“When I Could Forgive Myself, I Could Forgive Other People” Lisa Condie

Lisa was one of the first people to ever hire me to come and present a workshop at her facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. To this day I am grateful for her belief in my work before I had ever appeared in a VHS or DVD. It was wonderful to sit with Lisa after all these years, and catch up with her and learn about the journey that took her from Utah to Italy.

Lisa shares all her experiences and life lessons in her new book, I Found Myself In Tuscany. 

Lisa shares how after a break-up she went to Italy for a vacation with her daughter, and it was in a split second as she was returning to the United States and decided she would be back – but next time not as a tourist. She went home and sold everything, and with just two suitcases she made her way back to learn the language, learn the traditions and learn who she was. Lisa shares how she managed to strengthen her courage and learn to live without a safety net and fell in love with her life.

Lisa got lost in Italy and found herself.

Lisa shares so many wonderful stories including how she almost became part of a movie while simply trying to find her favorite gelato.

We talk about courage, and Lisa talks about how she reframes courage into, “soul speak” and discusses how she learned how to slow down, get quiet enough to hear her soul whisper to her.

Lisa explains how it was a moment at a coffee shop in Rome when her soul spoke for the first time. "You need to come back to Italy" it whispered.  A year later in Cortona, her soul spoke up again and said that she needed to return, but this time share her experiences with other women who had a longing to find passion and purpose in their lives.

Lisa loves being able to share the magic of Italy with other like-minded women. In this episode, Lisa shares the backstory of what it took to go from dreaming about creating a travel experience for women to turning her dream into reality.

On August 4th, 2014 here life changed as she kicked off the 4th hour of the Today show with Kathy Lee and Hoda. Overnight her small tours became a well-known brand, and her entire life changed once again. Lisa shares how important it was to begin to manage her time, and as with many of my guests, she reveals her morning rituals that enable her to be the best that she can be.

As we wrap up the conversation, we discuss signs and winks from the Universe. I believe signs show up when we seek the good things in life. Appreciate the good and the good will appreciate.

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Lisa is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, now living in Florence, Italy. While raising two children, she enjoyed a career in the fitness industry that spanned 32 years. In August of 2012, she sold her home and most of what was in it, left her business, retired her aerobic shoes, said goodbye to friends and family and headed for Tuscany.

Lisa owns Find Yourself In Tuscany, a luxury tour company, and is the author of I Found Myself In Tuscany, a memoir of her first three years in Italy.

Featured on the Today Show, Lisa was named one of Huffington Post’s ’50 Over 50′, a risk taker who had changed her life for the better. Lisa welcomes groups of women to Tuscany, serves as a travel expert and consultant. Daily and richly, Lisa lives a life that is beyond her wildest dreams! She is a seeker of joy and a believer in serendipity.

I was a fan of Kathy Smith for at least a decade before I met her in person and when we did meet face to face, she was everything I had hoped for in a fitness icon and more.

I have watched how she constantly evolves and continues to stay relevant in the fitness industry, and she continues to carve her unique path on her journey - as she inspires people all over the world to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week's conversation with one of the pioneers of health and fitness – Kathy Smith

1. Are You Mindful or Is Your Mind full? Kathy talked about the shift in her daughter’s mindset that moved her from being a runner to a competitor in the Olympics, one of the big changes was mindfulness. What is one thing you can do to become less distracted and more fully engaged in the present moment? Is it minding your technology, perhaps it is dropping the idea of multi-tasking and attending to one thing at a time – or maybe it is pausing now and then and asking yourself "Am I fully awake?"

2. How would your morning change if you spent a few minutes meditating? Kathy talks about how she incorporates meditation into her morning ritual and how it helps her prepare for her day. How would your morning change if you spent a few minutes meditating? One to Five minutes – start there. It could be as simple as fully paying attention to your breath and following it as it enters and leaves your body.

