Elevate Yourself

Hydration: The Story of Building an Electrolyte Company with Fluid Owner/Founder, Richard Smith

Biography

Fluid began as a senior project between two students, one in nutritional biochemistry and one in exercise science at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA in 2005. Founders Richard Smith and David Brown had both recently learned about the critical importance of nutrient timing and how helpful refueling during the "recovery window" could be. They saw an immediate need for a better solution.

Using personal training money, they purchased ingredients in bags, drums, and even 50lb sacks and began powder mixing in the kitchen. After several trial & error batches (and lots of additional research), they developed an award winning product that would revolutionize how athletes train, recover and improve.

There was only one problem, (well maybe more than one), "Recovery" drinks weren't really a thing yet. No one (besides them) knew how valuable post-workout carbs & protein could be. With physical therapy grad school pending for Richard, they had a choice to make, and they chose to dive in.

They hit the road, hard! They attended over 100 events in 2008 alone. Triathlons, marathons, mountain bike festivals, bike shows, and lots more, to spread the word & share the goods! The company grew steadily and organically, expanding its reach from San Luis Obispo to Southern and Northern California, and eventually across the country.

Today, Fluid is still headquartered in San Luis Obispo, CA, family owned & operated (by Richard & his wife), and run by a team of truly outstanding human beings.

Check out the fantastic full line of Fluid products https://store.livefluid.com/

Richard & Rob Discuss:

The origin story of Fluid

The importance of listening to your customers

Richard’s advice for early-stage companies

The power in being adaptable as a company and leader

The science behind Fluids products

Why certified third-party testing matters when it comes to supplements

Richard’s recommendations for Fluid products based on the needs of the person

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." -Maya Angelou

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Alex Goldberg is the Director of Technology Operations for Elevation Health where he is responsible for leading and coordinating the general operations of Elevation's technology. Job duties include management of developers and their project timelines, short and long term planning to reach targeted milestones on the proper deadline, client and staff education on use of technology, quality control, reporting and budgeting for operational cost, and assisting business development with presenting technology to clients.

Alex & Rob Discuss:

His journey with Elevation from personal training, to becoming a fitness manager to ultimately his role today as the Director of Technology and Operations.

How Elevation Health supports developing “homegrown” talent.

How his experience in the center helps his tech design thinking process for members.

All the features the Elevation app and portal provides for members

Why the app is the “one stop shop” for member fitness & wellness needs

How weight lifting reminds him that the hard road is actually better than the easy road.

A mutual love of fried chicken.

Why the Brilliant App is his best recent low cost purchase.

The simplicity of chocolate milk for post-exercise fueling

The NEW Elevation App is available for download starting June 5th, 2023.

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Mantras, Mindsets, and Mental Health with Neuroscientist, Cassidy Count!

Biography

Originally from a suburb of Indianapolis, Cassidy received her undergraduate degree at the University of Dayton. During her undergraduate studies she explored several majors, but eventually took a biopsychology class and fell in love with the subject. After working in a lab for two years, she decided to continue her education pursuing her PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky. While she has a deep psychology background, her main focus is in the biological realm of behavior. At present her research focuses on seeking a better understanding of the neurological effects of alcohol on specific brain structures to inform changes in behaviors for addiction. You can connect and learn more about Cassidy via https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-count/

Cassidy & Rob Discuss:

Her training and research interests

How isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to play some kind of role in the increase in mental health diagnosis.

Why humans are social creatures by nature and how we are not meant to be alone and isolated.

The Surgeon General’s recent statement on social media having “profound risk of harm” to adolescent mental health.

Listener question on tips to fall asleep

Sleep hygiene best practices from the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html .

History of mantras and how to use a mantra effectively

Cognitive behavioral therapy and how a positive mindset can help drive successful outcomes in life or work.

Her recommendation on more positive mindset support https://drdansiegel.com/

How AI can help us better understand the human brain in the next decade.

The meaning of “Where attention goes, energy flows.” and how our attention can drive our mental wellbeing.

How “Trolls” can help us get back up!

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Practical Nutrition for a Better You with Dr. Liz Combs, RDN, LD, EdD!!!

