Welcome to season 2 of Life Chats with Friends! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laman Ben-Trajoret, a passionate wellness coach and entrepreneur, back on the show. Laman's dedication to holistic wellness and his mission to foster a healthier and more balanced world are truly inspiring.

Laman's expertise spans physical wellness, personal growth, corporate wellness, and employee health. His ultimate goal is to make fitness accessible to all. Today, we dive into the topic of change and transformation, recognizing that these are inevitable aspects of life and exploring how we can navigate through them.

Change is something many of us desire, whether it's in our personal lives or professional careers. Laman shares his personal experience of desiring change and expansion in his business. However, as we all know, change doesn't always happen when we want it to. Sometimes, it occurs unexpectedly, throwing us off balance—something many people are experiencing on personal and societal levels right now.

Laman opens up about the roadblocks he's faced in expanding his business into the corporate wellness space. He's learned that change often happens when we least expect it, much like the changes we're currently facing globally, such as job loss, new opportunities, and entering new relationships. It's the unpredictable nature of change that can be challenging to navigate.

So, how do we maintain control and find balance amidst these turbulent times? Laman suggests seeking insight from others. By connecting with our communities and gaining different perspectives, we can find a sense of calm and understanding. It's essential to listen to those around us, even if we don't necessarily agree with their viewpoints. Opening ourselves up to different ideas broadens our understanding and helps us find new ways to navigate change.

In addition to seeking insight, Laman emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves. He believes that even small connections with others can provide stability and upliftment. While he aspires to make significant changes on a larger scale, he recognizes that individual connections and interactions truly make a difference. By uplifting each other and seeing others as neighbors and friends, we can create a positive impact on both our communities and the world.

As the conversation continues, Laman delves into the concept of "Uplifted," a brand slogan idea he has developed. Uplifted represents the power of supporting others and making a positive impact. Laman believes that by spreading this mindset, we can create a world where people support each other through small actions. It's about recognizing the power of uplifting others and understanding that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.

Moving forward, Laman expresses his commitment to healing and personal growth. He believes that by healing from past traumas and focusing on his well-being, he can become a better coach, trainer, and advocate for wellness. He also aims to improve communication and connection, particularly within marginalized communities. Laman wants to emphasize that emotions and struggles are universal experiences, not limited to specific groups of people. By healing and communicating better, he hopes to build a stronger, more supportive society.

He encourages viewers to embrace the insights gained from this episode and to continue seeking knowledge and growth.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Life Chats with Friends. If you enjoyed this discussion, feel free to share it with a friend. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more inspiring conversations. Together, we can embrace change and transform our lives for the better.

Follow Laman on instagram @LiveLaman

Follow the host, Antonio on instagram @Antoniostephenss

Stay tuned for our episode next month! ✌️

In today’s episode, our guest is Justin Borroto. He is a Miami native who is passionate about love, spirituality, healing, justice, and yoga. He has previously worked as a high school math teacher, recruiter, and diversity, equity, and inclusion facilitator in Washington DC. 

Key Quotes

[7:28-7:33] God encompasses all that has been and all that will ever be.

[19:20-19:25] The method you use to seek God is not as important as the sincerity and dedication you bring to the quest. 
[43:12-43:17] To know God is to understand that we are both everything and nothing, always learning and never truly knowing.

From Justin

Note: There are many schools and philosophies and definitions of God within the various Yogic and Vedic traditions. At points in the interview, I named "Yoga", "Hinduism", and "Eastern philosophies" interchangeably - it would be more precise and accurate to say "Vedic traditions" and the "Yogic philosophy and practices indigenous to what we now call India, Pakistan, and the Indus River Valley."

I want to thank all of my teachers for how I've come to know God. Some things I shared were my reflections on their teachings, and some were a direct resharing of what they've taught me.

God through Yoga and Vedic Tradition:

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: @srisriravishankar, @artofliving (hours of videos w/ commentary and wisdom by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar)

Susanna Barkataki: @susannabarkataki 

Swami Chidananda: @swami_chidananda

God through Astrology and broader spirituality:

Priya Kale: @cosmicdiaries, @planetpriya

Loli Moon: @mysticmoonmedicine

Chani Nicholas: @chaninicholas, @chani.app

Ellen Bowles: @ellensbowles

Introduction to Yoga Book:

"Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice" by Susanna Barkataki

Next World Tarot: Cristy Road - @croadcore

I would also like to thank my mother, and the women in my family who taught me the power of a relationship with God and prayer - even when I didn't understand it.

How to connect with Justin Borroto 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-borroto 

Instagram: @Jbrooox

In this episode, the guest speaker is Larissa Sativa, a practitioner of traditional healing practices and ceremonies. Larissa talks about her experiences with these practices and shares insights on the importance of intention and mindfulness in one's healing journey.

Section 1: Traditional Healing Practices

Larissa describes how she uses stones and the presence of her ancestors to create steam and medicine for healing. She heats the stones with the help of broiler foil, creating a connection between the three elements of fire, air, and water. This steam is breathed in and helps to release knots in the body, facilitating a sense of relaxation and connection. Additionally, Larissa performs Olympic Itzhak cleansing, an energetic cleansing with plants that helps recover energy that is not useful for us.

Section 2: The Ceremony

The ceremony begins with breathing exercises, which Larissa emphasizes are often done without full consciousness. By focusing on the breath, Larissa helps participants become more mindful and present. Following the breathing exercises, Larissa throws water onto the heated stones, creating steam and allowing the medicine to become a part of the body.

Section 3: Intention and Mindfulness

Larissa emphasizes the importance of intention in the healing process, defining intention as being clear, assured, and being oneself. She notes that it is important to identify what one needs to heal and to take steps toward that healing. Larissa also encourages listeners to be mindful of their healing journeys and to find activities that can help with their thoughts.

