Live Life to the Fittest with Jeremy Woodward

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Michael Dreamchaser Smith first joined the military in September of 1998, he was involved in a hit and run accident in 2011 which left him with an above the elbow amputation. Facing medical retirement, he made the decision to fight for what he knew he wanted, to remain in active duty with the United States Army. After rehabilitation he fought his way to stay in active duty despite having lost his arm by completing all physical agility and marksmanship assessments, he was allowed to remain in active duty making him the first above the elbow amputee to return to active duty in the United States army.

It was during the process of fighting his way back to active duty that he discovered endurance sports. He began with Spartan obstacle races that led him to the sport of triathlon, ultimately completing all distances from Sprint to Olympic to full Ironman distance. As an elite athlete team captain for USA Triathlon ambassadorship program, he is training to land a spot for the 2024 Paris Paralympic team. He co-founded Swim Bike Run 4 Equality in hopes to bring more diversity to the sport.

In this episode, we will follow Michael's journey, hear about the challenges faced, and learn about his strength to overcome the odds. He is someone who believes in having dreams so big it makes you uncomfortable and inspires you to believe in more.

Also, you can opt into my text community at 603-506-5658. Each day I'll be sharing notes of inspiration, fitness tips, the latest information on our newest podcast shows, and a whole lot more!

In this Episode You'll Learn:

• [5:26] Who is Michael Dreamchaser?
• [9:29] The change that led you here
• [21:11] Everything happens for a reason
• [24:00] Journey through the military to triathlons
• [36:37] Endurance athletes in training
• [42:21] The power of our stories
• [43:18] Swim Bike Run 4 equality
• [50:47] What makes your heart beat?
• [55:30] Rapid Fire Questions

Standout Quotes from the Guest:

• "It's been a journey, but I'm appreciative of that journey" [34:19]
• "I just wanna celebrate other people's accomplishment, I wanna celebrate other people's dreams" [44:56]
• "No matter what you look like or what you identify with what your religion is if you wanna go get it, let me help you" [46:08]
• "Part of the movement and not the moment" [54:57]

Links Mentioned:

• Contact Michael Dreamchaser Smith:
  • LinkedIn: Michael Dreamchaser Smith
  • Instagram: @micahel_dreamchaser_smith
  • Swim Bike Run 4 Equality Foundation

Join the text community at 603-506-5658!

Can small changes in your lifestyle prevent illness and diseases? Do I need to cut out my favorite snacks to be healthy? Learn the answers to this and more in today's episode!

Laura Ascenzi is a Registered Dietitian who believes that it's never to late to improve your health. She knows that everyone is unique and has individualized nutrition requirements, needs, and goals. She enjoys getting to know each patient and focuses on their strengths to help create a realistic plan to reach their goals.

In this episode, Laura will share her experiences and what led to her becoming a Registered Dietitian. She will share her insights on Western medicine, its gaps, and where it has potential to change. She also shares some tips on changes you can make today to start being a healthier you.

Listen in to learn about the improvements you can make to live a longer, happier, and more energized life!

Also, you can opt into my text community at 603-506-5658. Each day I'll be sharing notes of inspiration, fitness tips, the latest information on our newest podcast shows, and a whole lot more!

In this Episode You'll Learn:

• [4:50] Who is Laura Ascenzi?
• [5:47] Nutritionist vs. Registered dietitian
• [11:53] Is it everything you thought it would be?
• [19:40] How to fight the viruses and illnesses of the future with nutrition
• [25:42] Lifestyle changes can be the medication
• [29:40] Is there a point of no return?
• [36:25] A success story
• [44:28] Discussing fad diets, what do we think about fad diets?
• [50:23] Tips for healthier eating

Standout Quotes from the Guest:

• "The main things that are our body primarily needs is: we need sunshine, we need air we, need the nutrition … eating a well balanced diet" [20:07]
• "If you don't put that priority on your nutrition, and your exercise, and your overall well being at a younger age, then you're going to have your retirement be going and getting tons of different medications and going to doctor's appointments regularly" [32:01]
• "What can you do today to better your health, and what can you do today to better your immune system?" [1:00:22]

Links Mentioned:

• Contact Laura Ascenzi:
  • Nutrition in Motion
  • Facebook: Laura Ascenzi
  • Instagram: @lauraascenzi
  • LinkedIn: Laura Ascenzi
• Join the text community at 603-506-5658!

