The Unique Way

In this episode, I sit down with Kyal Van Der Leest. You may recognize him because he's been on some of the most influential health & wellness podcasts in the world. He's a degree-qualified Nutritionist, Naturopath, and the founder of LVLUP Health—to dive deep into holistic wellness, disease prevention, and the mission behind LVLUP.

Kyal's passion for health was sparked by his mother's cancer diagnosis, driving him to uncover the root causes of illness and develop a new perspective on what cancer truly is. His approach goes beyond supplements—LVLUP is a company with a mission to optimize health at the deepest level.

Topics of Discussion:

✅ Root Causes of Disease – What's really behind chronic illness? ✅ The Power of Clean Living – How to reduce daily toxin exposure. ✅ LVLUP's Top Supplements – A breakdown of their most impactful products. ✅ Peptides 101 – What they are and how they support optimal health. ✅ Mold Exposure – A hidden root cause of illness & how to test your home. ✅ Glyphosate's Impact – The dangers of this common toxin in our food supply. ✅ Daily Toxin Exposure – Where they hide & simple ways to protect yourself. ✅ Microplastics & Endocrine Disruptors – How to eliminate them from your life. ✅ Water Quality Matters – Why I switched to Mountain Valley Water and how it's been a game changer. (They ship nation wide & I have a special link to save you $ on your order) ✅ The Importance of Relationships & Stress Management – Because even the best supplements and cleanest diet won't help if your work-life balance and emotional health are suffering.

💡 My Personal Experience with LVLUP I can confidently say—LVLUP supplements are LEGIT. They're well-researched, high-quality, and have made a huge impact on my health. In this episode, I share how GI Repair transformed my gut health. But what I didn't mention? HISTA RESIST was a lifesaver when I had a severe wasp sting right before a trip to Thailand. The swelling was out of control, but within hours of taking it, the difference was dramatic. (Yes, I even have before-and-after pics!)

🎧 This episode is packed with actionable steps to help you level up your health and align with your highest potential. Share this with anyone who's ready to step into their golden age of wellness!

🛍 Exclusive Discount for You!

If you're ready to upgrade your health, I've got a discount for you. Use this SPECIAL LINK + code UNIQUEWAY for 15% off your LVLUP purchase!

Resources & Links:

• LVLUP Health Website

• LVLUP Instagram

• Mountain Valley Water - use this special link to save $25 on your first purchase.

Follow & Subscribe: If you loved this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more incredible guests and valuable insights to you.

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Iceland Yoga Retreat – October 18-25, 2025

Imagine a week of: ✨ Seeing the Northern Lights (we're going at the best time of year!) ✨ Zen-ing out in the Blue Lagoon ✨ Exploring hidden waterfalls ✨ Hiking alongside glaciers & immersing yourself in Iceland's stunning landscapes ✨ Reconnecting with yourself & others through daily yoga, mindfulness, and soulful conversations ✨ enjoying amazing meals & beautiful accomodations

This retreat is for you if:

• You love travel, adventure, and immersing yourself in new cultures.

• You want to explore & deepen your yoga practice

• You thrive in community and want to connect with like-hearted people.

• You treasure experiences and memories more than material things.

💫 This retreat is filling up fast—over halfway full! Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. My mom is coming, and this would be an amazing trip to do with your mom, partner, BFF, or even solo (you'll leave with lifelong friends!).

Learn More & Sign Up: Iceland Yoga Retreat

DM or email me with any questions—I'd love to have you join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! ✨

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Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

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To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

Today's episode is hands down the best resource on the podcast for any woman approaching 40, in her 40s, or beyond! My guest, Erin Gagne, shares invaluable insights on hormone health, perimenopause, supplements, stress management, fitness, and so much more. Grab a pen and journal because you're going to want to take notes!

This is Erin's second time on the show & if you missed her the first time I highly recommend scrolling back & giving it a listen (I'll link it below). We covered women's hormone health, birth control, functional medicine, and the spiritual aspect of healing.

