Live Better Podcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Bryan Jackson, head of performance training at Ascend Performance Global. Bryan is a Nike Master Trainer, Jordan Brand Master Trainer, and performance specialist based out of Chicago, IL. He is known as one of the most sought after performance coaches in Chicago, with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He played three sports in high school (football, baseball, and track & field) and continued his skill in Division 1 football at Bowling Green State University and Indiana State University. After an injury during his football career, Bryan decided to transition into the fitness industry. He eventually developed a training program concept for youth athletes that has evolved into training initiatives used in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto. 

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Putting in the work and always being willing to learn 
2. Helping people realize their full potential and understand that commitment is key to reaching your personal best 
3. Making people feel comfortable and take life into their own hands 

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Bryan how he trains people to live a higher quality of life, never skip steps, and stick to the process to get your desired outcome. 

Connect With Bryan Jackson on Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbjack/ 
• Website: https://www.ascendperformanceglobal.com 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsBJack

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Sarah Russo, holistic certified chef and owner of Love Your Fat Personal Chefs here in Chicago. Sarah, a former vegan, now specializes in therapeutic foods and healing foods that are functional and delicious. Her favorite cuisine is the farm-to-table approach, seasonal-plentiful-relatable. Sarah added animal protein back into her diet in 2015, as she discovered mindful ways to source the "good stuff" in the Chicago area. For the past 5 years, Sarah has been working as a personal chef, recipe developer, speaker, educator, blog contributor.

Sarah is also the founder of organic ice pop company, ITSAPOP and her newest venture, an organic weekly subscription service in Chicago called Salad Club. When Sarah is not cooking or scheming a new concept to launch… you can find probably find her at the nearest farmer’s market, working out (her favs: strength training, spinning, and yoga) or spending time with her family. If this was senior year of high school, Sarah’s yearbook quotes would probably be: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill and “When you have the best sourced ingredients you can cook very simply and the food will be extraordinary because it tastes like what it is.” -Sarah Russo

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Getting curious with food and learning its benefits 
2. Testing to determine your diet and what works best for you 
3. Creating an entrepreneurial lifestyle as a private chef

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Sarah about her mission to help others follow their food journey and discover their ‘perfect menu’. 

Connect With Sarah Russo Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsarahrusso/
• Website: https://www.loveyourfat.com
• Salad Club: www.saladclub.co
• Blog: https://www.loveyourfat.com/blog

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

P.S. - Use coupon code BESTDAYEVER for $10 off your first order from Salad Club! 

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Dr. Alex Orton & Dr. Kolby Ourada, Naturopathic doctors. After graduating valedictorian and salutatorian from the National University of Health Sciences, Alex and Kolby started Haven: a holistic Health Center in Chicago. Haven creates individualized health programs for people to be educated and empowered to know exactly how to optimize their health and heal from chronic illness.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Identifying the causes of toxicity within your life and how to work towards making positive changes within your daily routine
2. Innovative ways that Naturopathic medicine can heal aliments and health issues through understanding the body fully
3. Creating an environment that will allow the body to function at its highest levels

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Alex and Kolby about their mission to help others take control of their health, and create positive habits to allow the body to heal.

Connect With Haven on Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havenchicago/
• Website: https://www.havenholistichealth.com/
• Email: hello@havenholistichealth.com

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Dr. Alex Orton & Dr. Kolby Ourada, Naturopathic doctors. After graduating valedictorian and salutatorian from the National University of Health Sciences, Alex and Kolby started Haven: a holistic Health Center in Chicago. Haven creates individualized health programs for people to be educated and empowered to know exactly how to optimize their health and heal from chronic illness.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Identifying the causes of toxicity within your life and how to work towards making positive changes within your daily routine
2. Innovative ways that Naturopathic medicine can heal aliments and health issues through understanding the body fully
3. Creating an environment that will allow the body to function at its highest levels

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Alex and Kolby about their mission to help others take control of their health, and create positive habits to allow the body to heal.

