Life in Motion

In this episode we interview Danny Hairston who is the founder of SHRED Foundation. As a kid Danny grew up playing team sports and through his college years became passionate about helping kids through non profit work. It wasn't until years later after graduating college that he fell in love with snowboarding - and there was no turning back. He soon found himself in the non profit world again working in organizations that were geared towards making an impact through action sports. His experience there led him to start his own non profit, SHRED Foundation, which provides life and career paths through snowboarding and skateboarding. With this additional focus they're able to show kids what is possible beyond the sport itself. From marketing, to videography, retail and more, kids are learning how to turn their passion into a career. If you've ever wondered how it's possible to stay involved in these sports well into your adult life, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Tiffany Risch aka Snookie who loves nothing more than making a difference while being outside with a fishing rod. Growing up Snookie had a special bond with her Grandfather, both sharing a love for fishing.  After his passing, her passion for fishing helped keep his memory alive, but it soon became more than that. She realized that it could be used as a positive way to relieve stress while providing a break from the daily grind. Now she shares her passion with everyone from youth to CEO's with corporate and nonprofit programs. If you've ever wondered how kicking your feet up on a tacklebox for a day can do the body and mind good, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Jonathan Harrison, who started the rowing team - Pacific Boys. In December 2021 they'll row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Why? To help clothe 3,000 children. Oh, and for the adventure too. It wasn't until his college days that Jonathan fell in love with rowing and at that time he didn't know he and his team would attempt such a feat. That was until he learned about the Atlantic Challenge which begins in the Canary Islands and ends in Antigua. The fact that he didn't have a team, didn't have a boat, and didn't even really know what to expect didn't stop him from going for it. If you've ever wondered what it takes to prepare and what kind of obstacles they could face during such a journey then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Mike Donelon, who is the founder of Action Sports Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering youth through the love of skateboarding. As a former City Councilman in Long Beach Mike heard it all, but one day he got the call - 'Mike there's these pesky skateboarders riding in front of my house and I don't know what to do!'. Given the man's reaction he was expecting vandalism or maybe even a fight. Mike paid them a visit and none of that was true. The kids were simply riding their skateboards in the neighborhood with their friends. This began the process to open the first public skatepark in Long Beach, it was uncharted territory, but he got it done. Since that day he's helped open 8 other skateparks and has seen violent crimes and drug related incidents drop significantly along the way. In 2011 he founded Action Sports Kids Foundation to provide auxiliary services to at-risk youth and empower them through community involvement. Skateboarding allows ASK to meet the kids where they are - the skatepark. Their program allows kids to be themselves, encouraging them to be their best, while also giving back to their community. ASK leads by example and is even used as a model across the country by the Tony Hawk Foundation. If you've ever wondered how powerful something like a skateboard can be then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Lindsey Richter, who is the founder of Ladies AllRide, an organization all about bringing ladies together and empowering them with the help of mountain bikes. It wasn't too long ago that Lindsey found herself on the first season of the hit show 'Survivor'. She loved the challenges and adventure that came with it, but it wasn't all roses. Unfortunately she was cast in a bad light, not because she was bad, but because of the way the producers portrayed her. The last thing Lindsey was going to do was let the negativity get the best of her, which is when she turned to mountain biking. As her love for the sport grew she was introduced to many aspects of it - from competing to securing sponsorships. Along the way she noticed there weren't many ladies on the trail. She had to change that. Now at Ladies AllRide she's providing women with the resources to get on the trail and test the waters. For her it's more than just getting them on a bike, it's about sharing her story while showing that anything is possible - no matter what you've been through. If you've ever wondered how simple, yet empowering mountain biking can be, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Sydney Williams, who is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, an organization all about sharing the healing power of nature with others. Sydney grew up in Kansas, but decided to move to the west coast after college. After getting a gig as the online voice for Oscar Myer Weiner, she soon found herself as a big wig marketer for fortune 500 companies. After all her hard work she finally made it - but that's not what she would tell you. The long hours and stress that came along with her career was wearing her down, on top of unexpectedly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It wasn't until one gloomy day looking over the San Diego skyline from atop a mountain that she realized the thing that grounded her was getting outdoors and simply hiking. Thus the concept for Hiking My Feelings was born. She decided to ditch the corporate world and chase her inherent passion to help others through the healing powers of nature. Now she inspires hundreds of individuals that have faced trauma through classes and retreats. If you've ever wondered how the great outdoors can help you grow, while overcoming your lowest lows, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Eva Holland, who is the author of 'Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear'. As a kid Eva dreamt of becoming a writer and could typically be found hanging out in a mall. After graduating college she decided to move to the Yukon to pursue her dream, which is where her hobbies changed. Instead of browsing the latest fashion trends, she spent her time hiking, backpacking and even snowmobiling. Unfortunately as her outdoor experience grew, so did her internal fear - specifically when it came to steep climbs. She decided that enough was enough. With the help of some surprising forms of therapy, Eva was able to take back control. If you've ever wondered how the crippling effects of fear can be overcome, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Tanou Reginald who understands what it means to live a life of peace and mindfulness. Growing up in Austria Tanou loved the outdoors, but sensed that something was missing, finding it a challenge to get past some of the negativity that surrounded him. He soon learned about the Buddist culture that practiced mindfulness and self awareness. After leaving for monasteries around Asia he realized this was exactly what he was missing. Now Tanou is able to live everyday with a sense of awareness that many of us are unable to do. He even took this new knowledge to winter sports, where he taught athletes these same practices, helping them with their performance. If you've ever wondered how mindfulness can go so much deeper than the mind, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Shelly Farnan of The Be Well Community. Shelly grew up in a small town and relied on the outdoors as escapism. During her college years she spent her time on a peony farm and eventually participated in a work study program at a behavioral health center. That's when she developed a passion for helping others mental health through meaningful therapy. Now as the VP of Be Well Initiatives at Burrell Behavioral Health, she's developing new, creative ways to integrate the importance of emotional wellbeing within her community. If you've ever wondered why mental health is so important and why it shouldn't be so scary to talk about, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Deborah Hartwig and Abigail Loyd of Music Therapy of the Ozarks. Abigail is a performer and knows her way around different instruments. Deborah has a knack for communication and inspiring others. While they both have different backgrounds, they share the same love of helping others - making them the perfect fit for Music Therapy of the Ozarks. They now help hundreds of individuals reach their nonmusical goals with the help of music. If you've ever wondered the science behind what makes music so powerful and healing, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect