Mindset Connection

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast, and thank you for tuning in for another episode. In this one, we sat down with Drew Buckowiec, who shared his family story of tragedy, resilience, and hope. The youngest of four boys, Drew told us about losing his older brother, Johnny, at age 11, and how he tried to navigate the grief as a young child. He also told us that the knock from the police at the door was imprinted in his mind-especially when it came again when his other brother, Jake, passed away six years later. Drew’s parents were running a family business, and were consumed with grief. Drew told us he remembered his oldest brother telling him that they now needed to be the rocks of the family. Drew credited the help of his high school counselor and Lacrosse coach, Anthony Bonjavanni, with being his source of strength and support through high school. Anthony was actually a student of ours at Monmouth University, which also made us proud! Drew went on to get a MBA in Finance and Wealth Management and now helps businesses big and small gain financial stability. Drew is an example of practicing what he preaches. The day we recorded this episode, he and his finance, Nicole, left the studio to go and close on their first home. Drew is the perfect example of someone with knowledge and humility. Notice how much he struggled to list his three most important strengths. We hope you love Drew’s charm and honesty as much as we did.

Changemaker for Turing Tragedy into Triumph-Drew Buckowiec

Contact Information for Drew Buckowiec:
Website: planningalliance.com
LinkedIn: Drew Buckowiec
_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:

Jen

www.mindsetnj.com 
@mindset_connection - Instagram
@mindsetjen - Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod - TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters - YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod - YouTube

Cindy

www.mindfulnessconnection.com
@mindfulnssconnection - Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod - TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod - YouTube

@theelevationprinciples - YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles
The Elevation Principles Book and Audiobook-Available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Media Agency in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! After recording episode
26 back in October 2025, our guest, Dr. Patrick Roth, told us he had a
great recommendation for us to have on the show-his wife Cathy. 10
months later, we were finally able to record episode 47 with the
magnetic Catherine Brienza-and she did not disappoint! Cathy talked
to us about finding her way to law school, and realizing that her
passion was really about helping others. She bluntly told us that
many people she met in her law circles did not share that vision, so
she decided to do it on her own. After pausing her career to commit
time to her family, Cathy tutored children and worked with individuals
on the Autism Spectrum. She then founded JOLT-Join, Organize,
Lead, Teach-which focuses on national and global issues, such as
voting, immigration, climate change, women’s rights, and data
privacy. From hosting meetings in her own home to attending and
supporting walks, and marches, Cathy is using her knowledge of the
law to help educate people from all walks of life. With all the issues
the world is facing today, Cathy is someone who sees the good in
each day, and is willing to do the work. She stressed to our audience
that every voice counts and together, we can make change. Cathy’s
social media page proudly features a section titled, “Good News This
Week, “ and noted the joy that has been in the air this summer
between the Knicks winning the NBA Championship and the World
Cup Games. She quoted Jaylen Brunson saying, “ You’re allowed to
think about the worst possible scenario, but you gotta go out there
and do something about it.”

The Changemaker for Changing the World-One Issue at a Time:
Catherine Brienza

Contact Information for Catherine Brienza
Website: ridgewoodjolt.com
Social Media: @ridgewood_jolt/joltusa.bsky.social
_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia
O’Connell:

Jen
www.mindsetnj.com
@mindset_connection_
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy
www.mindfulnessconnection.com
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation
Principles

The Elevation Principles Book and Audiobook-Available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!

Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail
Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! Episode 46 was certainly a powerful one. Erika Rothenberger connected with us virtually before heading out on a long drive to another speaking engagement. She filled the studio with messages of hope, resiliency, and “audacious energy.” Erika willingly shared her story of the day she drove to work, loving her “big, bold, and audacious life”, and was then violently attacked in the parking lot of her job. Despite the intense trauma she endured from the physical and emotional pain of the attack, Erika told us that she has used what happened to her as a gift. Because of that incident, she has been able to turn her life into one of service to others. Today, Erika is a wife, mother of two, business woman, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. She is also the event coordinator of the annual Audacious Women’s Summit, which connects and empowers women from all walks of life. Erika told us that she remembered sitting in her backyard after her attack and heard her children giggling. It was that moment she knew she would not be a victim. Her message of never giving up and choosing to thrive, inspired us. Our sound engineer, Dylan, told us that this was his favorite episode yet, maybe you will feel the same way!