Connect With Haven on Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havenchicago/
• Website: https://www.havenholistichealth.com/
• Email: hello@havenholistichealth.com

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Carmen DelMastro, Sports Performance Specialist and Certified Functional Strength Coach. Carmen found his dedication to fitness and health as a Division I baseball player at Temple University, leading to a short stint as a professional player. Now, Carmen dedicates his time to educating clients and athletes alike on the proper techniques and training methods. Carmen trains clients privately online and at On Your Mark studios in Chicago.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Staying motivated and keeping yourself on track 
2. Having patience in training and learning to start with the basics
3. Continuing growth and education

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Carmen how he turned his athletic experience into a lifestyle by becoming a top trainer in Chicago. 

Connect with Carmen DelMastro on Instagram and train with him today: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nooch_13/?hl=en 
• Train with Carson: https://www.trainerize.me/profile/theacademy/Carmen.DelMastro 

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Tyler Ray, CEO and Head Coach of Project Pure Athlete. Tyler is a vertical jump expert, strength coach and former professional dunker and Team Canada track athlete with a 48” vertical jump. Tyler coaches athletes of all levels all over the globe to jump higher and be better athletes.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. The journey of dunking a basketball and how to jump higher
2. The mental side of pushing your mind and body beyond boundaries 
3. Combining passion and business to living a life worth living
4. Being fearless: Putting the fear of failure aside in order to succeed  

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Tyler his journey on combining his love for education and athleticism. Tyler has made it his life’s purpose to help others jump higher, be a better athlete.

Connect with Tyler and PPA on Instagram and sign up for a jump program:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpureathlete
• Any questions for Tyler? Email projectpureathlete@gmail.com
• Check out his jump programs here: https://projectpureathlete.com/shop/
• FREE 10-page jumper guide: https://go.projectpureathlete.com/optinpath

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with James Silvas, Speaker and Performance Coach. James is a Mindset Specialist with over 13,000 hours of training experience working with high performing teams at Nike, Caesars, MGM & ADT. He is the founder of the Be That 1% movement, a movement, and brand that inspires others to be the one that lives life on their terms, overcome obstacles and do what 99% won’t.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Getting to where you want to go in life, and taking those first steps towards that vision
2. Understanding your purpose and aligning your values to become the best version of yourself
3. Creating a growth mindset to take action in your life to pursue your goals 

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with James about his mission to help others find their passion and break through their fears, and how his upbringing got him to where he is now. 

Connect With James Silvas on Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_silvas/
• Website: https://www.jamessilvas.com/homepage#home
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethatonepercentshop

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Emily Hutchins, Owner, On Your Mark - Performance enhancement specialist, Corrective enhancement specialist, Nike Master Trainer and Nike Run Club Coach.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Getting your foot in the door in the fitness industry
2. Hustling for the right reasons 
3. Trying new things and redefining your purpose 
4. Training clients based on what THEY need 
5. Leading a positive, team-effort culture in business

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Emily Hutchins her journey from a three-sport athlete to becoming a performance enhancement specialist, Nike Master Trainer and Nike+ Run Coach and her philosophy on training hard, but smart.

Connect with Emily Hutchins on Instagram and take a class at On Your Mark:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em.hutchins/
• Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/insidethehuddleoym/
• On Your Mark: http://oymtraining.com/
• Recommended Products: Hyperice ; Vertimax

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Emily Hutchins, Owner, On Your Mark - Performance enhancement specialist, Corrective enhancement specialist, Nike Master Trainer and Nike Run Club Coach.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Getting your foot in the door in the fitness industry
2. Hustling for the right reasons 
3. Trying new things and redefining your purpose 
4. Training clients based on what THEY need 
5. Leading a positive, team-effort culture in business

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Emily Hutchins her journey from a three-sport athlete to becoming a performance enhancement specialist, Nike Master Trainer and Nike+ Run Coach and her philosophy on training hard, but smart.

Connect with Emily Hutchins on Instagram and take a class at On Your Mark:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em.hutchins/
• Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/insidethehuddleoym/
• On Your Mark: http://oymtraining.com/
• Recommended Products: Hyperice ; Vertimax

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week speaking about the ability to adapt during unprecedented times, businesses challenges, and feelings experienced during quarantine.

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Promoting optimism and a strong mindset
2. Making an impact during a crisis.  
3. Pivoting a business or career by adapting to current times 
4. Reflecting and working on your business instead of in it 

If you've lost focus and want to recenter your intention, listen in. What other good can you refocus on? To help yourself? To help others? How can you actively use your current standing to help others you may be in a different situation than you are? 

