In this week’s episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Orvel Douglas, a Certified Nutrition and Diet Specialist.  Orvel’s journey into nutrition started out over 20 years ago, when he weighed over 200 pounds and within 8 weeks through proper nutrition and exercise, lost over 50 pounds.  During the interview, Orvel Douglas, who is a Fruitarian, will explain the differences between being a Vegan, Vegetarian and Fruitarian and why he believes that the Fruitarian lifestyle is best and more effective when it comes to detoxifying your body and improving your health.  Orvel will also list the types of fruit he recommends for anyone wishing to try the Fruitarian diet and why eating these fruits work so well in reversing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, arthritis and more.

For the past 2 years, Orvel has hosted a bi-monthly Fruitarian Challenge on Facebook, where you can find hundreds of testimonies from people all over the world, who have taken part in his challenges and received amazing results.  According to Orvel, even if you don’t complete the monthly challenge and try eating just fruits for a few days or a week, you will receive enormous benefits that can change your life.

If you’re looking for a possible solution to obesity, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure or whatever ails you, the Fruitarian lifestyle just might be worth a try.  This has been a very informative interview and I for one will be eating more fruit.

 For more information on the Fruitarian lifestyle or to set up a consultation, you can reach Orvel Douglas at orveldouglas@yahoo.com.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Rekishia L. McMillan, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Award-Winning Author, retired Air Force veteran and owner of “Rock Your World Naturally”.  During our interview, Rekishia will discuss nutrition, weight loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, military veterans and women's health. Her coaching philosophy provides an integrative approach that provides a warm, helpful, and confidential environment in which individuals feel free to express their feelings and communicate their concerns.   Rekishia believes (as is stated in the Bible), that the life of the body is in the blood and your blood type has a lot to do with your overall health. Rekishia will also list the foods she recommends to her clients to build up the blood and strengthen the immune system. 

Did you know that the #3 cause of patients death is following doctor’s orders?  I didn’t know this fact until Rekishia mentioned it in the interview.  This interview will enlighten you as to the importance of nutrition and why over 2000 years ago, the Greek Physician Hippocrates said “Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Thy Food”.  At the end of the interview Rekishia offers a “free gift”, a “5-Day Clean Eating Challenge”, to my listeners, so be sure to listen to this very informative interview and receive your free gift.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I provide a compilation of motivational speakers to inspire you to live your life’s purpose.  Mark Twain said it best when he stated that “the two most important days in our lives is (i) when we are born and (ii) the day we find out why”.  In other words, when you find your life’s purpose.  I believe we were all born to fulfill a purpose and some of us know right away what that purpose is, and there are those of us who will go through life never knowing.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know now, today what your purpose is in this life?

I believe this episode will inspire and motivate you to find your purpose.  If you like these types of podcasts and would prefer that I incorporate them with my interviews, then please share with your friends, subscribe and leave a comment.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Mrs. Idera Abdullah (“Sister Bisi”), Founder and Executive Director of IMANI HOUSE, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving marginalized youth, families, and immigrants in Brooklyn, NY, and Liberia, West Africa.  

During the interview, Sister Bisi will share her motivation for creating Imani House. With programs ranging from literacy and job readiness classes for adults, to after-school programs and camps for children, Imani House continues to accomplish great things with the vision and hard work of Sister Bisi as its driving force.  Also in the interview, Sister Bisi will discuss the work Imani House is doing to address the epidemic of childhood obesity, through their upcoming 6th Annual “Walk to Live Walk-A-Thon and Festival,” which will take place on June 2nd from 9:30am to 3pm, at the Grecian Shelter in Prospect Park, entrance at Parkside Ave and Parade Place.  One of Imani House’s missions is to “help people do for themselves,” and walking, Sister Bisi believes, is one of the best exercises you can do for yourself.  It doesn’t’ cost you anything but it can improve your health significantly and that’s how it started for Sister Bisi.  She was once very overweight and when a friend initially invited her to participate in a walk, she tried and failed but that didn’t stop her from continuing to try.  On her third attempt at walking around the park, she succeeded and became an avid walker ever since.  Sister Bisi knows what walking can do to improve your health.  Sister Bisi noted that too many kids today are suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure due to lack of inactivity and poor eating habits.  This is more prevalent among black and Latino kids.  The 6th Annual Walk to Live Walk-A-Thon and Festival was created to bring communities together and bring awareness to this very serious issue before it gets worse.  

Following the 3.5-mile walk, there will be various types of fun activities, including music, dancing, games and prizes.  There will also be healthy snacks and visits from local politicians.  All are welcome to attend.

For more information about participating, volunteering, or supporting Walk-to-Live, please visit www.ihiwalktolive.com, email imani@imanihouse.org, or call (718) 638-2059.  This was a very inspiring interview.  I hope to see you at the Walk!

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Kimi Walker, a school psychologist, philanthropist, coach, and wellness enthusiast from Indianapolis, Indiana.  During the interview, Kimi will share her personal journey into health and wellness.  As a teenager, Kimi was obese, suffered from asthma and had to deal with various social and emotional challenges associated with obesity.  At one point, Kimi’s weight was close to 300 pounds.  While attending Florida A&M University, Kimi decided to undergo a lifestyle change and took certain action steps to lose the weight, all of which she will share during the interview.  Kimi believes that you must take a holistic approach to weight loss.  It’s not just about the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

In addition to running her private practice as a school psychologist, working with children age 2 to 20 and their families, Kimi also has an accountability coaching business where she holds clients accountable in achieving their goals, whether it’s weight loss or business.  Kimi’s personal experience in wellness more than qualifies her to understand what so many people are going through when it comes to health challenges, whether they are mental or physical.  Kimi will share how she holds her clients accountable and what we can do to hold ourselves accountable when it comes to achieving our goals.

If you think your life is busy, just listen to Kimi Walker.  This young woman has 4 personal brands, which includes being the host of the “Early Accountability Podcast” and running her own not-for-profit organization (Nubian Wellness). She shows no signs of slowing down.  If you need some inspiration and motivation to go after your goals, Kimi Walker has it!

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, Vince discusses the connection between obesity and stress.  Federal health officials are surprised at the continued rise in obesity rates among American adults given the fact that there is so much information available on how to prevent obesity. Vince believes that the Federal health officials are missing out on one of the major contributors to obesity, which is stress. Vince believes that obesity rates will continue to increase as long as stress combined with poor eating habits and inactivity exist.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Jermaine Rivers, actor, author, and U.S. Army veteran from Atlanta, Georgia. Jermaine was recently cast in a recurring Guest Starring role as Shatter on Fox/Marvel’s ‘The Gifted’ opposite Steven Moyer (True Blood), Amy Acker (Person of Interest). Some of Rivers other notable roles were as the notorious Officer Carter on season 3 of “Devious Maids” and Officer Holmes on Season 5 of Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and Have Nots”. Look for him in the upcoming Feature Films “HANGMAN” starring Al Pacino and Karl Urban also “DEN OF THIEVES” starring Gerard Butler and 50 Cent.  During the interview, Jermaine will take us on his journey which began growing up in Georgia to a military family, serving in the U.S. Army for over 10 years and pursuing a very successful acting career.  Jermaine will also share how his military background helped him to land various roles and how important gratitude and a positive mental attitude is to achieving your goals.  He will also discuss what it’s like playing a Marvel comic book character and how he prepares for the role.  His exercise and nutrition regimen is also discussed and much more. This was a very informative and inspiring interview. Jermaine is definitely on his way to a long- lasting and successful acting career. 

In this episode of our Six Weeks To Fitness podcast, I am joined by Carla Christine, founder and creator of the  Yoga Greenbook, the first online streaming service providing yoga and meditation videos created by and for people of color. During the interview, Carla will share her journey from her childhood growing up in Charleston, South Carolina in a military family, pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree and working for the Federal Government.  After suffering from work-related anxiety, long commutes, and unfulfilling tasks for over 10 years, Carla decided to quit her lucrative job as an Electrical Engineer.  She didn’t know what she was going to do, but she knew it was time to make a change and pursue a more purposeful and fulfilling career.

Carla first tried Yoga back in 2011 after the recommendation from a friend who was worried when a doctor prescribed her with an anti-depressant for anxiety without an evaluation. At the time Carla couldn’t see how twisting and bending could cause such healing in her body and mind but since her friend knew her struggles she agreed to try it. She believes it is probably the best advice she has taken because since then yoga has aided her in self-healing and self-study.  Carla wakes up every day with undying passion to share yoga’s transformational powers through the Yoga Greenbook.

Yoga Green Book leads people of color to a safe online space with culturally-affirming teachers using the ancient healing art of yoga to promote wellness. You can try Yoga Greenbook with a 30 Day Free Trial Membership at yogagreenbook.com.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Dr. Jason McKeown, CEO of MODIUS Health and Tom Bilyeu, co-founder of the 2014 Inc. 500 company Quest Nutrition and the co-founder and host of Impact Theory.

Dr. McKeown and Tom will discuss how MODIUS, a revolutionary new wearable technology, works to help you reduce body weight and gain a lean muscular body.  MODIUS, which has been approved by the FDA as a “wellness device”, was developed by Dr. McKeown and other neuroscientists, based in San Diego, California.  During the interview, Dr. McKeown explains how MODIUS works by “stimulating the vestibular nerve, which connects to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the area of the brain that controls body weight and appetite. Vestibular stimulation has been shown to influence body weight.”  In August of 2017, a 2-month fundraising campaign on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo was created to raise $50,000.  According to Dr. McKeown, MODIUS is fully funded and did not need the $50,000 but as a way to further promote the product and do a proof of concept by having people purchase and try the product, the crowdfunding campaign was created. The campaign is nearly over and as of this writing; MODIUS has raised approximately 1.5 million dollars, 2995% of its $50,000 fundraising goal.  MODIUS is not meant to take the place of proper nutrition and exercise, but to be a catalyst that would encourage people to eat better and exercise.

The creators of MODIUS are so confident as to the device’s effectiveness, that they are offering a 100% money back guarantee.  If for some reason you lose too much weight or not enough, or if it just doesn’t work for you, you can still get your money back no questions asked.  This device has the potential to being one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern history as it relates to weight loss.  Tom Bilyeu stated that since he’s been using MODIUS, he has better quality sleep and sleeps about one hour longer, which is another health benefit from using MODIUS. 