The Changemaker for living a Big Bold Audacious Life: Erika Rothenberger

Contact Information for Erika Rothenberger

Website: erikarothenberger.com

Social Media: @erikarothenberger

LinkedIn: Erika Rothenberger

Podcast: Grit, Grace, and Glitz

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:

Jen:
www.mindsetnj.com
@mindset_connection_
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy:
www.mindfulnessconnection.com
@mindfulnessconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples - YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles

The Elevation Principles Book and Audiobook - Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Media Agency in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! Episode 45 was

definitely a powerful one. We sat down with an amazing guest, and

truly wonderful human-Ron Marvo. In addition to founding a company

that helps businesses-big and small-run efficiently (and who doesn’t

want that?), Ron is also a business development coach, podcast host,

and former Golden Gloves Boxing Champion. Ron told us how getting

into a fight with a childhood friend in high school changed his life,

and how the power of practice and patience has made him the

success he is today. Ron couldn’t have been more humble and

honest-crediting his father for giving him the discipline to deal with

problems head on and never giving up. He also talked about how he

pulls himself back into the “Drive Line,” when thoughts fill his head,

and uses his four foundational pillars to find his center. Throughout

our conversation, Ron kept thanking us for our work, and shared that

doing good in the world and helping others is what he is all about.

Ron told us that he sees failure as an opportunity to self-reflect and

that each time he didn’t win at something, he learned something.

Cindy and I will definitely be thinking about the weekly vision board

that Ron creates each Sunday-red sharpie and all. Talking with Ron

was like sitting down with a close friend that just gave you the

solution for that hard problem you were trying to fix. We hope you can

feel the love and joy he has for life, just like we did.

The Changemaker for Self-Reflection and Resiliency: Ron Marvo

Contact Information for Ron Marvo

Website: sparqperformance.com

Social Media: @ronmarvo

LinkedIn: Ron Marvo

Podcast: Great American Underdog

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:

Jen:
www.mindsetnj.com
@mindset_connection_
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy:
www.mindfulnessconnection.com
@mindfulnessconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples - YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles

The Elevation Principles Book and Audiobook - Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Media Agency in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! In episode 44, Russ Rogers checked in on an early morning in California to give us the gift of his time and knowledge. Russ is the founder of Move Today-365, and lives by the motto: Move Today-Not Tomorrow! Russ shared his story of running a landscape business to journaling what turned into a series of books for children based on the impact and importance of movement and social connection. Russ lives his life making movement and connection to nature an absolute priority and he wants people everywhere to do the same. Russ talked to us about expanding his Impact Live events into cities that don’t have that beautiful California sun-just to show that moving the body and being in nature with others can be done anywhere! Russ’s energy, humility, and zest for life filled our studio with such positive energy. We left thinking about his book, Imagine If... Imagine if people hearing this episode can connect with even one other person and get outside. Let us know if you do!

The Changemaker for Movement, Connection, and Digital Detox: Russell Rogers

Contact Information for Russell Rogers

Website: impact.russellrogers.net

Social Media: @dualcoastpodcast

LinkedIn: Russell Rogers

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:

Jen:
www.mindsetnj.com-Website
@mindset_connection_
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy:
www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples - YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles

The Elevation Principles Book and Audiobook - Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Media Agency in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! In episode 43, we
jumped right in with an incredible conversation with Marcel Dinkins.
Marcel is a former Division I Athlete, Army Reserve Engineer Officer,
dog mom, fitness trainer, speaker, podcast host-and also works for
Peloton. Marcel was able to take time from teaching running, walking,
and outdoor classes to drive to the studio with her dog, and make a
day out of being on our show. We were so grateful. Marcel talked to
us about the power of letting things go, not taking life so seriously,
and accepting yourself for whatever season you are in. She was also
extremely clear that she sets and adheres to boundaries. Don’t ask
her to be somewhere that she doesn’t want to be, because she WILL
leave! While Marcel is in the public eye now, she takes it all in stride,
and is always grounded by close friends and family-who could care
less that she is on billboards across NYC! She shared with us the
struggles and hardships she went through to get to where she is now,
and credits her college running coach for giving her a healthy dose of
reality and discipline that still stays with her today. Marcel has been
working diligently for years, but this episode shows that this woman
is just getting started. Marcel is a role model for people of all ages,
and we hope you will feel great love and energy from her just like we
did.

The Changemaker for Discipline and Boundary Setting-Marcel Dinkins

Contact Information for Marcel Dinkins

Social Media: @officialmarcelfit

LinkedIn: Marcel Dinkins

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia
O’Connell:

Jen
www.mindsetnj.com-Website
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy
www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation
Principles

The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail
Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast, and thank you for
showing up each episode to learn about the amazing people we want
you to know more about. We dove into episode 42 by showcasing
another amazing teacher-who also works for Peloton. Mariana
Fernandez was able to talk to us virtually before running back to the
studio to teach more magical classes. Mariana is technically a yoga,
meditation, and tread instructor for the Pelotin company, but she is
also so much more. A Latina girl growing up in a household of
athletes, Mariana credited her parents for fostering her love of
running. By the way-she told us her mom recently ran a marathon at
age 73, so what are we waiting for? Mariana credits so much of her
current work to her extensive background in fine arts and theater.
Because she trained as a working actor for so many years, she is
unrattled by things that would make the rest of us sweat, such as
sudden schedule changes, speaking in public, or being “ON” with
little notice. Mariana’s classes are filled with incredible music-scripted
like a play-and infused with love, positive energy, and “Mariana
Magic.” And NO-the playlists are not generated by AI. Mariana talked
openly about dealing with life struggles and how she has learned to
release and address feelings and not suppress them-something we all
should work on. If you are looking for a place where you feel you
belong, Mariana’s studio is where you need to be. She told us she is a
hugger, and we could feel that hug through the screen loud and clear.
We hope you love this beautiful episode as much as we did.

