Connie Bennett is a fitness professional who has been inspiring guests at Rancho La Puerta for nearly three decades. Connie shares her incredible journey, from growing up in a family of trailblazing journalists in Chicago to teaching dynamic fitness classes at the Ranch.

Connie reflects on the joy of movement, the importance of gratitude, and the lessons she’s learned from life at the Ranch. She also gives listeners a glimpse into her unique childhood, with stories about meeting Martin Luther King Jr. and dancing with Sammy Davis Jr.

Whether you’re looking for tips on staying active, embracing the present, or finding joy in daily life, this episode is sure to inspire.

Resources:

• Ebony Magazine: ebony.com
• Read: What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Lerone Bennett Jr.

To learn more about our wonderful presenters and exciting weeks coming up at the ranch, go to RanchoLaPuerta.com and check out our events calendar. Mention the podcast when making your reservation to take advantage of a special offer. Some restrictions may apply.

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Resonate, we welcome Dr. James Gordon, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and pioneer in mind-body medicine. Dr. Gordon shares his innovative techniques for healing trauma without medication, emphasizing that trauma is a universal part of life, but one we can move through and learn from.

From calming the fight-or-flight response with soft belly breathing to releasing stress through shaking and dancing, Dr. Gordon’s methods provide accessible tools for anyone looking to heal. He also discusses the global work of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, which trains individuals to bring these techniques to their communities.

Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges or interested in helping others, this episode offers valuable insights and practical steps to transform trauma into resilience.

Resources:

• The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
• Read Transforming Trauma by Dr. James Gordon

Produced by NOVA Media

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome author and purpose expert Richard Leider. With nearly sixty years of experience, Richard has dedicated his life to helping others find meaning and purpose. He shares his “napkin test”—a simple way to define purpose through gifts, passions, and values—and discusses the importance of finding purpose moments in each day.

Richard also talks about the evolving nature of retirement, the critical role of community and connection, and the concept of a “golden hour” to ground ourselves in daily practices. Whether you're looking for big-P Purpose or small-p purpose, this episode offers invaluable insights on making each day meaningful.

Resources:

• Richard Leider’s Website: richardleider.com
• Read: The Power of Purpose

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode, we welcome award-winning filmmaker Lydia B. Smith. Lydia shares the story of her first documentary, “Walking the Camino,” inspired by her own pilgrimage along the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. She discusses how the journey brought healing, connection, and inspiration to her life, leading her to explore the power of storytelling.

Lydia’s latest project, “Cellblocks to Mountaintops”, sheds light on the journey of incarcerated individuals who are transforming their lives. She highlights the importance of restorative justice and urges listeners to see the humanity in each person impacted by the criminal justice system. 

Join us for an episode filled with insights on intuition, healing, and the potential of stories to change lives.

Resources:

• Learn more: Cellblocks to Mountaintops
• Lydia B. Smith’s bio
• Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago

Produced by NOVA Media

In this powerful episode of Resonate, we sit down with Jacques-Pierre Cole, a Zen Buddhist monk who brings his gifts of mindfulness and meditation to Rancho La Puerta guests. Jacques shares his deeply personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, multiple suicide attempts, and the loss of his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. 

Jacques opens up about his path to healing through Zen Buddhism, learning to forgive not only his father but also himself. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and meditation in finding inner peace and living fully present in each moment. Listeners will also hear about his health journey, losing 60 pounds and finding mental resilience through running.

Join us for an inspiring and candid conversation about life’s challenges, the power of forgiveness, and the transformative practice of mindfulness.

Resources:

• Made for Joy Live Meditations
• Meditation with Jacques-Pierre Cole - Rancho La Puerta
• TED Talk: Yes—you, too, can quiet your mind. | Jacques Pierre Cole

Produced by NOVA Media

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Sarah Moret, the founder and CEO of Curie, a natural deodorant and skincare company. Sarah shares her journey of starting Curie with just $12,000 and growing it into a $20 million business—all while navigating challenges, rejection, and personal growth.

