informative!

Connect with Nikki:

Web: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @theknowwithnikkispo / @nikkisappspo

For information on sponsorships/collaboration, please contact [email protected]

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

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Erin Morrison is a Conscious Parenting Practitioner who supports women in reconnecting to their true selves. She does this by exploring the wounds of the past, examining how they unconsciously affect our current lives and replacing them with the power of self-love, self-compassion and embodiment of our wholeness. Erin uses a comfortable, relationship-based approach to help women find the beauty in healing the most painful of wounds; the ones from our families. Erin holds two masters degrees in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University and was trained in Conscious Parenting by world-renowned psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsbary. Erin is a mother of two, a wife of one and forever devoted to helping women find their greatest gift, connection to themselves.

In this special “holiday” episode of The Know, Nikki and Erin aim to provide listeners with the power to truly enjoy the holidays and time with family by arming them with the tools to set boundaries that align with their truth. Nikki and Erin explore the feelings and anxieties that can lead up to family and holiday gatherings and why these feelings and anxieties may come up for so many of us. Erin provides insight on both handling and identifying “big feelings,” how to set boundaries, and how to actually make this time of year enjoyable! Erin also explains why it is so hard for many of us to set and actually maintain boundaries and provides real strategies for implementing them. The ladies discuss the concept of “Boundary Backlash” and Erin provides a “Survival Guide” of action tips for uncomfortable or triggering moments. Erin reminds us that we must find self-compassion as our “hearts are doing a lot” this year. Lastly, wishes for a happy & healthy holiday season from The Know with Nikki Spo. We hope that this episode provides you with a blueprint to navigate challenging family dynamics while listening to your own inner knowing.

More topics covered in this episode:

• Existing expectations and regulating expectations during the holidays
• Returning to your family of origin after experiencing personal growth and how difficult that can be
• The “big feelings” that can appear as a result of old wounds
• Relearning how to experience these feelings
• Cutting through the guilt and shame that may come with having negative feelings about the holiday season
• How to set boundaries
• Forming a united front with your spouse/partner when implementing boundaries
• Responding to boundary backlash (Erin provides us with actual responses!)
• The notion of quality time versus quantity of time
• The holidays can be enjoyable!

Connect with Erin:

Web: www.theconsciousmom.com

Email: [email protected]

IG: @itstheconsciousmom

Connect with Nikki:

Web: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo

For information on sponsorships/collaborations, please contact [email protected].

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Janelle Perez is a Miami born, first-generation-American, mother, wife, small business owner and a cancer survivor. After graduating from Florida International University, Janelle moved to Washington, D.C. and began her career on Capitol Hill, honing her policy analysis skills. During her time in Washington, Janelle also focused on helping those in need. She volunteered at a non-profit, where she worked with low-income immigrants by helping them to improve their basic Spanish literacy skills in their native language. While seeking her Master’s Degree from The Johns Hopkins University, Janelle worked for a non-profit where she led the educational and advocacy activities to support federal funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. At the age of 28, Janelle was diagnosed with Stage IV Follicular Lymphoma, an aggressive, incurable cancer. Following her diagnosis, Janelle moved to Miami in order to prioritize her health and to start a family with her (now) wife, Monica. Today, she is one of the owners of Doctors HealthCare Plans, Inc., a Hispanic-owned and family-owned Medicare company in Miami-Dade County. It is one of Florida’s fastest growing Medicare companies, providing affordable, high-quality medical services to Medicare beneficiaries in the county. Janelle is running for State Senate to fight for opportunities for every family and child. Her personal experience battling illness and professional experience as an advocate and business owner has deepened her commitment to ensuring every Floridian has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

In this episode of The Know with Nikki Spo, Nikki and Janelle discuss numerous topics including Janelle’s experiences as a first-generation American, her experiences watching her father achieve "the American Dream” and her experiences as gay woman living "in the closet" for 10 years. Janelle also speaks openly about her devastating cancer diagnosis, her decision to come out to her family on the day of her diagnosis, her advocacy work, her business experience, her journey to motherhood, her senate race and so much more! Janelle’s passion, determination and positivity are incredibly inspiring. Although much of this subject matter is serious, Janelle and Nikki do a beautiful job of keeping the conversation light and relatable. Janelle is a true example of someone who has leaned into her own inner knowing. Listen!!

In this episode:

· The self-honesty associated with understanding your sexual preference

· The importance of feeling supported by friends and family upon coming out

· The transition from a humble beginning to achieving “The American Dream"

· What it means to leave a legacy

· The beauty and setbacks of tradition

· Trusting your intuition and advocating for your health

· The negative effects of keeping secrets

· Facing mortality at a young age

· A journey to creating a family in a same sex marriage

· Having honest conversations with children about the different ways in which children can come into the world

· What bravery can mean

Connect with Janelle:

Web: www.janelleperez.com

IG: @janelleperezforflorida

Connect with Nikki:

Web: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo

For information on collaborations/sponsorships, please contact [email protected].

