Preserving and promoting Florida's rural landscape and ranching heritage by sharing forgotten and little known history along with interviews, stories, and cowboy poetry capturing the lifestyle of both historical and contemporary cowboys in the Sunshine State.
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Monika is a powerhouse who helps driven individuals achieve more with less stress, less grinding, and less complexity. As a solo immigrant from Poland to the US, Monika's journey from nanny to personal trainer, bodybuilding competitor, and thriving business owner exemplifies her grit and focus. Today, she leads a thriving online business, guiding clients to their goals. Monika's approach is about simplicity and efficiency. She's a master at zooming out and taking a big picture approach, ensu ...
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What is happiness? How do we find it? Why do some people seem happier than others? Is it really possible to live a happy life? The Happiness Happens podcast is your weekly dose of motivation and inspiration to help you learn how to live on purpose, and find your inner peace so you can live a happier life. Each week, I bring on soulful, expansive and industry-leading guests to help you uncover what happiness is, and tangible ways to transform your mindset and ultimately your life. Connect wit ...
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208. Behind the scenes of sprint month: what changed when we focused for four weeks. Chat with participants.
1:23:24
1:23:24
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1:23:24In this episode, I sit down with a few of the Sprint Month participants to talk through what changed for them during this challenge. You’ll hear real examples of what momentum looked like: clearing six bags of clutter, deleting over three thousand photos, and reaching inbox zero after months of backlog. Some participants shared surprising personal …
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190. The Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026; with Jim McAlister
1:07:15
1:07:15
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1:07:15Since its inception in 1993, the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee has remained dedicated to preserving Florida's cow culture as well as its Cow Hunter and Cracker heritage. In addition to organizing and executing countless cattle drives and trail rides, the FCCPC works tirelessly to celebrate the unique and foundational role that cattle h…
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207. Perfectionism, pressure, and… peace: Ala’s story of reclaiming control through BBM and Sprint Month
1:05:09
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1:05:09This week, I’m joined by Ala (Alicja), a BBM client from Poland who made a bold move and reached out right after hearing me on a podcast. She didn’t wait. She didn’t overthink. And that one decision created a complete shift in how she trains, works, and lives. Ala came to BBM after years of doing intense workouts like CrossFit that left her with a …
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206. When you’re busy, drained, and still not where you want to be (solo episode)
24:43
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24:43In this solo episode, I’m talking about something I see all the time—women who are constantly in motion, always doing, always busy… but somehow still not getting the results they want. It’s not a time issue. It’s a focus issue. Here’s what I’m getting into: • How being busy without direction keeps you stuck • What lack of structure actually costs y…
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189. The Swamp Fox of the Confederacy: Capt. John Jackson Dickison, one of Florida's Forgotten Figures
1:02:52
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1:02:52Florida's role in the War Between the States is easily and often overlooked. She was third behind South Carolina and Mississippi to secede from the Union. While the battles fought on her soil never rose to the level of those farther north in the main theater of war, Florida's supply and defensive roles were critical to the Southern cause. As easily…
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205. From 100 freestyle workouts to seeing results with BBM within 4 weeks, how Marie-Luise, a professional opera singer, reshaped her body and confidence with Monika’s method.