Join us in helping empower our youth and inner city kids at Chicago Public schools by making a donation. 

Re-focus and find your intention with our 5 day kickstart program and download our FREE week of meditation. 

• Donate: www.livebetterco.org/donate
• 5 Day Kickstart Program: www.livebetterco.org/5daykickstart
• FREE Week of Meditation: livebetterco.org/meditate

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Cynthia Kane, certified meditation and mindfulness instructor, Founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute and best selling  author of How To Meditate Like a Buddhist,  How To Communicate Like A Buddhist and Talk To Yourself Like A Buddhist

In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:

1. Purposeful, helpful and concise communication 
2. Speaking to others in an honest, kind and helpful way
3. Changing your communication to lead a more empowered life
4. What your own meditation practice says about you
5. Listening and reflecting on the way you interact with others

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Cynthia Kane how she made it her life’s purpose to help you change how you communicate with yourself, others, and your environment to enhance the quality of your relationships – your life.

Connect with Cynthia Kane on Instagram and by taking her FREE online masterclass:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cykane1/?hl=en
• Website: cynthiakane.com
• Masterclass: https://intentionalcommunicationcertification.mykajabi.com/intentional-communication-challenge
• Get her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.account.AFJPPOYAQH56R5PQ44CB2YKZJZUA/2QBGMMQ8Z62MQ?type=explore&ref=idea_cp_vl_ov_d

Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Ben Patrick (“Knees Over Toes Guy”), coach and founder of the “Athletic Truth Group” a gym and online training service.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Ben Patrick how he made it his life’s purpose to figure out how to bulletproof his body against pain and injury after 10 years of chronic knee pain. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
In this episode we breakdown the secrets to:⁣⁣
⁣⁣
1. Going from a 19” to a 40” vertical⁣⁣
2. Playing basketball pain free after 10 years of chronic knee pain⁣⁣
3. Why training your knees over your toes with perfect form will lead you to stronger knees and the ability jump higher   ⁣⁣
4. Making everyday better than the day before (the best day ever!)⁣⁣
5. Fixing the root of any problem and finding success through consistency ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Connect with Ben Patrick on Instagram and his website:⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekneesovertoesguy/⁣⁣
⁣⁣
ATG: Athletic Truth Group Coaching: https://atgonlinecoaching.com⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Rate our podcast: www.livebetterco/rateourpodcast

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Sam Tooley, Online Endurance & Mindset Coach and Owner of Alpha Fit Club.

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Sam Tooley his journey becoming a successful gym owner, online endurance and mindset coach, the Alpha Mindset and how he empowers others through his personal transformation.

For resources and more information on Sam and Alpha Fit Club, check out his instagram at @coach.samtooley

This podcast episode is brought to you by Vital Proteins, grass-fed collagen peptides. Vital Proteins helps people feel better and live fuller lives through sustainably-sourced nutrition products, promoting health, fitness and natural beauty. Try our favorite products at Vital Proteins today.

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with David Reavy Founder of React PT!

David Reavy, PT, CEO and Founder of React Physical Therapy and creator of the Reavy Method. He's been featured in Sports Illustrated, Men's Health, O The Oprah Magazine and more. Reavy  is Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. He gets the opportunity to work with members of our Chicago community as well as top athletes such as Alshon Jeffery during his latest Super Bowl appearance.)

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with David Reavy his journey in becoming a physical therapist, the Reavy method and his experience working with top athletes.

For resources and more information on David and React Physical Therapy, check out our website, instagram, facebook and our youtube page.

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Liquid I.V. CEO and Founder, Brandin Cohen!

Liquid I.V. has been Brandin’s entire life since he started the company in 2012 when he was 24 years old. Today, Liquid I.V. has sold over 100 million servings of their breakthrough Hydration Multiplier product, donated over 2 million servings to people in need around the world, and built an incredible team dedicated to their mission of Changing The World and helping people everywhere live better lives.

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Brandin the importance of hydration, Brandin’s entrepreneurial journey, the mission of Liquid I.V. and their current COVID response initiative putting Liquid I.V. sticks into the hands of those who need it the most.