3. Is there something you have wanted to explore and learn but have yet to take the next steps? Kathy talked about how she loves to learn and is a constant student of life. I often say we can only inspire others to the degree that we are inspired ourselves. Over the next few days carve out some time and research what courses and resources are available to you. Whether it is photography, writing, baking or learning a new language – pretty much everything is available to you - and is all at the touch of your fingertips. If you are like me and already spend a lot of time behind a computer go a step further and see if there are any live or in person classes that you can attend,

4.  When your inner judge Judy rears her ugly head - is there something you do to soften her voice? I laughed when Kathy talked about our itty-bitty- shitty committee and please tell me you have one too? Is there a mantra that you repeat or an action step you do to stop those negative voices – the voices that rarely do anything to help us. My mantra is Be Here Now – as when I am in the present moment my inner Judge Judy has no power.

5. Kathy talked a lot about gratitude, and I am so happy to hear more and more thought leaders discussing this important tool that we all have – just one breath or thought away. Right now, stop, place your hand over your heart say one thing that you are grateful for. Now let that feeling wash over you. Perhaps you can also use gratitude as an additional resource to quiet your itty- bitty- shitty committee - as gratitude and judgment cannot exist in the same space

This weekend I invite you to pick one or two of my Friday Fives from Kathy Smith and don't stop at the end of this podcast but begin to put the inspiration found in Kathy's words into action steps in your own life. That is what I want to happen with this podcast – to give you inspirational conversations on Tuesdays and then drop actionable tips and strategies that you can implement into your life each Friday. Have a wonderful weekend.

"Each One Of Us Has Majesty Within Us" Kathy Smith

Recorded a week before Kathy left for Rio Brazil to cheer and support her daughter Kate Grace in the Olympics, Kathy and I sat down to talk about her past, her present and her magnificent future both inside and out of the fitness industry.

Side note Grace made it to the Olympic finals while also running a personal best. 

Kathy shares how that at a very early age she lost both her parents. It was this tragedy that propelled her into running, and she shares how movement also helped her heal through this challenging time.

We go back to where her fitness career began and how she is always learning, evolving and reinventing both her career and life's journey.

As with all my guests, Kathy reveals how important her morning rituals are. She shares how she spends her mornings and reveals her favorite B.LT (no it is not what you are hoping it is - it's better)

Kathy talks about the power of intuition and shares how she stays in the present so that she can hear the whispers from the world and be open and available to the new opportunities all around her. She reminds us of the importance of not taking anything personally and how we can be rejected, but it has nothing to do with us.

I love that at about 30 minutes in Kathy really begins to dive into the good stuff. She talks about learning to make peace with the fact that not everyone is going to love what we do and how challenging yet important that lesson is to learn.

Kathy discusses the power of gratitude and how she finds time to marvel in the smallest of moments and finds the extra-ordinary in the seemingly ordinary of days.

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Kathy Smith, New York Times bestselling author, has stood at the forefront of the fitness and health industries for over 30 years. She has sold more than 20 million exercise DVDs, and she has been featured on countless media outlets, including The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View and Good Morning America.

They call Kathy Smith “A Fitness Revolutionary” for a reason. Several, actually…

Her new podcast, On Health: The Art Of Living ranked as the #18 podcast on iTunes’ overall New and Noteworthy list, and the #12 best show in Fitness & Nutrition. Its radio-on-demand format highlights the latest research and information on how to lead a healthier lifestyle, break bad habits and instill positive new behaviors in order to have a fit body and fit brain!

With a passion for providing healthy food on a budget, Kathy recently released a protein powder, Kathy Smith Wellness, a formula that is clean, natural, and delicious.

And, Kathy developed a 90-day weight loss app, ReShape. This wellness program offers downloadable workouts, food plans, shopping lists, hundreds of recipes, and is topped off with BrainTap, a brain-based approach to enhancing focus and relaxation.

As a sought-out educational and motivational speaker, Smith has appeared at events for the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and is currently touring nationally with her presentation “The Stress Solution: Train Your Body, Train Your Brain.” She recently gave the keynote address at Edward Jones’ annual Managing Partners Conference in Phoenix and St. Louis.

