Conversations in Courage

In this episode of Conversations in Courage , we sit down with Geoff Janey , founder of JET Boston (Janey Elite Training) —a coach, entrepreneur, and father who built a training culture rooted in connection, standards, and real community. Geoff shares how he went from a stable 9–5 to taking the leap into full-time coaching, why he believes we’re “in service, not sales,” and the mindset shift that...

As promised, Ashley recorded a companion audio for those who wanted to go beyond the conversation and see what arises to the surface through the practices of journaling and/ or contemplation.  We recommend you find a quiet place where you can be comfortable, curious, and courageous.  If you're journaling, bring a pen and paper along. (Yes, old school analog!)  If you're choosing to liste...

Manifestation isn’t about begging the universe for a better car. And it definitely isn’t about blaming yourself for every hard thing you go through. It’s about authorship, alignment, and the courage to build a life that actually feels like yours. In this episode of Conversations in Courage , Ashley and Mark rethink manifestation through the lenses of neuroscience, social sciences, and spirituality...

You’ve probably heard the buzzwords: longevity, metabolic health, stress, recovery, and cold plunging- But what does the science actually say? And more importantly, how do we make it meaningful? In this episode, Mark & Ashley sit down with Dr. Rachele Pojednic- scientist, researcher, educator, and creator of Strong Process . Together, they explore the sweet spot where evidence meets embodiment...

Content Warning: This conversation includes descriptions of child abuse and institutional failure. Please take care while listening. Ashley and Mark sit down with advocate and mom Jennifer Baptista, whose son Nathan was harmed at school. After investigations stalled and accountability faltered, Jennifer began pushing legislation to require cameras in Massachusetts' sub-separate/special-educat...

We all say we want to be informed—but what if the constant feed is quietly wrecking our nervous systems?   Ashley and Mark unpack the cycle of outrage diets and dopamine loops : why we can’t stop scrolling, how to build healthier media habits, and what it means to keep yourself well enough to still give a damn. It’s part wellness, part sociology, part marriage banter—and a reminder that attention...

In this two-part conversation, Ashley and Mark sit down with Eliza Nimon- Pilates teacher, holistic wellness professional, and founder of The Unfold Method, as she shares her journey from athlete to teacher- weaving together anatomy, spirituality, health, and lived experience. Across both episodes, we talk about: Eliza’s unexpected path into Pilates and why it chose her as much as she chose it  Ho...

In this two-part conversation, Ashley and Mark sit down with Eliza Nimon- Pilates teacher, holistic wellness professional, and founder of The Unfold Method, as she shares her journey from athlete to teacher- weaving together anatomy, spirituality, health, and lived experience. Across both episodes, we talk about: Eliza’s unexpected path into Pilates and why it chose her as much as she chose it  Ho...

After a year away, Conversations in Courage is back. In this relaunch episode, Ashley and Mark reflect on what’s changed since the podcast began five years ago, and what it means to return with deeper clarity and purpose. They talk about: The tension between desire and infrastructure (and why we almost didn’t come back) Mark’s new Substack, Leaders Are Human and why he’s challenging performance-dr...

In this inspiring episode Ashley and Mark welcome Jessie Alegría, a dynamic entrepreneur, dancer, fitness professional and community builder, to share her powerful story of reinvention and creating brave spaces. Jessie believes that movement (and especially dance) is not just fitness, but a path to reclaim identity and purpose. To connect with Jessie -  Instagram: @jessie_alegria and @hiphoppopup...

In this week's episode, Mark poses the question of why we are so afraid to slow down, both in life and at work. Knowing that innovation and success require time to integrate new thoughts and ideas, what's holding us back?  Conversations in Courage is where we lean into transformation, leadership, and social justice. If this episode moved you, share it with a friend and leave a review so...

Join Ashley and Mark in this episode as they explore how to navigate the extreme concern, fear, and potential trajectory of our country and the upcoming election. They discuss the challenging journey of managing fear and emphasize the importance of being present, staying curious, and maintaining a calibrated perspective. Conversations in Courage is where we lean into transformation, leadership, an...

