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This episode follows our guest’s journey from a sports-loving, skateboarding teenager who slid into dealing drugs and a drive-by shooting, to serving serious time in prison and discovering CrossFit behind bars. He shares how starting Redemption Road Fitness Foundation and teaching life-skills courses like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People gave him purpose, community, and a path to a real career when he got out. Now a vice president, coach, and peer recovery mentor, he talks about discipline, redefining health across the physical, mental, social-emotional, and spiritual domains, and why he believes redemption is possible for anyone as long as there’s breath in their lungs.

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In this episode, we explore Edmund’s powerful childhood story of loss, being adopted by family, and how sports and strong mentors helped shape his resilience. He reflects on his journey through coaching, teaching, and the realization that real impact happens through relationships, presence, and supporting students beyond the classroom. We also discuss mental health, the cultural barriers men face when asking for help, and how he now works to guide students and adults through life transitions with compassion and purpose.

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In this episode we explore Rachel’s journey from growing up in a small Illinois town to becoming a trainer specializing in osteoporosis and foot health. She shares how her early experiences shaped her work ethic, her unique pivot from corporate consulting into entrepreneurship, and what led her to launch ERA, a barefoot-friendly sock company. We also discuss redefining health, finding sustainable habits, and the power of reinventing yourself at any stage of life.

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A young comic from El Paso tells a raw, hilarious, no-BS story—from escaping a high chair to tripping in the backyard to chasing stage time. We dive into childhood, religion, drugs, and the grind of writing an hour that actually kills.

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In this episode of Lightbulb Chats, we sit down with a Montana native who grew up between wheat fields and road crews, learned from pow-wows, and found her voice in community and curiosity. She traces a path from world-religions student to county commissioner, tackling water rights, small-town economics, and what good policy really looks like. Her takeaway is simple and powerful: health is moving through your day with purpose and love—stay curious, serve your community, and keep your heart open.

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This episode dives into the journey of a veteran who grew up a hands-on learner, found discipline in the military, and learned adaptability through 24 months in combat across Iraq and Afghanistan. He opens up about the struggles of reintegration, delayed mental health battles, and the lifesaving power of finally seeking therapy. Now a father of three, he shares how he defines health as “doing what you want for as long as you can” and urges fellow veterans: don’t wait to get help. https://www.illinoiswarrior.org/ https://www.va.gov/aurora-vet-center/

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A childhood shaped by trauma—and a grandmother who taught her to find the silver lining—set today’s guest on a mission to rewrite her story. She broke a generational cycle of domestic violence, founded a faith-based nonprofit, and now coaches couples with tactical playbooks (not talk-in-circles therapy) to rebuild connection. We dig into resilience, masculine–feminine polarity, and why perception is everything.

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She grew up in Pennsylvania, spending summers at her grandparents’ lake house, and always strived for perfection while navigating confidence struggles and finding her identity through school and college. After moving to Chicago for a finance career, she discovered her passion for fitness, earning certifications and eventually purchasing Club 33 Fitness, where she focuses on creating an inclusive, empowering community. Her philosophy centers on confidence, balance, and enjoying the journey — whether in health, career, or life — by finding movement you love, viewing food as fuel, and taking bold leaps toward growth.

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In this episode, we dive into the early childhood memories, athletic background, and career evolution of a pelvic floor physical therapist who went from preschool water tables to advocating for women’s health on the frontlines. She shares stories of growing up in a big Catholic family, her love for sports, and the reality check of playing college volleyball and softball.

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We talk with Kristina about the ups and downs of her weightlifting career, from qualifying for Junior Worlds to navigating gym closures and difficult coaching dynamics. She opens up about mental health, starting over, and finding joy in movement again. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just figuring out your next step, this conversation will hit home.