Courtney Bishop, High Performance Coach and Host of The POA Podcast, guides you through a gratitude meditation practice. This episode was inspired by Episode 47: ‘The Science of Gratitude and How to Build a Gratitude Practice’ on Huberman Lab, a podcast hosted by Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University, Andrew Huberman.

To provide a little insight, Huberman explains recent research showing data that support the fact that receiving for yourself or perceiving the narrative of others receiving genuine thanks and appreciation increases your ability to experience gratitude and maintain a positive outlook in everyday life. This is quite different than what many folks think of when they imagine a gratitude practice - which usually takes the form of either writing down what you are celebrating, or meditating on these things you are thankful for.

Therefore in Episode 31, Courtney uses this guidance to send sincere appreciation to YOU to provide you with an effective gratitude meditation practice you can return to and rely on routinely!

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:37) Episode Intro

(02:45) Receiving Gratitude Meditation Practice

(14:32) Connect with the POA Community

(15:23) What's to come on The POA Podcast in 2022

(15:49) Join us on IG, Monday Minutes, or apply for coaching!

RESOURCES:

Huberman Lab https://open.spotify.com/show/79CkJF3UJTHFV8Dse3Oy0P?si=b10019c5ca7740c6

Episode 47: The Science of Gratitude https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GYvrvQmFQmD77vpsiMn59?si=9Lsv43p2S3CV5rMdPpbUbA

SUPPORT POA:

https://ko-fi.com/poaco

CONNECT WITH POA:

Instagram - www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

Facebook - www.facebook.com/POAStrengthandWellness

Website - www.poastrengthandwellness.com

Sign up for Monday Minutes, get a free, guided meditation - https://poastrengthandwellness.lpages.co/monday-minutes/

Apply for coaching - https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/60464037b17b271029faebac/schedule

Kurt Tropiano, Holistic High Performance Coach, supports athletes in reaching their optimal performance through mastery of the mental, the physical and the energetic. On top of completing a Masters in Strength & Conditioning, Kurt is a Level 2 ASCA Associate Coach, Performance Breathing Coach, Holotropic Breathwork facilitator and the founder of Embodiman Shanghai.

What started as a calming practice taught to him by his mother as a child, breathwork and other mindfulness tools have taken quite the spotlight in Kurt’s life work. In this episode, Kurt and I share the importance of these tools, for coaches and athletes alike to improve performance, optimize recovery, and show up at your best for everyday life.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

02:32 Kurt’s Background and the intro to his passion of breathwork

06:54 Stereotypes of yoga and breathwork and the embracing of mindfulness tools in sport performance

12:05 Explanation of a proper breath and manipulating the breath to match your situation

19:41 Overlooked benefits of getting into a rest & digest (parasympathetic) state for recovery, healing, & letting go

22:27 Going against cultural norms as a holistic athlete

26:26 Ways to use Visualization and Meditation as an athlete for improved performance and injury recovery

34:31 Breathwork Practice led by Kurt: Heart resonance, box, and wim hof breathing

44:52 Benefits of the above breathwork practice

48:35 The breath as a tool to recognize, allow, and investigate emotions

51:25 Success stories of athletes and groups Kurt has guided

58:06 Kurt’s process of following his truth & calling and how to get out of your own way

1:03:18 Kurt’s Book Recommendations

1:05:03 On the horizon for Kurt and his work…..

RESOURCES:

Just Breathe by Dan Brulee

Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

Any Wim Hof Books

The Book of Mastery by Paul Selig

Gabby Bernstein

Eckhart Tolle

Connect with Kurt on social:

@kurt.tropiano

@embodiman_shanghai

Connect with Courtney: @thepursuitofauthenticity_

www.poastrengthandwellness.com

Support the Podcast: https://ko-fi.com/poaco

Ever feel like you have to grind and grind and grind in order to make your goals a reality?

In case you missed it, I shared a post on the topic of mental imagery, or visualization, last week. This is something I have been a long time practitioner of as an athlete, and now as a student of life. Therefore, it is a tool I use with my clients! Enjoy this guided visualization to get a better glimpse into how to practice visualization in your day to day life, so you can step out of the chaos and hustle of your ambitions, and into the clarity and ease of your dreams and highest desires.

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to help guide you to your highest self by instilling the confidence, clarity, and courage to pursue your passion and purpose. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. Subscribe to be notified of future episodes! Be sure to join our email list as well to stay in the loop of the latest happenings in the POA community.

