Summary

In this conversation, Dustin and Brandon catch up on their summer activities. Dustin talks about his son's progress in swimming lessons and his own experiences with concerts and fitness. Brandon shares his daughter's transition to college and his son's interest in golf.

In the meat of the episode, they discuss the importance of perspective, how it can impact our lives and how they maintain it through therapy, self-reflection, and journaling. They talk about the need to reframe situations and find a different perspective, even if it means looking at things in a silly or fun way. They also emphasize the importance of giving ourselves and others grace, especially when it comes to making mistakes. They discuss the balance between being a parent and allowing children to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences. They also touch on the significance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and practicing gratitude.

Dustin also talks about an effective tool for gaining perspective he got from a dinner meeting with a good friend, Darin Painter. The tool was a "My Life in Weeks" Calendar which can be downloaded or posters ordered online.

GIVEAWAY

Be one of the first 10 to comment your favorite part of this episode in the comments or on our socials to get your own "Family By Heart" sticker and one of our first 10 will get their very own Family By Heart shirt.

IG: instagram.com/familybyheartpod

Takeaways

Catching up with friends and family is important to stay connected and share experiences.

Swimming lessons can be a fun and educational activity for kids, and they can progress quickly with regular practice.

Attending concerts and engaging in fitness activities can be enjoyable ways to spend the summer.

The transition of a child going off to college can be emotional for parents, but it's important to support their independence.

Maintaining perspective is crucial in navigating life's challenges and making decisions.

Therapy, self-reflection, and journaling are effective tools for gaining and maintaining perspective. Reframing situations and finding a different perspective can help us handle past issues and make them seem less drastic.

Giving ourselves and others grace is important, especially when it comes to making mistakes.

Finding a balance between being a parent and allowing children to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences is crucial.

Surrounding ourselves with positive influences can have a significant impact on our mindset and well-being.

Practicing gratitude can help us appreciate the present moment and find joy in everyday life.





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How to Navigate Life and Change With a Different Perspective

Summary

In this conversation, Dustin and Brandon chat with Shari Maouri, an endurance athlete and member of Compound Fitness in Strongsville. Shari shares her journey from being overweight and out of shape to becoming a fitness enthusiast and mountain climber. She talks about her motivation, the impact of fitness on her life, and her experiences participating in challenging events like the 29029 Everesting Challenge and the 12-hour Walk Challenge. Shari also discusses her book-writing aspirations and her desire to inspire and help others on their fitness journeys. She discussed the differences between Whistler and Sun Valley, highlighting the challenging terrain and the supportive community in Sun Valley. Shari also shared her personal journey of overcoming health issues and the importance of liquid calories for her during endurance events. The conversation then shifted to the 12-hour walk challenge, with Shari and Dustin sharing their own experiences and encouraging Brandon to participate. They discussed the power of continuous improvement (Kaizen) and the transformations they have witnessed in themselves and others through their fitness journeys. Shari also mentioned her upcoming book, coaching, and speaking tour, where she plans to inspire and help others overcome trauma and achieve their goals.

Takeaways

Fitness can be a transformative journey, helping individuals overcome personal challenges and build confidence.

Small changes in diet and activity levels can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being.

Supportive gym communities can provide a safe and encouraging environment for individuals to pursue their fitness goals.

Setting goals and pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.

Sharing personal stories and experiences can inspire and motivate others to embark on their own fitness journeys. Whistler and Sun Valley offer different challenges for mountain climbers, with Sun Valley having a steep ascent and a supportive community.

The 12-hour walk challenge is a transformative experience that allows participants to focus on self-improvement and reflection.

Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is a key principle at Compound Fitness, encouraging small steps towards progress in all areas of life.

Supporting and helping others achieve their goals can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

Sound Bites

"I know what it's like to be that person who is over 40, who is overweight, who has never been an athlete, who has no belief in themselves in a number of areas of their life."

"I feel like, you know, God has given me this gift and I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't carry forward to others."

"I need to carry his light forward. I need to tell his story because even through those five years, he was sick, he was in pain. He never let anything stop him from his mission."

"There's usually other reasons that you put yourself through a 36-hour endurance"



IG: instagram.com/sharimaouri99

IG: instagram.com/familybyheartpod

29029: 29029 Everesting [https://29029everesting.com/]

12 Hour Walk: 12hourwalk.com



















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From Bad Ass Mom to Bad Ass Mountain Climber w/ Endurance Athlete, Shari Cline-Maouri

Summary

This episode is bound to be as legendary as Dustin and Brandon's guest, Coach, who is an inspirational figure in sports and entertainment. He shares his coaching philosophy and the importance of being there for others. The guys have fun talking sports as they discuss the Cleveland Browns and their playoff drought, as well as the NBA and the legitimacy of championships won in the bubble. Coach emphasizes the need for kindness and communication in building trust with players. He also talks about his experiences with legendary athletes like Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Thomas. Other topics covered include the importance of communication, the impact of social media, the value of being a good human being, the need for self-care, and the power of belief in oneself. The coach emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and not relying on others to make decisions.