Biography

Dr. Liz Combs joined the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition in October 2011. Liz currently serves as a senior lecturer, the Director of the Coordinated Program, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, and a Co-Director of the Undergraduate Certificate in Nutrition for Human Performance. She is also a registered dietitian as well as licensed dietitian. Liz's background is in outpatient nutrition services, and she holds a national certification in childhood and adolescent weight management. Liz is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and serves on the board of both the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Bluegrass Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Dr. Liz Combs & Rob Discuss:

Her background in clinical practice and how she almost became the next Katie Couric.

Her principle belief on the importance of prioritizing “Nourishing your body before all other goals.

Considerations for nutrition fueling around exercise.

The importance of “little helpers” in our diet.

How a ziplock bag helped a client become aware of mindless eating and snacking.

Practical advice for weight loss goals.

Her personal history as an athlete and runner.

How running has taught her inertia and how she lets running fuel her work.

Her love of Goodr sunglasses, Meatloaf, and McDonald’s hash browns.

Follow her running journey as she prepares for her 2nd Boston Marathon in April on Instagram @Lizmarshallcombs

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Dr. Flack joined the department of Dietetics and Human nutrition in the fall of 2017 after spending three years at the USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota. His research centers on obesity prevention / treatment utilizing randomized controlled trials focusing on nutrition and exercise interventions that improve psychological health and the adoption of long term healthy habits. Dr. Flack studies ways exercise can impact dietary behaviors with the goal of improving the effectiveness of exercise for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Dr. Flack is also interested in behavioral reinforcement in the context of eating and exercise behaviors as a means to sustain behavioral change. He has led interventions that have aimed at increasing the reinforcing value of exercise and physical activity behaviors, how the reinforcing value of foods can be altered, and how individuals compensate for energy expended during exercise.

Full Profile https://dhn.ca.uky.edu/directory/kyle-flack

His Lab at the University of Kentucky https://performancenutritionlab.ca.uky.edu/

Read more about his published research https://scholars.uky.edu/en/persons/kyle-flack

Dr. Flack & Rob Discuss:

-His personal fitness journey from college football to present day Ironman racing

-His training at Virginia Tech and the USDA

-Research interests past, present, and future

-Recommendations for how to meet metabolic fueling needs

-Client Case Study discussion on weight loss and metabolic health

-Why cookies are excellent post-exercise fuel

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Carl D. McDowell was born on the gang-ridden streets of the south side of Chicago, but sports ultimately led him in the opposite direction. Excelling in football, baseball, and wrestling at Harper High School, it was football that got him a ticket out of Chicago and ultimately into acting. Excessive absences from theater class in college led him to the stage and to taking a mandatory role in Of Mice and Men. Bitten by the acting bug and sidelined by injury he made the move to Hollywood, and while working as a production assistant started performing stand-up. With some stand-up success he landed a few auditions, and the rest they say is history. TV credits include: Ballers (HBO), CSI:CYBER, Movies: Holidate (Netflix), The Babysitter (Netflix) and too many commercials to list!

Carl & Rob Discuss:

-Carl’s Background and Training in Chicago

-How sports taught him that “life isn’t fair”

-Why it is important to “prepare for the worst”

-A mutual love of Gus’ Fried Chicken

-How he primes himself to attack the day

-Lessons learned from acting rejection and success

-Why it is important to laugh at yourself

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Brad Mundy has provided financial planning and investment advice for a range of clients for over a decade. In this episode he shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences about how YOU can ELEVATE your finances in 2023!

Brad & Rob Discuss:

-His background and training

-How sports taught him the power of a competitive edge

-“Low hanging fruit” action items you can take to improve your finances

-How exercise, health behaviors and finances share the same principles

-His love of aqua notes

-Why things are “supposed to be hard”

-Think Brad might be the right financial advisor for you? Contact him at [email protected] https://www.merceradvisors.com/meet-our-team/richard-mundy/

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Dr. Bastin & Rob Discuss:

