The Vitality on Earth Experience

Squat6Stands started with an idea and of course a few late nights making AutoCAD drawings.

Mike Kaufmann has been a welder and custom metal fabricator for over 10 years now. He's had a personal passion for exercise and fitness and has been strength training for the majority of his adult life. After using almost every squat rack and gym accessory on the market, Mike knew he had to develop something that was both Canadian-made and accessible to his local fitness community. Now more than ever, Mike stresses the importance of shopping locally and supporting small businesses. By launching Squat6Stands Toronto, Mike takes pride in being able to provide his customers with durable, affordable, local fitness equipment to step up the home gym experience.

For more information, you can visit www.squat6standstoronto.ca or visit them via Instagram @squat6stands

For 10% off any purchase, use the promo code 'homegym10' at checkout.

Heidi Northwood is the Senior Executive Officer of Laurier University's Brantford campus. She works to create opportunities and strategies that advance Laurier’s academic mission, build relationships with campus partners and stakeholders, and support academic and administrative leaders. Before this, she was Dean of Liberal Arts for five years. Prior to joining Laurier in 2014, Northwood was the director of Integrative Programs and the Core Curriculum at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY and a professor in the philosophy department. In addition to teaching and working in the area of Ancient Greek philosophy and science, she led the development of a new core curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and assessment structures. Northwood received her bachelors and masters degrees in philosophy from Western University and her PhD in philosophy from the University of Alberta.

Our discussion on this instalment of Vitality on Earth focused on Heidi's role as Senior Executive Officer for Wilfrid Laurier's Brantford Campus, looking at its transitions, expectations, and challenges. In addition, our chat explored the city of Brantford's transition over the last decade, and her visions in continuing to grow the Brantford Campus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through determination and sheer will, Heidi acknowledges the importance of reducing the gender gap and offering insight for young women around the world in fulfilling their dreams, and not letting anything getting in the way with regards to becoming the greatest versions of themselves. Having fun along the way is something important to Heidi, and it's meaningful in acknowledging the journey more than the destination.

It was a privilege chatting with Heidi and I'm excited to share with you all our discussion on Vitality on Earth.

Jacob Danque also known as “coach” is a fitness professional & owner of TRNSFRM Athletics. As a young entrapaneur in the health & fitness business continues to add to his repertoire by achieving & learning new certifications, encounter different experiences & work with high performance athletes. From nutrition to strength and conditioning to metabolic conditioning, this guy has you covered!

Outside of Fitness and Health, J is a huge sports fan (anything Toronto or Canada), sneaker head, & loves anything and everything taco’s.

Richie Ewan was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. A graduate from York University in Finance and a part time Track athlete, Richie developed a passion in developing assets both physically and financially. His interest in Track and Field led him to a coaching position in sprinting, and he is also a financial advisor for "Uprooted Abundance".

Richie spends his spare time developing his creative side through the production of TikTok videos as well as creating one of a kind pieces of clothing inspired by sporting icons around the world.

It is my deepest pleasure in sharing this special episode with you all. From being inactive during lockdown to developing new hobbies- our conversation was one which provided powerful insight on the importance of not only getting the exercise we need on a daily basis physically, but getting the creative engine rolling as well.

For inquiries regarding Jacob's personal training services, contact him via Instagram @transformwithj_

Amer Kamra is an entrepreneur in the fitness industry. The driving force behind the brands ‘Hammer Fitness’ and ‘The Mindbuilder’, his targeted approach to coaching is what gets the best out of his clients at both physical and mental levels.

Amer was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. An avid athlete, Amer began a commercial and fashion modelling career in 2006 and then went on to competing in fitness competitions where he became the youngest male pro fitness model in the world.

Amer obtained a degree in Architectural engineering in 2008 and while he did not pursue a career in this field, the principles of physics have been a strong foundation to his training approach. From there, he began fitness coaching on a small scale in 2010 and immediately found his passion. In 2010, Amer founded Hammer Fitness, which has grown into one of the largest fitness companies in Canada.

Our conversation on this episode of Vitality on Earth emphasizes on Amer’s perspective on developing character during challenging times. He reiterates the importance in not obsessing over goals, but rather letting things move at an organic pace while staying true to oneself. It’s easy to overthink as a result to attempting to please everyone. However by staying true to oneself according to Amer, we attract what it meant for us. This enables growth, freedom, and peace.