This has been a truly fascinating interview about an amazing product, which can potentially benefit millions and perhaps billions worldwide.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Kershel Anthony, founder and creator of KerboomKidz Inc., an energetic and challenging group exercise program that is especially designed for kidz (ages 4-17). The goal of KerboomKIDZ is to increase student’s health by creating a non-judgmental environment while improving children’s memory and physical coordination. KerboomKIDZ raises students' confidence and stimulates their physical and mental states. Kershel started dancing at the age of five and attributes his love of dance to being surrounded by music while growing up in Long Island, New York.  He studied Dance at Hofstra University, where he perfected his style, becoming an expert in hip-hop, ballet and modern dance, as well as perfecting his break-dancing sills. From The King Michael Tour, to SHAPE America Conferences and to the IDEA World Fitness Conference, Kershel has been stomping his feet and making imprints into today’s hottest trends. He has appeared on Sweat, Inc., with Jillian Michaels, Obi Obadike, Randy Hetrick and former NFL Star, Terrell Owens.  If you attended our 14th annual Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo on Saturday, June 24th, you would have had the pleasure of witnessing Kershel’s high-energy workout class first hand.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by ShLanda Burton, a Food, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Specialist out of Clemmons, North Carolina. Shlanda holds two University Degrees in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a Registration Eligible - Dietician, Certified Diabetes Peer Educator and Certified Birth Doula. During the interview, Shlanda will share the lifestyle changes she made which enabled her to lose 140 pounds in 3 short years and how she is able to keep it off.  Shlanda will share that although she has a gym membership, she does not go to a gym.  In her own words, “nature is my gym” and Shlanda will discuss how she utilizes nature to help her lose weight along with her healthy eating style and methods.  After her career working for government agencies she created her business Balanced By Burton, where she leads and teaches others in their journey to use the right tools and support for healthy and successful weight loss. Shlanda believes that true health is about balancing your body, mind and spirit with the food you put into your body.  She assists her clients with their transitional journey, by taking them step by step through her nutrition education techniques.  This interview with Shlanda is full of “food for thought” when it comes to designing your own personal nutrition program for weight loss.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Katrina Williams, an HR professional who by day works on Wall Street and by night is the owner of Top Mogul Kat Dance Studio (TMK), out of Newark, New Jersey.  Katrina is also a personal training client of Jabir (JayTheBody) Bryan, owner of “Secret Formula Fitness” personal training studio out of Hillside, New Jersey. I interviewed Jay in Episode 107 of my podcast and was very impressed by the fact that in a short amount of time, he has amassed over 21 clients who have lost a total of one thousand pounds under his training and guidance.

During the interview, Katrina shared how Jay’s unique training style and methods helped her to reach her fitness goals.  Katrina also shared what her childhood was like growing up in East Orange, New Jersey as a very active and healthy child, participating in all types of activities, including dance, but it wasn’t until later in her adult life while trying to juggle her passion as the owner of Top Mogul Kat Dance Studio and commuting to Manhattan for her day job, that the daily commute and the stress that goes along with it, really took a toll on Katrina’s body and caused her to gain about 30 pounds and that’s when she reached out to Jay for help.  With the help of Jay’s Secret Formula Fitness training methods, Katrina was able to “get her body back” to where it used to be and is now feeling totally energized and motivated towards taking TMK Dance Studio to a higher level.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Danielle Crosby, a Certified Personal Trainer, and aspiring bodybuilder.  During the interview, Danielle will take us on her journey growing up in Detroit, Michigan in a single parent household with 2 other siblings.  As a child, Danielle witnessed something that no child should have to see and that is domestic violence against her mom.  This was a traumatic experience for young Danielle along with the fact that she felt like an outcast among her peers.  To deal with the loneliness, Danielle would spend her time eating all types of food, especially sweets for comfort, which added to her excessive weight gain.  Later in life, after a divorce from her 5 year old son’s father, Danielle found herself in continuous cycles of harmful relationships which further led her down an unhealthy path, but one day she found the strength and courage to move on from those relationships realizing that she deserves more from life than to be in relationships that are detrimental to her mind and body and she is also her son’s sole provider.  Danielle turned her attention to eating healthy and exercising 5 days per week.  As a result of her switching to a healthy lifestyle with nothing but positivity around her, Danielle has lost over 70 pounds and has a goal to compete in a major bodybuilding competition while building her personal training business.  Danielle is determined to succeed and she is documenting her progress on her Instagram page @dannycfitness.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Jabir (JayThe Body) Bryan, a graduate of Rutgers University, Certified Personal Trainer and owner of “Secret Formula Fitness” a “results oriented" personal training company out of Hillside, New Jersey.  During the interview, Jay will discuss his humble upbringing in Irvington, New Jersey as the son to a single parent mom, who he credits for being one of the main reasons for his success.  Jay started his company out of the trunk of his car, traveling throughout various parts of New Jersey providing one- on-one personal training in parks and in his clients’ homes.  It wasn’t long before word spread about the success Jay’s personal training methods were having on his clients, most of whom lost a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time that Jay decided to open his own training facility called Secret Formula Fitness.  Jay now has over 21 clients who have lost over 1000 pounds under his supervision and guidance. 

In March of 2016, Jay launched another company called Secret Formula Nutrition which is his Supplement line.  In the interview, Jay will explain where he gained the knowledge, skills and sales experience which contributes to the success of his company.  Jay is looking to franchise his Secret Formula Fitness brand throughout the country and is seeking investors.  This was truly an inspiring and informative episode of how a young man with grind and hustle is determined to succeed and turn his company into a multi-million dollar brand.  He is well on his way.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Ashley Watkins, a mother of 2 boys, a certified personal trainer, kinesiology student and business owner. Ashley, who is originally from Buffalo New York, now lives in Los Angeles where she is fulfilling her dreams by helping others. After battling a lifetime of obesity and losing 100 pounds (in 6 months) through her own journey, Ashley started “Body by Ashley”, a company dedicated to helping thousands of men, women, seniors and children achieve their highest health and fitness goals through developing challenging fitness programs, group classes, one on one training and meal planning. Her in-person training has transformed the lives of many, but more importantly, her social media influence and online programs have touched thousands across the globe. 

During the interview, Ashley will share her amazing journey to creating Body by Ashley, including what it was like having to go to physical therapy as a 14-year old child because of her weight gain and how this affected her self-esteem growing up.  Ashley will also discuss the impact being in a toxic relationship had on her mentally and physically, and how she was able to use this situation as motivation to change the direction of her life.  Also in the interview is the actual exercise routines and nutrition format Ashley followed to lose 100 pounds. This is another informative and inspiring story of how one young woman was able to take the lemons that were handed to her and turn it into lemonade. 

In this week's episode of Six Weeks to Fitness, Vince Ferguson, the host of the Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, announces the pre-launch of his online course "How to Create A-List Events on a Shoestring Budget", "A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating High Profile Events, Attracting Athletes, Celebrities, and Sponsors on a Small Budget. For the past 25 years, Vince has created and produced award shows and fitness events that have brought out well over 100,000 people.  During the podcast, Vince goes into detail on the content of the course as well as the launch date which will be August 2, 2017.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Lanett Tachel, a talented young actress and writer from Prince George's County, Maryland. Lanett knew from her childhood that she was destined to be an actress, so after receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Howard University and performing on stages in the DC Metropolitan area and touring as the lead character in “The Bluest Eye” in the Dominican Republic, Lanett moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams to be an actress. 

During the interview, Lanett will share what life was like growing up in Prince George’s County, to a very supportive and entrepreneurial minded family where failure was not an option.  Lanett grew up in an environment where almost everyone around her was a professional and very successful, so the expectations were that whatever you chose to do, you will succeed.  Lanett took that mindset to Hollywood, where she has lived for the past 7 years and has appeared on TV and in films such as the erotically thrilling true story of 'THE PROVIDERS,' directed by talented "Queen Sugar' writer, Denise Harkavy and the newly released erotic thriller  “ILLICIT”, where Lanett shows off her acting and co-writing talent. ILLICIT was just released on “Video on Demand”.

 Lanett believes that good health and hard work is key to her success, so she tries to exercise 4 times a week engaging in her favorite activity, which is a Spin class.  Lanett is a rising star who shows no signs of slowing down and wants to help as many people as she can in her climb to the top.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Ms. Bo Talley, a mother of four, former R&B singer, entrepreneur, event host, philanthropist, actress, fitness motivator and wife of professional basketball coach Fred Williams. In addition to these many hats, Ms. Bo serves as a motivation to many people, especially after her age-defying photo went viral and made national and international headlines.  During the interview, Ms. Bo will discuss her childhood growing up in a small town called Scottsboro, Alabama and why she credits the women in her family, especially her grandmother for being such a positive role model and inspiration in her life.  Ms. Bo will also discuss a charity event she created called “Balling for Lupus”,  the 1st ever All FEMALE Celebrity Charity Basketball Game in Atlanta, GA.  The Balling for Lupus foundation’s main purpose is to help bring more awareness and funds to the chronic illness.  Ms. Bo admits that she didn’t know much about Lupus until she found out that her cousin has the disease and that her aunt died from that disease years earlier, at a time when no one really talked about Lupus. Her celebrity coaches and players consist of current and former WNBA Players, Actresses, Reality TV Stars, Models and top community influencers.  The 4th annual Balling for Lupus Charity Tournament will take place on July 8th in Atlanta, Georgia.  The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live and on Instagram.

Also during the interview, Ms. Bo discusses her exercise philosophy, provides exercise tips to develop your arms, legs and abdominals.  Ms. Bo is truly an amazing woman whose positive energy, age defying smile and body, shows no signs of slowing down.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Gustavo Velasquez, actor and 2017 Daytime Emmy Award Nominee, known for his work in Conversations in L.A. a breakout sleeper hit by Immediate Vision Productions, also starring creator, writer, director, actress Ann Marie Cummings.  During the interview, Gustavo will discuss why, after graduating from college with an Honors Degree in Accounting, he decided to walk away from the accounting field to pursue his passion.  Gustavo will also discuss the importance eating healthy and exercise plays in in his personal and professional life and why he feels everyone should take their health seriously.  Gustavo will also discuss what it feels like being nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his first acting role and how a chance meeting in Starbucks helped to launch his acting career.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Ashanti Middleton, creator and host of “Taste and Toast”, a restaurant review TV series available on tasteandtoastwithus.com, Facebook and on YouTube.  Ashanti is a native New Yorker who was born and raised in Queens.  During the interview Ashanti discusses the reasons why she created Taste and Toast, which involves traveling throughout New York City, trying out different foods and drinks that each restaurant specializes in and exposing these restaurants to the public. 

