Built Different

Back in February 2024, Alaina Pilarinos and I met while modeling in the Sweat & Style Fitness & Fashion Show—and we’ve been friends ever since.In this episode, we dive into her powerful fitness and family journey: from building a thriving hospitality group to becoming a standout group fitness instructor, nutrition coach, personal trainer, and transformation expert.Alaina lives and breathes the Greek value of philoxenia—the love of the stranger. Spend a few minutes listening to our conversation, and you’ll feel like part of the Pilarinos family too.

Dr. Kendra Zappia and Dr. Morgan Fryer both grew up in Mechanicville, NY and share more than just a passion for dentistry—they share a story of local roots, academic excellence, and a commitment to health in all its forms.

Kendra graduated from Mechanicville High School, served as class president all four years at Siena College (B.S. in Biology, cum laude), and earned her D.D.S., cum laude, from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.

Morgan followed a remarkably similar path: Siena College Biology major (cum laude) and University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine grad (cum laude), all while growing up in the same hometown as her sister. I sat down with both of my dentists—who also happen to be sisters—to talk about their journey, their approach to fitness, and their approach to providing quality dental care with a healthy dose of personality.

Dr. Shivangi Patel, M.D. is a board-certified family medicine physician who practices preventive and primary care. Not only is she my primary care doctor—she’s also a good friend and workout partner.Shiv and I recently sat down for a conversation about her personal journey in life and fitness, which has taken her from Atlanta to Antigua and now to Albany. We covered a wide range of topics, including the difference between health care and sick care, and the vital role that wellness-centered conversations play in modern medicine.

In this episode, James Basile of Menands, New York shares his story of going from high school football player to fitness industry veteran and small business owner. We dive into the lessons he’s learned building SupplementCartel in Loudonville, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how both of us have navigated life after losing our fathers. Tune in for candid conversations on fitness, relationships, and resilience.

Dr. Paul E. Calarco, Jr.

From the streets of New Rochelle to the soul of the Capital Region, Dr. Paul E. Calarco, Jr. is a modern Renaissance man whose passions defy easy categorization. If Jonathan Goldsmith is The Most Interesting Man in the World, Paul is the one catching up in the rearview—equal parts professor, poet, and philosopher.

Paul holds both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies/Sociology. By day, he’s a professor at Hudson Valley Community College, where he blends critical thought with compassion, and where he is known for integrating holistic wellness into the classroom. By night, he might be spinning tracks as a DJ, guiding students through Bikram, Vinyasa, or Yin yoga, or conducting a sound healing session as a certified Reiki master.

A yogi with a poet’s soul, Paul describes himself as a “seeker of knowledge,” embracing this lifetime as an opportunity to pursue “passion and love.” Whether through a quote from Paramahansa Yogananda or a verse from Biggie Smalls, he believes in connecting the mind, body, and spirit—on the mat, in the classroom, and in life.

Entrepreneur. Investor. Consultant. These are just some of the roles that Richard Mack of Wilton, New York plays in various aspects of his life. After high school, he struggled to find himself and slowly had his life fall apart as he fell deeper and deeper into alcoholism & depression. Growing up as an athlete, he knew that personal training and doing Crossfit was one of the few things that he loved and supported him physically and mentally.For the past decade, Richard has rebuilt his life through a powerful redemptive journey in sobriety. Going all in to become a better human by adopting a healthy lifestyle and surrounding himself with the right people. Our conversation touched on the lessons we've both learned on our fitness and wellness journeys including how we can work to build a better masculinity that's rooted in responsibility, character, and strength.

Kristen Garzone of Troy, New York is a wife, a mother, and leads an active lifestyle. She built a large following on Instagram in large part by documenting her marathon running journey. In real life and on social media, her life changed before, during, and post-pandemic as she navigated her own health journey. Kristen continues on her own road to personal redemption in part by slowly getting back into running. Her life story provides inspiration through her raw vulnerability and honesty working through complex physical, mental, and emotional heath issues including the meaning of motherhood.As she continues on her own fitness and wellness journey, Kristen is a courageous example of what it truly means to have the heart of a lion and to be your own freedom fighter.

Sonya Smith is the definition of a strong and successful woman. In her professional life, Sonya is the SUNY State Director of the New York Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) where she continues to make history as the first woman and first African-American to lead New York's vast SBDC network. As a fitness enthusiast, Sonya is a dynamic athlete who has played many sports and competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions. Sonya and I sat down to discuss her fitness and wellness journey and also ended up comparing notes on how prioritizing fitness and wellness impacts dating and relationships.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Maya Banks grew up as an All-Academic Student and All-American Athlete graduating from Guilderland High School in New York's Capital Region. As a Division I Student-Athlete at San Diego State, Maya studied Political Science during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and realized her renewed love of yoga while battling frustration over injuries that derailed her playing career.In "Our Convo Like Wo," Maya and I learned more about our shared passions for strength training, yoga, and public service.

Born in Albany, New York, Jenna Snide-Papielion began dancing at the age of three. She grew up studying tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. As a teenager, Jenna began exploring her passion as an educator teaching dance to other children. That passion led her to founding the Capital District Arts Initiative with her brother that provides an array of dance and theatre programming. Jenna and I discussed our shared common thread in growing up as performers and how we bring our artistic lenses to our ongoing fitness and faith journeys.