Ageless Energy, Smith’s latest TV special, aired nationally on PBS. With her “Four Pillars of Fitness Success at Any Age,” she inspired viewers to shift their perspectives on fitness with a series of tools for boosting energy, stamina, strength and vitality.

She’s the mother of two daughters, Kate and Perrie, and when she’s not on the road, Kathy can usually be found hiking or skiing in the mountains of Park City, Utah.

"Be Compassionate, Be Honest, Be Funny" - Gin Miller

To have had the opportunity to sit down with Gin Miller and catch up with her after not spending time in person for several years was such a treat. The minute Gin opened the door to her home it was as though we had seen each other yesterday. She is one of the hardest working, kindest and most authentic fitness icons I know. Here are my five favorite takeaways and self-reflections from this week’s conversation with the inventor of step aerobics and a pioneer in the world of health and fitness Gin Miller

1. Gin talked about the importance of staying grounded: Who or What keeps you grounded? Is there a practice like meditation or deep breathing that you can use to center and ground you?

2. Gin mentioned the importance of human touch – Do you need more daily human touch in your life? Can you give more hugs throughout the day?

3. Gin talked about the importance of Community and being in a Tribe. Who is in your Tribe? Write down the names of the people that you know you could call at 2 am if you needed help. Take some action steps over the next few days to reach out to the people in your Community and let them know how much they mean to you?

4. Gin and I discussed how important it is to share what we know. Is there someone you know that could use your advice, your help, your skillset?

5.Gin talked about the gift of giving unsolicited compliments. Have you paid someone a compliment today? Over the next few days can you increase your compliment quota?

"Remember, When You Don't Think You can Do Something, You Have 9 More Something's Left"

Gin Miller

If you have ever been in a health club, you have seen a step. And if you have ever been in a step class or a sculpt class you have exercised on a step. And if Gin Miller had not gone to Reebok for the 7th time, there would never have been Step.

In this episode, Gin and I discuss the backstory and journey that it took to develop Step Reebok. Learn how Gin had to persevere while burning a hole in her bank account, and what kept her going before her “overnight success."

By happenstance, I was at the first ever Step Reebok workshop in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and in an instant I knew I was witnessing something special. Gin shares how she went from housewife to a household name and how she stayed grounded during her meteoric rise.

Gin shares some of her highlight moments including the day she signed her first contract with Reebok and whether or not you have ever taken a step class, you will love hearing Gin’s laugh again and peeking behind the scenes of step aerobics.

In this show, I talk with Gin my memory of talking with her for the first time at the Reebok headquarters, and I share the best piece of advice she gave me in my career.

Gin discusses the importance of being a part of a tribe and in a community, especially for women. She talks about how we can share kindness and spread compassion outside of the gym, and she discusses her new passion - the pursuit of happiness.

More about Gin:

Gin Miller is one of the industry’s top professionals, best known as the innovative force behind the Step Training revolution – one of the most significant fitness phenomena of the last century. Her concepts and creativity laid the foundation for “step aerobics”, earning her the worldwide reputation as a preeminent fitness program creator and exercise professional.

Gin currently runs her own company, Gin Miller Productions, LLC and serves as a consultant for corporations in wellness programming and fitness product development. Past projects include product design, programming and inbox workouts for Fitness EM – a product developer for the Empower brand of home exercise equipment, available at major retailers nationwide. Gin is actively involved in fitness product and program design and is about to launch her newest creation, the Kushh.

"Small Steps Over Many Days Build More Momentum Than You Think." Jenny Blake

Jenny Blake is quite possibly my favorite millennial that I know. Young at heart, with and old soul she shared so much wisdom this week on how to balance work and recovery, purpose and play. Here are my five favorite questions and takeaways from this week’s conversation with the author of Pivot – the only move that matters is your next one Jenny Blake.