 Each episode will take viewers into the “belly of the feast” with a casual style and high-class swagger combination designed to attract both newcomers as well as refined palates to come together to uncover the latest treats to hit the streets of the nation’s latest casual and fine dining hotspots!

Taste & Toast is designed to speak to a new generation of socially networked, mobilized, tech-savvy, culturally aware individuals seeking the most adventurous, interesting, culturally relevant, and tasty restaurants that the nation has to offer.

Ashanti has visited all types of restaurants with her show, including Peruvian, Thai, Soul Food and more.  Taste and Toast is becoming so popular, restaurant owners in Arizona and Atlanta have approached Ashanti with their interest in having Taste and Toast at their facility.  Taste and Toast is the only show of its kind that is produced by a young, African-American female entrepreneur.  Taste and Toast is totally self-funded by Ashanti.  She is currently seeking sponsors and funding for additional shows. 

Ashanti is a rising star in the entertainment industry and shows no signs of slowing down.  Taste and Toast has the ability to become a “runaway hit” with the proper exposure.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Dorcas Meyers, Founder of Roc-A-Natural LLC. and lifestyle wellness coach, who advocates for beauty that illuminates from within for a holistic, authentic new you.  Dorcas is dedicated to emphasizing the beauty of natural hair, and educating diverse generations about the importance of proper nutrition and exercise to illuminate your beauty from the inside out.  Dorcas is also the creator of the Roc-A-Natural Hair, Health and Beauty Transform Your Life Expo, which will take place on Saturday, May 13th in New York City at the Watson Hotel.

During the interview, Dorcas will share the many exciting activities, presentations, and workshops that will take place at the Expo, such as an innovative and exciting Natural Hair Fashion Show. Industry professionals and fashion designers from the tri-state area will have the opportunity to showcase their fabulous work through the wonder of artful expression. During the show, the Roc-A-Natural Awards Ceremony will honor outstanding leaders who inspire excellence, ingenuity, effect change, a positive mindset and offer resources to live a successful and natural lifestyle.  Vince Ferguson, President, and Founder of Body Sculpt of New York and creator of the Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo, will be on hand to receive one of these prestigious awards.  

Certified Holistic Nutritionist Yvette Onofre, will address the nurturing of a healthy body through the “Nutrition Workshop and “Smoothie Operator” demonstration that will radiate confidence and beauty from within. This is just a small sample of what will take place at this highly anticipated event which will inspire and encourage an entire community to be proud of their inner beauty while seeking a more natural way of life.

This is the Roc-A-Natural Hair and Beauty Transform Your Life Expo’s 4th year in existence and it shows no signs of slowing down.  Dorcas’ enthusiasm is contagious and Inspiring.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Meredith Shirk, a health and fitness expert, serial entrepreneur, traveler and small business consultant currently residing in Malibu, California.  Meredith is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Creator and Founder of Svelte Training, a multifaceted approach to obtaining one's optimal lifestyle.  Meredith believes that mental and physical wellbeing are both key pieces of the puzzle that can create the best, most happy version of you.  In 2016 Meredith started to develop Svelte as an online fitness and lifestyle consulting company and from ground zero, she took it to over $400K in sales in less than 12 months. Starting without a list, a real online product, a name or an offer, Meredith molded her business partner and mentors, solidifying herself as an authority in her space.

 Going from physical one on one personal training, trading time for dollars, to utilizing her knowledge and expanding her online influence, Meredith has built her own path to success using a lucrative online business model to scale and leverage her time

Meredith Shirk is a driven and savvy business woman who is now stepping out from behind the curtain to educate, enlighten and empower not just people struggling with their weight, but entrepreneurs looking to bust down the barriers of self-deprecating mindsets and really take hold of their lives.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by the Detroit Piston’s Tobias Harris. The 6’ 9” forward played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic before joining the Pistons where he is currently the team’s leading scorer. Throughout his five-year career in the NBA, Tobias has remained committed to his mentorship programs, specifically via the Tobias Harris School of Business Basketball Camp.  During the interview, Tobias will discuss his childhood growing up on Long Island, New York to a large family of basketball players.  He will also share his exercise routine in the gym, which includes weight training, calisthenics and more.  Tobias will also discuss how eating a plant-based diet has increased his endurance and stamina on the court.  Tobias is a strong believer in giving back to the community, especially children, which is evident by the work he is doing through his Tobias Harris School of Business Basketball Camp.  This camp not only teaches kids the important skills necessary to compete in the game of basketball, but it exposes kids to other professions as well.  Tobias believes that children should focus on education first and if basketball doesn’t work out, they have other options in their lives.  Tobias not only “talks the talk but he also walks the walk.”

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Charity Lynette, Celebrity Fitness Instructor and creator of Curvy Chick Fitness.  During the interview, Charity will discuss what life was like growing up in a small northwestern town to military parents.  Most of Charity Lynette's life she was overweight and although playing High School and college Basketball, she still struggled with her weight. The turning point in her life was the surprising loss of her mom due to unhealthy living. Fueling her choice to start a healthier lifestyle and with her mother in mind, she dedicated her life to helping others do the same, losing over 100 pounds in the process. Since then she has continued to work within Hospitals and Health fairs throughout the country, teaching women that although they all have curves, healthy curves is what matters most.  As a Plus Size Model and Fitness Instructor Charity went through her challenges explaining to those who didn't understand how a Plus Size women could teach fitness, the answer was simply “We all have different body types but as long as we are eating right and exercising, the body will take its course."  Charity is showing the world that just because you’re thin, doesn’t mean you’re fit and just because you have curves doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy.  Charity is a rising star in the fitness industry and she is looking to expand her brand throughout the country.

Charity has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Bustle.com, Hip Hop Weekly, NY Daily News, Abigail Magazine, blackbride.com, Society of Curves, cocoafab.com, Entertainment Scoop, Boston Fitness Magazine, Skinny Minority Blog, Your Tango, Stylish Curves and more.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Caprice O’Bryant, a 24-year old Certified Nutritionist, Personal Trainer and owner of Excuse Free Fitness out of Homewood, Illinois, near Chicago. Caprice has been through the wire, surviving a serious car accident at 14 and learning how to walk again and then surviving a second life threatening car accident a few years later that left her with seizures. At 19, she had a severe seizure that caused her to hit her head on the concrete, resulting in total memory loss. During the interview, Caprice will discuss her road to recovery which started at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where she was encouraged to try yoga.  With an invitation from her father, she began going to the gym.  It was in the gym where glimpses of her future self were shown.  Caprice attributes her ability to turn tragedy into triumph to the love and support of her family and the important role that proper nutrition and exercise plays in her life.  It is through proper nutrition and exercise that Caprice has been able to control her seizures.  Being “seizure free” for the past 2 ½ years, Caprice can now focus on utilizing her knowledge and skills to help improve the health and wellbeing of others through exercise and by creating custom meal plans that encourage healthy eating and appeal to the taste buds as well. Caprice is also a warrior and advocate of Epilepsy awareness. Her motto is, “with Excuse Free Fitness, you can do ALL things”! She is truly a walking miracle, and despite all obstacles, she continues to persevere.  Caprice truly is an amazing young woman, who truly believes in Excuse Free Fitness.

In this episode of Six Weeks to Fitness, I am joined by Imani Hakim, best known for her role as Tonya Rock, kid sister to Chris Rock on the very popular sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris”.  On March 10, 2017, Imani will star in the Netflix original Movie “Burning Sands” alongside actress Alfre Woodard.  Although most people decide what career path they want to take after they graduate from high school, Imani Hakim already had developed a strong passion for acting by the tender age of seven and by age 11 she landed her first acting role in Everybody Hates Chris.  During the interview, Imani will discuss how her persistence along with her father’s support and belief in her abilities, helped her land her first role.  She will also discuss in detail her next movie, Burning Sands, which will give you a raw, voyeuristic journey of fraternity pledging through the eyes of one favored pledgee (Trevor Jackson), who is torn between honoring a code of silence or standing up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing.  Imani will also discuss what life is like being a young actress in Hollywood auditioning for film and TV roles.  Imani believes that there is no substitute for confidence, believing in yourself and getting paid to do what you love to do.  Imani will also discuss her exercise routine and the important role nutrition plays in her life. 

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Dr. Phoenyx Austin, founder of the Fit Beauty Shop, creator of Dr. Phoenyx Nutrition, best-selling author of “If You Love It, It Will Grow – A Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Natural Hair”, and communications consultant. Dr. Phoenyx specializes in providing nutrition products and practical tips to help women achieve a fit, healthy and beautiful body from the inside out! She is highly respected for her expertise in both fitness and nutrition, as well as her passion for entrepreneurship and making healthy living fun.  Dr. Phoenyx has been featured in many major publications and has served as an on-air health/fitness expert on networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, NewsOne Now and Radio One. Although Dr. Phoenyx is a medical doctor and has served in the U.S. Air Force as a physician, Dr. Phoenyx stated in the interview that she was not taught nutrition in school; instead, she learned how to treat disease with medication after you became sick.  It wasn’t until after medical school that Dr. Phoenyx immersed herself into fitness and nutrition and became an expert in the field and is now sharing her expertise with the world as a speaker, consultant and entrepreneur.  You can find out more about Dr. Phoenyx by visiting www.drphoenyx.com.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by actress Rachel Currence, who played Sharmari Fears, the wife of Ronnie Devoe in the BET Blockbuster hit “The New Edition Story”.  During the interview, Rachel will share what it was like working with the other cast members, which included Fox TV show Empire’s "Bryshere Y. Gray" and other outstanding young actors.  Rachel will also talk about what life was like growing up in San Diego, California, being the youngest of 4 siblings, starting out in beauty pageants and winning many titles, one including LITTLE MISS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, which placed her in many parades, charity events and the local newspaper, which, thanks to her mother, started her out on the road to becoming an actress.  Rachel will also discuss the importance of drive, persistence and focus to achieving your goals in acting and how staying true to her diet is the key to her health and wellbeing.  When Rachel isn’t acting, she enjoys investing in Real Estate. Rachel is a rising star and true entrepreneur in every sense of the word.

