Mindset Connection

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

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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

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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 supporting our work. We celebrated our 38th episode by talking with the magnetic Sean Martin. Sean is a devoted husband and father of two who rebuilt his life from the inside out after completing a two year sentence in prison during his 20’s. Sean candidly shared his experience of growing up in the Bronx, learning to hustle, work hard, and not take life for granted. He credits his mother for showing him how to live and lead with love, and how to, “Make it Simple.” Sean’s positive energy was so evident during the show that it is easy to see why he has grown into a highly successful businessman, entrepreneur, public speaker, and mentor. Sean is also the author of Beyond the Bronx: From Prison to Purpose, a story that documents how he visualized the life he has now by writing about his dreams for hours in a composition notebook. Sean also hosts the R.E.A.L-Real Life Examples Altering Lives-Mentors podcast, which showcases guests who have shown true grit and resilience in their life journeys. Sean is a strong advocate for serving others and serves on the board of KR3TS- a dance company based in Spanish Harlem that supports thousands of dancers from all walks of life. If you have listened to our show before, you know that we are all about showcasing those people who are willing to DO HARD THINGS. Sean Martin is definitely one of those people-doing the work while not taking himself too seriously. He promised us he would work on reducing his social media time and start increasing his time dancing! We hope you love this episode as much as we did. 

The Changemaker for Grit and Resilience: Sean Martin

Contact Information for Sean Martin

Website: therealseanmartin.com

Social Media: @theseanmartin

Podcast: R.E.A.L. Mentors

Book: Beyond the Bronx: From Prison to Purpose

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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! Thank you for your continued support for our work. We are grateful for every guest that gives us the gift of their time. For our 37th episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Jamie Giovinazzo, Founder and President of Eat Clean Bro-one of the pioneer companies of the meal prep industry. Jamie talked to us about pivoting his life from a career in the military to cooking for friends and family, and finally making the jump to start a business for himself. Jamie stressed the importance of doing hard work, being consistent, and refusing to quit-even when it feels like the world is against you. While Eat Clean Bro is a huge success today, Jamie was very clear about the stressors that come with running a business. Jamie has a strong self-care routine, and sees the power in how food impacts your physical and mental well-being. He puts in the work outside of the business to be a solid husband and father. Jamie also stressed the importance of being of service, and is involved in several events and partnerships that benefit those in need. Jamie’s golden rule is to treat others the way you want to be treated, and he was definitely speaking our language! We hope you find his humor, humility, and passion to be as incredible as we did. 

The Changemaker for Promoting Healthy Eating-One Meal at a Time-Jamie Giovinazzo

Contact Information for Jamie Giovinazzo

Website: eatcleanbro.com

Instagram: @eatcleanbro

Podcast: The Bro Show

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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! Thank you for tuning in for our 36th episode. Today, we got to sit in with Sandra Silverman-best selling author, podcast host, model, lifestyle influencer, and lover of all things beauty and wellness related. Sandy was able to schedule us into her full schedule and joined us virtually from Mexico. Sandy was open, honest and genuine about how she has transformed her body inside and out. She told us about getting her first cosmetic procedure when she was in her late 20’s because her husband told her she was getting “soft.” Sandy reported that she has tried everything from Botox to fillers to injections and surgeries-and nothing made her feel truly happy or beautiful until she started working from the inside out. Sandy told us within the first few minutes that you need to love yourself first in order to heal, and that takes action. In addition to cosmetic work, Sandy has also immersed herself in therapy, holistic nutrition, personal training, and body work targeting the reduction of inflammation. She also left her marriage after years of feeling like she was in fight or flight  day after day. Her first book showcases all of the procedures she has gotten as well excerpts from all of the wellness professionals she has worked with. She couldn’t say it enough-Do your research before making any change and start slowly. Sandy continues to heal herself and promote looking and feeling fabulous by hosting her podcast, The Party’s Over. Each episode features a segment for health and wellness, one for relationships, and another for open questions. Her next book, From Bullshit to Heartbreak will be released in September 2026.

The Changemaker for Working on Reversing the Clock-Inside and Out-Sandra Silverman

Contact Information for Sandra Silverman

Website: sandralenasilverman.com

Instagram: @sandralenasilverman

Podcast: The Party’s Over

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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! Thank you for tuning in for our 35th episode! Today, we welcomed Alison Soltis-Certified Life Coach and Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness Coach. Alison is the founder for ABC Growth and Purpose and followed her curious mind into a new industry after being in public education for 20 years.  A lifelong runner, Alison realized that she also needed fitness for the mind in order to deal with the stressors of life. Alison talked about ways to quiet the party crashers, or “inner saboteurs” that we all have. She also explained how she uses the ABC’s-Align, Build, and Create to guide her clients to achieve their goals and become grounded, calm and resilient. Alison brought warmth and wisdom to this episode and we hope you feel it as much as we did.

