Six Weeks To Fitness

In this episode of my Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Jennifer Cohen, best-selling author, performance coach, fitness and wellness authority and entrepreneur.  During the interview, Jennifer will discuss her exercise philosophy, provide fitness tips during the holiday season and discuss her latest book, “Badass Body Goals” The Booty-Building & Waist Trimming Journal is a personal trainer in a book. It teaches you everything you need to know about booty-building, fat loss, and working out effectively to meet your goals, and then provides 10 weeks of complete, guided workouts you’ll use to make outrageously quick progress.  Each chapter comes with a video tutorial that readers can access through HabitNest.com so you can work out with Jennifer Cohen from anywhere.

Early in her career, Jennifer emerged as an influential role model and game-changer for the fitness industry, best known for her savvy, straight-talking reputation and belief in a “no excuse” approach that forgoes the fitness fads and focuses on long-term, sustainable results.  Jennifer has been a spokesperson and consultant for brands including Nike, Weight Watchers, KIND Bars, Polar Heart Rate Monitors, Muscle Milk, Victoria’s Secret Sports and more. She has been named “Greatest 100 most Influential People in Health and Fitness” and “#16 Most Impactful Fitness Entrepreneurs” by Web MD. She was the host of CW Network’s fitness and lifestyle program, “Shedding for the Wedding” and a regular guest on network television including “The Today Show.” Cohen has also been a contributor for publications including Men’s Health, Mind Body Green, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post and more. She currently has a regular column on Forbes.

Direct download: Episode_127_-_Jennifer_Cohen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:59am EDT

In this episode of my Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Jessica Smith and Wendy Bush, the founders and creators of the Kidpreneur Business Expo, an annual event that was created to highlight kids who own and operate a business with the support of their parents and other mentors.  This extraordinary event will take place on Saturday, November 24th (“Small Business Saturday”), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NJ Convention and Expo Center, located at 97 Sunfield Avenue in Edison, New Jersey.  During the interview, Wendy and Jessica discuss in detail, the importance of entrepreneurship for children and how the Kidpreneur Business Expo will not only showcase many businesses started by kids from all over the country, but will also inspire children attending the event to want to start their own businesses.  There will be entertainment, workshops, fashion show, fitness exhibitions, product giveaways (for the first 100 people) and much more.  Take a few minutes and listen to these powerful young women talk about this very exciting event.  For more information, contact Jessica directly at kidpreneurbusinessexpo@gmail.com.  Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Direct download: Episode_126_-_Jessica_and_Wendy_-_Kidpreneur_Expo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52am EDT

In this Episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Shanae Jones, affectionately known as the Hip Hop Herbalist and the owner of Ivy’s Tea Co., a pop culture and Hip-Hop inspired holistic health brand that provides herbal tea and herb-infused honey. She is a graduate of the Sky House Herbal School and The Black UpStart. Shanae became known as the Hip-Hop Herbalist after breaking stereotypes and bringing very traditional herbal remedies to millennials using the trendy and ever-evolving vehicle that is pop culture. Shanae hopes to change the way you see tea drinkers and introduce more African holistic health remedies into the holistic health industry.  During the interview, Shanae will share the many benefits you will receive from drinking her herbal teas, such as detoxification, boosts your immune system, improve gut health and much more.

Direct download: Episode_125_Shanae_Jones_Ivys_Tea.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:40pm EDT

 In this episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I’m joined by Jacque Peppel, a native Floridian, born in Tampa, Florida, a month before Pearl Harbor.  Jacque’s passion is helping people to achieve abundant health.  She is trained as a Health and Wellness Coach, a Life Coach and Spiritual Counselor.   

Most of Jacque’s life she suffered from respiratory and digestive disorders.  Fifteen years ago, she came down with an autoimmune disease which attacked her bones and muscles.  Her pain and suffering was so bad, she had to take sleeping pills to counter the effects of the other pills the doctors prescribed, which kept her awake.  During the interview, Jacque will share what steps she took to heal her body naturally of the disease.  Jacque is now in her 70s and proudly boasts about not being on any medications.  Jacque’s story is one of faith, inspiration and healthy living.  She is very involved with her church and credit’s her faith in God for bringing her this far. 