1:12:42
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1:12:42This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Marie-Luise, a professional opera singer from Germany who made a bold move after doing 100 solo workouts that led nowhere. She had already been performing a major role- twice. The first time, she promised herself she’d get in better shape for the second round. So she trained consistently… but when she stepped…
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188. Sugar & Spice Farms: Focused on Faith, Family, and Farming in Florida; with Francis Wilson Adams, Donia Adams Roberts; and Jayna Adams Smith
1:00:12
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1:00:12Florida is full of fascinating stories and people that can only be found when you get off the beaten path, leave the coastlines behind, and get out in the rural backcountry that makes our state so special. It's this "other land" where you'll find hidden gems like Sugar and Spice Farms, a multi-generational glades family who care deeply about Florid…
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204. How years of Monika’s coaching + BBM training helped Michele navigate pregnancy and motherhood in her 40s with game-changing mindset shifts and lasting consistency
1:24:02
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1:24:02This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Michele Silver, who first joined BBM years ago and has experienced it all—pregnancy, postpartum, and now life as a busy mom balancing fitness, work, and everything in between. From starting with just the app to now training live multiple times per week, Michele shares how her approach to consistency, accounta…
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203. That thing that keeps you stuck (solo episode)
43:13
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43:13If you’ve ever felt like success comes easier to others- like they’re building, growing, and winning while you’re stuck in the same place- this episode is for you. Because the truth is, it’s not about talent, luck, or even having the perfect plan. It’s about keeping your word. When you say you’re going to do something and don’t follow through, you …
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187. Staring Down a Freight Train: Florida Ag, Politics, and Culture In Early 2025; with Sam Phares
54:55
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54:55Trains have long played a significant role in shaping the face of Florida dating back to when Henry Flagler laid the first tracks. Today, it feels like agriculture and much of our old Florida culture is tied to those tracks staring into the lights of a metaphorical runaway train of growth and development. In this episode, we look at some of the cul…
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202. 3 years of growth: here’s what no one tells you about leveling up (solo episode)
37:01
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37:01This week, I’m doing a solo episode to break down what’s changed in my life over the past three years since starting this podcast. No fluff, just lessons from taking action, adapting, and building a life that I love. I’m sharing: Action over perfection: how I stopped overthinking and started making moves. Building real freedom: the shifts that took…
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201. From watching to doing: how Karolina went from doubting herself to lifting, walking, and thriving with BBM
44:37
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44:37This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Karolina D’Angelo, a BBM member who went from watching on the sidelines to fully committing to her fitness journey. After years of starting and stopping, she finally took the leap—and what started as a simple walking challenge turned into a complete mindset and lifestyle shift. We dive into what changed this …
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186. From Cutthroats and Cattle Thieves To Cowhunters and Conservationists; with Jamesie Johnston
1:29:58
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1:29:58This week we sit down with James Johnston to explore the rich Celtic herding heritage that helped shape Florida's foundation and still helps forge her future. We also cover the new knowledge Jamesie gained about Florida this week as he spent several days with us exploring what lies Between The Beaches from the ranch down to the lower Everglades. Ad…
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200. How business coaching helped Clara stop overthinking, take action, and fully step into the role of a confident, self-aware business owner.
1:02:48
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1:02:48This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with Clara Lima, a long-time BBM client who worked with me in fitness for years before coming to me for business coaching. For over a year, she was “building a business,” but in reality, nothing was actually moving forward. She wasn’t making progress- not because she didn’t have a vision, but because perfectio…
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185. Reminiscing With The Redditt Family: A Look Back At Early Life In East Central Florida
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44:27This week's episode offers a glimpse back in time to turn of the century Florida living with all of its challenges and simple joys. Special thanks to Mr. Phil Redditt for sharing his family's story with us. Things weren't always easy, but there was always a strong sense of community and a respect for the land. These are our roots and what built Flo…
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199. Ditching generic classes for BBM: how Monika’s accountability helped Jayna develop the self-awareness to break the cycle of quitting and coming back
55:57
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55:57This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Jayna Roy, a client I first met back in 2017 when she walked into my fitness studio. Since then, we’ve had a journey full of starts, stops, comebacks, and growth—and in this episode, Jayna gets real about all of it. We dive into what it’s like toquit and come back—not just once, but multiple times. If you’re …
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184. Florida, We Love You Long Time!