-Her diverse and accomplished nutrition background and training

-Ideal temperatures for holiday cooking

-Rules for keeping you and your family safe in the kitchen

-Leftover food guidance

-Always have on hand ingredients

-Mindful and moderation driven “healthy” eating principles

-Her general principle for finding joy in teaching and life

-Why a post-meal walk is so good for us

-Her favorite easy to make holiday snack

Dr. Sandra Bastin, LDN, RD, PhD

Dr. Bastin has served in several University of Kentucky leadership roles, including past DHN Chair and current CAFE representative on the University Senate. She is honored to have provided mentorship for many excellent Faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students for almost 30 years. She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, ACEND Program Reviewer, Certified Culinary Educator with the American Culinary Federation, and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Certified ServSafe® Instructor/Proctor. She strives to provide innovative student learning experiences, research and scholarly opportunities, and unique Extension nutrition education programming and outreach. Dr. Bastin provides leadership, technical expertise, program development, research and grant writing support in nutrition, diet and health; food safety; food preservation; and entrepreneurial food manufacturing for Cooperative Extension County Agents and fellow Kentuckians. Her favorite hobbies include cooking with her children James, Liza, Victoria, and Justin; traveling with friends; flying with her husband Ronnie; quilting for others (she has gifted over 50 quilts and prayed blessings over every stitch); and walking her greyhound Poptart!

The Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order at checkout!

Sara, Shirine, and Rob Discuss:

-How they both discovered a passion for group fitness teaching

-Why you should be empowered to always ask your instructor for modifications

-How they try to inspire group fitness classes

-How mindfulness can lead group engagement and positivity

-Why you should can and should Squat daily for long-term health

Sara Sullivan teaches fun and positive HIIT/Strength, Yoga, and Senior Fitness classes.

She likes to keep the classes fun so that you forget that you are working out and are able to get the most out of the time you spend together.

This is her 7th year in the Fitness Community, and being AFFA certified, NASM trained, & 200 RYT allows her to work with a wide variety of folks, where she says that leading all the classes helps to keep her on her toes and feeling young and lively.

Sara has found a great and unexpected passion working in fitness. She really enjoys helping others reach and surpass personal goals no matter how small or big they may be. After all, we are all a work in progress! She admits to guilty pleasures such as chocolate, cheese-its, and sometimes; just sometimes 7-11 Slurpees.

Feel free to ask her questions, share stories, recipes, or tell her where you got those cute shoes from, she loves to take time out to connect with others. She REALLY loves to tell and share corny jokes!!

When attending a class that Sara leads, be sure to bring a smile and your water, because Hydration IS COOL!

Social Media @Sarasullivanla

Shirine Partiyeli is from the Midwest but she spent much of her life in sunny California. She studied at Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Beverly Hills High and USC where she graduated with a BS in Business. She worked in Entertainment Business Management for 25 years before retiring. After realizing retirement was not for her, she decided to pursue her passion for fitness and teaching.

Her specialities and special certifications are in Aqua Fitness, Silver Sneakers, Bootcamp and Small Group Fitness. Currently, she is teaching Aqua Fitness, Total Body Boost and Balance for Active Aging. She is dedicated to making sure those who attend her class feel they are part of an amazing community that shares the commonality of nourishing mind, body and soul. She believes in being early to class and stays after class to answer or address any questions or concerns. Often Shirine is seen spending one on one time with those who need additional help in achieving their fitness goals.

When Shirine is not teaching classes she is working on herself and spending time with her family. She takes strength and conditioning, Krav Maga Bag and dance classes. She loves creating “just because” gifts for the special people in her life or for those that have journeyed along her path. Through experience, Shirine believes deeply that one kind gesture can change a person’s life. Her motto is take care of yourself first, so you can be there to take care of others.

Logan Neff BS, MAT-PE, USA-W, Director of Strength and Conditioning

National High School Strength Coaches Association Kentucky State Director(Beechwood Independent Schools)

Follow him on social media:

@CoachNeff_ on Twitter

@beechwoodstrength on Instagram

Rob & Logan Discuss:

-Logan's background and training

-Why you have to "go above and beyond what you’ve been asked to do. Set an example and a standard (kids see everything)"

-The power of "Know yourself and your purpose - YOUR WHY"

- How to "Own your role/execute with maximal effort/intent/ and to your best ability"

-Why you have to "coach everyone differently"

-Exercises ALL humans should be doing to perform optimally in life

-How to elicit body composition changes at home with access to minimal equipment.

-What is meant by "Iron sharpens Iron..."

Elevate Yourself Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Athletic Brewing. Use code ELEVATE30 for 30% OFF your first online order!