Takeaways

Coach emphasizes the importance of being there for others and showing kindness and support.

He believes in building trust with players through effective communication and genuine care.

Don't stay silent because you don't know what to say; it's better to acknowledge someone's grief and offer support.

As children, we were more connected to our communities and had a better sense of right and wrong; as adults, we rely too much on others to tell us what to do.

Taking care of oneself is essential; no one else will do it for you.

Consistency and discipline are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Athletes are less accessible now than in the past, and it's important to remember that they are just people too.

The coach was involved in a long baseball game where KISS played during the half-inning breaks.



Sound Bites

"People see what you guys are doing is absolutely fantastic because you're providing a service."

"You gotta be there with them."

"I don't say anything because I don't know what to say."

"We know the difference between right and wrong, don't we? So... what happened?"

"You can either do it or you don't."



Look for Coach to start sharing his wisdom with the general public as he is beginning to learn more about modern technology and plans to launch accounts on TikTok and IG soon.



To share your wisdom, story or ideas for an episode, contact: dustin@familybyheart.me .







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Succeed By Showing Up And Other Life Lessons From The Legend, Coach

Summary

In this conversation, Brandon and Dustin discuss various topics related to parenting and coaching. They reminisce about their hometown and share personal stories. They touch on the importance of mental health and self-care, as well as the role of youth sports in teaching life skills. They also discuss the concept of participation trophies and the impact of building self-esteem based on effort rather than results. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting children and loved ones.

Takeaways

Dealing with grief is a challenging process, and it's important to find strength and support from loved ones.

Sending positive quotes can have a positive impact on others and it's rewarding to receive a response from someone who was touched by them.

The participation trophy culture in sports may hinder the development of work ethic and resilience.

Coaching youth sports requires patience and understanding, as each child matures and develops at their own pace.

Youth sports teach valuable life skills and should be focused on teaching fundamentals and having fun.

Coaches play a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive environment for young athletes.

Building self-esteem based on effort and attitude rather than results is important for children's development.

Recognizing and acknowledging the effort and progress of children is essential for their motivation and self-confidence.



IG: instagram.com/familybyheartpod





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Small Worlds, Spreading Big Positivity and Building Your Children's Self Esteem Through Youth Sports and Affirmations

Summary

In this special episode for Foster Care Awareness Month, Brandon and Dustin speak with the author of The Black Foster Youth Handbook, speaker and holistic health coach, Angela Quijada-Banks. Angela shares her insights on preventing and recovering from burnout, emphasizing the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal relationships. She also discusses her books, including the Black Foster Youth Handbook and the I Am Success Workbook, which focus on empowering and supporting foster youth. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health and self-reflection in finding fulfillment and purpose. The conversation covers topics such as the need for additional mental health awareness month for minorities, the impact of social media on mental health, the barriers to seeking mental health support in minority communities, the importance of safe and trusted adults for foster youth, and the challenges of self-sabotage and burnout.



Takeaways

 * Avoid burnout by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal relationships.
 * Slowing down and finding balance is essential for overall well-being and fulfillment.
 * Family and relationships play a significant role in providing support and a sense of belonging.
 * Societal pressures to constantly achieve and progress can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.
 * Empowering and supporting foster youth is crucial for their success and well-being.
 * Taking care of mental health and engaging in self-reflection are key to finding purpose and fulfillment.
 * The uptick of social media has caused increased anxiety, especially among African Americans who may not believe in mental health.
 * Barriers to seeking mental health support in minority communities include cultural beliefs and lack of access to resources.
 * Safe and trusted adults play a crucial role in the lives of foster youth, providing support and guidance.
 * Self-sabotage and burnout are common challenges, and it is important to prioritize self-care and set boundaries to avoid these pitfalls.



Sound Bites

"There's no rush. We are in a race against ourselves."

"What really matters? What really matters to us? And our family really matters to us."

"Rest, sleep, and take care of your health. These are the foundations to prevent burnout."

"I'm going to be more so a shell of myself because that's safer."

"We don't believe that mental health exists either."

"You're being selfish. Just get to work like everybody else."