1. What is something you know for sure that you can double down on? Write down your strengths and take a moment to see if there are one or two innate strengths that you could develop and strengthen to help you create a more stable foundation from which to build a life of passion and purpose.

2. Is there a pivot of any size happening in your life right now, forced or by choice? If this pivot brings on a sense of urgency or anxiety can you reframe it in your mindset to view it as an opportunity versus a challenge? And who can you ask to be your accountability partner in this pivot and someone you can both ask for help and have you stay on track and on task which in turn will move you closer to creating a life of possibility and potential

3. Jenny mentioned that her body is her business, how well are you taking care of your business?  I know for me personally that when I take care of my body by feeding it good thoughts, high-quality nutrition and getting the sleep I need that I operate at a much higher level of focus and energy. Is there something in your life that you need to adjust to help you maximize your output? Perhaps more sleep, maybe reducing the amount of sugar or processed foods, or simply drinking more water? What is one small tweak you can make to elevate the quality of what you are putting into your body, be it your food or the nutrition for your mind – your thoughts.

4. Small steps every day will build more momentum than you think. Can you do a 30-day challenge? 15 minutes every day where you pick one small step that will move you closer to your goal or vision. One small thing, everyday and take no more than 15 minutes. I look forward to hearing how you do. Perhaps use the same accountability partner and support each other each day on the pivot journey.

5. With it being January and the beginning of the year it is the perfect time to revisit these additional questions Jenny mentioned on Tuesday:

What does your one-year vision look like?

What is your ideal average day look like?

Who are your ideal clients or community?

What kind of impact do you want to have on others? Don’t need to be too specific –no pressure here

What is working well for your life right now?

"Double Down On Your Existing Strengths!" Jenny Blake

Learn how Jenny Blake came to write her second book Pivot, The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One, with zero dollars in her bank account and how she turned a potential crisis into a pivot. Through self- discovery and research she came to a conclusion that “Pivot” is both gender and judgment neutral. She shares with us how she does not view a Pivot as a plan B, and rather she sees pivoting as the new normal in today’s world.

In this interview, Jenny reminds us to be compassionate as we go through the ups and downs of life. She also teaches us how to stay resilient as we go through times of change and teaches us how to remain empowered by staying in the moment versus looking too far into the future. The latter, which can lead to a disempowered mindset.

Jenny shares her morning routine and how she protects her am hours so that she can create a great day. Her wind up rituals can last up to three hours, and she creates a start to her day that empowers her mind, her life, and fuels her amazing work.

You may be surprised at what time Jenny opens her first e-mail and when she reads her last message of the day. A great habit for all of us to learn.

More About Jenny

Jenny Blake is an author, career and business strategist and international speaker who helps people organize their brain, move beyond burnout, and build sustainable, dynamic careers they love. She is the author of PIVOT: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One (Portfolio/Penguin Random House, September 2016), and Life After College (Running Press, 2011), which is based on her blog of the same name. With two years at a technology start-up as the first employee, five years at Google on the Training and Career Development teams, and over five years of running her own business, Jenny combines her love of technology with her superpower of simplifying complexity to help clients pivot their career or business.

Jenny created her first website, Life After College, in 2005, then released a book of the same name in 2011 that was featured in Target’s 2012 graduation display. She has been featured on Forbes.com, US News & World Report, Real Simple magazine, and has spoken at major universities and top companies such as Columbia, TEDxCMU, Yale, Parsons, MIT, UCLA, Google, Intuit, KPMG and Best Buy.

Today you can find her at JennyBlake.me, where she explores systems at the intersection of mind, body and business. Jenny is a yoga fanatic and avid bookworm. Dogs, dancing, gadgets, writing, traveling, and long meals with friends all make her pretty happy too. Jenny is based in New York City, where she imagines she’s starring in a movie whenever she walks through its crowded streets.

A side note: Jenny is a big reason that this podcast is up is that Jenny shared one of her spreadsheets with me, that contained all her podcast tips. #grateful