Erin is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in hormone therapy and metabolic health. With over a decade of experience, she helps men and women—especially those in perimenopause and menopause—reclaim their vitality through a holistic, personalized approach.

Having healed from early-onset hormonal imbalances herself, she brings both expertise and personal insight to her work. Erin's practice offers comprehensive hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including bioidentical hormones, peptides, and thyroid management.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Perimenopause: what it is, why it's not something to fear, and how to support your body through this transition.

• Deep dive into hormone health: specific tests, symptoms, protocols, and treatment options.

• Thyroid health and its impact on energy, metabolism, and overall wellness.

• The importance of muscle (the organ of longevity) and how to build it effectively.

• The chronic stress, under-eating, high cortisol, weight gain cycle and how to break free.

• Debunking myths and wellness trends in both Eastern and Western modalities.

• Must-do wellness practices for women in their 40s.

• Why it might be time to ditch alcohol.

• The best workouts for women in their 40s (spoiler: it's not the same as in your 20s!).

• Supplements: common deficiencies, the role of methylation, trusted brands, and proper dosages.

• Semaglutide & GLP-1s: how they work and the role of stress in insulin resistance.

• The importance of mindset, personal responsibility, and the quality of our relationships in our health journey.

And so much more! Erin is a wealth of knowledge, and I highly recommend her services. My mom worked with her and loved it, and as soon as I get my blood work done I'm going to work with her too! She also takes virtual patients, which is perfect if you're not in South Carolina.

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Work with Erin:

• Revive Wellness

• Instagram: @erinlynnewellness

• Instagram: @revivewellnessnp

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Estrogen Matters

Episode 99: Women's Hormone Health, Birth Control, Functional Medicine, the Mental & Spiritual Aspects of Healing & More w/ Erin Gagne

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

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Iceland Yoga Retreat – October 18-25, 2025

At the end of our conversation, Erin mentioned that she's joining me on my Iceland yoga retreat, and I wanted to extend an invite to YOU! We have an incredible group forming, and it's going to be an epic experience that you don't want to miss!

Imagine a week of: ✨ Seeing the Northern Lights (we're going at the best time of year!) ✨ Zen-ing out in the Blue Lagoon ✨ Exploring hidden waterfalls ✨ Hiking alongside glaciers & immersing yourself in Iceland's stunning landscapes ✨ Reconnecting with yourself & others through daily yoga, mindfulness, and soulful conversations ✨ enjoying amazing meals & beautiful accomodations

This retreat is for you if:

• You love travel, adventure, and immersing yourself in new cultures.

• You want to explore & deepen your yoga practice

• You thrive in community and want to connect with like-hearted people.

• You treasure experiences and memories more than material things.

💫 This retreat is filling up fast—over halfway full! Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. My mom is coming, and this would be an amazing trip to do with your mom, partner, BFF, or even solo (you'll leave with lifelong friends!).

Learn More & Sign Up: Iceland Yoga Retreat

DM or email me with any questions—I'd love to have you join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! ✨

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Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

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To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

Last week, I hit a breaking point with all the podcasts I listen to—between seed oil panic, microplastics, and politics, my brain was in overload! So, today's episode is a breath of fresh air—no doom and gloom, just a fun, uplifting list of 10 things I'm loving right now. From wellness habits to products, music, and a high-protein smoothie recipe, this episode is all about the little things that make life better! 💕

1️⃣ Deleting Instagram Off My Phone Every Weekend 📵

• The mental clarity and freedom this gives me is unmatched! Highly recommend trying a social detox every weekend.

• Also, if you haven't watched The Social Dilemma, it's a must. Eye-opening.

• The Unique Way Podcast EP 57: Are You a Slave to Social Media? How Deleting Instagram Changed my Life w/ Yours Truly

2️⃣ Contrast Therapy ❄️🔥

• I've been obsessed with this since Thailand (my sleep has never been better!) & I'm loving Mind Zero in Mount Pleasant, SC. If you're local, check it out!

3️⃣ Rahua Dry Shampoo 💆‍♀️

• Clean beauty for the win! I've been obsessed with this dry shampoo (heavy metal & propane free).