Connect with Courtney: www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

www.poastrengthandwellness.com

Mike Laviolette, former musician turned strength coach, found himself in a dark place at the age of 27. What could’ve been the beginning of medical bills and numerous doctor’s visit, instead resulted in a powerful awakening and Mike taking a stand for himself and his health. By following his higher calling with courage, he chased his curiosity around the world of strength and conditioning to land himself in a much more fulfilling and healthier career today. If you are currently studying to become a physical therapist or strength coach, athlete looking to get into either of these fields, or someone interested in working with Coach Mike, be sure to give this episode a listen!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

03:30 Why Mike got into lifting

10:23 How lifting contributed to Mike’s foundation

15:50 How Mike has learned to navigate injury over time

19:43 What is graded exposure and progressive overload, and why is individuality important when returning from injury or starting with a strength training program?

28:20 Why Mike transitioned from physical therapy into the world of strength & rehab coaching

36:06 The perks of owning a strength and rehab coaching biz - for Mike and his clients

39:05 Mike’s “zone of genius” in coaching

51:04 What coaching is REALLY about

55:48 The process of getting started and working with Coach Mike as a client

01:01:25 Industry influences who have shaped Mike’s direction & path

01:06:30 What does the future of Evolve Strength and Rehab look like?

Where to find Mike on social:

https://www.facebook.com/michael.laviolette.3

https://www.instagram.com/mike.evolvestrength_and_rehab

https://twitter.com/mlaviolettedpt

Connect with Courtney:

www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

www.poastrengthandwellness.com

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to help guide you to your highest self by instilling the confidence, clarity, and courage to pursue your passion and purpose. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. Subscribe to be notified of future episodes!

It's been a while since I've released a guided meditation episode! In addition, I realized I've never publicly provided free resources on the chakras; a topic that comes up with coaching clients to open, move energy, and remove blockages in them. So, it felt appropriate to provide this little treat to you! Enjoy this guided meditation to get a better understanding of the chakras and learn how you can use them as a gateway to open the doors of perception & become more in tune with thy Self.

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to share knowledge to create a physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger version of you. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. Subscribe to be notified of future episodes!

Connect with Courtney: www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

www.poastrengthandwellness.com

Karina is currently a Masters student at USF studying Exercise Science. She is a research assistant in both the Performance and Physique Enhancement lab and the Molecular Pharmacology and physiology lab at USF Health with Dr. Bill Campbell.

As we’ll touch on in the episode, Karina has been through her own struggles as an athlete with binge eating, competing and learning how to manage her health. From these experiences, she’s been able to better understand how to navigate nutrition along the very broad spectrum - between supremely structured and tracking macros & habits down to the minutiae to eating intuitively and approaching nutrition with more flexible mindset.

What I’ve always admired about Karina is her focus on delayed gratification within her coaching methods. Making sure you don’t neglect mental health in pursuit of physical health is paramount to ensure sustainable results. Give this a listen to hear our own trials and errors in nutrition, what we’ve learned collectively in the industry over the years, and what we’ve come to know around what works from our own coaching experiences. No matter what stage you’re at, you’ll be more equipped to set yourself up for nutritional success after listening!

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to share knowledge to create a physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger version of you. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. Subscribe to be notified of future episodes!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

03:30 Karina’s first “nutrition” coach for bodybuilding & her intro to tracking macros

11:00 Courtney’s introduction to tracking macros to improve powerlifting performance

15:33 the double-edge sword of tracking macros

20:23 alternative approaches to tracking nutrition beyond macros

22:05 the importance of having a coach to objectively guide you before, during, AND after a diet

26:24 navigating nutrition in social situations

29:27 the importance of nutrition quality (micronutrients) while tracking macros

33:40 intermediate to advanced nutritional approaches to optimize sport performance

38:48 principles for nutritional long-term success

40:30 tips and tricks for newbies around tracking macros + potential red flags to look out for

48:05 why you perpetually struggle to reach your goals

54:30 tips and tricks to unlearn the habits of tracking macros to move into intuitive eating

59:30 summary of how to use tracking as a tool to enhance your quality of life, rather than take away

Connect with Karina: [email protected], www.instagram.com/karinanoboa, www.teamlocofit.com

Connect with Courtney: http://www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

Kellen Milad, owner of Movement Parallels Life, shares how he blurs the lines between disciplines of movement to offer unique programs that account for your physical, mental, AND emotional health needs. With an emphasis on individuality, Kellen guides clients to explore what styles of movement suit them best to focus on longevity and feeling good for life.

