Finding Her Courage

I sat down with the lovely Randi Strong to talk about navigating and building a life she could have only dreamt about. From Orem, Utah - dance training was abundant. But what she never saw coming was immersing herself in the world of figure skating and ice dancing. As a movement coach for athletes around the world, Randi has built a reputation and empire. Not knowing anyone to lean on, she slowly but surely found her footing and knew that what she brought to the table was something that was needed! She is a go-getter, she is a champion of others, she is an inspiration.

For more information:

@randistrong

Studio Strong: https://www.studiostrongice.com/

Strong Productions: https://www.strongproductions.com/

TW: Eating Disorder and Suicidal Ideation is mentioned

We are kicking off Season Three with none other than Gracie Gold – whom you may know from her rise to stardom in the 2014 Olympic cycle – where she became the IT Girl and the piece of the puzzle that America seemed to claim as their ticket back to the podium. No one bothered to stop and ask how she felt about this immense pressure, and no one checked in when signs began to show she was spiraling. Her new memoir gives us insight on her life and the three versions of herself she inhabits. It was an honor to sit down and talk with Gracie about the things that are often left unsaid. Her curiosity, willpower, focus and vulnerability is just scratching the surface to all the wonderful qualities she possesses. She is a true testament that showing up for yourself, or something/someone can truly save your life.

Resources:

To connect with Gracie: @graciegold95

Road to Gold: @road2gold

NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

@neda

The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/

The Meadows: https://www.themeadows.com/

Claudia Black Young Adult Center: https://www.themeadows.com/about/locations/claudia-black-young-adult-center/

Woman are powerful. They can do anything and everything. But not all at once. Courtney Platt is a huge role model of mine - and she first captured our hearts on SYTYCD S4 where she pushed her limits and lived every day in the moment. During the Season 7 tour as an All-Star, she began to feel things weren't right with her body. Diagnosed with receptive and remitting Multiple Sclerosis - she immediately took action. BEAT MS foundation was born, The BEAT Dance Tour swept the nation with inspiration and love and she continued her illustrious career in film & TV. Now, expecting her second child - she is in a different phase of life but she's the same 'ol girl.

Finding a love for books became even more important when Mackenzie was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - an incurable disorder that specifically targets an area of the body but can radiate outwards. Even something as simple as rain and wind can knock one with CRPS out the rest of the day. Discovering that reading took the mind off the unimaginable level of pain - Mackenzie began to form an idea. Why not help others in need? Sheltering Books was born. To date, they have donated over 850,000 books. Mackenzie is one of the youngest CNN heroes to ever be featured. We talk about living with chronic pain, her family and the magic of books.

For more information & to donate, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/shelteringbooksinc/

Ever since she was little, Shannon had energy she had to get out. We discuss her background and the transition from dance & theater to stunts. A spark was lit. (Literally) Not having the experience, she was eager to learn on the spot if given the opportunity. From there, she learned what makes her valuable and continued to push her limits. We go into the training involved for stunts in TV and film - including the CW's Stargirl and one of the biggest shows on Netflix - Stranger Things.

The Upijata Arts Company is something she started to empower the youth. Through her own experiences, Shannon has been able to express and heal her past traumas through dance and other arts. Through experiencing sexual assault and suicidal thoughts, Shannon knows how important the arts can be to those who need it the most. For more information, please visit:

https://www.upijataartscompany.org/

https://www.instagram.com/upijata_arts_company/

Haley reflects back on her life flipping upside down in the height of the pandemic. A healthy 29 year old who contracted COVID - it was not long after that she found herself hospitalized and then in a coma. For nearly a month, everyone thought that there was a good chance this was it. But she survived. And she's here to tell you the story. We get into the shared interests that brought us together, the glory days, moving away from home with no regrets, plans changing, toxic positivity and finding peace. A wonderful human I am glad to know. Listen to this one, I beg you.

This is Lauren's story. One filled with bravery, strength, thorns and roses. Cystic Fibrosis may be a character in her arc - but she is much more than that. Finding an outlet in dance, Lauren has worked tirelessly towards her craft and fulfilled her goal of SYTYCD (S16). One look at her doing what she loves and it is undeniable. We discuss her journey growing up as a CF'er, writing her memoir, meeting Five Feet Apart's star & director, what Trikafta has done for her and her advocacy for the CF and Make a Wish Foundation. See below for links to donate and support the cause!

To donate to Lauren's CFF Team: https://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/32_Florida_Orlando?team_id=104209&pg=team&fr_id=9009

For more information: www.cff.org

Make a Wish Foundation: https://wish.org/

Breathe Easy merchandise: https://breathe-easy-2.creator-spring.com/

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Breathing Easy Through 65 Roses memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Breathing-Easy-Through-Roses-adversity/dp/B09MCJZGTG

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Blooming Roses podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blooming-roses/id1530425806

Growing up, Yarelis didn't know how to say no. She oxerextended herself to be everywhere and involved in multiple things with a hustle mentality that simply was not serving her anymore. Looking inward and asking herself the hard questions, she began to re-evaluate how she shows up in this world as well as how she shows love in all of its forms. We examine the shifts that took place, her love for writing & film and living a life that is uniquely hers.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of her own suffering - Danielle is without a doubt an inspiration to so many. In the way she carries herself, the way her mind works and her genuine energy. Many people know of her through hair and her ability to rock any curly cut for her client. (She's literally the best) We look at how influential her mom has been, her mindset, her newest annoucement (spoiler: you heard it here first!), what she would tell herself at 40 & more.

Check out her instagram @officialabsolutealchemy & website: www.absolutealchemy.us

It may not be easy, but it's worth it. Kalina is a fighter and she is led by a spiritual feeling with everything she does. Whether it is painting, dancing or sharing some other part of her soul - she is not alone in her creating. From working multiple jobs to quitting and now a full time small business owner - she has said yes to the courageous tug at her heart strings. We talk about her process, what hands embody to her and so much more in this new episode! Getting over her fear of speaking, she was able to knock another obstacle off her list.