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome! You guys, this episode is #sponsored by Life Time! My whole family and I are now members! This amazing health club has come to Miami and it is THE BEST athletic resort to come to town. Check out www.lifetime.life for rates and to schedule a walk through of a destination near you.

Kenya Raymer is a channel, a spirit guide, a bridge, and an activator. She came into this world to raise vibrations, lead herself and others in their return to heartspace, and to serve as a channel who assists in the merging and healing of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine. Kenya uses her unique combination of birthright abilities, spiritual gifts, personal characteristics, skills acquired, and education to guide those seeking support on their spiritual journey. She has a bachelors degree in social work from the University of Tennessee and a masters in social work from the University of Chicago. She is a wife, a mother, and a soul sister.

In this unique episode of The Know with Nikki Spo, Nikki and Kenya discuss Kenya’s journey to self discovery and the steps that led her to empower herself and follow her inner knowing. Kenya talks about her spiritual calling to do yoga teacher training in Costa Rica without her family and the importance of choosing ourselves. Kenya also touches on the fear that can come up once our intuition kicks in and how revolutionary it can be to take action even when fear is present. Nikki shares her admiration for Kenya and her ability to follow her intuition. The ladies talk about Kenya’s IG handle @HalfieTruths and how it has become a platform for so many different, open and honest conversations ranging from being racially mixed, living in different places, spiritually growing up, miscarriage, becoming a mother and so much more. Kenya and Nikki discuss a myriad of powerful topics with a sense of light and love. Listen!!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Prioritizing yourself
• Answering "the call"
• Being multifaceted
• Finding your inner knowing
• Fear and intuition
• Trusting yourself and taking action
• What defines our identities

Connect with Kenya:

Website: www.calendly.com/kenyaraymer

IG: @halfietruths

Connect with Nikki:

Website: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo

For information about collaborations/sponsorships, please email [email protected].

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Know, Nikki hosts Samantha “Sammy” Handler, who is the founder, CEO and artist at KicksBySammy, a company she created at only 18 years old! After receiving attention from hand-painted Keds Sneakers that she customized, Sammy soon discovered a new medium for her artistic talent and an eager consumer. Nikki and Sammy discuss Sammy’s journey as a young woman with a hobby and how she was able to turn that hobby into a full-blown business. Sammy shares with Nikki how KicksBySammy began, how she was able to grow it and how she has been able to pivot to create a thriving corporation that collaborates with well known artists and businesses. Sammy also shares practical advice on creating, building and maintaining a new business as well as the importance of a social media presence and of having mentors. Sammy’s episode is chock-full of business tips and strategies. Sammy is an inspiring woman who is paving her own space. She is a great example of following your passions and working hard to parlay that into a functional, sustainable company.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Using your gift to make other people feel special
• Identifying who your customer is and giving them what they want
• Scaling a business
• Age-shame
• Utilizing social media
• Maintaining brand authenticity
• Partnerships and collaborations

Connect with Sammy:

Website: www.kicksbysammy.com

IG: @kicksbysammy

Connect with Nikki:

Website: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @theknowwithnikkispo / @nikkisappspo

For information about collaborations/sponsorships, please contact [email protected]

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Candice Craig is an American dancer, singer, songwriter, model, actress, content creator, producer and business owner! WHEW!

She has danced on world tours, in videos, and on television for acts such as Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Diddy, Ciara, Pharrell Williams, Pitbull, Marc Anthony and more. Born out of the need to travel, dance, work and live in an outfit and the lack of comfortable and attractive options, Candice founded VVIVIIVIII Count Me In Activewear and then VV-Eyes-Lash. After being diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome in 2019, Candice made the mini series “Living with P.C.O.S.” where she shares her journey and experience living with this diagnosis. Candice lives in Los Angeles with her fiancé Omar.

In this episode, Nikki and Candice cover a whole range of topics. The ladies discuss Candice’s illustrious dance career, her video production career, and her music career. Additionally, Candice shares how her day-to-day schedule of travel, rehearsal and ‘look your best’ gave birth to her successful activewear line VVIVIIVIII Count Me In as well as her eyelash line. Lastly, Candice candidly shares the painful experience of living with undiagnosed P.C.OS. and how her diagnosis helped her to reclaim her life and body.