Sarah talks about the power of manifestation and how journaling evolved into a tool for setting and achieving her goals. She explains how visualization played a key role in her preparation for major milestones, including her Shark Tank appearance. Her resilience and belief in her mission kept her going through tough times, and she offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Listeners will also hear about Sarah’s approach to balancing work and life, including how she stays active, takes breaks, and prepares for her next chapter: motherhood.

Join us for a candid and uplifting conversation filled with practical tips for building a business and living with purpose.

Resources:

• Curie Body Care: curiebod.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Join us as we sit down with James Beard Award-winning chef Virginia Willis to discuss her journey from Southern cooking to healthy living. Virginia shares her passion for cooking, which started in her grandmother’s kitchen, and how she transformed classic Southern dishes into healthier, more balanced meals.

Virginia talks about her personal health journey, losing 65 pounds in 2019, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through her "Good and Good for You" philosophy. She emphasizes that it’s not about perfection but about making small, sustainable changes that lead to feeling good in your body.

Listeners will gain insights into the evolving culinary world, the rise of plant-based diets, and how food can be both indulgent and healthy. Virginia also shares fun stories from her career, including working with Martha Stewart and cooking for President Clinton.

Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, delicious food tips, and inspiration for living a balanced, healthy life.

Resources:

• Virginia Willis's Website: virginiawillis.com
• Read Bon Appétit, Y'all Cookbook

Produced by NOVA Media

Today we are joined by Jeffrey Benton, the CEO and founder of Paragon Performance Evolution. Jeffrey's work focuses on helping leaders regulate their internal environments, fostering coherence, and promoting overall well-being.

Jeffrey discusses the concept of coherence, where the heart, brain, and body are aligned, creating an optimal state for health, communication, and empathy. He shares powerful techniques such as heart-focused breathing and positive visualization to manage stress and enhance leadership skills.

Join us for an episode filled with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a deeper understanding of how to cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Resources:

• Learn more at performanceparagon.com
• Connect with Jeffrey on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-robert-benton-51240a4
• HeartMath Institute: heartmath.org

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode, we welcome Susie Ellis, a pioneer in the wellness industry with over four decades of experience. As the CEO and Chairman of the Global Wellness Institute and the Global Wellness Summit, Susie shares her journey from the early days of spa culture to the expansive and inclusive concept of wellness that we know today.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intersection of wellness and environmental sustainability, and how the wellness industry is working to make wellness more inclusive and accessible. Susie also shares her personal wellness practices, emphasizing the importance of movement, sleep, and a balanced approach to nutrition.

Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the global wellness movement.

Resources:

• Global Wellness Institute: globalwellnessinstitute.org
• Global Wellness Summit: globalwellnesssummit.com
• Connect with Susie Ellis on LinkedIn
• Listen to The Global Wellness Conversations Podcast

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode we are joined by Andrew Mellen, a professional organizer, speaker, and author known for his expertise in helping people find balance through decluttering and organization. Andrew shares his journey from a theater career to becoming a professional organizer, offering valuable insights into the psychology behind clutter and practical tips for maintaining organization.

Listeners will learn about the importance of the organizational triangle, the distinction between organizing and decluttering, and how to address the root causes of clutter. Andrew discusses the emotional and spiritual aspects of decluttering, emphasizing the need to create space for what truly matters in life. He also touches on the impact of digital clutter and provides strategies for staying organized in the digital age.

Join us for an episode filled with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a deeper understanding of how to live a more organized and fulfilling life.

Resources:

• Learn more at andrewmellen.com
• Read: Unstuff Your Life!: Kick the Clutter Habit and Completely Organize Your Life for Good
• Read: Calling BS on Busy: A Practical Guide to Ditching the Time Management Myth and Quickly Achieving Your Goals
• Follow Andrew on Instagram: @andrew_mellen
• Listen: Declutter Your Life Podcast

Produced by NOVA Media