Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in a small farm town in the midwest surrounded by the three most dangerous cities in the U.S. The dichotomy of cultures across the street showed me there’s no one right way to be, live, think, or do. Rather, it’s important to integrate. The problem with progressive integration is oftentimes that small towns (especially self-proclaimed conservative ones) are vehemently opposed to new ideas. This brings us to the next lesson my childhood upbringing taught me… we have to meet people where they are at. The language and approach I take to problem-solving depend on the individuals involved in the dilemma. By taking the time to clear my mind of how I think things should be or go, I’m able to better connect with the human soul in front of me. Heart to heart allows everyone to walk away with the greater whole in mind.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

While I love this question, I want to begin by saying I believe everything happens exactly when it is supposed to. If I could go back in time and change something, I would not. That being said, one thing that would have been helpful to have realized is nobody needs to give me permission to do what feels most authentic. This may stem from growing up in a small town where being authentic (example: being openly gay) could have gotten you seriously injured or killed. The second thing would be to stop investing life force energy into relationships that aren’t working. Time is our most precious resource and I now work to engage in dynamics where both parties are interested in personal and collective growth.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

That salt, fat, and carbs are bad. Table salt (stripped of all of its micronutrients), inflammatory oils (canola, hydrogenated, vegetable), and low quality processed carbs (white bread, pastries, soda, sugary cereals) ARE bad/worth actively avoiding. Quality salts (Himalayan, Celtic, Hawaiian volcanic), fats (avocado, coconut, raw nuts, and seeds), and carbs (vegetables, legumes, fruits) are valuable and worth actively consuming.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

Chronic knee pain that manifested into years of night terrors. Staying still for too long, sleeping on my side or stomach, and/or having any pressure on my knees while sleeping created excruciating pain which manifested its way into dreams. Every night for years I would wake up crying from awful dreams and debilitating pain. I remember trying to walk down the hall to the kitchen one morning and collapsing in tears on the hallway floor – unable to make it another step. This started my journey of strength and conditioning, rehab/prehab, movement fix, and athletics. The lessons I got from my own pain allowed me to heal myself (especially when the Western medical system failed) and in turn, help heal hundreds of others.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

Continue to nurture and develop my relationship with myself. By learning to say no to people and events, not in alignment with my highest good has given me the gift of saying yes to myself. Instead of solely focusing on my “doing,” I’ve been investing time in my “being.” I’m the oldest I’ve ever been and the clearest, happiest, and most free I’ve ever felt. It’s taken thousands of hours of deep work sitting with my thoughts, unprogramming, reprogramming, fine-tuning, and simply witnessing. The work is not done (as it may never be in this lifetime) but that’s not a thought/knowing that is frightening. Rather, I feel solace in the deeper truth that investing in my relationship with myself directly reflects the relationship my soul has with the greater macrocosm.

What is your morning routine?

I wake up naturally when the sun comes up. Not using an alarm clock and instead attuning to my body’s natural ebbs and flows have been a focus of mine over the past few years. The first thing I do is put clothes on (sleeping naked is optimal for recovery!) and go outside with my pup, Beasley. While he sniffs and does his morning business, I practice deep breathing, give gratitude/thanks, and set my intention for the day. From there, I practice radical presence and run around in nature with Beasley. Hide and Seek is one of our favorite games. When we are both satisfied we head inside and I prepare a hearty plant-based breakfast and get ready to work and train.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

The last year I have focused on trusting divine timing. The concept of divine timing is developing a deeper understanding/knowing that we are exactly where we should be. This life is happening FOR us (not TO us). We may not always understand why things are unfolding the way they are – but trusting in the divinity of the greater picture has been one of the best practices of my life to date. It’s one thing to want/hope/try to force my timeline onto the world. It’s an entirely different thing (read: beneficial upgrade) to know everything is happening as it’s meant to, and my job is to continue to show up in the world with my best foot forward.

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

Brain dumping – step one of any productive session for me begins with getting all of the muck out of my mind. I take out an old-fashioned pen and paper (or notepad on my computer if I’m in a pinch) and write down everything on my mind. To-do’s, long-term goals, desires… nothing is off-limits. A brain dump allows for my mind to empty and be clear to begin whatever task I start with. The knowing that I won’t forget anything (because it’s written down) allows me to focus on one thing at a time without the “noise” of other to-dos running in the back of my mind. Think of it as a computer with 20 tabs running – closing the tabs that don’t need to be attended to at that moment allows the entire computer/system to run faster and smoother.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

Memories, Dreams, Reflections by Carl Jung has an unparalleled comprehensive unraveling of the connection of the inner human psyche and the human experience. While I do use some basic psychological/resilience-building tactics with my clients, a great deal of my psychology degree used to feel as though it was unused… collecting dust in a way an old music box waits patiently for the next time it’s opened and able to spin to the beat of its own 8 counts. I didn’t continue on the career path in psychiatric work because the western model of approach to the “sick mind” wasn’t one that inherently aligned with my inner truth. I worked in mental health and saw first hand how the medical system was quick to diagnose, prescribe heavy drugs, and write off the individual. Most pathologies or breaks in the psyche begin from a unique and intricately woven experience of emotions and trauma. The work it takes to unwind and rewind requires a clear, honest, and open human being willing to connect with another. Carl Jung’s work has given me hope and a greater context to what is possible within the realm of coaching and healing the human psyche.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

“As above so below.” This concept can be understood in various paradigms. In a more esoteric manner, it can be a reflection of the earth and other planes of existence. When brought to a more secular context, as above so below refers to a sort of cause and effect or reflection of the microcosm and macrocosm. I reflect on this often because it’s a reminder that nothing happens in isolation or by coincidence. Through unraveling the greater whole comes an ability to better understand and course correct to a higher alignment.