In this episode of Six Weeks to Fitness, I am joined by Theresa Wells (Coach Wells), owner of Tone At Home Fitness, A mobile fitness training support company out of San Diego, California.  Coach Wells holds multiple certifications as a Group Fitness instructor, Zumba instructor, Boot Camp instructor and Insanity® (Beachbody) fitness instructor.  She is also a Running and Nutrition Coach.  Coach Wells is a graduate of both the University of California at San Diego, (UCSD) and the University of San Diego (USD), she earned her B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning with an emphasis in Education and Community Dynamics and Later obtained a Masters in School Counseling and PPS Credential.  During the interview Coach Wells will take us on a journey from her youth growing up in San Diego, California where she lived a very active childhood and maintained a successful fitness business until a near tragic car accident occurred in 2016 where she sustained multiple injuries to her body, including a major concussion and short-term memory loss.  She also gained about 30 pounds after the accident.

When doctors told Coach Wells, she will never be able to run again, something she prides herself in doing having run numerous marathons, Coach Wells proved the doctors wrong.  Today, Coach Wells is almost fully recovered and back in the park running and helping her clients get in shape through her one on one training and her Tone At Home Facebook page, which provides exercise, nutrition and weight loss tips. Coach Wells turned near tragedy into triumph and shares her knowledge and wisdom on the importance of exercise and nutrition to achieving fitness goals.  This and much more is in this very informative and inspiring episode.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Tom Bilyeu, co-founder of the 2014 Inc. 500 company, Quest Nutrition — a unicorn startup valued at over $1 billion — and the co-founder and host of Impact Theory, a first-of-its-kind company designed to facilitate global change through the incubation of mission-based businesses and the cultivation of empowering content. Every piece of content Impact Theory creates is meant to underscore the company mission to free people from “The Matrix” and help them unlock their true potential. During the interview, Tom will take us on a journey from his youth growing up in Tacoma, Washington in a family that struggled with obesity and how this struggle gave him a personal drive to segue into the health and fitness industry and help his loved ones and others like them revolutionize their relationship with food. As it would turn out, this new focus on something deeply personal and passion-based led Tom and his two partners to create Quest Nutrition.

Tom has taken his drive to help people develop the skills they will need to improve themselves and the world even further with his new company, Impact Theory, where he interviews high-profile innovators and thought leaders, such as Tony Robbins, Tim Ferris, Lewis Howes, Lisa Nichols, Michael Strahan and others.  Also, in this episode, Tom talks about the role the mind plays in determining your success and the methods and tools he and his partners used to take their company from zero to one billion dollars in less than 7 years.  This is truly one of my most informative and impactful interviews on health, wealth and success.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Dr. Arabia Mollette, Emergency Physician and Internet TV host out of the South Bronx, in New York City.  At the age of 5, young Arabia envisioned herself becoming a doctor but wasn't sure what kind of doctor she'd become until two tragedies occurred in her life. At 17, she became a teen mom to a precious baby boy, whose life was tragically taken away at four months old. Six years later, her youngest sister was shot and killed while riding in a friend’s car. Both tragedies caused her to question the doctors about their medical explanations, and it sparked a desire for Arabia to make a difference in her community.  During the interview, Dr. Mollette will take us on a journey from her youth up until today, sharing some of the obstacles and challenges she had to overcome and how her belief that she was placed here to fulfill a higher purpose enabled her to realize her dream to becoming an Emergency Physician and offering medical help and advice to people all around the world.  Dr. Arabia has even launched her own podcast called “The Visit with Dr. Arabia Mollette”, where she provides free medical advice, while discussing a variety of topics such as  wellness, mental illness and more with the guests on her show.  This is an amazing story of how a young, African American woman turned tragedy into triumph.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Jameelah Struthers, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and co-host of Professionally Fit radio, out of Southfield, Michigan. Jameelah’s fitness journey began after her mother, who lived a very active and healthy lifestyle, was diagnosed with Brain Cancer and was given 8 months to 3 years to live.  During the interview, Jameelah will take us on her personal journey battling depression, anger and grief and how starting an exercise and nutrition program started her on the road to recovery, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Jameelah will share how healthy eating has affected her thought processes.  Jameelah believes that by cutting out refined sugars, bread and other processed foods from her diet, she now has more mental clarity and positive thoughts.  Jameelah believes that there is a connection with the foods we eat and how we think.  Jameelah will also share her exercise philosophy, which she believes is the reason why she was able to lose 25 pounds.  Jameelah operates a Facebook page called “Get Fit With Jaye”, where she gives fitness and nutrition advice. 

After conditioning her own body and mind to achieve her goals and developing a passion for health and wellness, Jameelah now spends her time helping others to achieve their fitness goals.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Bruce Cardenas, Chief Communications Officer for Quest Nutrition. Prior to joining Quest, Bruce served in the U.S. Marine Corp. where he was assigned to the security detail for one of the Marine Corp. generals.  While in the Marines, Bruce participated in various sports such as powerlifting and football.  After leaving the Marines, Bruce pursued his life-long dream of becoming a police officer and joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).  While in the LAPD, Bruce started a high end security firm providing security for music executives and celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Courtney Love, Rickie Martin, Mark Anthony and many others.  During the interview, Bruce will share how he met the owners of Quest Nutrition at a local gym, and how that relationship evolved into him becoming the Chief Communications Officer for the company.  Bruce will also discuss the Quest mission and the Quest Nutrition products, which include protein bars, powders and chips.  The products are in 90 countries and the protein bar is the top selling protein bar in the market.

Bruce believes that developing long-lasting relationships is key to any successful business. His natural entrepreneurial ambition, combined with his strong affinity for connecting communities through meaningful relationships, has solidified his place with the Quest family. 

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Nicole Rodrigues, CEO and founder of NRPR Group, a strategic positioning agency in Beverly Hills, which was awarded best PR agency in the city. More than 16 years ago, Nicole worked in-house as a PR coordinator for the Oakland Raiders, while also cheering for the team as a Raiderette. She’s developed and executed strategic campaigns for some of the biggest names in business, such as Yahoo!, Dolby, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony PlayStation, Hulu, M-GO, Toon Hero, Demand Media, MobiTV, and the Oakland Raiders.

During the interview, Nicole will take us on a journey from her childhood, growing up the oldest of 9 children in Fremont, California, working 3 jobs to pay for her college education to pursuing her dreams as a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders and becoming the owner of a very successful PR company.  Nicole will also discuss the important role exercise and nutrition played in helping her to achieve her goals and why, while in the 8th grade, she decided to give up drinking soda and how that has impacted her life.  Nicole believes that in order to be successful you must have a positive mindset and limit the amount of negative people in your life.  Nicole doesn’t believe in excuses.  She believes if she can live her life’s dream and purpose, coming from humble beginnings, anyone can.  Nicole didn’t know how she was going to achieve her goals but stayed on a positive, health conscious path, believed in herself and her abilities and became a trailblazer.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Zhivi Williams, CEO of Leading by Example and Passion Driven, out of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Zhivi is a Health, Wellness and Fitness Accountability Coach, motivational speaker, Personal Trainer, and author of “Who Needs A Gym” Using Social Media for Weight Loss”.  During the interview, Zhivi will discuss various chapters of the book, which was written for men and women who don’t know where to start on their fitness journey and for those who are on a budget and may not be able to afford a personal trainer, but still need the inspiration and support that a personal trainer can provide, but at no cost using social media as the fitness platform.  The book also includes information on how to get free online healthy eating and weight loss support, meal suggestions, exercise routines and much more.  Zhivi will also discuss her online coaching business, her 30 day challenge which will take place each month starting in January.  You can also workout with Zhivi on Facebook every morning.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Dre Baldwin a/k/a DreAllDay, a former professional basketball player turned Mental Toughness Coach and Expert. He coaches, consults, and speaks with audiences ranging from business owners, salespeople, content marketers, branding executives, sports teams and high schools.  Dre is the author of 11 books including The Mental Handbook, where he writes about having a “bullet proof” mindset.  During the interview, Dre will take us on a journey from his youth growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, playing Division 3 basketball to becoming a professional basketball player and a Mental Toughness Expert.  Dre will also discuss the importance personal development and visualization played in the achievement of his goals and successes.  Dre Baldwin lays out a blueprint in this interview that anyone can follow, if they know how to apply information and have the mental toughness it takes to stand out from among the crowd. 

Dre Baldwin is now a top speaker and motivator in his field, having published over 5,300 videos since 2009 with over 120,000 subscribers, and 39,000,000 views of his YouTube channel.  This is a very inspiring interview from a young man who knows what he’s talking about and is living his dream!

In this episode of Six Weeks to Fitness, I am joined by Chef Isra Gordon, owner of Delicious Endings Catering and Tea House, a full-service catering company out of Brooklyn, New York, that promises to engage your appetite with ingredient-driven, health-focused global gourmet cuisine.  Chef Gordon was born and raised on the island of Grenada and is a graduate of the New York Restaurant School Culinary Program.  She is a highly trained chef and pastry chef with over 27 years of experience in the culinary industry.  Chef Gordon’s personal recipes have been featured in cookbooks and magazines, such as “One Sweet Cookie” and “Kuji Magazine”. 