Due to his background in psychology, he understands the importance of being able to see people as real human beings, not just robots that can execute plans perfectly all the time. If you are an athlete finding yourself burnt out from structured methods of work or training, Kellen’s style, inclusive of play, flow, and adaptability, may be just the breath of fresh air you need.

For new or aspiring coaches, you’ll learn tips on forging your own path in the fitness industry, as well as his recommendations to reduce risk of burnout as a coach. Finally, Kellen shares how music can amplify your movement practice and some books he recommends!

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to share knowledge to create a physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger version of you. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. Subscribe to be notified of future episodes!

--- RESOURCES ---

Primal Movement On-Demand Classes: https://www.movementparallelslife.com/

MVMT // LFE on the Playbook App: https://www.freemover.app

Book Recommendations

Mindsight by Dan Siegel: https://www.amazon.com/Mindsight-New-Science-Personal-Transformation/dp/0553386395

Exuberant Animal by Frank Forencich: https://www.amazon.com/Exuberant-Animal-Health-Joyful-Movement/dp/1425956637

Play by Stuart Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xcQRmZm5hJatvH2sEFdjb?si=6465348ea4f84db3

Connect with POA: www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

Ryan Hurst, co-founder of GMB Fitness, shares how applying himself through his movement practice, including gymnastics and mixed martials arts, helped him build a foundation that has taken him places he never imagined.

Due to incredible coaches and environments that shaped him over the years, he learned the importance of, as he says, just getting on the mat each day and focusing on becoming the best HE can be, a philosophy he uses daily in his movement and business journey with GMB.

Tune in to learn why "good enough" is actually a key ingredient for long-term success, how a curious and explorative mindset can bring more joy and freedom to your fitness and lifestyle, and why the world needs you... to be more of YOU. 🌈

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to share knowledge to create a physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger version of you. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. Subscribe to be notified of future episodes!

Resources:

instagram.com/ryhurst

instagram.com/gmbfitness

Connect with us:

www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_

Apologies for the audio issues with Zoom. These will be fixed for future episodes!

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Kara Duval is a Boston-based Pilates instructor, small business owner of Kara Duval Pilates LLC, and creator of her online platform, Range. Kara holds an extensive background in classical ballet, which led to her structured, yet fluid Pilates teaching approach. Kara firmly believes in making fitness inclusive and accessible for every BODY. Therefore, she makes sure that ALL bodies leave her classes with exactly what they didn’t know they needed.

In this interview, Kara really gives a glimpse into why language matters. Specifically, we discuss the power it holds in connecting us with aligned teachers & coaches, how it affects our relation to and experience of movement, and how it affects how we connect with our bodies. Kara and I discuss how you can shift your view on fitness/movement to make it a more sustainable and integrated part of your life, providing your body with what it actually needs to thrive.

Kara touches on what her classes on Range entail, which you can access through her website below. Connect with her on Instagram to learn more and follow along her journey!

www.instagram.com/karaduvalpilates

range.karaduvalpilates.com

karaduvalpilates.com

Justin Casipit is a movement coach who has covered a lot of ground. (pun intended as he is currently working on building up his running endurance) Justin started his fitness journey in bodybuilding and powerlifting, but after finding himself injured and beat up, long gone were the days of moving just to get strong, lose weight, or compete. This led him to exploring Yoga, gymnastics strength training, as well as a variety of other movement disciplines.

Justin now understands that the body thrives on variety. Due to the many tools in his toolbox, he helps clients broaden their base of movement which actually equates to achieving higher levels in their sport, as well as longevity. Give this a listen to learn from a professional with a bird’s eye view on fitness and health so you can reduce risk of injury (especially athletes who are currently specializing in a sport) and learn how to move well for life. ✨⁣

Our goal with the Pursuit of Authenticity podcast is to share knowledge to create a physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger version of you. If you enjoy the episode, show your support by leaving a review and/or sharing it out with friends or family who may benefit from the podcast as well. And be sure to subscribe to be notified of future episodes!

Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/j_cas/

Connect with us:

www.instagram.com/thepursuitofauthenticity_