4️⃣ Organizing 1 Thing Per Day 🗂

• Instead of big, overwhelming projects, I've been tackling one small thing a day—a drawer, a shelf, something digital, etc.. Small daily act that is making a big difference over time.

5️⃣ Christian Jams 🎶

• Praise music nourishes my soul. If you want to add more uplifting vibes to your day, check out my Praise Playlist on Spotify!

6️⃣ My High-Protein PB&J Smoothie (50g Protein!) 🥜🍓

• Recipe:

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries 🍓

  • 2 tbsp peanut butter (Santa Cruz Organics w/ seed oils) 🥜

  • 1 cup organic whole milk 🥛

  • ½ cup organic Greek yogurt 🥄

  • 2 scoops Ancient Nutrition Vanilla Protein Powder 💪

7️⃣ Sober Socializing 🍹🚫

• I hosted a Sober Sunday Funday and it was a literal day in my dream life! Highly recommend creating your own version.

• If you're curious about the alcohol-free lifestyle, check out my episode: "Why Normal is Broken & Why I'm Embracing the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle" on the Unique Way Podcast.

8️⃣ Brez Adaptogen Drink: "Flow" 🍋🌿

• This sparkling adaptogen drink tastes like Italian lemon & elderflower, and it's packed with: ✅ Lion's Mane 🍄 ✅ Cacao 🍫 ✅ Black Seed Oil 🖤 ✅ L-Theanine 🌱

  • THC & CBD free! Perfect for an alcohol-free happy hour.

9️⃣ Putting My Phone Away at Night & Using a Hatch Alarm Clock ⏰📴

• I started leaving my phone downstairs before bed. No more mindless scrolling at night or first thing in the morning! Better sleep & a more regulated nervous system for the win.

• I got a Hatch alarm clock dupe so I don't have to use my phone & I'm loving it.

🔟 This Quote 🌿🦋 "Don't waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend to your garden & the butterflies will come." — Mario Quintana

✨ What's something YOU'RE loving right now? Tag me on Instagram & let me know!

🎧 Listen Now

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ICELAND YOGA RETREAT: OCTOBER 18-25 2025

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE

This is going to be a once in a lifetime kind of trip. Imagine daily yoga w/ yours truly, seeing the northern lights, exploring natural hot springs like the blue lagoon, hiking in volcano caves & black sand beaches, exploring the cities, nature & markets, beautiful accommodations, horseback riding in the countryside, etc. Link below to learn more & sign up! It's only $500 to hold your spot & it's filling up quickly, so act fast if you want to reserve your spot.

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Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

_________________________________

To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

In this episode, Cortney sits down with the incredible Kate Terentieva, founder of Off the Record—a groundbreaking connection card game designed to revolutionize how we communicate and foster deeper, more impactful relationships. Kate brings her unique blend of creativity, passion for connection, and entrepreneurial wisdom to the show, and trust us—you're going to love her vibe!

Kate shares her journey from working as a creative and art director for iconic brands like WhatsApp, Calvin Klein, Converse, and Four Seasons Hotels, to creating Off the Record as a way to tackle the epidemic of surface-level conversations. Growing up as a natural conversationalist, Kate realized over time that small talk was leaving her (and many others) feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. During the pandemic, this realization fueled her mission to create a tool that helps people dive deeper into who they are and connect on a truly meaningful level.

Stick around until the end where Kate shares her morning routine (spoiler: it starts with staying off her phone), her favorite wellness practice, and a book that changed her life.

If you're ready to ditch the small talk, create meaningful connections, and hear some amazing stories, this episode is for you! Don't forget to share it with a friend—it might just spark a deeper connection in your own life. 💕

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✨ Kate's entrepreneurial journey and how her experience in advertising taught her the power of asking the right questions to build connection. ✨ The rise of surface-level conversations and how they negatively impact our quality of life and relationships. ✨ Practical tips on moving from small talk to meaningful conversations that leave people feeling seen and heard. ✨ How Off the Record works, including a live demo where Kate and Cortney pull a card (this was fun!). ✨ Tips for building impactful relationships in 2025—perfect for navigating loneliness and social anxiety in a post-pandemic world. ✨ How Off the Record has helped bridge generational gaps, bond workplace teams, and inspire personal growth.