Connect with Candice:

Web: www.shop.countmein5678.com

IG: @candice

Connect with Nikki:

Web: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo

For information about collaborations/sponsorships, please contact [email protected]

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gale Nelson is the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. His professional career includes over 20 years of non-profit management and leadership experience. Since joining the BBBS team in July 2006, Gale has played a significant role in the growth and development of the agency’s mentoring and fund development programs. Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gale served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at a moderate risk residential school for court adjudicated boys for twelve years. Gale is a highly effective public speaker and the consummate strategist. His faith and his family continue to keep him grounded in helping youth and families.

In this motivational episode of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami’s Game of Life Podcast, Gale and Nikki cover a myriad of topics including mentorship and the impact that a strong mentor can provide to a young person and/or child. Nikki shares her early life experience being taught and guided by an incredible educator, her adult experience being an educator and so much more. As The Know audience has come to expect, Nikki’s authenticity and vulnerability shine through. In this “Metamorphosis” episode, Nikki opens up about her journey of transformation and the ups and downs that have landed her where she is today. The result is a magical episode that should not be missed!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lindsey Kaszuba is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who specializes in helping women to make small changes to their daily routines to create big impact on their overall health. Lindsey is a mom, wife, entrepreneur, Certified Integrative Health Coach, Founder of Lindsey Kaszuba Health and Creator of The Small Changes Big Impact Method. Lindsey’s journey as an Integrative Health Coach was born out of the desire to increase her personal nutritional education and a curiosity around food. While learning about nutrition, Lindsey quickly made the connection between food and lifestyle. Integrative Health Coaching marries nutrition and life coaching. The Small Changes Big Impact Method was developed from Lindsey’s deep understanding that huge lifestyle and food changes are generally not sustainable and that in order to really create change one must start small.

In this episode, Nikki and Lindsey discuss what Integrative Nutrition is, the relationship between food and emotion, and the negative impacts of creating food goals that are too large. Lindsey discusses bio-individuality and how every body is different and has different needs and shuts down the concept of a one size fits all approach to nutrition. Lindsey and Nikki discuss the idea of this marriage between life and food and how healing must come from the inside as food is only the beginning of the conversation. They continue to discuss fast food, sugar and caffeine with Nikki sharing her love for all three. Lindsey challenges her clients (and Nikki!) to begin to observe the way that they feel after ingesting items that they consider “bad” instead of making declarations about restricting them. Lindsey shares the concept of primary and secondary foods and brings attention to all that we consume in addition to the food that enters our bodies and how this “secondary food” really affects us. Lindsey puts the kibosh on the notion that there is a “secret” to diet and nutrition and reminds us that if we take the time to listen, that our bodies will provide the answers.

More topics covered in this episode:

• Following your passion with or without fear
• The marriage between lifestyle and nutrition
• The importance of acknowledging ones' accomplishments
• Releasing shame around food and food choices
• Conscious eating
• Supporting our children to eat consciously
• The concept of eating without guilt and how it is possible!

Connect with Lindsey:

Web: www.lindseykaszubahealth.com

IG: @lindseykaszubahealth

Connect with Nikki:

Web: www.nikkispo.com

IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo

For more information on collaborations and/or sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected].

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michelle Valiukenas is the proud mom of her angel Sweet Pea, who she lost due to miscarriage, her angel daughter Colette Louise who she lost at nine days old, and her only living child, her rainbow baby, Elliott Miguel. Inspired by her journey with Colette, Michelle and her husband founded The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Their flagship program financially assists families dealing with high-risk and complicated pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss. The organization’s ability to help families relies on donations and grants and they are grateful if you are able to donate. Michelle also participates and advocates on issues of maternal health, maternal mortality, infant health and safety, and pregnancy complications. Michelle lives in Glenview, Illinois with her son Elliott, husband Mark, and dog Nemo. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. In this touching episode, Michelle shares her story of losing her daughter Colette Louise at nine days old. Michelle and Nikki discuss Michelle’s journey with infertility, miscarriage and ultimately Michelle’s journey of having and losing a baby in the NICU. The ladies discuss Michelle’s experience having a baby prematurely, being thrust into a NICU, what that experience is in itself. Michelle very vulnerably speaks about life after the loss of an infant as well as pregnancy and parenting after a traumatic loss. The ladies touch on how friends and family can best support their loved ones through loss and how Michelle and her husband found hope and life after loss. Michelle’s hopes are that we break the stigma of talking about loss and that no one suffer the loss and grief of a baby alone. More topics covered in this episode: How common miscarriage and loss are The importance of sharing your story The support that men receive after the loss of a baby Ways to help friends and family through the grieving process Connect with Michelle: Web: www.colettelouise.com Connect with Nikki: Web: www.nikkispo.com IG: @nikkisappspo / @theknowwithnikkispo For information on sponsorships/collaborations, please contact [email protected]. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikki-spo/support

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.