Chef Gordon’s Delicious Endings Catering and Tea House has extensive experience catering to those with dietary restrictions and preferences, such as raw foodists, vegetarians, pescetarians, and others. Delicious Endings Catering and Tea House also carries over 30 different types of teas, some of which are carefully formulated by Chef Isra, to treat diabetes, dementia, high cholesterol, weight loss and much more.  Delicious Endings Catering and Tea House is the culmination of Chef Gordon’s passion and years of experience in the culinary world.  Chef Gordon believes that the obesity epidemic can be linked directly to the food we eat, the amount of sugary foods and drinks we consume and the lack of exercise.  For more information about Delicious Endings Catering and Tea House, visit www.deliciousendings.com or call Chef Isra at (917) 364-8276.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Reea Rodney, author, mother of two and childcare provider.  Originally from Trinidad, Reea migrated to Brooklyn, New York in 2006 in search for a better life for her family. Because of her passion for her work as a childcare provider and desire to help children, Reea was inspired to write children’s books. She wanted to assist not only the kids who were under her care with the day to day issues they may be facing, but kids all over the world.  Her stories addresses topics such as adjusting to change, fear, separation anxiety, bravery, imagination, witty personality, love, compassion and teamwork. Although Reea’s first book, “Juniper and Rose: Sisters and Best Friends Forever,” was written in 2012, Reea held back from releasing the book until October, 2016, due to fear and low self-esteem.  It wasn’t until Reea read Steve Harvey’s book “Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success” that Reea decided to take that leap of faith and publish Juniper and Rose, which is receiving rave reviews from parents and children all across the country.  Reea’s success reminds us of that quote from Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”, where he states “whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, he can achieve”.  Reea is starting to achieve great success with Juniper and Rose, the first of a series of books about these adorable twin sisters.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am pleased to welcome back to the program Shaniqua Garvin, a single mom, event planner and CEO of her lifestyle blog, Brown Media Mama.  During the interview, Shaniqua will discuss her upcoming event “Fall Into Fitness” presented by Sisterhued, the first of many fitness events she will be hosting from New York City to Los Angeles.  The event will take place on Sunday, October 9th from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Fit 4 Dance Studio, located at 154 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y.  Sponsors and contributors include Fit 4 Dance Studio, Fiji, Suja, Raw Food Central, GoGo squeeze, Pipernilli, Outside of the Box Creations, Boiron, 22 days nutrition, Skaklee, Pipernilli and Amped hydrate. There will be Belly Dancehall classes, giveaways, refreshments, panel discussions conducted by Laci Chisholm (owner of Fit4Dance), Golda Smith,  MPH, CPT, and Damian McCleod, Acupuncturist.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Shaniqua Garvin, a widowed single mom, and event planner, raising her young son in New York City. She is the founder and CEO of her lifestyle blog, Brown Media Mama.  During the interview, Shaniqua will discuss her weight loss journey which began after losing her husband to heart disease at the age of 38 and how this tragedy motivated her to improve her health for the sake of her son. While working on her weight loss, Shaniqua was told about an open casting call that Oprah’s “O” Magazine had to spotlight women and their weight loss journey.  Shaniqua wrote in to the magazine and explained how the loss of her husband inspired her to lose weight and how she could not do it alone.  To Shaniqua’s surprise and excitement, she immediately received a call from the magazine and was selected among 9 other women to share their weight loss journey and grace the cover of the April, 2016 “O” Magazine with Oprah.  Shaniqua will share what it was like to meet Oprah and Gayle during the photo shoot and how that experience has changed her life for the better.  Shaniqua is determined to share her story on the importance of taking care of your health.  This is a very heartfelt and inspiring episode.

In this special Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Angela Mathis, a Minister and Abundance Coach out of Atlanta, Georgia.  During the interview, Angela will discuss the many health benefits she has received while taking O2 Drops, a one-of-a-kind formula of bio-available oxygen molecules and essential trace minerals that has been said to revitalize your body and improve your health in ways that you might not have thought possible.  O2 Drops have been known to assist your body with weight loss, sleeping problems; chronic pain, aches, stiffness; low energy or fatigue; recovery from exercise and much more.  Angela believes that if you give your body what it needs, the body will heal itself.  This is a very important episode for anyone who would like to improve their health naturally with the help of one of the most important chemical elements on Earth, Oxygen.

 For those of you who are interested in trying O2 Drops for yourselves, I have a limited supply of samples available on a first come, first serve basis.  All you have to do is email or call the number provided in the interview.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Ashanti Johnson, creator and founder of 360.Mind.Body.Soul, the Physique Factory, one of the most unique and innovative fitness facilities located in the south side of Chicago.  Battling weight issues in her teens and 20s, Ashanti recognized a pattern.  No matter how much she ate or worked out, weight was the side-effect of her stress-level.  During the interview, Ashanti will discuss what happened when she moved to Chicago in her early 20s that set a light bulb off in her head, which caused her to discover the real reason why so many people remain overweight in spite of the exercise and diets they are on.  Ashanti will also explain how 360.Mind.Body.Soul (MBS) came into existence and the impact her boutique fitness club has made in the lives of hundreds of African American women who have lost over 10,000 pounds in 5 years following her guidance and weight loss philosophy.  If you’re doing all you can to lose weight and get healthy and not seeing the results you would like, I strongly suggest that you listen to Ashanti Johnson’s philosophy on health and fitness and how the mind, body and soul plays such a vital part to your success. 

Ashanti Johnson is a rising star in the fitness industry.  360.Mind.Body.Soul is just getting started and is poised to take the fitness industry to a whole new level with her mission to help her clients grow, evolve and actualize their weight-loss goals in the shortest amount of time.  Check out the 360 MBS website at www.360mbs.com and see for yourself the many weight loss transformations taking place under Ashanti’s guidance.  Ashanti will make a believer out of you.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by former fashion model, Ed Lewis, Sr. and his son, Ed Lewis, Jr. Instead of pursuing his promising career as a fashion model, where he modeled for Sean John clothing line and was featured in various magazines such as Vibe, DNR and The Source, Eddie Lewis, Sr., decided to turn his back on the modeling industry and all that the industry had to offer, the money, travel and more, to raise his son, who is now one of the most heavily recruited high school football players in New Jersey.  He has offers from over 10 Division 1 colleges. It has been a long, hard road for Eddie, Sr., and in the midst of days when there was no food on the table and no money in the bank, he always made sure his son was well fed and had a roof over his head.  In Eddie Sr.’s words, “I had to rob Peter to pay Paul” and then mug Paul to pay back Peter”.  This interview is about the journey of a parent who has risked it all for his son and how his son is now reaping the rewards of his father’s sacrifice.  Father and son join me to talk about the struggle and triumphs that they both endured.  This is a very moving and inspiring episode on a personal level.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Sirobe Carstafhnur, a talented Architect and Urban Planner and creator of “Mind Your Shape”, a wellness program that combines traditional weight loss methods with emotional support, body empowerment strategies, private personal training, nutritional and culinary education, and an artistic curation of the individual's progress. The goal of the program is to enable an individual to take full responsibility and pride in their own well-being and to embark on the journey to a healthier and more sustainable way of life. During the interview, Sirobe will take us back to when she was a child growing up in Mississippi and although her childhood started out like most children, very active, and happy with a supportive family structure around her, something happened to Sirobe when she was around 6 or 7 years old that affected her both mentally, emotionally and physically.  Sirobe will talk about this traumatic experience and more in this interview.

Sirobe considers herself a “work in progress” and with her creative and supportive team around her, she is documenting her transformation along the way and helping others who are in need of support through her Mind Your Shape program.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Adam Davenport, a Yale educated, award winning, actor, writer and director.  Adam  recently completed filming the part of Hercules in the Independent production “Project Olympus”, a feature length rock musical.  There were about 500 other actors auditioning for the role of Hercules.

During the interview, Adam will take us on his amazing journey growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, where he read a book every day and lived a sort of introverted, nerdy lifestyle (in Adam’s words), with very little physical activity, to becoming a film major at Yale University and being the recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Awards.  Adam will also discuss his many role models growing up, such as Toni Morrison, Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington, Alfre Woodard, Laurence Fishburn, George Lucas and others, some of whom he has collaborated with in his young career.  Adam lives a healthy lifestyle which consists of exercising 5 to 6 days a week, eating small healthy meals throughout the day and does not drink alcohol because of the negative effects alcohol consumption has on the body.  He is living proof that if you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.

Adam will also provide action steps that he believes anyone can take in order to be successful and why he believes that visualization is important when it comes to accomplishing your goals.  This was an inspiring and informative interview from a truly remarkable and committed rising star. 

In Episode #75 of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Scotty Dickert, film/tv actor and musician.  During the interview, Scotty will take us on a journey of what life was like growing up in Wisconsin, attending college on a Tennis scholarship and pursuing his dreams to become an accomplished actor and musician.  This Summer, Scotty stars in XOXO for Netflix, the highly anticipated Electronic Dance Music (EDM) project co-starring Sarah Hyland (Modern Family), Graham Phillips (The Good Wife) and Chris D’Elia (Undateable). Set amidst the biggest EDM festival in America, XOXO, the film follows six strangers whose lives collide in one frenetic, dream-chasing, hopelessly romantic night.

Scotty will also share his keys to success and the importance of family. Scotty Dickert may be a rising star in Hollywood but he still exercises in the gym 5 to 6 days a week to help him stay focused and keep up with the demands of his Hollywood lifestyle.  Scotty Dickert is living in the moment and enjoying the journey along the way.  This is a very inspiring interview.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, guest host, Leslie Sterling, will interview President and Founder of Body Sculpt of New York, Inc., and the Creator of the Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo, Vince Ferguson.  During the interview, Vince will discuss what life was like growing up number 7 of 9 children in Brooklyn, what inspired him to create the Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo and the importance of role models.  Vince will also discuss how he was able to secure so many sponsors and raffle prizes for his events and how anyone can do it with the right formula, as well as how vital volunteers are to the success of his many events

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Patricia Lolo, the founder of Divas In Transition – a health consultant firm that specializes in helping women of color transform their mind, body, and spirit  by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become the “Divas” they were meant to be. During the interview, Patricia will discuss her motivation for creating the Divas In Transition brand and her 10K Fitness Giveaway, where she is celebrating her 10,000 + followers on Instagram .   Divas In Transition has teamed up with other fitness partners to put together a major fitness giveaway to celebrate her milestone. They are giving away some cool fitness products- from yoga mats, fitness gear and everything in between to her community of Divas.  Listen in as Patricia shares information on how you too can win one of these amazing fitness products. 

In this episode of Six Weeks to Fitness, I will be joined once again by the lovely and talented Brie Bythewood, former star of Bravo TV’s Blood Sweat and Heels.  During the interview, Brie will bring us up to date on her life after leaving the tv show, balancing motherhood, philanthropy, real estate, her new business ventures and the changes she made to improve her health.

In this episode of Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Eric Paul Meredith, A U.S. Navy veteran, classically trained chef, Registered Dietitian, Certified Health Education and Youth Exercise Specialist, Eric Paul Meredith has over the last seven years established himself as an expert in Positive Youth Development and childhood health education and promotion. Having provided health education to thousands of youth, he knows the importance of presenting complex health information in a way that is easy to understand, entertaining and engaging. On September 24th, 2015, he launched the first pilot of the health-themed comic book creation curriculum at Passages Charter School in Chicago called Superheroes in the Classroom.

In this episode, I will be joined by Lisa Nichols, motivational speaker, media personality and corporate CEO of Motivating the Masses, Inc.  Lisa has appeared on Oprah, the Today Show, the Steve Harvey Show and the movie “the Secret”.  During the interview, Lisa will share her journey from being on Public Assistance to owning and running a multi-million dollar empire.  Lisa will also discuss her recently released book “Abundance Now” and provide action steps that anyone can take to bring abundance into their lives.  Lisa will also share how she transformed her health by releasing 78 pounds and how this “release” as she calls it, has helped grow her business exponentially, this and so much more is in this life changing and transformative interview.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Jenelle Salazar, a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and owner of “Get Bodied By J”.  During the interview, Jenelle will take us on her personal journey growing up as an overweight teen in New Mexico, having never been exposed to fresh fruit and vegetables until she was able to go grocery shopping for herself.  Although Jenelle was very active in school PE, she didn’t know much about exercise so she watched Billy Blanks exercise dvds for inspiration and it wasn’t long before Jenelle decided to leave New Mexico and the many negative influences in her neighborhood, which was ravaged by heroin and crack-cocaine, and relocated to Las Vegas and enrolled into a Personal Training program which started her on the road to becoming one of the most sought after fitness trainers in the United States with over 500,000 authentic social media followers all over the world. 