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1:13:13In spite of hurricanes, high prices, and other challenges, these days everyone seems to be in love with the Sunshine State because they keep flocking in here like moths to the flame. But there's a big difference between lust or fake love and a deep, abiding love. On this week's episode, we feature essays by various conservationists from across Flor…
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183. Enduring Love For Florida: A New Generation Is Carrying The Torch; with Mary-Margaret Hardee, co-host Herding Her Story
1:04:48
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1:04:48A lot of our conversations and interviews on this podcast revolve around the elder generation sharing their history and heritage in Florida, but this week we're turning to the younger generation to get their outlook and thoughts on our beautiful state. Mary-Margaret Hardee is a 7th generation Floridian who's passionate about Florida agriculture and…
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198. Motherhood in your 40s: how Basema dropped 40 pounds, recognized the behaviors holding her back, and, with Monika’s help, found success through accountability
1:04:39
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1:04:39This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Basama, a longtime client who started working with me back in 2009. In this open and deeply personal conversation, we dive into some of the biggest challenges she’s faced- and overcome- with a focus on mental health, motherhood, and self-awareness. We talk about: • Mental health: Specifically, how having some…
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[REBROADCAST] 125. Good Horses To Ride: A Conversation With Mr. Ham Brown
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59:38NOTE: While we didn't necessarily intend to start the year with a rebroadcast, we couldn't pass on the opportunity to share this insightful conversation with Mr. Jerry Lee "Ham" Brown from back in March 2023. Ham probably knew and forgot more about horses than most people will ever learn and he shared some great stories in this episode of the podca…
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197. Cardio won’t give you your best body: insights from 18-time marathoner and BBM client Stephanie Monteiro
1:04:38
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1:04:38This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with Stephanie Monteiro, a longtime client and friend whose fitness journey started with me back in 2008. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own fitness, you’ll find so much in her story that speaks to the struggles we all face when life shifts. We talk about: • Stephanie’s evolution from lifting with me to bec…
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182. Rooted In The Old Florida Values of Relationships And Resilience; with Steve Walker of W&W Supply Company of Florida
1:03:10
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1:03:10The Walker family were some of the earliest pioneers into the Lower Kissimmee River Valley and generations later they remain a foundational fixture in the Okeechobee community serving the needs of livestock producers in the area and across the state while also giving back to students via their support of youth programs like the Okeechobee Youth Liv…
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196. Why losing the last 5 pounds isn’t what you think with Heather Hamilton.
57:31
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57:31In this week’s podcast episode, I sat down with Heather Hamilton, who’s been my client since 2011 (yes, over a decade!). Heather’s story is one of evolution—she’s worked with me in almost every way possible. We talk about: • How Heather started with me as a weight loss client and later prepped for a bodybuilding competition in 2013. • What happened…
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181. Reflections On The Seminole Tribe of Florida's Rodeo Roots; with Marty Johns, Dayne Johns, and Tucker Wise
1:14:23
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1:14:23The Seminole Tribe of Florida has a lengthy heritage with professional rodeo. The names of tribal members who've competed across the country at the highest levels is too exhaustive to list here, and some like Marty Johns and his family have both competed within the arena as well as provided the high quality livestock athletes that are an integral p…
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195. Mom of two, teacher, and master’s student: How Jes started training right before Thanksgiving and transformed herself.
53:36
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53:36Jessica reached out to me right before Thanksgiving last year. That’s how I knew she was serious- no one starts training during the holidays unless they’re truly done with their old ways. She almost didn’t do it. A loud voice told her it wasn’t the right time, but a quiet spark inside said, I want this for myself. She listened to that spark. We spo…
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194. A 14-year journey- weight loss, training in person and online and more with Almarie
1:04:32
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1:04:32I’m so excited to share this conversation with Almarie, someone who has known me since the very beginning of my career in fitness. We go all the way back to 2009, when I was a brand-new trainer and Almarie worked at the front desk at Headworks Fitness Center for Women in Brookline, MA. Since then, both of our lives have changed in so many ways. Alm…
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180. Evolving And Expanding With Florida Agriculture: A Look At The IFAS Indian River Research And Education Center; with Mark Kistler PhD, Center Director
46:24
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46:24Join us this week as we enjoy a candid discussion with Dr. Mark Kistler, center director and professor at the University of Florida's Indian River Research and Education Center. Dr. Kistler shares his extensive background, the long history of IRREC, and how they're taking extensive strategic planning steps to make sure the center continues to provi…
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179. A Second Look at the Connection of Cattle and Candy Corn; with Sam Phares
45:57
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45:57Technically, this is a rebroadcast but it's as timely now as it was 3 years ago and we did a fair bit of editing to update our sponsors so it's running as a new episode. In this episode, we take a really deep dive into history to reveal a lot of facts that most folks overlook or ignore when it comes to Halloween. The origins of this celebration wer…
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178. Pre-Election Distraction: Poetry In the Pasture
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39:37Most everyone we know seems to be carrying a heavy load right now and we're all suffering from election fatigue at this point so why not tune it all out for a brief time? Join us out on the ranch under wide skies as we take a minute to relax and enjoy these classic poems.