The Changemaker for Mental Fitness-Alison Soltis

Contact Information for Alison Soltis

Website: abcgrowthpurpose.com

Instagram: @abcgrowthpurpose

FaceBook: @allisonsoltis

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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, welcome to a New Year. We are ringing in 2026 with our 34th episode and an amazing conversation with Emily Fumosa from Aya Sacred Ink. We are back seeing guests in person, and ours did not disappoint! Emily runs a private wellness studio that infuses ceremonial body art, reiki, meditation, oracle work and fine line artistry. Emily shared her calling to this work, which started when her father passed unexpectedly. Emily had always been an artist and was in art school, but was swayed towards Allied Health and Anatomy at the fear of becoming a “Starving Artist.” After her father’s passing, she started connecting the “dots” she was finding that led her to infuse both industries. Emily talked with us about the importance of taking time to be present with her clients. She focuses heavily on creating a safe space where this sacred and intentional work of creating body art can be born. Emily is an old soul who sees failure as a way to step out of the circle, and fear as a push to get out of the comfort zone. We can’t wait to see what she does next, including her idea of creating bath and body products that came about after taking one of her energy cleansing showers!

The Changemaker for Creating Intentional Sacred Body Art-Emily Fumosa

Contact Information for Emily Fumosa

Website: ayasacredink.com

Instagram: @ayasacredink

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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! 

Thank you for tuning in for our 33rd episode, and for this one, we went all out. We are back seeing guests in person, and ours did not disappoint! We were honored to spend time with Dr. Srini Pillay, co-founder of Reulay-an AI-driven digital therapeutics company that enhances well-being and healthspan by shifting your mindset. Dr. Pillay is also a Harvard trained psychiatrist, a brain researcher, author, master executive coach, and  world renowned keynote speaker and lecturer. He is also passionate about enjoying life, leading with love, having a good sense of humor, and a killer outfit! Dr. Pillay brought incredible energy to our set. He explained that he accepted our invitation on intuition and felt today was a “dot” that would connect him to another meaningful moment in life. Describing himself as “somewhere between a martini and a meditation,” Dr. Pilly talked to us about the importance of both focusing and unfocusing on tasks, and how becoming the best version of ourselves requires us to find our Center of Gravity. He talked to us about staging in the present moment and not being swayed by what other people are doing.  Dr. Pillay is currently working on multiple projects, including one that is focused on turning the Bronx into a Blue Zone. In addition to all of his academic accomplishments, we learned that Dr. Pillay is a concert trained pianist, spontaneously wrote a musical, hates social media, and struggles like the rest of us to get in his daily step count. He is someone who tirelessly works to help improve the lifespan of others, and works with some of the most prominent and famous people in the industry of health and wellness. However, Dr. Pillay made a point to show us that he is just a person, and does not see himself as someone with titles after his name. We wish we had more time to spend with this unique and highly skilled individual, and you will, too. Good thing he is on almost every platform out there, so you can get your dose of brain science and fashion tips. What an episode!

The Changemaker for Allowing the Brain to Focus and Unfocus - Dr. Srini Pallay

Contact Information for Dr. Srini Pillay

Website: drsrinipillay.com

Instagram: @drsrinipillay

Facebook: SriniPillay, M.D.

Linked In: Srini Pillay, MD

Twitter: @drsrinipillay 

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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! 

Thank you for tuning in for our 32nd episode, and our second with a virtual guest. Today, we welcomed writer and adoptee advocate, Linda Pevac-also known as Emma Stevens, who graciously tuned in from Tulsa, Oklahoma. We connected with Linda a few years ago, after hearing about her story and her work on another podcast. We have been waiting ever since to have her on our show! Linda is the writer of a trilogy of books that  detail her life as an adopted child. Linda was adopted into an authoritative and rigid household, and was not given the help she needed to heal from the never discussed trauma of being separated from her birth mother. Later in life, she endured the pain of being misled and manipulated by a mental health professional who she trusted with her recovery. Linda finally found the right provider and started writing under the name of Emma Stevens, in order to allow herself to fully tell her story and begin her healing journey. Today, Linda remains an advocate and a resource for adoptees and families of adopted children. We were inspired by her story and we hope you will be as well. 

The Changemaker for Helping Adoptees and Families of Adopted Children to Heal - Linda Pevac/Emma Stevens

Contact Information for Linda Pevac/Emma Stevens

Website: emmastevenswriter.com

Instagram: @emmastevenswriter

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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! 

Thank you for tuning in for our 31st episode, and our first time recording with a guest virtually! Today, we had the privilege of getting to talk with Dr. Peter Amato and his colleague Jacqueline from Inner Harmony Wellness Center. Even though Dr. Amato told us that humility was one of his biggest strengths, it is important to note that he has had amazing experiences and achieved great insight.  In addition to running Inner Harmony Wellness Center, and the incredible Harmony Mountain Retreat Center, Dr. Amato is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, yoga instructor, Reiki Master, Primordial Sound Healer, Zen Master and Lay monk. He is the author of several books, and has written multiple healing programs which he incorporates into his wellness practice with patients. Dr. Amato is a world-renowned leader in the space of addiction recovery. He has traveled the world and has worked with masters in the industry, including Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil, Jon Kabat Zin Tich Nhat Hahn, and the Dalai Lama. Dr. Amato talked to us about his extensive work and research in schools where he has worked for many years to give children a greater sense of peace and a daily dose of “Inner Harmony.” We hope that you will try the relaxation technique he shared with us during the show, and give yourself a chance to experience what Dr. Amato calls, “Waking up.” 

The Changemaker for Channeling Peace and Inner Harmony - Dr. Peter Amato

Contact Information for Dr. Peter Amato

Websites: harmonymountaininstitute.com/ innerharmonywellness.com

peteramato.com

Instagram: @innerharmonywellnessnepa

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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.