Jenelle will also share her exercise philosophy, provide fitness tips and talk  about her upcoming Get Bodied by J fitness tour.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Fatima Batook, owner of Studio55, Saudi Arabia’s first women-only Spinning® and fitness studio. During the interview, Fatima will discuss her challenges as a child growing up in Saudi Arabia and how she used food as her refuge to deal with the day to day struggles of trying to fit into society.  Fatima will also discuss how she was able to launch her fitness studio at a time when there were no legal fitness facilities for women in Saudi Arabia and how despite the negative publicity she received from the local press, decided to open up her own award winning clothing line for women.  Fatima believes that if she can do what she is doing in Saudi Arabia, “than anyone can do it anywhere in the world”.  Fatima plans on opening 20 additional studios in the next 3 to 5 years.  This is truly an amazing story of how one woman through her courage and strength is seeking to change Saudi Arabia’s culture through fitness rather than politics or religion.   This is truly one of my most inspiring interviews.

In this episode of our six weeks to fitness podcast, I will be joined by Saloni Kantaria, a former competitive tennis player and lawyer out of Nairobi, Kenya.  During the interview, Saloni will take us on a journey from her childhood growing up in Nairobi, playing tennis, practicing law and giving it all up to open “Reform Cycling and Strength Studio”, the first boutique cycling/fitness studio in Nairobi.  Saloni will discuss the reasons why she felt a need to open up Reform in her native land and the many challenges she faced to get the fitness studio off the ground.  Saloni will also discuss her very unique business model and the various fitness programs her studio offers the entire family.  This is truly an amazing story of how one woman through her courage, strength and convictions is seeking to improve the health of families in her native land.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by award winning choreographer and director, Millicent Johnnie.  During the interview, Millicent will share her journey growing up in a small town in Louisiana, being enrolled in ballet classes at age 5 and reading biographies of Alvin Ailey and Katharine Dunham. In her teens, Millicent hosted a TV show called “Those Tender Years” that was met by protests and objection by the local KKK who subjected her to ongoing harassment and threats– an experience that Millicent credits for the resilience and determination behind her success today.  Millicent believes that you can achieve anything you want in life as long as your mind, body and spirit is in balance.  Millicent will also discuss the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and provide encouragement and advice for anyone trying to break into the entertainment industry.

In this episode I will be joined by Elizabeth Madison, Registered Dietitian, Nutrition & Wellness Consultant and Weight Loss Coach.  During the interview, Elizabeth will discuss her over 20 year struggle with obesity.

Elizabeth weighed 284 pounds and as a result of the weight gain, suffered with asthma, hypertension, and chronic pain in her back and knees.  After feeling some pain in her chest, Elizabeth went to see her doctor who diagnosed her with an enlarged heart related to her high blood pressure. The doctor told Elizabeth she would be dead in 5 years (before the age of 40) if she didn’t get a handle on her health. This is an amazing story on how one woman through faith and determination, changed the trajectory of her life and is now helping others to do the same.

In this episode, I will be joined by Hollywood’s Beauty, Fitness and Lifestyle Expert Donna Spangler, who in her fifties, is still competing, maintains her health and fitness schedule (weight training, tae kwon do, walking), and healthy eating.  During the interview, Donna will discuss her upcoming movie in which she co-stars as “Angelina” opposite Dean Cain, Kirsten Lea, Vincent DePaul and John Savage in the family-friendly holiday tale Beverly Hills Christmas, where with help from a guardian angel, a spoiled rich, very material teenage girl learns that true value is found in assisting others and not in material things. The film premiers December 6 on UPTV.  Donna will also share her health, fitness and nutrition advice, which, Donna believes, starts with a positive mental attitude.  This is a very informative and inspirational episode.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Jake Koenig, co-founder of Spotter, an In-home personal training company and Fit Your Space, a consultancy that takes office spaces and turns them into healthy environments.  During the interview, Jake will discuss his fitness philosophy which was the impetus for Spotter and Fit Your Space.  Jake will also provide exercise tips for the work environment and towards the end of the interview Jake has a special personal training offer for my listeners in the New York metropolitan area.

in this episode, I will be joined by Golda Smith, a certified personal trainer, Nutritional Cleansing Coach, curator of the Body, Mind and Soul and creator of fitmommyblog.com.  During the interview, Golda will share her amazing journey from being tired, depressed and suicidal to where she is today as the CEO of Golda International.  Golda will also discuss why she feels that every woman should wake up M.A.D. (Motivated and Determined). 

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Thomas (TJ) Johnson Jr., Founder and CEO of GetUpNGetFit LLC, a health and fitness company that helps clients learn and implement healthy and safe lifestyle habits through coaching, counseling and motivation.  During the interview, TJ will discuss what life was like being born and raised in Liberia and having to see through some very young eyes, the horrors of Civil War that his country was going through back in 1992.  If it wasn’t for his grandmother, who raised him, TJ would not be here today.  TJ will discuss how he got into the fitness business and started his company, GetUpNGetFit, his unique workout philosophy and much more.

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Tricia Montgomery, founder and CEO of K9 Fit Club.  She is the nation’s leading expert and pioneer in human/canine fitness. Her diverse experience in veterinary medicine, public relations, animal rescue, personal training, and her own weight loss journey gave her the perfect combination of skills to create a nationwide community of certified trainers – dedicated to the health, fitness, and wellness of dogs and their people.  After a visit to the veterinarian with her dog Louie, Tricia realized the need for a fitness program, not just for her dog, but for herself as well. She ended up losing 130 pounds and Louie was able to shed four pounds. Her passion and love for both people and dogs led to the creation of K9 Fit Club, the nation’s first facility for both humans and canines alike.   This is truly an amazing story.  You can find out more about Tricia, K9 Fit Club and how to become a certified K9 Fit Club trainer at www.k9fitclub.com.

In this episode, I will be joined by Kareem Cook and John Lewis, two very successful entrepreneurs in the health and fitness field.  Kareem is the co-owner of Naturade, a leading neutraceutical company and creator of VeganSmart, a low calorie all in one nutritional protein powder made with all vegan ingredients, also soy, gluten and dairy free.  During the interview, Kareem, along with John Lewis, who is a partner in the company and a Certified Personal Trainer, will discuss their personal journey into health and why VeganSmart is a very effective tool against obesity and other chronic diseases, especially for people in low-income communities who suffer from high risk of disease and death due to poor eating habits.  VeganSmart is a low-cost, healthy meal replacement.  They will also discuss their 21 Day Vegan Challenge.  Kareem and John are working tirelessly to bringing healthier food options to communities and the inner cities that need them the most.  They are a very socially conscious company introducing veganism or the transition to veganism as an option through VeganSmart products and showing that being vegan can be cool and isn’t hard or as difficult as one may think.

In this episode, I will be joined by Sonia Satra, a certified life coach, fitness expert, actress and award-winning motivational speaker who has dedicated her life to helping people reach their full potential through unifying the body and mind. Sonia is changing the way we exercise AND think by launching An exercise program - called Moticise.  Moticise combines motivation and exercise to help you achieve your goals.  During the interview, Sonia will share techniques on how you can motivate your mind and body using visualization and affirmations that are sure to help increase abundance and success into your life.

In this episode I will be joined by Londin Angel Winters, a former Emmy award winning producer for NBC News and Co-Founder and CEO of Metaphysical Fitness.  During the interview, Londin will explain how Metaphysical Fitness combines the power of modern science with the wisdom of ancient practice to strengthen your body, free your mind and nourish your soul.  Londin will also discuss how she used the techniques from Metaphysical Fitness to transform her body when she was overweight to becoming “bikini ready” and winning first place in a figure competition in only 6 months at the age of 38 and how she is able to maintain this body 6 years later at the age of 44. 

Metaphysical Fitness trains the body, mind and spirit as one to get results.  Londin calls this “perfect alignment”.  Londin will also explain how the subconscious mind works along with visualization to achieve a sculpted body.  If you ever wondered why you’re not getting the body you want through diet and exercise, listen to what Londin has to say about Metaphysical Fitness. It may be just what you need to help you reach your fitness goals.  For more information about Londin Angel Winters and Metaphysical Fitness, you can visit her website at www.metaphysicalfitness.com.

In this episode I will be joined by Kia Edwards, a certified fitness trainer and specialist in fitness nutrition, and creator and editor of Fit & Curvy.   During the interview Kia will talk about being a competitive gymnast and gymnastics coach, and how that experience led her to explore her own beliefs about body image, ultimately creating a website dedicated to promoting science-based health and fitness information.  She will share her philosophy on exercise and nutrition, and what true health, fitness and beauty really mean.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by Tanisha Shanee, an extraordinary and unique individual – who seeks to accomplish anything she puts her mind to.   Tanisha is the founder of Success Weight, a healthy living program for busy individuals, an Author, Motivational Speaker, and a Celebrity Healthy Living Coach, as well as the creator of Smoothies 4 U. During the interview, Tanisha will discuss her personal journey into health, growing up as an overweight child in Brooklyn, New York, being picked on by her peers and how this and other dramatic experiences in her life helped to shape her destiny.  Tanisha will also discuss the positive effects eating healthy has had, not only on the body but the mind as well.

In this episode I will be joined by Melissa Harville-LeBron, the first African American woman to own a developmental racing team in NASCAR's Whelen All-American Series, Division 1; E2 Northeast Motorsports, which is also the first multi-cultural sibling NASCAR team. 

A consummate business woman, Melissa, is the Founder and CEO of W.M. Stone Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of a total of three businesses of which she owns.  She is a determined and dedicated single mother of 7 and a native of Staten Island, NY.

During the interview, Melissa will talk about some of the people and experiences that have made her the woman she is today, like her work as a corrections officer at Rikers Island, being mentored by lifetime friend and legendary hip hop DJ, Red Alert, as she pursued a career in the entertainment industry,  or how her introduction to producer Jay Ellis, solidified her drive to one day be a boss. Melissa will discuss the challenge of living with asthma, and the decision she made to take control of her health and her destiny.  She will demonstrate how faith, determination, and hard work helped her to achieve the seemingly impossible.