Click here for a special discount for Unique Way listeners & use code "UNIQUEWAY10" to save 10% when you purchase "Off the Record"!

Kate's Advice for Female Founders:

💡 Find founder-product fit: Are you the best person to solve the problem you're addressing? 💡 Start with your "why" and let that by your driving force. 💡 Validate your idea with proof of concept (beyond your family members & inner circle). 💡 Focus on solving the problem your audience is navigating, not just building the "business." 💡 Embrace organic marketing to share your product authentically (you don't need a ton of capitol or investors).

Resources Mentioned:

📚 "Food Fix" by Dr. Mark Hyman 📚 "Smart Brevity" by Jim VandeHei & Mike Allen 🎥 "Poisoned" documentary on Netflix 📺 Simon Sinek TED Talk: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Connect:

🌐 Website: playofftherecord.com 📸 Instagram: @playofftherecord 🎵 TikTok: @playofftherecord

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Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

_________________________________

To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

In this episode, Cortney dives deep into the power of intuition & spiritual gifts - which we all possess. She shares a personal story about a life-changing moment involving her passport, to illustrate how listening to our intuition can radically change our lives for the better. Cortney also explores why we often ignore our intuition, how the ego & logical mind can block us & practical ways to tap into this inner compass.

Topics of Discussion:

• What are spiritual gifts & how do we cultivate them?

• Why we ignore our intuition & how the mind & ego can block us

• Personal insights & a powerful story about listening to my intuition even when it didn't make logical sense

• Practices to strengthen our connection to intuition & our spiritual gifts

• Trusting our inner knowing may feel illogical but always leads us to the best outcomes.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend! Let it inspire deeper conversations or open to door to practice tuning into your intuition together.

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ICELAND YOGA RETREAT: OCTOBER 18-25 2025

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE

This is going to be a once in a lifetime kind of trip. Imagine daily yoga w/ yours truly, seeing the northern lights, exploring natural hot springs like the blue lagoon, hiking in volcano caves & black sand beaches, exploring the cities, nature & markets, beautiful accommodations, horseback riding in the countryside, etc. Link below to learn more & sign up! It's only $500 to hold your spot & it's filling up quickly, so act fast if you want to reserve your spot.

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Connect with Cortney:

Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

_________________________________

To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

Happy 2025! We're... 40 & thriving! Unapologetically ourselves! Rising in love! Wild & free! Creating positive change in the world! Being the change we want to see! Unbothered by peoples opinions! Taking radical responsibility of our lives! Creating the life of our dreams! What are you adding to this list?! I just got back from an epic few weeks in breathtaking Thailand - & wow, it was the most epic trip of my life. In today's episode I'm sharing all the juicy details of my adventures, as well as a general life update since it's been awhile!

As always, thank you for listening & I'm sending so much love!

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Topics of Discussion:

+ My epic Thailand adventure

+ The power of travel & gaining a new perspective

+ 2025 dreams

+ A game-changing dietary change I've made

+ My realization on who I can best serve with my work & my upcoming rebrand

+ Plans for the podcast

+ My upcoming yoga retreat in ICELAND (October 2025)

+ And more

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ICELAND YOGA RETREAT: OCTOBER 18-25 2025

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE

This is going to be a once in a lifetime kind of trip. Imagine daily yoga w/ yours truly, seeing the northern lights, exploring natural hot springs like the blue lagoon, hiking in volcano caves & black sand beaches, exploring the cities, nature & markets, beautiful accommodations, horseback riding in the countryside, etc. Link below to learn more & sign up! It's only $500 to hold your spot & it's filling up quickly, so act fast if you want to reserve your spot.