Dr. Jennifer Lavoie is an Associate Professor of Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. She conducts nationally funded research focused on police responses to people in mental health crisis. She recently led a multi-perspective research team in developing scenario-based training and evaluation for frontline police officers that focused on reducing bias and enhancing de-escalation skills in mental health crisis response. Jennifer is a mother to a wonderful 11-year-old son, Evan, and lives life fully with her partner, Greg. She adores cycling for the fitness and inner perspective that it provides and is grateful for the company of her rescued dog, Winston.

Our discussion in this installment of Vitality on Earth concentrated on Jennifer’s personal experience with mental health, along with the implications it poses in everyday life. As a professor, a mother, and partner, Jennifer speaks of the barriers she faces while living with a mental health disorder. Her achievements of overcoming these barriers are addressed, and the significance of cultivating a state of inner peace when it seems nearly impossible. It was through her bravery, honesty, and vulnerability during our recording where I truly felt this authenticity. Jennifer’s journey has manifested in a growth of character so powerful; it translates to getting the best out of her students- especially during the new age of online learning.

In today’s installment of Vitality on Earth, we are joined by Dr. Danielle Law of Wilfrid Laurier University. Danielle is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Youth and Children’s Studies at the university. Danielle is also the Director of the Child and Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) Lab. Her research focuses on the social-emotional development of children and their mental well-being. Danielle’s primary area of research focuses on online aggression, associated mental health concerns, responsible internet use, and creating care communities. She strives to connect academia with the community with her research, teaching, and learning philosophies.

Danielle Law is a leader within her community in her own rights when it comes to providing teenagers and young adults alike with the opportunity to discover their potentials when it comes to not only excelling in the school curriculum, but the curriculum of life itself. It was a huge privilege in having her on the show, where we discussed issues regarding mental health within the university setting, coping with expectations, and what’s next when it comes to adapting to the new reality of learning through social distancing.

A lot is occurring in our world. Humanity is concurrently experiencing the effects of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, whilst also initiating the resistance against issues underlying systemic racism and oppression.

In today’s episode on Vitality on Earth, I was privileged in having the opportunity to interview Denis Lim, a frontline worker for Covenant House Toronto. Denis' background has primarily focused on youth and children’s studies, where his career has taken him to settings such as shelters, community health centres, neighbourhood drop ins, and mobile outreach vans. Our conversation stems on the implications surrounding Toronto’s homelessness issue during the Coronavirus pandemic and the various solutions the health centres have implemented in order to address the ordeals.

Denis holds himself accountable to aid the youth during these dire circumstances, and owes a lot of his purpose to his passions fueled by gratitude and the opportunity to become a better person on the daily. I look forward in sharing this conversation to you the listener, and using this installment as an opportunity to develop a better understanding on homelessness. In doing so, even the smallest of deeds can contribute in making a powerful difference.

Notable mentions:

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

Yaseen is an entrepreneur managing a successful family run company in importing and sales in addition to being a father of 3. In addition, Yaseen is the co-founder of Naseeha Mental Health. Naseeha provides an anonymous, non-judgmental, confidential and toll-free peer support helpline to listen to and be there for youth experiencing personal challenges and to support them in working through those challenges. Yaseen understands the dire need for a confidential helpline customized to the needs of marginalized communities that empower and encourage callers.

How is it, that an individual is able to deal with the constant demands and expectations in what seems like a frantic life? The answer is simple according to Yaseen, “You don’t live once. You live every day.” He said with a smile on his face.

Our conversation explores the importance of mental health, acknowledging limitations, and the importance of faith when taking risks. It is through the accountability of being a role model to his children and community, which keeps Yaseen grounded on a daily basis.

Having purpose, devotion, letting go of expectations, and the alarming realization that life is only finite in this world which keeps Yaseen at peace. Adopting his ‘4 ways of living’ approach, listeners are invited to challenge themselves at the opportunity of pressure as opposed to being a victim.

For more information regarding Naseeha Mental Health, please visit www.Naseeha.org as well as well as visiting the Naseeha page via Instagram @ 1866naseeha

*Should you be needing any social support from Naseeha directly, please do not hesitate in calling or texting 1-866-627-3342

Honourable Mentions

Kobe Bryant- Mamba Mentality

Lebron James