In this episode of Six Weeks to Fitness, I will be joined by Kobie Randolph, the newest edition to TVOne's hit reality series, "Hollywood Divas".  During the interview, Kobie will share what it’s like working opposite Golden Brooks, the show’s primary character.  Kobie will also share what life was like growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, attending Tennessee State College and owning his own night club at the age of 22.  Kobie’s meteoric rise to fame was chronicled in his critically acclaimed autobiography, The Champagne Life for which he received an NAACP Image Award nomination. The Champagne Life highlights the relationships Kobie has established with the entertainment industry’s elite and the sacrifices he undertook to establish them.  Kobie will talk about the company he started 4 years ago, called the Randolph Branding Company with offices in Chicago and Los Angeles. He will also share what he does to stay healthy and fit while on the go and much more.  This is a very inspiring episode on what you can accomplish in life if you just dream big enough and believe in yourself

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by Tanisha Burke, a healthy lifestyle Wellness Coach out of Rockledge, Florida.  During the interview, Tanisha will share her very unique and innovative approach to wellness coaching. She will also explain why she does not subscribe to the “one size fits all” model when it comes to designing wellness programs for her clients.  Tanisha will also discuss her personal journey into health which started a couple of years ago while preparing to go on a very popular rollercoaster ride in Ohio and realizing she could no longer fit in the seat.  This was a devastating blow to Tanisha who absolutely enjoys the excitement and thrills of being on the rollercoaster, but instead of giving on life and doing the things she enjoys, Tanisha took action!  She changed her lifestyle and took the necessary steps to lose weight and improve her health and as a result, lost 103 pounds in 18 months.  Tanisha is now sharing her knowledge and expertise with others with her “Fit For Life by Tanisha” wellness coaching business. Tanisha is an amazing woman.  In addition to having her own wellness business, she and her husband owns a “DJ” business and she also works full time.  Tanisha is on a mission to help others and to enjoy life in the process. This is truly an inspiring story.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I will be joined by Leslie Ann Sterling, a poet, writer, mental health advocate and Shape Up NYC Fitness Instructor.  During the interview Leslie will share her health challenges which began immediately following the terrorist attacks on the world trade center in 2001, when she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) and severe depression. After treating her mental illness with medication and support from family and friends, Leslie found out she had breast cancer and underwent six surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation and now is cancer free.  Almost 10 years after her cancer diagnosis she saw an ad for Body Sculpt of New York’s Six Weeks to Fitness Challenge and decided to participate in the hopes that it would not only improve her physical health, but her mental health as well. It did both! Now Leslie Sterling is a Mental Health Advocate and Shape Up NYC Fitness Instructor, teaching others how to get in shape physically and mentally.  This is a very warm and inspiring episode on how one woman snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

During the interview, Tracye will discuss the many health benefits of eating a plant based diet, including the prevention and reversal of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and more.  Tracye also admits to not liking vegetables as a child and credits her mom for instilling in her the importance of eating vegetables and the Civil Rights Activist, Dick Gregory for a lecture he gave while Tracye attended Amherst College.  Dick Gregory was scheduled to give a lecture on the “State of Black America” but instead chose to speak about the “Plate of Black America and how unhealthily most of us eat”.  This was an “aha” moment for Tracye which started her on her personal journey to eating healthy and becoming a vegan.  Also during the interview, Tracye will dispel some of the myths that’s associated with eating vegan and provide proof as to why being a vegan is the healthiest way to improve your health, lose weight, prevent and cure chronic diseases.  Tracye will also provide advice on how to gradually start eating vegan and how most of us do eat something vegan and don’t even realize it.  You can find out more about Tracye by visiting her website at “byanygreensnecessary.com”.  You will find a wealth of information on her website along with food recipes and much more.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast,  I will be joined by Chef Sia Pickett, owner of Malata Cuisine, a personal natural Foods chef service located in Brooklyn, N.Y.  Chef Sia was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and credits her grandparents for teaching her how to cook.  Chef Sia moved to New York about 14 years ago and while in New York she attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  During the interview Chef Sia will discuss her personal philosophy on nutrition and how what works for one person will not necessarily work for others.  Sia believes that although vegetarianism is a healthy way to live, not all vegetarians are healthy.  Chef Sia is a Personal Chef specializing in nutritionally, healthy, natural clean foods with a vegetarian, vegan and raw focus.  Chef Sia offers personal chef services, nutrition counseling, cooking demos, lessons and small group catering events.  

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by certified Yoga instructor to the stars, Emmy Award Winning Journalist and Talk Show Host, Robin Downes.  During the interview Robin, who was born and raised in the Boogie Down Bronx, will share what challenges she had to overcome that started her out on the road to becoming Hollywood’s “Yoga Instructor to the Stars”. Robin will also discuss the many health benefits of Yoga, especially, “Hatha” yoga which is the type of yoga Robin teaches.  Robin will also discuss her Youtube web series Yoga Flava and What’s Up With Downes (Robin Downes Network).  Robin is a great communicator and uses these skills along with the other assets she has picked up over the years to build what can only be called a multi-media empire.  I came away from this interview extremely impressed with Robin Downes and I truly expect to see her on national television in the very near future.  She is truly a role model for young women everywhere and she shares her wisdom and advice in this very informative episode.

In this episode I will be joined by Diane Skai Stroud, a Nutritional Counselor, Certified Fitness Trainer and owner of Skai High Fitness & Nutrition.  During the interview, Skai will discuss her personal  journey into health which started at a young age while watching her mother exercise and do yoga in the home.  Skai will also discuss the role alternative medicine plays in the prevention of chronic disease as opposed to traditional western medicine and why she believes that weight loss and weight management is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise.  Skai is willing to offer her fitness and nutrition services for free in exchange for help in building her company’s website.  You can contact Skai at skaiunltd1@yahoo.com.

In episode #46 of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by the lovely and talented actress, Carlease Burke.  During the interview, Carlease will discuss her recent 40 pound weight loss and the “Aha” moment in her acting career that made her change her eating habits and improve her health.  Carlease will also take us on her personal journey growing up in Hollis, Queens, N.Y. to two loving, middleclass parents whose desire for her was to go to school and become a teacher.  To please her parents, Carlease attended City College of NY and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Pre-Law.  Carlease, realizing from her birth that what she really wanted to do was act, decided to follow her passion, moved out to LA and began what is now a very lucrative, rewarding and fulfilling career as an actress of stage, film and television.

Carlease has over 100 acting credits to her name having worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, such as John Travolta in “Get Shorty”, Tom Hanks in “The Terminal”, Jennifer Lopez in “The Back-up Plan”, William H. Macy in Shameless, and Marlee Matlin in Sweet Nothings in My Ear, to name a few.

Carlease is all about giving back as she speaks about the causes she supports and her upcoming projects and coaching program for actors.  This, and so much more is in this very informative interview.  You can find out more about Carlease Burke by visiting her website at www.carleaseburke.com.  You can also follow her on twitter, facebook and instagram.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by Cynthia Phillips, Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Consultant and owner of Absolute Body Symmetry Fitness Studio out of Atlanta, Georgia.  During the interview, Cynthia will take us on her personal journey to improving her health and opening up her own fitness studio.  The road to entrepreneurship was not easy for Cynthia as she explains in this interview.  There were many challenges she had to overcome such as her smoking and drinking habits and the recession of 2007/2008 which nearly wiped her out financially.  Cynthia will explain how she was able to bounce back in the midst of so much adversity and how her military experience contributed to her resilience.  This is a truly inspiring story of how one woman snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by Jayden Johnson, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Group Fitness Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer out of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Jayden will share his personal fitness journey on how he lost 135 pounds naturally.  Jayden will also discuss what life was like being severely overweight and what changes he made in his life to reach his goals. I first heard about Jayden while on facebook.  One of his clients posted her before and after pictures and praised Jayden for helping her lose 40 pounds. Jayden’s story is one of inspiration and motivation.  After listening to Jayden you can’t help but feel the passion and conviction in his voice when he speaks about the importance and benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.  Jayden is one of the most sought after trainers in the North Carolina and after listening to his interview, you’ll understand  why. 

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by the talented actor, Page Kennedy, who appears on Fox TV’s highly anticipated television series, “Backstrom” which airs on Thursday evenings on Fox.  During the interview, Page will discuss his character “Officer Frank Moto”, who is an ex-Mixed Martial Arts fighter who wanted to change his life by going into law enforcement.  Officer Moto is loyal, tough and simple at times and aspires to be a “plain clothes officer” and role model for his son.

Page Kennedy will also share the unconventional way in which he landed his first television role in Hollywood.  Page credits Michael Jackson as being his role model and the reason why he became an actor.  Page will also discuss what it was like growing up in Detroit, Michigan with his family and how his upbringing prepared him for life and made him what he is today.

In addition to being an actor, Page is also an accomplished rapper and during the interview, Page talks about his favorite rapper and the actor and actress he most wants to work with in the future.

Page reveals that although he does play recreational basketball, exercise does not come easy for him but he realizes the importance of eating healthy and exercising and vows to make it a part of his life going forward.

In this episode, I will be joined by Certified Personal Trainer and Registered Nurse, Tafara Liz Muchechemera from Queensland, Australia.  During the interview Tafara will take us on a journey from Zimbabwe, where she was born and raised to where she currently lives in Queensland, Australia.  Tafara left Zimbabwe for economic reasons with only the clothes on her back and a suitcase, hoping to find a better life for her and her family.  Tafara will share the struggles and challenges she endured while being alone and how her only comfort was food.  The loneliness combined with her excessive comsumption of food, caused Tafara’s weight to increase to over 240 pounds.

In an act of desperation to lose the weight, Tafara took the advice of a friend and tried weight loss pills but the pills made her sick, nauseous and unable to sleep.  Tafara will discuss what actions she took to lose the weight and get her life back.  Tafara is now a personal trainer and has competed in various fitness competitions showing off her sculpted physique.  Tafara is truly an amazing woman and this is a very inspiring episode .

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by Mary Solis, Certified Personal Trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and owner of Dream Body Fitness.  During the interview, Mary will share what event happened in her life that inspired her to lose weight and improve her health, and how losing her job after 15 years of service, served as the catalyst for Mary to start her personal training business .  Mary will also discuss her fitness and nutrition philosophy along with success stories from the clients she’s worked with through the years.  Mary reveals that in her earlier years she would never exercise, but now exercise and nutrition has become her passion and she enjoys sharing her expertise with others, especially women 40 and over who feel that they are too old to exercise.  Mary will also discuss what it was like to enter a fitness competition at the age of 47, an age where most women (and men) would feel intimidated to step out on stage in front of strangers and compete against other contestants.  Mary is truly enjoying her life.