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Michael James, Corporate Head Trainer at Everybody Fights, joins Ashley and Mark to share pivotal moments and insights that have shaped his approach to life and fitness. He discusses the significance of authenticity, bravery, and a gratitude practice as what should be foundational aspects of everybody's life. Michael advocates for inclusive fitness spaces wh...

She found carve out space for herself  Wanted to see herself and style of movement and music represented in the industry... so she found a way Conversations in Courage is where we lean into transformation, leadership, and social justice. If this episode moved you, share it with a friend and leave a review so more people can join us. For more reflections, join us on Substack! https://substack.com/@...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of grief after the loss of Mark's mom, exploring its non-linear nature and the impact it carries with it...   We also explore how the deep, heartwrenching emotion can be a catalyst for profound transformation and growth. Conversations in Courage is where we lean into transformation, leadership, and social justice. If this episode moved you, shar...

This week, Ashley engages in a conversation with Kristin Ha, exploring the profound effects of activities like journaling and meditation on their daily experiences. They delve into the nuanced interplay between gratitude and life's challenges, underscoring how both facets coexist. Additionally, Kristin opens up about her trajectory in the scientific realm, reflecting on the unique hurdles enc...

In this podcast episode, we delve into Catie Macken's transformative journey, tracing her path from a conventional schooling background to becoming a yoga instructor, astrology expert, and ultimately, a catalyst for change.  Catie reflects on the societal expectations of happiness and fulfillment, challenging the notion of a traditional path and advocating for pursuing what truly lights you u...

This week we spoke with Katie Barrett Brown, a fitness extraordinaire who's been on the Boston scene for over a decade! Katie gives us a peek into her journey- the failures, successes, and ways she learned to follow her instincts to put herself on a pathway to fulfillment and triumph.  Katie's Bio: Katie (KTB) has coached various fitness formats in and around the Boston area for over a d...

Meet Joy, a multi-passionate, talented, and welcoming Speech Language Pathologist and Wellness Pro in the Boston area. In this episode, she and Ashley talk friendship, the fitness industry, and how to create a more inclusive world.  It’s impossible to not love Joy’s refreshing and warm energy!  Bio:  South Florida native turned Boston resident, Joy has been a fitness professional since 2015. She h...

Join us on Conversations in Courage as we start the year with Nicole Derosiers, who will be helping us kickoff our yearlong fundraising campaign, Bold Moves. Discover the inspiring journey of this health and wellness advocate, whose philosophy in fitness revolves around two simple rules: sweat and smile. Tune in for a conversation filled with courage, authenticity, and the joy of movement. #BoldMo...

Indifference upholds the status quo.  That's it. That's the caption.  Conversations in Courage is where we lean into transformation, leadership, and social justice. If this episode moved you, share it with a friend and leave a review so more people can join us. For more reflections, join us on Substack! https://substack.com/@mindandmotion https://substack.com/@leadersarehuman Until next...

Welcome to Part 2!  This week we dive even deeper with Amrit-Sadhana, covering religion, trauma, yoga, Ayurveda, anti-racism and more!  Amrit- Sadhana is a certified trauma informed nervous system coach, herbalist and public speaker. She teaches people how to heal their nervous system through self regulation and shift their relationship to anxiety so that we can show up in the world as our most au...

We are so excited to introduce our first guest in almost 2 years! Meet Amrit-Sadhana,  a certified trauma informed nervous system coach, herbalist and public speaker. She teaches people how to heal their nervous system through self regulation and shift their relationship to anxiety so that we can show up in the world as our most authentic selves. Her passion to spread the awareness that feeling sa...

Welcome back and Happy New Year!  Can you believe this marks the start of 6 seasons of Conversations in Courage?  To have almost 20,000 downloads in 80 episodes gives us an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride for something we created at our kitchen table at the height of the pandemic in hopes that we could create a community of people interested in becoming better at dismantling systems of o...

What can you do with 35 years of leadership experience? Drop lots of gems and knowledge bombs.  Enjoy this solo episode with Mark as he talks about the skills and qualities that are necessary to lead successful teams, and some of the lessons he's learned along the way.  Conversations in Courage is where we lean into transformation, leadership, and social justice. If this episode moved you, sh...