Section 4: Personal Background

Larissa explains that she comes from a long line of healers and that she initially tried to avoid traditional healing practices. However, after reconnecting with her family, ancestors and the practices, she realized the importance of healing for herself and others. She notes that her mother taught her how to perform these ceremonies when she was young, but that she had to move to the city to escape them. She eventually went back to her roots and reconnected with the practices.

Conclusion:

The episode concludes with key quotes, including "All it takes is healing one person, and that could change the entire world" and "We look the way everybody thinks or says they are, which is not always right." Overall, the episode provides insights into traditional healing practices and the importance of intention and mindfulness in the healing process. It encourages listeners to take care of themselves and be intentional about their healing journeys.

Key Quotes

[13:10-13:14] All it takes is healing one person, and that could change the entire world.

[18:43-18:48] We look the way everybody thinks or says they are, which is not always right.

Connect with Larissa Sativa

https://www.instagram.com/_mariasativa/

Jessica is a solo mom of two. She has spent the last five years redefining her life, finding passion and purpose after leaving an abusive marriage. Through years of deep inner work, self-discovery, exploration, and adventure; she has been able to build a life full of joy and authenticity. We share similar backgrounds, and we dive into our experiences and talk through the process of healing and finding your light again after abuse. 

Link to the abuse hotline and resource:

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/family-violence-prevention-services/programs/ndvh

Social Links:

You can connect with Jess here: https://instagram.com/jchandrasekharan?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Email: [email protected]

You can reach Antonio:

Email: [email protected]

So much fun having Dale Fetterman and Jess Vaughn back to celebrate the one-year inception and anniversary of Life Chats With Friends. A little over a year ago, sitting in a living room in Vail, Colorado, this show was born. Jess facilities a live tarot card reading for Dale, Antonio and herself. Jess talks about the history of tarot cards, and shares how they can be used as a self-reflection tool. They all create the space to reflect and share commitments to their development looking ahead. They also share insights and thoughts for consideration as you navigate 2023.

Mentioned in the episode:

You can find them on all platforms --

Antonio --

Instagram: @TwanieFitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-stephens-4450b6a1/

Dale --

Instagram: @FettermanDale

Website: dalefettermanfitness.com

Jess --

Instagram: @Fierce_phoenix_fitness

Thank you for tuning into this session! If you enjoyed, be sure to tell a friends and or share this. Subscribe so you know when our next episode goes live.

Peace and love,

Antonio & TWANIE FITNESS!

Back again on air with Greggory Marcus and Stephen Zepecki for a year-end round-up and check-in. We self-reflect and comment on current events and issues ranging from community, sexual health, the James Webb telescope and our recent Friendsgiving dinner.

Many thanks as always for listening. Greg, Steve and I will look to come together more frequently to do episodes like this. Let us know if there’s anything specific you’d like us to cover. You can reach me at [email protected].

Likewise, I welcome any feedback.

Much love,

Antonio

What is a soulmate or a true friend and what purpose do they serve in our lives? Such a beautiful conversation. This week I was joined by a friend of 10 years and counting to discuss friendships and soulmates. Goldie Goldschmidt is an artist, philosopher of thought, dancer, teacher, and overall explorer of this world. When I think about friendships and soulmates Goldie brings that to life for me and I hope through this conversation, she/we’ll be able to do the same for you.

As always, thanks for listening.

Much love,

What kind of system (society) are we living in and are you aware of it? As we continue to collectively engage in moments and lead lives that bring about the change we want to see in our world, understanding how it all works is a great first step. There are many benefits of being part of a system like ours (here in the U.S.), but every system has its flaws and loopholes that inevitably end up excluding people or exploiting them for personal power and gain. As sad as it is, this is just a part of our human experience.

The good news is that over time and through inspired action, there’s a lot we can do as individuals to build a more just and equitable future for those to come behind us. It was such a pleasure getting to tackle some of our biggest issues of today, with Laman Ben-Trahoret (Laman Lift), a wellness coach and entrepreneur from Arlington, VA and Charles Iantorno a third-year law student at the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School.

As always, thanks for taking the time to tune in. Always welcome any feedback on how we can continue to grow and refine the show. You can reach me at: [email protected]

Much love,

Antonio

Took a break from this project as I went through an intense period of change, transformation and #selfdiscovery. I’m excited to be back and to have had the opportunity to sit down with John Kim (They/Them), a Health and Mindfulness Coach, to dive deep into the experience of self-discovery.

We define what self-discovery means, what the process looks like, tangible practices, highlights on challenges you might encounter and advice for anyone that may be feeling stuck on their journey.

As always, welcome any feedback as we continue to grow the show. You can reach me at: [email protected] 

Thanks and hope you're keeping well. 

A

Many of us often stumble across questions and thoughts that deal with our life’s purpose and what we were meant to do with our time here. Finding your groove and aligning #passion and #purpose can be daunting and can come with many challenges. Couldn’t think of anyone better to tackle this topic with than Natasha Filipov, Former #NFL Cheerleader and Founder of This Blonde Means Business. We dive into what it means to find your groove and how it feels once you’re there; how to figure out what drives and motivates you and how to identify and land on your purpose in life.

Thanks for your continued support, we really appreciate it. As always, I welcome any feedback you may have. Also, welcome any topics you would like to have considered for us to cover.

To learn more about Natasha, you can visit her website at: https://www.thisblondemeansbusiness.com/ . You can also find her across all social platforms @thisblondemeansbusiness and @natasha_filipov. You can find me on Instagram @TwanieFitness and @AntonioStephens on all other platforms.

Thanks again.

Much love,