The Optimal Life

Charla McKinley created the interactive finance curriculum, " Beyond Personal Finance ," which provides money, finance and budget training to teenagers as they prepare for the real world. Connect with Charla at https://bpfclass.com/    

Doug Noll is a conflict mediation and de-escalation specialist who has transformed the lives of thousands of people, including hardcore criminals in maximum security prisons.  He joined me for a conversation about the importance of de-escalation, its under-appreciated value in society, and ways to de-escalate by "listening others into existence."  

Laura Stack's life was forever changed in November 2019 when her 19-year old son, Johnny, took his life after having psychotic episodes caused by "dabbing" marijuana.  Laura joined me to shed light on the dangerous world of dabbing and her mission in honoring Johnny's memory by providing awareness through his 501(c)(3), Johnny's Ambassadors . Connect with Laura at http://johnnysambassadors.org Pur...

Elijah Stacy is a 20-year old man who was born with Duchenne -- a rare muscular dystrophy disease that destroys muscles and typically takes the lives of those affected with it by their mid-twenties.  He joined me for a conversation about the intricacies of Duchenne and his optimistic outlook for curing this disease through gene editing and gene therapy. Connect with Elijah at http://elijahstacy.co...

Dr. Frances Yahia is a consciousness coach, mental health counselor, astrologer and college professor who was born into a cult and freed herself 33 years later.  She joined me for a conversation about her cult experiences and how our lives are often dictated by our subconscious states that are formed at the time of conception. Connect with Dr. Yahia at http://www.dryahia.com/      

Jade Simmons is a powerhouse speaker and world-class concert artist who coaches people on leadership.  She helps high achievers and everyday people redefine purpose through seismic shifts in mindset. Connect with Jade at http://jadesimmons.com  

Dr. Malcolm Brahms is the 101-year old, former Cleveland Browns team doctor who joined the staff in 1965 after performing successful surgery on future Hall of Fame wide receiver, Paul Warfield.  Brahms went on to serve 15 years as the Browns' main orthopedic surgeon and became the best known doctor in Cleveland during that time.   Connect with Dr. Brahm's former orthopedic practice at https://www....

Maria Brito is an award-winning, New York-based contemporary art advisor, author and curator whose client list includes Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs and other high net worth individuals. Connect with Maria at https://www.mariabrito.com/ and at https://www.instagram.com/mariabrito_ny/ Sign up for Maria's weekly newsletter HERE    

Eric Golubitsky and Jeremy Torchinsky are wellness advisors and the founders of Zero Doubt Club , a holistic mind, body and soul coaching consultancy.  They also host the Zero Doubt Podcast , available on most streaming platforms.   Connect with Eric and Jeremy at http://zerodoubtclub.com    

Bolt Brady is a sports handicapper who provides insight, analysis and picks for sports gambling, with a prime focus on NFL games.  He also hosts the "Bolt Brady and His Bro -- Sports Gambling Podcast," available on most streaming platforms. Connect with Bolt at https://www.boltbrady.com/    

Jeremy Sherman is a science researcher and writer on the origins of life and human dynamics.  He joined me for a conversation about his professional journey, including his inheritance, his father's everlasting impact, and his research on people he calls "buttheads." Connect with Jeremy at https://jeremysherman.com/      

Mike Silvestrini is the co-founder and managing partner of Energea, a renewable energy retail investment platform.  He joined me to discuss energy sources, effects on climate, ramifications to society and ways to invest in our planet's most precious asset. Connect and invest with Mike at https://www.energea.com/    

Bernie Moreno is an entrepreneur who created some of Ohio's most successful car dealerships.  He is now running for U.S. Senator in Ohio with a platform focused on stopping socialism and ending cancel culture.   Connect with Bernie at -- Web: https://berniemoreno.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/berniemoreno Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berniemorenoforohio/    

Gary Chaney is a bodybuilding prep mentor and coach.  He joined me to discuss the competitive nature of bodybuilding, the discipline required to succeed, and the common pitfalls that can haunt many competitors.  We also sprinkled in some UFC talk late in the conversation. Connect with Gary at http://instagram.com/mrgneticstrained2you    

Al Cleveland served 25 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit.  It was August 1991 in Lorain, Ohio, and a 22-year old woman named Marsha Blakely was stabbed to death and run over with a car.  Al and three others were eventually convicted for her murder.   Al joined me to share his painful story and how he persevered through life's ultimate injustice. Buy Al's book "3 Strands, 1 Chord" on Am...

Nikki Costello is a holistic lifestyle, health and fitness coach who helps people live a life of resilience and vitality.  Having been plagued by severe pain in her twenties, Nikki has studied and implemented the ELDOA Method -- a health and wellness movement and stretching method that reduces pain in the body.  She is also an expert on gut health and the mental and emotional ramifications that ca...

Dominique Sanders is the boys varsity basketball head coach at Nordonia High School in the Northeast Ohio area.  He joined me for a powerful conversation about coaching, leadership and the culture he has created within his program. Connect with 'Nique at http://instagram.com/nique.physique    

WavyDuder returned to the podcast to talk kicking marijuana habits, producing for MGK, the business and financial side of music, up-and-coming Cleveland artists and a whole lot more. Connect with WavyDuder at 🌊🤘🏽 (@wavyduder) • Instagram photos and videos    

Cynthia Zhai is a professional voice coach and author of the book, " Influence Through Voice ."  She coaches people to speak with impact and conviction so that they can achieve greater results in their personal and professional lives. Connect with Cynthia at http://powerfulexecutivevoice.com and at https://www.facebook.com/influencethroughvoice/      

Kimberley Pittman-Schulz is an award-winning author who helps people overcome loss and grief.  Her book, " Grieving Us ," was a #1 New Release on Amazon in several categories upon its March 2021 release. Kimberley's special landing page for my podcast listeners can be found here! --> http://poetowl.com/optimallife      

Tevis Trower is the founder of Balance Integration , a consultancy focused on helping companies improve their cultures by first improving their leaders.  She also authored the book, "The Game-Changer's Guide to Radical Success."   She joined me for a conversation on why positive corporate cultures are so hard to create and maintain. Connect with Tevis at: Email tevis@balanceintegration.com Web htt...

Thom King is an author, biohacker and founder of Steviva Brands - now known as Icon Foods - which specializes in low calorie, low carb sweeteners (as sugar alternatives) that are keto and paleo friendly.  His latest project is a line of ketogenic condiments known as Guy Gone Keto , and you can purchase Thom's book, "Guy Gone Keto," from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3osoq6i .  He joined me for a co...

Lori Hardacker authored the book, " Dating What The F*CK ," a memoir detailing her horrible experiences in the dating scene for the past 30 years.  She joined me for a candid conversation about her experiences of in-person and online dating, and the potential reasons for her lack of success. Connect with Lori at http://datingwhatthefuck.com    

Jim Hrncir is a registered pharmacist who founded Las Colinas Pharmacy, which provides compounding treatments that are customized to meet each individual's needs.  He is an expert on hormones, thyroid and anti-aging, and he joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about optimizing the body through proper hormone balance and treatment. To learn more, visit http://LasColinasPharmacy.com  

Isaac Kuhlman is the co-founder of REAL Coaching, a consulting firm that helps Amazon Sellers grow their businesses exponentially using proven strategies and tactics.  He also hosts the "Sprint to Profit" Podcast available on most streaming platforms. Connect with Isaac at http://goteamreal.com and at his Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmazonSellerRoundTable/