Tag Archives: holistic health and wellness

Episode 46: How Busy CEOs Stay Healthy with Len Komoroski



What happens when two competitive CEOs turn health and wellness into a friendly rivalry? In this episode, host Jason L Smith sits down with former Cleveland Cavaliers CEO, now Lake Erie Crushers co-owner, Len Komoroski, to explore how high-performing executives can optimize their health while managing demanding careers. 

Len shares his journey from traditional sports executive to holistic health advocate, revealing how a simple competition through the Whole Life Challenge — comprehensive six-week wellness program that tracks daily habits across nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness— sparked a deeper commitment to wellness. Through candid discussions about intermittent fasting, advanced health monitoring, and the critical difference between health span and lifespan, Len demonstrates that true leadership extends beyond the boardroom to personal optimization and community impact. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Progress Not Perfection Philosophy: Discover how to build sustainable health habits without the all-or-nothing mentality that leads to burnout and failure. 
  • Advanced Health Monitoring: Learn about comprehensive health services, VO2 max optimization, and preventive testing that can catch issues before they become problems. 
  • Executive Wellness Strategies: Explore practical approaches to intermittent fasting, pescatarian nutrition, and strength training that fit into demanding schedules. 
  • Health Span vs Lifespan: Understand why staying active and healthy longer matters more than simply living longer, and how to optimize both. 

Episode 45: Faith, Family & Financial Freedom with Fred Taylor Part 2



In this deeply personal continuation of our conversation with NFL legend Fred Taylor, host Bryan Bibbo explores mental health, parenting wisdom, and financial education that extends far beyond the gridiron. Discover how a Hall of Fame-bound running back transformed from party mode to purposeful living while building a legacy that transcends football. 

Through candid discussions about gaps in education—from financial literacy to parenting skills—Fred shares how he’s breaking generational cycles while teaching his children to find their own purpose.  

Key Topics: 

  • Financial Education Crisis: Why financial literacy isn’t taught in schools and how this systematic gap perpetuates cycles of financial struggle, especially among student-athletes and young professionals. 
  • Parenting Without Entitlement: Strategies for raising grounded, respectful children despite wealth and fame, including the importance of exposing kids to different paths rather than choosing their journey for them. 
  • Mental Health & Athlete Identity: Anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges athletes face when their physical capabilities begin to change, plus holistic approaches to mental health management. 
  • The Power of Routine & Commitment: How establishing and maintaining disciplined routines—whether in sports, finances, or life—creates the foundation for long-term success and helps overcome the monotony that can derail progress. 
  • Living Present vs. Past/Future: The transformative power of staying grounded in the present moment rather than being trapped by past regrets or future anxieties. 

Episode 42: Physical Returns on Your Wellness Investment



Are you treating your body like a neglected asset instead of your most valuable investment? In this enlightening conversation, host Jason L Smith reconnects with his personal functional medicine coach, Dr. Kasia Hrecka, PhD, to explore how strategic health investments yield powerful dividends in energy, longevity, and quality of life. 

For over seven years, Kasia has guided Jason through transformative health improvements – from resolving chronic sinusitis to optimizing post-heart surgery recovery – using evidence-based functional medicine approaches that prioritize prevention over costly medical interventions. Their conversation reveals the many parallels between wealth management and health optimization, demonstrating how proactive health investments deliver measurable returns just like a well-managed financial portfolio. 

Key Topics: 

  • Beyond Symptom Management: Discover how functional medicine identifies root causes rather than simply treating symptoms with medications or surgeries. 
  • Preventive Health Investments: Learn why investing in proactive wellness strategies can offer both health and financial returns by potentially avoiding costly medical interventions. 
  • Client-Centered Approach: See how personalized health coaching mirrors wealth management by coordinating specialists, providing accountability, and creating customized solutions. 
  • Mind-Body Connection: Explore practical techniques for managing health-related stress and building resilience through simple breathing practices. 
  • Patient Empowerment: Gain confidence in medical conversations by learning to ask better questions and become an equal partner in your healthcare decisions. 
  • Lifestyle Medicine: Understand how dietary changes, supplementation, and sleep quality create the foundation for optimal health and longevity. 