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BRVNDED: Consulting, Branding & Social Media

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE

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Connect with Cortney:

Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

_________________________________

To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

We live in a world that's so focused on superficiality & external looks, but it's undeniable that the most sexy thing you can wear is CONFIDENCE. A woman who's confident is unstoppable & wildly magnetic. Tune into today's episode to learn how to build true, unshakable confidence that isn't dependent on anything external.

Topics of Discussion:

+ What is true confidence & what crushes it

+ 4 ways to build confidence from within

+ The difference between confidence & arrogance

+ The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

+ The importance of keeping your word & knowing your core values

+ The power of authenticity & your actions aligning with your words

+ And so much more

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Connect with Cortney:

Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

_________________________________

To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

The people we love can be our greatest triggers AND teachers.

While the holiday season is a magical time of the year full of travel, family & making memories, it can also be stressful, so I created a holiday survival guide with some helpful reminders & practices to keep you grounded & in alignment with your highest self.

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In this weeks episode we're not just talking about making a gratitude list (even tho I highly recommend that!) We're taking it a layer deeper & discussing:

+ The importance of dropping the spiritual ego

+ Visualizing any challenging family member as a child, maybe even empathizing with their wounded inner child, with compassion

+ Dropping the pressure of the holiday's looking or feeling a certain way

+ Creating healthy boundaries with family

+ The power of the breath body connection

+ & so much more.

I hope this episode supports you in tapping into more peace this holiday season!

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Connect with Cortney:

Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

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To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

Today Cortney is sharing a simple, yet effective, communication framework that has transformed her relationships. If you want to experience more connection in your relationships & learn how to effectively communicate, this episode is for you.

Topics of Discussion:

+ Her relationship breakthrough & how she broke a pattern that wasn't serving her

+ The M.O.V.E. communication framework

+ Empathy & her journey as an empath

+ A powerful audio clip featuring Brene Brown

+ Toxic positivity & spiritual bypassing

+ And so much more

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Resources:

Listen to Episode 2 featuring Cortney's mom, Lorraine Hanvey: From McDonald's to MultiMillions

Watch the Brene Brown video HERE

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Connect with Cortney:

Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

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To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!

It was an honor to have these two on the show today!

Kelsey & Cameron are 2 career driven females in their early 30's taking you on a wild ride through their stimulating thoughts, controversial perspectives & unique experiences on their podcast DM for Guestlist.

Topics range from the music industry, marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, dating, friendship, societal norms & other thought provoking conversations.

They're lots of fun & love to push the boundaries which makes them great guests for The Unique Way Podcast. Buckle up - this is a good one!

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Topics of Discussion:

+ Social Media (projection, insecurities, triggers, criticism, nuance, haters, etc.)

+ Cortney unpacks a "hate thread" on IG directed at one of her comments

+ Kelsey & Cameron share their recent experience with pushback on one of their episodes

+ How to build REAL sustainable confidence & not just chase fleeting dopamine hits

+ How your social circle & environment effects your personal growth, confidence & overall energy

+ Why being your most authentic self makes you more polarizing

+ Taking personal responsibility & accountability

+ The power of self reflection & self awareness

+ Dropping the victim mindset & not taking things personally

+ Discussing the state of men & the fact that culturally they aren't as encouraged to develop self awareness, emotional intelligence, delve into personal development, etc..

+ Masculinity & femininity

+ The importance of communication in relationships

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Resources:

Listen to Cortney's episodes on DM FOR GUESTLIST:

DM FOR GUESTLIST EPISODE 16: HUMAN DESIGN

DM FOR GUESTLIST EPISODE 19: THE PHOTO IS NOT GONNA SLAP

Books:

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Art of Extraordinary Confidence by Dr. Aziz Gazipura

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Instagram:

Connect with Cameron

Connect with Kelsey

Connect with DM FOR GUESTLIST

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Connect with Cortney:

Cortney's Instagram

Unique Way Instagram

Website

Newsletter

_________________________________

To say thank you for taking the time to subscribe, rate & review the podcast I'm gifting you my Zoom Yoga Library (11 creative vinyasa classes). All you have to do is take a screenshot of your REVIEW & send it to [email protected]. I'm so grateful for your support & think you'll love these classes!