On today's episode, Maggie Lakebrink has a conversation with JK to help him understand the concerns of teachers and other education professionals in the transition to re-opening schools.

Maggie shares some details around what returning to school could look like, how the decision(s) to reopen schools could impact children, and tangible advice for parents to consider in the event that their children may be re-entering physical schools this Fall.  Maggie also provides tips on what parents can do to best support the teachers and staff who will be instructing and interacting with their children.

This is a candid conversation that will provide insight into a topic that is front of mind for many parents and education professionals today.

To connect with JK: To connect with JK and the Help Me Understand Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/helpmeunderstand_podcast/ or Email: [email protected]

On today's episode, Jen Gaeding has a conversation with JK to help him understand the progression of her journey in the competitive worlds of boydbuilding and powerlifting. 

Jen shares her story of what got her into competing, the ups and downs of competition prep, the importance of having the right coach, dealing with judgement from others, and how she has remained driven throughout all of the stages of her journey.  From focusing on the perfect pose to now squatting 3x her bodyweight, Jen gives the "real real" on what it has truly taken to stay focused on both her physical and mental development along the way. 

Whether you are in the competitive space or not, this is a perspective worth listening to.

To connect with Jen (including coaching inquiries): https://www.instagram.com/heyyyjenjen/ or [email protected]

To connect with JK and the Help Me Understand Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/helpmeunderstand_podcast/ and https://www.instagram.com/coachjk_themusclefeed/

In today's episode, Colorado Fire Medic Nick Wingo has a conversation with JK to help him understand what it was like to build grit by completing the #75Hard Challenge.  

As a fire medic, father, and husband, Nick has no shortage of challenges.  Despite those challenges, Nick knew there was something he could take on that might help him move forward in his quest to maximize his potential.  Listen in as he shares his initial "gut turning" decision to start #75Hard, the strategies he used to get through it (he works 48-72 hour shifts as a first responder), and the lessons he has taken away from the challenge.  

To connect with Nick and his podcast (Building Grit One Call At A Time): https://nickwingo.com/ and https://buildinggrit.co/

To connect with JK and the Help Me Understand Podcast, find him on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/helpmeunderstand_podcast/ and https://www.instagram.com/coachjk_themusclefeed/

In this episode of the podcast, JK has a conversation with his Dad, Jeff McLeod, on the importance of character.

Since Achievers In Life in 1995, Jeff McLeod has placed a focus on building and developing character in the lives of boys ages 4 and up.  Through this focus on character, Mr. McLeod believes that not only boys, but all people, can grow to be responsible and productive members of their communities.

Take a listen as JK and his Dad talk about the 6 Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, CItizenship), and share anecdotes around their relationship and how the principles of character have been implemented in their lives.

This is a conversation that is not only relevant for today's times, but speaks to building a foundation that can be applicable for the rest of your life.

To learn more about Achievers In Life, Inc, visit: https://www.achieversinlife1.org/

Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpmeunderstand_podcast/

In this episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast, JK chats with Terrance Smith, Co-Owner of Sawed Off CrossFit (College Station, TX).

This conversation goes into Terrance's health & fitness journey from client to coach to now CF affiliate owner.  The guys have an in-depth discussion around the actions of (now former) CF CEO Greg Glassman,  and the decision to remain affiliated with CF.  They also discuss the larger topics of community, discrimination, and so much more.  As the son of a police officer, Terrance offers a unique perspective on many things that are relevant to today's times. 

This is an episode that you will thoroughly enjoy.

To connect with Terrance, you can find him on IG: @teethetrainer

To connect with us, find on us IG: @helpmeunderstand_podcast or @coachjk_themusclefeed

In this short episode, JK shares his thoughts on how much your title has to do with your ability to impact others.

Connect with JK on Instagram: @HelpMeUnderstand_podcast.

The following words were written by today's guest, Jessica Colton:

"That first smile. That first word. Those first steps.

Time seems to be standing still as you wait for those moments to happen.

Then, SNAP.

Time hurls you forward and all of those milestones you anticipated, for what seems like forever, disappear in a flash.

The memories joyfully made-the photographs eagerly taken-the “typical first-experiences” recorded; all of these experiences become evenly spaced points on a dotted line. One dot after the other, mapping out a normal and predictable future.

But what if those moments don’t come.

You wait and you pray. You keep waiting. Then you pray some more. There are sleepless nights, glimmers of hope, conversations assuring you that you shouldn’t worry and that “he’s just taking his time.”

He’s not though.

No one can prepare you for that one moment, that permanent dot on you and your child’s timeline that screams:

“Something is wrong.”

If you've never sat down to talk to a parent of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this episode is for you.

If you're an ASD or special needs parent, and want to connect with someone else who "gets it", this episode is for you.

If you're someone who seeks to raise their awareness about ASD or special needs, this episode is for you.

If you're someone who is committed to their growth, and wants to be reminded that you can make a difference, this episode is for you.

There is truly something in this episode for everyone.

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As always, you can connect with JK on Instagram: @helpmeunderstand_podcast and coachjk_themusclefeed

Today's episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast is pulled from the archives (recorded April 2020).

JK sits down to have a conversation with Kyle Guerrero about their experience with taking on the #75Hard Challenge for the first time.  In this episode, you'll learn more about not only the challenge, but you will also get candid and unfiltered access to the ups and downs that both JK and Kyle experienced as they tried to complete the program during the coldest months of the Central Illinois winter, while maintaining multiple career and family responsibilities.

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Learn more about the #75Hard Challenge: https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info

To connect with Kyle, you can find him on Instagram: @kyle_guerrero and @kg.muscle.

As always, you can connect with JK on Instagram: @helpmeunderstand_podcast and coachjk_themusclefeed

In this episode, JK has a discussion with Dr. Jessica Garcia. 

Jessica Garcia, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of Hummingbird Solutions, LLC, a diversity and inclusion consulting firm. In this role, Garcia offers business and community members the tools and resources to create and sustain inclusive environments for their employees, clients, and constituents.  She has consulted with and trained thousands of participants across a wide range of industries in the public and private sectors providing interactive, customized services on topics such as best business practices, implicit bias and microaggressions, bystander intervention, inclusive leadership, recruitment, retention, and advancement, and inclusive teaching.

In addition to her work with Hummingbird Solutions, LLC, Garcia serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Garcia held a joint position in the Department of Sociology and the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives at Michigan State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree and doctorate from Michigan State University in Sociology.

During this conversation, JK and Jessica talk about her passion for educating others around DEI, the role of implicit bias, and actionable steps that can be taken when we see that bias showing up in ourselves and those around us.

This is an open, transparent, and unedited conversation that you do not want to to ignore.

If you would like to connect with Jessica, you can find her on LinkedIn (Jessica Garcia or Jessica Mills). 

You can also email her directly at: [email protected]

Have feedback about today's episode?

DM us on Instagram: @helpmeunderstand_podcast or email us: [email protected]