How would you find strength after a near-death experience?

In this episode, I am grateful to be joined by Sadie and Corbin Raymond. Corbin Raymond of Boscawen, NH, was seriously injured in a car accident on July 4, 2018. Corbin's injuries were so severe that doctors told his family to say their goodbyes. With the odds against him, Corbin's likelihood of survival was slim.

His mom, Sadie, didn't believe the doctor's prognosis, and though scared and in a state of shock, she knew that Corbin would survive. When he was airlifted to a Boston hospital, experts advised her that the damage to Corbin's brain would prevent him from living a normal life.

For 121 Days, Corbin fought while Sadie and the Raymond family sat by his side, waiting for the Corbin they knew and loved to return. Long days and even longer nights passed with little progress and little hope. Doctors expressed the reality of Corbin's chances of survival. But his mom never stopped believing that the son she knew would return.

In today's episode, we go deep and talk openly + candidly about what it was like to see your son with a lifeless body. Learn what kept Sadie going and kept Corbin fighting in this gripping tale of hope, faith, and miracles.

Later, Sadie dives into the inspiration behind her book, 121 Days. At first, Sadie wasn't ready to relive the pain of her son's accident. However, she decided to share Corbin's story of positivity and determination. Tune in as we talk about the importance of hope and we find out more about the future for Corbin and Sadie.

In This Episode:

• About Sadie and Corbin Raymond [ 2:00 ]
• What Corbin remembers about his near-death experience [ 11:15 ]
• How Sadie felt day 1 vs. day 121 [ 19:00 ]
• What Corbin does for his recovery [ 24:45 ]
• All about Sadie's book, 121 Days [ 29:50 ]
• Why we need to promote positivity [ 33:20 ]
• The future for Corbin and Sadie [ 36:00 ]
• Luckily, all surgeries are complete for Corbin [ 42:00 ]

Quotes:

• "121 Days speaks to anyone who is going through something."
• "If Corbin is not going to give up, then I'm not going to give up."
• "You NEED to be your own advocate."
• "Find positivity wherever you can."

Links Mentioned:

• Check out our website: https://www.ironheartjeremy.com
• 121 Days: http://www.121days.net
• Team Corbin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamCorbinRaymond/
• Buy 121 Days: https://www.civinmediarelations.com/product-page/121-days-by-sadie-raymond-and-todd-civin

How do you outwardly show your support for others?

Today, I am grateful to be joined by my good friend and a beautiful soul, Angela Garcia. Known for her energy, exhilarating classes and as the trainer of the coolest people on Earth. Angela is a former professional dancer, choreographer, and nationally certified personal trainer and instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine and AFAA.

Luckily, Angela gets to help people achieve their most significant dreams. As long as you are serving other people, you will be the happiest version of yourself. When you love something, everyone will notice. In fact, it can be contagious. Angela says that when you are having a bad day, you can't bring it to your business; it will be detrimental to morale.

Later, we speak about showing our authentic selves while promoting other people's wellness. In the fitness industry, your job is to hold space for other people's growth. Everyone is a human, but when you are with clients, holding space for their development is a priority. The pandemic has exposed everyone's vulnerabilities. If there's ever a time for growth, it's now.

Tune in as we talk about the inspiration behind AG Fitness, how Angela pivoted during the pandemic, and Angela reveals her most meaningful goals.

In This Episode:

• About Angela Garcia [ 2:05 ]
• How to be authentically yourself at work [ 8:40 ]
• How Angela began in the fitness + wellness industry [ 11:10 ]
• The inspiration behind AG Fitness [ 18:30 ]
• Why Angela started teaching fitness classes [ 22:50 ]
• Why intention matters [ 32:00 ]
• The reason "impact" is Angela's favorite word [ 36:30 ]
• Angela reveals her most significant goals [ 37:45 ]
• How Angela gets her family involved in AG Fitness [ 48:10]

Quotes:

• "When you are of service to other people is when you'll be happiest."
• "Our wellness space has reached a new level of importance."
• "People chose to support our studio because they want to see us make it to the other side of Covid."
• "You have the potential."

