Kava and Kettlebells

In this episode of Kava and Kettlebells, we share an honest update on our Whole30 elimination phase and what we actually learned about gut health, skin issues, energy, and training performance. This was not about doing Whole30 perfectly or following rules just to follow them. We used it as a tool to identify food triggers, reduce inflammation, and better understand how our bodies respond when cert...

In this episode of Kava & Kettlebells, we sit down with Ben McQueen, founder of Karuna Kava Bar, to talk about life after alcohol, the power of traditional kava, and why real human connection matters more than ever. Ben shares his journey from alcohol addiction to discovering kava as an alternative that helped remove cravings without replacing one dependency with another. We dive deep into the...

What if your shoulder pain isn’t coming from your shoulder? 😲 In this episode, movement expert and physical therapist Eileen Kopsaftis drops game-changing insights on how pain in the body is often misdiagnosed, and how fixing the real root cause (like your ankle!) can resolve years of chronic discomfort. We dive into:• Why treating symptoms doesn't work• The shocking truth about shoulder, bac...

Think you have a slow metabolism? It might actually be *under-fueled* — not broken. In this episode, we break down why **tracking macros isn’t restriction — it’s awareness**. You’ll learn how to build a stronger, healthier metabolism without starving yourself or chasing the next fad diet. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of under-eating, over-exercising, and still not seeing results… this is your...

You’re not broken, you're just overwhelmed by a wellness industry that profits from confusion. In this episode, we sit down with John Engelen, holistic health OG and founder of Joburg Meats, to talk real food, common sense, and the truth about what actually works.🚨 Get 15% off at checkout at www.joburgmeats.com👉 Use discount code: Heidi15🎙️ What We Talk About:• Why the “health” industry keep...

Why CBD Is More Than a Trend—And How This Founder’s Pain Sparked a MovementIn this powerful episode, we sit down with the founder of Flock & Field Naturals to hear how Big Pharma failed him, and how that pain led him to build a clean, ethical, and high-quality CBD and wellness brand that's changing lives one drop at a time. We dive deep into:His personal health journey and the wake-up call...

💩 POOP WARNING!If you’ve ever tried kava and thought, “Wait… is my gut supposed to feel like this?” — you’re not alone. In this video, we spill the tea (or should we say root?) on the real digestive side effects of drinking kava. From personal experiences to gut health insights, this one gets... messy.👉 Watch till the end for tips on how to enjoy kava without wrecking your stomach. 🎯 What We Co...

From Team USA Bobsledder to brain injury survivor — this is William Person’s powerful story of loss, healing, and hope. After nearly a decade competing at the highest level, repeated head trauma left William battling confusion, depression, and cognitive decline. Misdiagnosed and left without answers, everything changed when he discovered hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) — a treatment that helped h...

In this episode, we sit down with Douglas LaRose — Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, humanitarian worker with 15 years of experience in global conflict zones, and one of the original voices in the modern kava movement. We dive into:🌱 The mission of the Kava Coalition⚖️ Why kava is being banned or regulated in states like New York🌺 The cultural roots of kava across the Pacific🛑 Misconcep...

This episode is all about feeling healthy, happy, and free — even while on vacation. We’re diving into how to enjoy your time away without sabotaging your momentum, your mindset, or your energy. Whether you're trying to stay consistent with your habits or simply avoid the post-trip crash, we’re sharing real talk, practical tips, and a bit of our own experience in the water (literally).✨ You d...

Two military veterans. One mission: Replace booze with botanicals. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bob and Mikey — two former service members leading a powerful movement to rethink how veterans (and civilians) unwind, heal, and connect. From combat zones to conscious consumption, their journey into terpene-infused beverages and plant-based alternatives is changing the game.🎙️ What you’ll lea...

Seven years ago, our family’s life changed forever. While driving with our two young kids, our car went under a semi and was completely crushed. No one should have survived… but somehow, we did. In this video, we share the full story of the accident, the recovery that followed, and how it transformed everything about the way we live today. From Heidi’s traumatic brain injury and weeks in neurologi...

Heidi & Charles sit down with Chris Kratom, the owner of NuWave Botanicals and the Elixir Lounge Kava Bar in Houston, TX. Chris was one of the first vendors to really bring kratom to the US in a large capacity and did so with absolute quality and transparency in mind. Chris has been in the industry for a very long time and has a WEALTH of knowledge on the kratom industry as a whole. Don't...

What happens when you mix nightlife culture, bold flavors, and a whole new way to unwind? Meet some of the founders of Thom Fun’s Original — the creators behind what might just be the sexiest drink you’ve never tried. In this episode, we dive into how they started, what makes their beverages unique, and why more and more people are reaching for them instead of alcohol. Whether you’re into innovati...

Heidi & Charles give their thoughts on the recent hearing about the recommended scheduling of 7-OH, the synthetic compound derived from kratom. We give our thoughts on scheduling vs. regulating, the implications of both, and overall the impact this has on the botanical space.

Are you stuck in a cycle of emotional eating—and you don’t even know why? In this episode, we break down why emotional and mindless eating happens, how to identify your personal triggers, and simple, powerful tools to start breaking free from the loop—without guilt or shame.👉 Whether you’re stress-eating at night, bingeing after a bad day, or reaching for food when you’re not even hungry, this vi...

Heidi & Charles dive into when is the best time to drink kava. Before you think, "all the time", hear us out! Kava is a tool, and depending on what you want from it, can be the perfect thing for the perfect time!

Heidi & Charles break down some of the things in the gym NOT to do so you don't become "that" person. Gym etiquette is a must, and being respectful to others in the gym makes it a more inviting and welcoming space. So listen up, and join us on this one!

Heidi & Charles bring Eddie Anaya onto the show, owner of Island Kava Co. This episode hits different! We go into some hard truths about why high performers should be the ones drinking kava, the alcohol culture in America, and being an entrepreneur while serving in the military. Give this one a listen asap!

Heidi & Charles record an episode on site at Kava House Brand kava bar in St Pete at their Hwy 19 location. This episode features 3 separate interviews with staff and brand contributors. In those interviews, we cover what the brand stands for, the kava bar scene itself, and the community aspect that kava & kratom is bringing to the local community.

Heidi & Charles talk about a lifestyle topic we frequently get asked; how do we maintain a vibrant and healthy marriage? Despite what society says, we think its pretty damn easy. Listen as we break down something personal to us outside of the usual kava & fitness!

Heidi & Charles dropped a new kratom intro episode for YouTube, but we got you on audio! We talk a little more on its forms, and also touch upon 7OH and how its misguiding potential users!

What does it take to lead with discipline, train like your life depends on it, and live every day like someone’s watching? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Manny Lamson, a U.S. Air Force officer and 1st Form fitness coach, to talk about what it really means to live with purpose, and build habits with programs such as 75 hard. We get into leadership, physical training, mental toughness, a...

Heidi & Charles break down their staple supplements in this episode. We go over the vitamins, minerals, and extra supplements we have year round and why we choose to use them. Hopefully this helps cut through some of the BS out there in the supplement space!

Heidi & Charles discuss the idea of leaving the "average" lifestyle and leveling up in all areas of life, such as fitness & health, and why you need to leave the naysayers behind you. This might ruffle some feathers, but you know what we are about - real talk!