Growth by Shawn

On this Episode, I sit down with Ashley Farias to discuss many ideas around training, nutrition, sleep, caffeine and everything in between. Ashley's explorative journey in health and fitness has allowed her to become an open minded personal trainer. Over the years she has become a phenomenal communicator and believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Ashley has a Bachelors in Physical Education with a coaching minor, is NASM certified Personal Trainer, has a PRI Myokinematic course certification and has interned  with Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning. 

Since a young age, Bree has had her fair amount of challenges she has faced. Currently, Bree is a first year psychiatric nurse practitioner at Massachusetts General Hospital. We discussed many challenges and struggles with mental health, fitness and how this path molded her to who and where she is today. The adversity she has pushed past and the growth that Bree has shown during her journey speaks for herself. 

On this episode, I sit down with Maria Stefanie who is a Certified Personal Trainer through AAAI/ISMA and a mentor through Mentor Rhode Island. We discussed how she left her Corporate job in 2019 to pursue a career in fitness and find a deeper purpose in life through helping others. Her focus in training is to find balance between the mind, body, and spirit. She lives her life with the idea that the simple things provide you peace and health is everything. You can find Maria on Instagram "@more_fit_life" and on Facebook under "Maria Stefanie"

On this episode of Growth By Shawn, I sit down with the owner of Athletic Strength Training in Hopkinton MA, Michael Peshler. Mike has always been a tremendous athlete, who at a young age hadn't always realized just how gifted of an athlete he was. He now owns a private training gym, helping individuals reach their goals in a healthy and most importantly, sustainable way.  The biggest thing I took away from this conversation was his approach to understanding and connecting with individuals in order to help their progress. It is not just about going into the gym guns-a-blazing, but truly understanding why someone has their specific goals and how he can help them reach them. 

AJ is an all natural athlete and competitor with a fascination for money; and growing wealth through investment opportunities. His is mainly focused on self improvement and creating an optimal mind body spirit connection. One of the quotes that he lives by and has taught me to live by is to "Manifest life you deserve". 

Ricky is the  current manager of Bando Performance in Worcester Massachusetts. Not only does Ricky have a long list of credentials, but beyond those he is very impactful for many athletes, students and others that he surrounds himself with. He has his B.S. in Health Sciences at Norwich University, M.S. in physical education with Strength and Conditioning concentration at Bridgewater State University, NSCA CSCS *D and is a USAW performance coach. 

Lucas Bentes is an all time natural powerlifter. What is so special about Lucas is his work ethic, mentality and tenacity that he brings into the gym and into his everyday life. His current all time bests in competition are a 367lb bench press, 590lb squat and a 677lb deadlift.

Shannon is a dear friend of mine who has dedicated much of her life to helping others. Shannons' credentials include BS Psychology, Minor in Studio Arts, Therapeutic Assistant, Mental Health Counselor/Life Skills Mentor. She has held many different positions in the mental health field as well. These include: Walden, Mental Health Counselor-Treatment center for Eating Disorders, Tobey Hospital, Therapeutic Assistant-Suicide Watch/PCA Momentum and current Mentor for adults with Disabilities. 

If you're going to listen to an episode thus far, this is the one. Dr. Christopher Swart is a current professor at American International College in Springfield MA. His credentials include, Assistant Professor, PhD Exercise Physiology and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. In this episode we take a look at twelve different fitness myths and help set the truth straight to make your health and wellness journey easier and more sustainable. 

Billy G is now a good friend of mine who is a life coach. In this episode, we explored many different aspects of why he became a life coach and how he helps others to live up to their highest self. Billy is highly respected, an excellent speaker and has even been trained by Tony Robbins.  You can find Billy's Youtube Channel under "Once a Week With Billy G" and his instagram under @billygiannouloudis