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193. How Tayler reached the next level: juggling twins, sobriety, and thriving with Monika’s coaching.
57:31
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57:31In this episode, Monika interviews her long-term client, Taylor, who’s transformed her fitness as a mom of twins and a busy professional. Taylor shares how quitting alcohol sparked her next-level results, how Monika’s simple coaching made fitness easy, and how involving her sister, Robbie, and meeting a friend, Bo, through BBM gave her the support …
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177. Frontier Life in Florida: Predators and Perilous Storms on the Open Range
56:23
56:23
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56:23As we continue to work through the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we're using Joe Akerman Jr's book "Florida Cowman" to travel back in time to the days of open range frontier life in Florida when cattle roamed open range and there were no warnings or forecasts for tropical systems. Additionally, we get a glimpse into how c…
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192. Thriving at 38: Darren, dad and busy professional, shares his tips for staying in above-average shape.
1:00:52
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1:00:52In this episode, Monika reconnects with Darren, a client of eight years, for an insightful conversation about how he consistently stays in top shape while balancing life as a father, husband, and busy professional. Darren shares how he manages his workouts while traveling, how he and his wife share responsibilities, and how he makes nutrition both …
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176. After Dark With The Florida Cattlemen's Association Emergency Response Team Following Hurricane Helene
1:17:26
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1:17:26With a slight deviation from our normal formatting, this episode carries the Explicit warning for language that may not be suitable for all audiences as the initial emergency response crew from the Florida Cattlemen's Association gathers around camp to wind down after a long day in the field. We discuss the importance of assisting fellow cattlemen …
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175. True Conservation Is Common Ground Here In Florida; with Travis Thompson of All Florida
1:28:48
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1:28:48Travis Thompson cares deeply about Florida which lead him to creating allfla.org built on a foundation of grassroots conservationists showing up daily to protect Florida and her wild places. There can be no doubt that sportsmen and ranchers have more in common than those things which separate their identities and at that the top of that list is a d…
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174. Florida's Dreamers and Land Schemers- Part Two
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45:56In Part One, we covered Florida's land boom of the 1920's and its subsequent crash. Here in Part Two, we'll be looking at some of the unexpected and unintended ramifications of urbanizing the southeast coast in Broward and Dade counties that manifested with the Flood of 1947 when 5 million acres of land from Lake Okeechobee down to Miami lay submer…
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173. Florida's Dreamers And Land Schemers - Part One; with Sam Phares
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53:59Florida has known more than its fair share of speculators, swindlers, suckers, con artists, and outright thieves all seeking to make their fortune with land. The boom we're currently experiencing has happened before, and we've actually covered it in prior episodes, but this week we're looking at it from a slightly different angle and in much greate…
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191. How Christen took her fitness and mindset to new heights with BBM in a short amount of time
1:02:32
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1:02:32In this episode, Monika chats with Christen Pratt, a client who was initially on the fence about joining her virtual fitness program. Christen opens up about how she overcame her doubts and the incredible physical and mental transformations she’s experienced since taking the leap. Christen talks about how she’s developed a more defined, curvier phy…
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172. Florida Farming: It's Deeper Than You Think; with Wade Purvis and Sam Phares
1:19:01
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1:19:01The vast majority of people grossly underestimate the intricacies of growing produce to feed our nation as well as the significance of agriculture as a national security issue. On this week's episode, we spend time with 2023 Florida Farmer of the Year Wade Purvis having a conversation that provides in-depth insight into growing row crops in South F…
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190. Reflecting on 20 years of immigration: a conversation with her parents and solo reflection.