The Changemaker for Merging Fine Arts, Fitness, and Feelings

Contact Information for Mariana Fernandez

Social Media: @mariana.fernandez.co

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia
O’Connell:

Jen
www.mindsetnj.com-Website
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy
www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation
Principles

The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail
Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast. We are grateful to do
this work and to be able to showcase people who truly are on a
mission to spread love and healing in the world. For our 41st episode,
we sat down with attorney, mediator, and community advocate, Karen
Burr. Karen is the owner of the Burr Law Group, and her grounded
and genuine energy told us right away she fully connects with her
clients. Karen grew up in a musical household. Both her parents were
concert pianists and Karen also played several instruments-including
the harp! Her parents founded Music for All Seasons-a program that
brings live music to undersourced communities, and is helping
people to heal and connect all around the country. Karen also talked
with us about her own healing journey after losing her partner several
years ago, and how she trained to become a lead facilitator at
Common Ground Grief Center. If you don’t know about Common
Ground, check out episode 3 with Lynn Snyder to learn about this
wonderful place! Karen amazed us with her energy, her passion, and
her excitement to keep bringing music and songwriting to those who
need it most. At the time of recording, Karen was also training for the
HYROX competition in June, and we wish her the best of luck!

The Changemaker for Using Live Music to Heal the World

Contact Information for Karen Burr

Social Media: @musicforallseasons

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia
O’Connell:

Jen
www.mindsetnj.com-Website
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok
@jenniferclearwaters-YouTube
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

Cindy
www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok
@mindsetconnectionpod-YouTube

@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation
Principles

The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!
Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail
Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast, and thank you for supporting our mission to showcase wonderful people who are truly changing lives. We went all out for our 40th episode by sitting down with Peloton’s Alex Karwoski. When people heard he was coming many asked, “ How did you get him to come?” The answer: We asked. Even though Alex is a running and rowing coach for a very famous company, he couldn’t have been more humble and gracious. Before Peloton scooped him up, Alex was a competitive rower and represented the United States in two Olympic games-Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. He is a husband and father, and also has two advanced degrees in Civil Engineering and Business. Alex drove right from teaching classes at the studio, and shared with us how much he loves nature and appreciates infrastructure, buildings and bridges. He is also a lover of history, legos and music. Alex told us that his career in rowing helped him to develop mental and physical strength, as well as the ability to work together with others-even during difficult times. If you have not taken one of his classes, get ready for a true musical experience designed with a specific theme, and filled with comical stories. Time flies by, and everything you previously had on your mind doesn’t seem so important. Alex reminded us that you never know what people are going through, and positive vibes, good music, teamwork, and a smile can really make a difference. Despite Alex being a highly skilled and disciplined human, he assured us that he also has things in life that he wants to change and improve. Our conversation with Alex reinforced to us that there is so much good and beauty in the world, and we need to slow down and see it.  

The Changemaker for Infusing Fitness, Music, and Love for Life

Contact Information for Alex Karwoski

Social Media: @iamalexkarwoski

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:

Jen
www.mindsetnj.com -Website
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok

Cindy
www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok

@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles

The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast, and thank you for showing up for our 39th episode. This time, we had the opportunity to showcase OURSELVES and our brand, Women of Wellness. Cindy and I have partnered with the magical Susan Tellone, who was first a guest back on episode 10. We patiently waited for Susan to “retire” from her former position, so we could officially launch WOW. Since then, we have been creating and implementing workshops in educational institutions, corporate businesses, wellness centers, and in house at my office space in NJ.  In this episode, we talk about how we connected the dots and realized that people need to grow within a collective community. We discussed self-care, discipline, energy, and how creating workshops that focus on wellness and resiliency are helping people from all walks of life and professions make sustainable changes, little bits at a time. Join us for a workshop in the future, and as Susan said…” If your life is too busy that you can’t take time for a workshop, you probably need to be there.”

The Changemakers for Creating a Collective Community: The Women of Wellness: Jennifer Clearwaters, Cynthia O’Connell, and Susan Tellone

Contact Information for WOW

Social Media: @womenofwellness

_____________________________________________

Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell:

Jen
www.mindsetnj.com -Website
@mindsetjen-Instagram
@mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok

Cindy
www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website
@mindfulnssconnection-Instagram
@mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok

@theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles

The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp

Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.