Learn more about Brandin Cohen on Instagram @brandin_cohen, his YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/brandincohen  and head to Liquid I.V. to grab a multiplier pack: https://liquid-iv.com/collections/featured

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Tiffany Louise, Life + Relationships Coach and Author of THIS YEAR I WILL.

Tiffany Louise, LCSW, is a professional coach and speaker specializing in cognitive and behavioral change. She is the author of This Year I Will…: A 52- Week Guided Journal to Achieve Your Goals. She is a contributor to various publications including SHAPE, Women’s Health, The Huffington Post, and Fox News.

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Tiffany the importance of creating healthy relationships (with yourself and others) and why it is the key to unlocking your own happiness and well-being.

Learn more about Tiffany Louise on Instagram @tiffany.louise, her website https://www.tiffanylouise.com/  and head to Amazon to  grab a copy of This Year I  Will...:  https://amzn.to/2XyDROK

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Peter Dunn aka Pete The Planner, CEO and Founder of Your Money Line and Hey Money.

Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner® is an award-winning comedian and an award-winning financial mind. He’s a USA TODAY columnist and the author of ten books, six of which were featured in a nationwide launch at Barnes & Nobles stores in January of 2015. He is the host of the popular radio show and podcast The Pete the Planner Show. Pete has appeared regularly on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Fox Business as well as numerous nationally syndicated radio programs. In addition to his work educating the public, Pete is also the CEO and Founder of Your Money Line and Hey Money. Your Money Line is a corporate financial wellness solution connecting employees to confidential, unbiased financial guidance. Hey Money is a direct-to-consumer monthly subscription that connects people to friendly financial experts. Pete lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife and two young children.

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Peter the importance of financial well being, making sure your values match your actions, building a stability plan, reducing unnecessary expenses and the financial impact of COVID-19.

Show notes:

• [01:30-10:00] - Welcome Peter Dunn!
• [11:45-16:45] - Abundance philosophy vs. scarcity philosophy 
• [17:00-19:00] - The importance of mindset, doing what you love and the economic reality of doing what you love
• [20:00-23:15] - People who have been greatly financially impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown, people who haven’t been affected yet but could be soon, and people who currently have stability during the pandemic
• [23:30-30:00] - Reducing expenses, the “ideal” household budget and spending percentages (what you value versus what you tell your friends)   
• [32:00-33:00] - The minimalism culture and putting your money towards thing you value without compromising your stability (the value based judgement) 
• [33:00-37:30] - Building a stability plan around starting a family and buying a home
• [38:00-40:00] - The old mentality of renting and why renting is not a bad thing!
• [40:00-45:00] - The realities of financial education + why you shouldn’t be a victim of predatory lending 
• [47:00-50:00] - Best practices and tips for teaching our youth the importance of saving money
• [58:00-1:00:00] - Resources from Pete: Your Money Line + Hey Money
• [1:01:00-1:02:00]: Pete’s Best Day Ever (involving physical activity, helping people with their financial problems, fishing, watch crappy TV shows and drinking wine!)
• [1:03:00-End] - Learn more about Peter Dunn at his website at https://petetheplanner.com/

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with Andy Lederman Founder + CEO of Bucket Listers. 

Fueled by a passion for adventure and frustrated by the void of a reliable source to find great things to do, Andy started Chicago Bucket List to keep track of the best experiences in the city to share with family and friends. Shortly thereafter, friends of friends began to follow and soon the community was in the tens of thousands. Recognizing the mega-trend of discovery moving to social, Bucket Listers seized the opportunity to expand and has become the trusted source for experienced hungry millennials looking for new and unique things to do around the world. Today Bucket Listers curated guides reach millions of explorers and inspire adventures-big and small-every day.

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with Andy Lederman how he turned his side hustle into a reality and became a strong business leader by always keeping an eye on the North Star.