Direct download: Episode_124_Jacque_Peppel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:21pm EDT

In this week’s episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I’m joined by former Baltimore Raven, Matt Lawrence, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Co-Founder of Lawrence International.  During the interview, Matt will share what it was like growing up in Hartford and Bloomfield Connecticut, two very different sides of the track and how that experience played a major part in shaping his young adult life.  Matt’s role models were his parents, who both have Masters degrees and stressed the importance of hard work and education.  While playing in the NFL, Matt was involved with the Presidential Council for Fitness and Nutrition where he volunteered his time to make a strong impact in the young lives who looked up to him. Wanting to make more of a global impact, Matt attended the Wharton school of business. While there, he was able to gain the critical information needed to build a sustainable business model that Lawrence International has today. Unfortunately shortly thereafter, Matt was sidelined and forced to retire due to a very severe concussion. Matt currently suffers from debilitating conditions due to his TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and during the interview, dives deep into the effects TBI is having on him in his personal and business life.  In the midst of his condition, Matt still remains strong and committed to the organization he and his cousin, James Lawrence founded. You can hear the passion in Matt’s voice as he talks about what motivated him to create the organization and the many opportunities and skills Lawrence International is providing kids locally and internationally. Matt is now an ordained minister and credits his faith in God for bringing him this far.  It was a pleasure interviewing Matt Lawrence and learning about the outstanding work Lawrence International is doing locally and internationally for the youth.

 

Direct download: Episode_123_-_Matt_Lawrence.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:05pm EDT

In this week's episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Pariis Garcia, a professional track & Field super star who runs for the Puerto Rican Athletics national team.  Pariis graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Special Education from St. Johns University. Pariis is also the Brand Ambassador for iON Performance Care and is the creator of a fitness and nutrition blog called “Fit Curls”.  During the interview, Pariis will discuss how she was selected to run for the Puerto Rican Athletics team. She will also describe her rigorous training routine and visualization techniques before a race, and what motivates her to succeed.  Pariis is a strong believer in education and athletics but all of this is second to her love for family and faith in God, whom she credits for her success.  Pariis is young, and driven to succeed.  She is also committed to giving back to those less fortunate, which was evidenced by her support for the people in her homeland of Puerto Rico during the recent hurricane.  Pariis took the initiative and partnered with an Evangelical Baptist Church in NYC and collected donations to deliver to the devastated areas in Puerto Rico.  This is truly an amazing and inspiring young woman, who believes that whatever you conceive and believe, you can achieve.  What a pleasure it was to interview Pariis Garcia.

Direct download: Episode_122_-_Pariis_Garcia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41pm EDT

In this week's episode of our Six Weeks to Fitness podcast, I am joined by Certified Group Fitness Instructors/Personal Trainers, Kristina Lewis-Rodriguez and Cassandra Phifer, co-directors of FITBK, a borough-wide health, fitness and wellness community-based initiative based in Brooklyn.  During the interview, Kristina and Cassandra will discuss their personal journeys into a healthy lifestyle.  They will also announce that on Saturday, September 22, FITBK will host their first ever FITBK Inaugural Awards Gala Celebration at KAI Studio in Brooklyn.  This event (the first of its kind), will honor  leaders and luminaries in the health and fitness industry including fitness advocates, enthusiasts, educators, local government officials, media personalities and local supporters in support of FITBK's mission to improve the health outcome of people of color within at-risk communities as well as immigrant communities in Brooklyn.  The event is hosted by Jennifer Bisram, Multi-Emmy Nominated Television Journalist/Reporter for PIX 11 News.  This year's honorees include: superstars and unsung heroes in fitness such as Trinidadian soca music recording artist and CEO/Founder of AZAFIT, Fay-Ann Lyons; CEO of Just-Train and personal trainer to actor/comedian Kevin Hart, Ron "Boss" Everline; Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer Anthony Gibson; the national organization Black Girls Run Inc.; and Lisa George, Fitness Professional.  All proceeds from the event will help fund FITBK's NO-COST health, wellness and fitness educational programs offered throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

 I really enjoyed interviewing Kristina and Cassandra, as they talked passionately about FITBK's NO-COST weekly results-driven aerobics and core strength training classes and their upcoming Awards Gala Celebration, which is sure to be a MAJOR success and the start of something big.  For more information on the fitness classes or to purchase tickets for the Awards Gala, call 718-940-2200 Ext. 115.

Direct download: Episode_121_-_Kristina_Lewis_and_Cassandra_Phifer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41pm EDT

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.

 

 

Direct download: Episode_120_-_Orvel_Douglas_-_Fruitarian.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:25pm EDT

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.

 

Direct download: Episode_119_RiKishia_McMillan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:29pm EDT

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.

Direct download: Episode_118_-_Living_Your_Life_With_Purpose.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:28am EDT

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!

Direct download: Episode_117_Sis_Bisi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:50am EDT

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!

Direct download: Episode_116_-_Kimi_Walker.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:26pm EDT

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.

Direct download: Episode_115_Vince-Obesity_and_Stress.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45am EDT

1