In this program, I will be joined by Leonard Viltz, A U.S. Army Veteran and owner of Tenacityshop.com, an online retail store specializing in the sale of motivational health and wellness clothing.  During the interview, Leonard will discuss his experience in the military during Desert Storm and why he chose to leave the military after spending 13 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard.  Leonard will also discuss what traumatic experience and events happened in his life in 2007 that started him on the road to improving his health.  Leonard will share information on his healthy lifestyle and how he was introduced in his teenage years to the importance of saying affirmations and having a positive mental attitude which led to his creation of Tenacityshop.com.  This and much more is in this very informative episode.

In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness Podcast, I will be joined by the vivacious and talented Actress, Denise Boutte’.  Denise appeared in Tyler Perry’s hit television show, “Meet the Browns” as well as in the films “Why Did I Get Married” and “For Love or Money” among others. .  During the interview, Denise will discuss what it was like growing up in a small town of less than 700, in Maurice, Louisiana, and how her day to day chores helped her to stay active as a child.  Denise graduated from LSU with a degree in “Mass Communications”, relocated to Dallas, Texas and worked as an Advertising Executive before moving to Hollywood at the suggestion of a friend.  Denise will take us on her journey to Hollywood and discuss her friendships with Tyler Perry, Lamman Rucker, Shemar Moore and many others.  Denise will also discuss how she manages to balance family life as a wife and mother to a 4 year-old daughter.

Denise also discusses her upcoming films, including her latest project, “Denise’s Dish”, where she invites viewers to learn about good old southern cooking. Filmed in Lafayette and surrounding areas, "Denise's Dish" shares old family recipes and local stories in video segments that last three to five minutes. Nuggets from some segments may end up in Denise Boutte’s first cookbook, which will be released later this year.

An episode of "Denise's Dish," can be seen online at denisejboutte.com.  This was a truly inspiring interview that’s full of advice, wisdom and encouragement for everyone.

In this program, I will be joined by Stephen Jackson, entrepreneur and President of Run Two Live, a 501C(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to Inspire, Support and Encourage Black Men & Women to gain and maintain a  healthy lifestyle through running and walking regardless of athletic ability and running experience.  During the interview, Stephen will take us on his personal journey from being the owner and General Manager of RDZ Media Group, a multi award winning Mobile Social Media Agency that was ahead of its time, and why he decided to sell the company and turn his focus towards creating and operating a not-for-profit organization called Run Two Live. 

Stephen will share how running and changing his eating habits enabled him to lose a significant amount of weight and get off of the medications he was taking for high blood pressure and cholesterol.  Heart disease runs in Stephen’s family but he was not about to let heart disease or diabetes take control of his life.  This and much more is discussed in this very inspiring interview.

During the interview, Kenroy Grant will take us on a journey from his youth growing up in Trinidad, moving to Brooklyn, New York with his family at the age of 10 and eventually settling down in Atlanta, Georgia.  Ken will also discuss his philosophy on health and the reason he became a personal trainer and why he is currently pursuing a degree in alternative medicine.  Ken will also give his advice on how to stay healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In this episode, I will be joined by Dawn Michelle Hardy, Award winning publicist and founder of Dream Relations PR & Literary Consulting. During the interview Dawn will discuss what it was like to prepare and run in the 2014 NYC Marathon and how she manages to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the midst of the day to day stress of running a very successful PR company for self published authors. Dawn will also share tips for authors looking to self publish their first book and the techniques she uses to book her clients on major television and radio shows.

In this program, I will be joined by Abi Begho, founder and CEO of "The Lake Foundation," a not-for-profit health organization based in London, England.  During the interview Abi will discuss the work "The Lake Foundation" is doing to bring awareness to the African and African Caribbean community about the importance of taking care of their health and educating them on what they can do to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases that are so common in the community.  Abi will also discuss how the name "The Lake Foundation" came about and how she uses the name as a tribute to her family members who passed away due to chronic illnesses.  Abi is on a mission to inform, educate and encourage the public to focus on their health and wellbeing because, as Abi stated in the interview, most of these diseases are preventable.

In this program, I will be joined by Jada Hooks-Wilson from Hamden, Connecticut. Jada dropped to 172 lbs after weighing in close to 300 lbs just two years ago.  Jada considers herself “a work in progress”. During the interview Jada will share the major events in her life that put her on the path towards a healthy lifestyle and how she is now inspiring others through her "30 Day Challenges with Jada" Facebook group which grew from a membership of 26 people to 150 in less than 24 hours. Three weeks into the Challenge the group has grown to over 450 motivated active members and more are being added each day. This is truly  an inspiring story of how one woman "snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

In this episode, I will be joined by Madea Allen, holistic chef, culinary and nutrition educator and Founder of "Organic Soul Chef."  During the interview Madea will discuss the many benefits of eating healthy, including what types of foods are best for losing weight and  building mental clarity and concentration.  Madea will also share information about her very popular 8 Step System, Holistic Kitchen Revival” program, health coaching, cooking classes and much more.

In this episode, I will be joined by Actress Carla Renata, star of CW’s Hart of Dixie, which begins its final season on Monday, December 15th.  During the interview Carla will discuss her many exciting acting roles on television and Broadway, including her portrayal of the actor/comedian Gary Coleman in “Avenue Q” and her nomination of the NAACP Theatre Awards for her role in the Los Angeles production of “The Lion King”. Carla will also reveal the roles she most enjoyed playing and what physical activity she engages in on a daily basis to maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle while dealing with a very hectic and demanding acting schedule. Carla recently became a "first" in Hollywood as she appears on four television shows in recurring roles: Shake It Up, Hart of Dixie, How to Live With Your Parents and Mr. Box Office.   Carla will also talk about her early years growing up as a “military brat”, working on the Norwegian cruise line and why her mother is the real inspiration for her pursuing an acting career.  Carla will also give some much needed advice for young people looking to get into the Film and TV industry.

In this Episode, I am joined by Lisa Tanker-Potts, a phenomenal Fitness and Lifestyle Expert and owner of Boutique Body Fitness Studio in Atlanta, Georgia.  During the interview, Lisa will share her philosophy on health and the techniques she uses to successfully transform the lives of her clients at her Boutique Body Fitness Studio.  Lisa will also discuss her signature fitness program “Bikini Camp” which combines proper nutrition, hard work, motivation techniques and determination to help women get into the best shape of their lives and into that bikini.  Lisa Tanker-Potts is a woman on a mission to expand her brand and philosophy beyond Atlanta, Georgia and throughout the country. 

In this program, I will be joined by Rosario Rodriguez, a Certified Zumba instructor from the Bronx, New York.  During the interview, Rosario  will discuss her journey to becoming a fitness instructor and how in her own words fitness literally saved her life.  Rosario will share some very personal issues that affected her and her daughter which caused her to become depressed and gain weight.  It wasn't until she decided to get back to the gym, exercise and change her eating habits, that her physical and mental health began to change and now she is helping others to improve their health.

In this interview, I amjoined by Christopher Daniels, creator and founder of Mr. “Chris’ Musical Experience”.  During the interview, Chris will discuss his journey from being a para professional at a New York City public school to following his passion and creating an “Edutainment” company for children that mixes music and education to add fun and excitement to learning.  Chris enjoys captivating his audiences through song, hip-hop music, storytelling, dance, comedy and team building games. His shows are fun and meaningful to his audiences.

In this episode, I will be joined by Yvette Onofre, a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Personal Fitness Chef.  During the interview, Yvette will discuss what led her down the path to becoming a Holistic Health Coach and the impact she is having in the community teaching families how to get more out of life by strengthening their mind and body.  Yvette is also a Personal Fitness Chef and during the interview, she talks about the difference between a personal chef and a personal fitness chef and how it impacts her clients.

In this episode I am joined by Zhivi Williams, Certified Women's Fitness and Nutrition Specialist and founder of "Leading by Example," a fitness company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Zhivi was one of the featured stories on the Black Weight Loss Success website on August 2, 2014. Zhivi will share her personal journey towards improving her health including her exercise and eating habits after she was diagnosed with a chemical imbalance while in public school.  Zhivi's story is truly inspiring. 

In this episode, Certified Nutrition and Diet Specialist, Orvel Douglas explains the many ways in which dairy is ruining our health and can lead to many chronic illnesses.

In Episode #25, I am joined by Evalina Irish-Spencer, Coordinator of the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Nutrition & Health Programs for Cornell University Cooperative Extension.  During the interview, Evalina will share a variety of holiday eating and safety tips to ensure that we don't overeat and pack on the extra pounds during this very festive holiday season.  Evalina will also discuss the many programs and services provided by Cornell University Cooperative Extension, including the very popular Kitchens of Faith (KOF), a faith-based feeding ministry for churches. 

In this episode I will be joined by Denise and Marsha Torres founders of "Fithers," a secret women's exercise group which was started on Facebook so members can chat, encourage, motivate and support each other's fitness goals. During the interview Denise and Marsha will share their personal journey towards a healthy lifestyle and why they started the “secret woman’s group fithers” and the impact the group has had on their lives and the lives of the 60 women represented in the group.  

In this episode, I will be joined by Rosann Conway, a Wellness and Weight Loss Coach with 20 years experience in the medical field and 8 years experience in the Wellness Industry, educating her clients on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Rosann will share success stories about her clients 'weight loss and discuss the reason why obesity is more prevalent today than ever before and what she believes can be done immediately to reduce the effects of obesity among children and adults.

In this episode, I am joined by Daryl Richardson, professional dancer, choreographer, director, producer, writer, caterer, CEO and Founder of the Me Nobody Knows, a Performing Arts, Enrichment and Literacy Program.  During the interview, Daryl discusses what it takes to be a professional dancer as well as her career on Broadway in such plays as the Wiz, Sophisticated ladies, Can-Can and more.  Daryl will also discuss her film career, touring with Babyface, Earth, Wind & Fire and so much more.

In this episode I am joined by Brie Bythewood, Real Estate Developer, Philanthropist and former cast member of Bravo TV's "Blood, Sweat and Heels." During the interview, Brie confirms the rumor that she is no longer on the TV show, a rumor that was started not by Bravo TV but by some blogger. Brie also discusses the changes she has made in her life since becoming pregnant with her first child, which includes changing her eating habits and exercising in her office.