Show notes:

• [01:30-8:00] - Welcome Andy Lederman!
• [8:00-13:45] - Bucket Listers core values - we believe experiences shape who you are
• [14:00-16:00] - Starting on Instagram, growing through TikTok and Facebook and never sacrificing on quality 
• [16:00-17:00] - Sales vs. Content - what it means to be “Bucket List” worthy 
• [19:00-20:00] - The challenges of running and growing a business, people and hiring
• [23:00-25:00] - The maturation period of loyalty 
• [26:00-28:00] - Andy’s bucket list, treating everyday like an adventure  
• [29:00-31:00] - Life comes in waves, taking advantage of being in flow state and ebbs and flows in energies 
• [35:00-38:00] - Finding your purpose, trying new things, being inspired by role models and leaving a legacy 
• [40:00-44:00] - Growing on TikTok, thinking about what’s next and testing new strategies
• [44:00-45:00] - Andy’s Best Day Ever, tropical destinations, surfing and workshopping your dreams  

[45:40-End] - Learn more about Andy Lederman and Bucket Listers on Instagram at @leder_man and @bucketlisters and their website at bucketlisters.com

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week with David Carson. David Carson is a Nike Master Trainer, Jordan Band trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and EXOS Performance Specialist. He is also the CEO of 24Life Sport and Performance Training. As a former professional basketball player, David has over 10 years of experience in the field, working with clients extending from professional athletes, including NBA and MLS, to the veteran weekend warrior looking for an edge. 

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss with David Carson what it means to show up every single day - for yourself and for others - and what it means to give 110%. David goes into his story of becoming a coach and how his upbringing shaped the coach who he is today.

Show notes:

• [01:30-8:00] - Welcome David Carson!
• [8:00-15:55] - David’s story and overcoming adversity 
• [16:00-19:00] - Life altering injuries + taking away the ego 
• [19:00-20:00] - Mental versus physical change 
• [20:00-21:10] - Training NBA players, for the love of basketball and using your gift to help others. 
• [21:10-24:40] - David and his Mom - making everyone in a room feel special and the importance of continuous improvement and lifelong learning 
• [24:40-30:00] - Buying into 100% of what you are doing 
• [30:00-32:00] - Playing hard and giving everything you have - without leaving anything in the tank. The locked in mentality and loving what you do.
• [32:00-34:00] - Finding your WHY
• [34:42-36:00] - Going for it, The Alchemist, and pouring your ALL into everything 
• [36:00-46:00] - Pushing people to the limits of potential and improving the healthcare continuum especially in the black community 
• [47:00-48:00] - Showing kids their true limits and full potential (both physically and mentally) through coaching 
• [49:00-52:00] - What it means to be a coach, and the responsibility of a coach
• [52:00-55:00] - Giving back to our youth! They are limitless, and molds of clay and the impact a coach can have in the youth is like no other. 
• [55:00-57:00] - David's Best Day Ever: Training and teaching kids who have never trained before, training sessions with CEOs and founders, speaking and sharing his story, constantly growing and challenging himself to be a better person
• [57:45-End] - Learn more about David on Instagram at @24lifedc, at On Your Mark through Game Changers Kids Training Program and his website DavidCarson24life.com 

Live from the Live Better recording studio! Bret and Jason are here this week on the Live Better podcast talking about rituals. Last episode of the series we chatted about morning and evening rituals and today’s focus is going to be on mid day or daytime rituals. 

Listen in as Bret and Jason discuss their own mid day or daytime rituals, what they are working on implementing (like meditation + working out!) and how these rituals have up-leveled their day to-day clarity and productivity while also decreasing stress and anxiety.

Show notes:

• [01:30-2:15] - Mid day rituals (vs. routines) 
• [2:24-10:30] - Meditation + longevity (Bret’s daytime ritual)
• [10:30-13:00] - Taking care of your oral health + pain tracing 
• [13:00-14:00] - Creating space for yourself through meditation 
• [14:00-16:00] - Being proactive with daily routine to improve longevity  
• [16:15-16:35] - Decreasing chronic stress + decision making 
• [16:45-18:00] - Becoming a beginner at your own meditation practice 
• [19:00-21:45] - Sleep cycle + restorative rest (Jason’s daytime ritual)
• [21:55-24:30] - The power of the nap + prioritizing a shut-down break
• [26:00-27:30] - Your circadian rhythm and the importance (necessity) of taking a break
• [28:00-29:00] - Creating your own boundaries and respecting others schedules 
• [30:00-31:00] - Instead of stress, let’s remind ourselves to take a break and get back to being in charge of how we feel and handling stress
• [31:00-32:30] - Eat lunch outside, take a break, go for a walk, eat lunch with a friend, listen to a podcast, listen to music, do a midday workout - take that break!