Links Mentioned:

• Check out our website: https://www.ironheartjeremy.com
• Text: (603) 506-5658
• AG Fitness: https://www.agfitness.net
• AG Fitness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agfitnessnh

How did you dig deep during the pandemic?

After a rewarding high school (Londonderry High School, NH), college (University of Michigan), professional running career, and a decade of NCAA Division-I coaching (Harvard, Boston College, and the University of Kentucky), John returned to his native New Hampshire and turned his sights to event management and founded Millennium Running, LLC in 2010.

I am lucky to be joined by John Mortimer, who has received accolades for the unprecedented growth and community outreach of his company, Millennium Running. In this episode, we open the show speaking about the inspiration behind Millennium Running and how John had to pivot during Covid-19. As a small business, John says that he looks out for his employees. When the pandemic hit, John's team had to reinvent what they were doing.

Later, we speak about how John helps people maximize their potential. Whether you are the fastest or slowest person out there, you are always trying to be better than you were yesterday. Plus, we talk about how Millennium Running has reached over one million dollars in charitable giving; John loves giving back to his community. Tune in as John reveals his most significant victory, the importance of safety during a marathon, and John tells inspiring stories.

In This Episode:

• About John Mortimer and what makes his heart tick [ 2:10 ]
• All about Millennium Running and how they pivoted during Covid-19 [ 7:35 ]
• What John loves about New Hampshire [ 19:55 ]
• How John likes to inspire people [ 28:30 ]
• How Millennium Running has reached over one million dollars in charitable giving [ 32:50 ]
• About John's greatest victory [ 39:40 ]
• The importance of safety during a marathon [ 41:35 ]
• Inspiring stories from Millennium Running [ 49:15 ]

Quotes:

• "We had to dig down and come up with some creative ideas in order to keep the lights on as a business."
• "In New Hampshire, you are one degree of separation from everybody."
• "It doesn't matter who is in front of you and who is behind you; you are trying to beat yesterday."
• "I love my competition because they bring out the best in me."

Links Mentioned:

• Check out our website: https://www.ironheartjeremy.com
• Text: (603) 506-5658
• Millennium Running: http://www.millenniumrunning.com
• Millennium Running on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillenniumRunning/
• Millennium Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millenniumrunning/
• Millennium Running on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYLRC-sJavisjjruj65EKaw

How can Martial Arts offer benefits to your daily life?

In this episode, I am lucky to be joined by Jeff Hardy, owner of Bodyworks Martial Arts Center since 1980. Jeff explains that his Martial Arts Center is like a family; when you walk into his facility, you can feel the good vibes. We speak about the inspiration behind Jeff's career in the Martial Arts field.

Later, we talk about what it's like to run a business during a global pandemic. When the pandemic started, Jeff wasted no time getting virtual classes started. Luckily, his Martial Arts family supported him. It was challenging to switch to virtual classes; however, it has kept his business going. Plus, people really appreciated the virtual classes until the center was able to open again. Tune in as we talk about the belt system, what Jeff's training looks like today, and the importance of building systems in your business.

In This Episode:

• About Jeff Hardy [ 1:30 ]
• Why Jeff makes his business feel like a family [ 8:50 ]
• How Jeff got started in Martial Arts [ 12:40 ]
• The changes that Jeff made when the pandemic started [ 21:20 ]
• How the belt system works in Martial Arts [ 27:30 ]
• Why there is no ending to your Martial Arts practice [ 34:50 ]
• What Jeff's training looks like today [ 43:15 ]
• The importance of building systems in your business [ 51:05 ]
• Jeff reveals his "why" and talks about the importance of mentorship [ 54:20]

Quotes:

• "We teach kids how to learn."
• "Martial Arts is all about positive reinforcement."
• "The more control you have, the more contact you can have."
• "The more you grow, the more you realize there is to gain."

Links Mentioned:

• Check out our website: https://www.ironheartjeremy.com
• Jeff's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jeff-Hardy/1834348502
• Bodyworks Martial Arts Center: https://www.bodyworksnh.com/home1
• Bodyworks Martial Arts Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Martial-Arts-School/Bodyworks-Martial-Arts-Center-10150147817200440/
• Call Bodyworks Martial Arts Center: (603) 225-5620