Episode 40: Preserving Your Heart Health to Maximize Your Wealth Part 2



In this continuation of our conversation led by Jason L Smith featuring Dr. Mona Shah, we dive deeper into practical heart health strategies that can transform your physical wellbeing and protect your financial future. Listen as Dr. Shah, Northeast Florida’s only triple board-certified holistic cardiologist, provides specific guidance on creating sustainable lifestyle practices that support cardiovascular health. 

Building on the foundation established in Part 1, Dr. Shah shares detailed recommendations for exercise frequency, nutrition choices, and stress management techniques that you can implement immediately. Her approach balances evidence-based cardiology with holistic practices, offering a comprehensive roadmap for heart health that complements your long-term financial wellness strategy. 

Key Topics: 

  • Exercise Blueprint: Discover an optimal weekly balance of resistance training, cardio, and flexibility work with practical guidelines for proper intensity and form. 
  • Nutrition Controversies: Navigate debates around red meat, fish, and fats with Dr. Shah’s personalized approach to heart-healthy eating based on Mediterranean principles. 
  • Sleep Fundamentals: Understand how quality sleep affects your heart health, stress hormones, and hunger regulation for better overall wellness. 
  • Morning Stress Protocol: Learn Dr. Shah’s personal 3-step morning routine that balances your nervous system and helps counteract the physiological effects of stress. 
  • Advanced Testing Options: Explore modern cardiovascular screenings that can detect potential issues early and help create personalized prevention strategies. 

Episode 39: Weathering Market Volatility in Uncertain Times



Market volatility is an inevitable part of your investment journey—but how should you respond when your portfolio value fluctuates? In this insightful episode, Bryan Bibbo sits down with Seth Meisler, CFA, CFP, CPA, BPC, a Senior Wealth Manager at JL Smith, to provide timeless wisdom for weathering market uncertainty. 

Drawing from decades of experience in strategic financial planning, Seth cuts through the noise of headlines and market predictions to offer clear guidance on managing your investments during turbulent times. You’ll discover why having a well-structured financial plan is your best defense against making emotional decisions that could derail your long-term goals, regardless of what’s currently happening in the market. 

Key Topics: 

  • Managing Your Investment Emotions: Practical techniques to stay disciplined when market headlines trigger anxiety and uncertainty. 
  • The Power of Diversification: Why strategic asset allocation matters during market fluctuations and sector rotations. 
  • Market Volatility in Your Planning: How The Bucket Plan® approach can help protect your retirement from inevitable market downturns. 
  • Opportunities in Downturns: Strategic moves to consider during market corrections that could enhance your long-term wealth. 
  • Historical Context: What past market corrections teach us about the difference between temporary losses and permanent ones. 

Episode 32: What is Functional Medicine? Holistic Healing Explained



Do you want to learn how an approach to health not solely reliant on pharmaceuticals can improve your longevity and quality of life? In this episode, Jason sits down with Dr. Robert Saper, holder of the Nancy J. and Michael F. Roizen Chair of Wellness and the Chair of Preventive Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Saper, a specialist in integrative medicine, shares his vast knowledge on the intersection of functional medicine, wellness, and preventive care. With over 80 peer-reviewed papers and more than 200 lectures globally, Dr. Saper explains how functional medicine addresses chronic conditions by focusing on the root causes rather than just symptoms.  

 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Defining Wellness and Functional Medicine: Understand the role of wellness in all aspects of life and how functional medicine addresses systematic imbalances to resolve chronic health issues 
  • The Role of Lifestyle Changes in Health: Learn how making intentional lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve chronic conditions and overall health 
  • The Power of Purpose and Meaning: Find your “why” to enhance health outcomes and longevity 
  • Integration of Medicine: How the Cleveland Clinic combines functional and wellness medicine with traditional Western practices to provide a holistic approach 
  • Evidence-Based Research: Learn through Dr. Saper’s research the importance of yoga to a growing body 

Episode 30: Meditation, Breathwork & Living Life Fully: Insights & Advice from Aneta Kuzma



Join host Jason L Smith and special guest, Aneta Kuzma, a meditation and wellness coach, and CEO and Founder of Ardelian Kuzma Group, LLC.