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19:16In this unique episode, Monika reflects on her 20-year journey of immigrating to the United States during a drive back from a weekend away with her parents. As they travel, Monika asks if her parents have any questions about her two decades in America. The conversation, conducted in Polish, gives listeners an intimate glimpse into their family dyna…
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171. Way Back Wednesday: Stories From Archived Issues of the Florida Cattleman Magazine
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48:04In this episode, we're taking a look back at articles and stories that were featured in the Florida Cattleman Magazine many years ago. The heritage of our cattle culture has oftentimes been encapsulated in the pages of this magazine provided as a service to the membership of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and back issues are now archived withi…
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In this episode of Happiness Happens, I pop in after a brief hiatus to share a few personal updates and big changes. I open up about her journey of living alone for the first time, creating a dog sitting business, and Airbnb-ing my house, which has finally taken a toll on my creativity. I share with you the direction of my content and a mini rebran…
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170. The Stewardship Legacy of JB Ranch In Southwest Florida; with Liesa Priddy
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1:12:26JB Ranch is situated in Collier County in the remote reaches of southwest Florida. The ranch is a stunning mosaic of hardwood hammocks, prairies, cypress domes, pine flat-woods, and more. It's steeped in history and the family has made dedicated efforts to protect a special piece of Florida while maintaining diverse yet sustainable agricultural ope…
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189. From Runner to Lifter: Building the Life and Business of Her Dreams with Tricia
1:06:11
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1:06:11In this episode, Monika sits down with Tricia, a long-term client who has been working with her in both fitness coaching and one-on-one performance coaching. Monika and Tricia originally met in 2013, but it wasn't until eight years later that they began their transformative journey together. During their conversation, they discuss the power of acco…
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169. Florida's September Storms Part 2: The 1928 Hurricane
1:26:06
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1:26:06Join us this week as we cover several chapters and excerpts regarding the devastating 1928 Hurricane from Lawrence E. Will's book "Okeechobee Hurricane." Eyewitness accounts reveal the horror and destruction in the glades area that left an indelible mark on that region and our state as a whole.
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188. About accountability, career pivots, and the power of community with BBM client Liz Salvador
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35:19Are you someone who's seeking accountability? Join me in a compelling conversation with Liz Salvador, a dedicated fitness business owner and longstanding client at BBM. Liz shares invaluable insights on accountability, life pivots, and the journey from corporate America to successful entrepreneurship. As the happy owner of a thriving yoga studio, s…
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168. Poetry From The Pasture: Under The Shade Tree
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40:24If you wanted to know what it's like to hang out under a shade tree in Florida's summer heat surrounded by cows, this week's episode will put you as close to the real experience as possible. Tune in for some great cowboy poetry coupled with bawling of calves as cows call out for them atop an ancient midden mound where the indigenous Belle Glade cul…
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187. Jenny trains only 2 times per week and went from “SpongeBob shape” to hourglass within a year
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40:11In this episode, Monika interviews Jenny, her client of several years. Jenny, a 39-year-old hairstylist and mom of two, initially hesitated to join Monika's BBM program and life training sessions on Zoom because she always hated gym class and didn’t want anyone looking at her and judging her. Jenny's progress is amazing. She now has an hourglass fi…
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167. Independence Day Special: A Look At Florida's Role In The American Revolution
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58:51As we celebrate our nation's birth and independence this week, we take a look back at the role Florida played in those fateful days even before she was fully a state. There's much more here to uncover than most would expect so sit back and enjoy some old history from the Great State of Florida.
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186. Mastering your inner voice: a decade-long journey from weight loss to personal and spiritual growth with Kayla
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43:21By listening to this Monika A Mazur Podcast episode, you will gain tips that you can use immediately to commit to your growth, especially if you are an ambitious person with an all-or-nothing mindset. Monika interviews her long-term client, Kayla, who has maintained a 100-pound weight loss. Kayla shares the strategies that have kept her committed, …
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[REBROADCAST] 102. Teaching Tradition and Serving Up Seminole Culture; with Mike Micco
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55:59NOTE: this is a rebroadcast of an episode orignally published in 2022. It's one that we feel represents some of the best of old Florida out here Between The Beaches and hope that you'll enjoy it while we work on some updates for the show this week. Mike Micco comes from a line of elders deeply committed to the Brighton Community and the Seminole cu…
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