Glistening Particles

Latoya Shauntay Snell first hit the spotlight after being heckled at the 2017 New York marathon. Her current platform focuses on body positivity in the realm of athleticism. I found her through a simple Huff Post feed in Instagram and instantly knew I had to learn more!

During our conversation, we peel back a few layers, to discover she's lived seemingly many lives, or at least worn many hats already. From social work to chef to blogger, photographer, painter and more, Latoya clearly has the feel of a modern renaissance woman.

What I learned during our conversation was straight talk about her experience throughout all of these roles and how each step led her here, ready to shine as a role model for anyone who's simply trying to live their best life without being judged by others for not fitting into a certain box.

This episode kept coming back to me, thinking about my own place in this experience. Be sure to swing over to Glistening Particles on Facebook or Instagram and continue the conversation!

Where to find Latoya:

* Runningfatchef.com - her website* Email - [email protected]* Instagram - iamshauntay* Facebook - Latoya Shauntay Snell* Facebook page - Running Fat Chef* Twitter - Latoya Shauntay* Elle Magazine - "Ultramarathoner Latoya Shauntay Snell Leads From Behind"* Huff Post - "I’m Running 10 Marathons This Year And I Still Get Fat-Shamed. Here’s My Response."* Hoka One One - Sponsors Latoya*

Zac, Brandon and Johnsy of the Zac Matthews Band hang out on Glistening Particles in our first recording with a) an entire band, b) a remote, private residence studio and c) an actual (2 person) audience.

I first discovered the band, well two of the three members, playing an acoustic performance in a tiny bar outside of Janesville, WI. What really drew me in was the way Zac, the lead singer & guitar player, connected with the audience. I've seen bands in small bars and there was something different here. By the time I left, I sort of felt like I'd made new friends. And, I was blown away by the way Zac and Johnsy could take just about any request and play it -- I mean music and lyrics! And all over the board!

During our conversation, I learned how they all found their love of music, what's exciting and what's challenging about following their musical dreams. And what I loved the most was the look on their faces when they talked about how it feels to be up on stage. Totally glowing!

Each of them shared their musical influences and dream jam session participants (shocking) and a few random facts. Which one has a cologne collection? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!

Zac Matthews Band is playing year round, recording in Nashville and finding their way in the sometimes complicated life of musicians. We learned just before the recording they had been named Wisconsin's Best Country Band by Found in Wisconsin. Read about their exciting win here.

Be sure to look up their tour dates and stop in and say hello! Tour dates!

Where to find Zac Matthews Band:

* On their website zacmatthewsmusic.com* Instagram @zacmatthewsband* Facebook @zacmatthews111* Spotify Zac Matthews Band* YouTube Zacmatthews2012

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