With her transformative approach to mindfulness and breathwork, Kuzma shares how creating moments of stillness can protect your wealth by improving decision-making, reducing stress, and enhancing your overall wellbeing.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Morning Routine Success: Learn how to build a sustainable meditation practice using the Atomic Habits framework, starting with just 3 minutes a day and simple steps like “feet on the floor.”
  • Breathwork Benefits: Discover how specific breathing techniques can release stored trauma, reduce stress, and create profound transformative experiences comparable to therapeutic breakthroughs.
  • Meditation Myths: Understand why you don’t need to “quiet your mind” to meditate successfully, and how even busy professionals can incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.
  • Gratitude Practice: Find out how starting each day with gratitude, including sending one meaningful text to someone you appreciate, can transform your mindset and relationships.
  • Community Support: Learn about free virtual meditation sessions available every weekday at 7am and Saturdays at 9am, perfect for establishing a consistent practice with guidance.

Episode 28: How to Develop Total Health – Strategies for Thriving in Midlife



Join host Bryan Bibbo and special guest Elizabeth Sherman, owner and master certified life and health coach at Total Health by Elizabeth, as they explore the crucial importance of holistic health and wellness for middle-aged men and women.  

Together, Bibbo and Sherman discuss how tailored health strategies can dramatically improve quality of life, mental well-being, and physical capabilities for adults navigating the challenges of midlife. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Midlife Health Challenges: Elizabeth explains the unique health challenges faced by individuals in midlife and why addressing them is crucial for maintaining vitality and well-being. 
  • Time Management: A breakdown of how effective time management can impact overall health and wellness, especially for busy midlife adults. 
  • Eight Basic Health Habits: Discussion on the fundamental habits that form the core of Elizabeth’s coaching approach, including hydration, nutrition, and stress management. 
  • Relationship with Food: Various ways midlife adults can improve their relationship with food and make more mindful eating choices. 
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Strategies for motivating midlife individuals who may be reluctant to make lifestyle changes. 

Listen as Sherman shares insights on how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in health and offers practical advice for getting started at any age. 


Episode 27: Aging Well: Transforming Senior Health with Balance, Motion, And Mindset



Join host Bryan Bibbo and special guest Artie Gardella, author and owner and personal fitness trainer at Synergy Senior Fitness, as they explore the vital importance of exercise and wellness for seniors.  

Together, Bibbo and Gardella discuss how tailored fitness programs can dramatically improve quality of life, mental health, and physical capabilities for older adults. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Exercise for Seniors: Artie explains how senior-centric exercises differ from traditional workouts and why they’re crucial for maintaining independence and vitality. 
  • The Science of Happiness: A breakdown of how exercise stimulates the body’s “happy chemicals” and combats depression in seniors. 
  • Balance and Motion: Discussion on the importance of balance exercises and how they can prevent potentially life-threatening falls. 
  • Functional Fitness: Various ways seniors can incorporate exercise into daily activities to maintain strength and mobility. 
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Strategies for motivating seniors who may be reluctant to start exercising. 

Listen as Gardella shares inspiring stories of seniors whose lives have been transformed through fitness and offers practical advice for getting started at any age. 


Episode 25: Beyond the Gym – Boosting Mental & Physical Health Through Daily Habits



Join host Bryan Bibbo and special guest Heather Hausenblas, PhD, founder and CEO of Wellness Discovery Labs, as they explore practical ways to boost mental and physical health beyond traditional gym workouts and its importance.  

With her exercise psychology and health behavior expertise, Hausenblas shares her insights on why it’s so hard to maintain regular physical activity and how small, consistent habits can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. Together, Bibbo and Hausenblas discuss how integrating movement, social connections, and positive mindset into daily life can contribute to improved health, longevity, and quality of life. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Beyond the Gym: Heather explains how to incorporate movement into everyday activities, emphasizing that exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. 
  • The Power of Mindset: The crucial role of positive thinking and how it can impact physical health and behavior changes. 
  • 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: A holistic approach to health that considers all daily activities, including sleep and light movement. 
  • Social Connections and Longevity: Discussion on the surprising impact of social relationships on overall health and lifespan. 

Learn how small, consistent changes in daily habits and mindset can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health, regardless of age or fitness level.