BUY The Black Foster Youth Handbook [https://www.amazon.com/Black-Foster-Youth-Handbook-successfully/dp/1735784206]

BUY I Am Success Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/Am-Success-Workbook-Companion-Handbook/dp/1735784222/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.u4Pq1KcH6nt-Gi5St5E98NC3_8C4KNklwfORkVF8BjzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.ixtxnuWVbgzVfHG9BL1l5J1fzZoCYRyw8DsbOXRNthQ&dib_tag=se&qid=1716955147&refinements=p_27%3A%C3%81ngela+Quijada-Banks&s=books&sr=1-3&text=%C3%81ngela+Quijada-Banks]

Angela's Linktree [https://linktr.ee/angelaquijadabanks]











--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/familybyheart/support

"From Foster Care to Coaching Self Care" w/ Author, Speaker, Coach, Angela Quijada-Banks

Summary

In this episode, Dustin and Brandon continue their interview with Carrie Danger, a DJ for a local Cleveland radio station. They discuss the power of music and its impact on their lives. Carrie shares how music has helped her through difficult times and how certain albums have become soundtracks to different stages of her life. They also talk about Carrie's journey to sobriety and the importance of self-care and mental health. She emphasizes the need for support systems and the power of making positive changes in one's life. Carrie also shares her personal bucket list goals and the meaning of family to her. She encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and offers practical tips for self-care.

Takeaways

Music has the power to shift moods and can be a source of comfort and support during difficult times.

Certain albums can become soundtracks to different stages of our lives, evoking specific memories and emotions.

Prioritizing mental health and self-care is essential for overall well-being.

Quitting drinking can be a transformative decision and lead to positive changes in one's life. Quitting alcohol was the best decision Carrie Danger ever made.

Having a support system and a partner who understands and supports your decision to quit drinking is important.

Family is not limited to blood relations; it includes those who support and care for you.

Carrie's favorite mantras include 'be nice to yourself, you have a body' and 'check your pie chart.'

Career goals include becoming syndicated and creating additional income from her skills.

Personal goals include prioritizing self-care and creating a peaceful home environment.

Engaging in movement, such as walking or dancing, can help improve mood and body image.

Family means being there for each other, telling the truth, and creating special memories.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out with topics, guests, or suggestions for the podcast.

Sound Bites

"Music is powerful because it is truly something that you can always go back to every time, whatever mood you're in."

"Music has a way of finding us at certain times in our lives."

"Quitting alcohol was the best decision I've ever made."

"Quitting alcohol was emotionally taxing, but it allowed me to rediscover myself."



Carrie Danger can be heard on 107.3 Alternative Cleveland on weekdays from 2-7pm.

Social Links

IG: instagram.com/carriedanger







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"Rocking Out in Life and With Our Mental Health, Part Two" w/ Alternative Cleveland DJ, Carrie Danger

Summary

In this two part episode of Family by Heart, Dustin and Brandon interview Carrie Danger, a DJ for Alternative Radio Station 1073 in Cleveland. In the first part, they discuss Carrie's upbringing, how she became a DJ, and her experiences in the music industry. In the second part, they delve into the power of music and Carrie's mental health journey.

Some of the icebreakers include discussing Carrie's DJ name, her love for cats, and her guilty pleasure of love for popcorn and breakfast choices. She talks about her grounding story for watching American Pie movies. Carrie discusses her background, moving from Tennessee to Ohio, and her experience in high school. She also talks about her journey into radio and the benefits of vocational school. Carrie shares her passion for music and her favorite concerts, including The Cure, and meeting bands as well as her music preferences and her large vinyl collection.

Carrie can be heard, live and local, weekdays from 2-7 on 107.3 Alternative Cleveland in the Cleveland area, stream from their website or on their free 107.3 ALT CLE app.

IG: instagram.com/carriedanger



Takeaways

 * Carrie Danger is a DJ for Alternative Radio Station 1073 in Cleveland
 * The conversation is divided into two parts: Carrie's upbringing and experiences in the music industry, and the power of music and her mental health journey
 * Carrie's DJ name, Danger, was given to her in high school and she loves it
 * She is a cat lover and has two cats named Ruka and Han Solo

 * She used to enjoy drinking beer and smoking cigarettes, but has since quit and instead loves traditional butter popcorn
 * She got grounded for watching American Pie movies against her mom's rules.
 * Carrie moved from Tennessee to Ohio and had a tough time adjusting to a new high school.
 * She got into radio by attending Ohio Center for Broadcasting (now Ohio Media School) and worked hard to get her first job.
 * Carrie has a passion for music and taught herself to play the trumpet and tenor saxophone.
 * She has attended numerous concerts and favorite concerts include The Cure, Band of Horses, White Denim, and The Super Villains.
 * She enjoys meeting bands and has had positive experiences with Cold War Kids

 * She also listens to classic rock, rap, R&B, and country music, but not new country.
 * Carrie is a vinyl collector and enjoys listening to records in her free time.





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"Rocking Out in Life and With Our Mental Health" w/ Alternative Cleveland DJ, Carrie Danger, Part 1

Summary

In this episode, Dustin and Brandon discuss various topics related to parenting, marriage, and personal experiences. They talk about the importance of learning from others, the challenges of parenting, and the need to be open-minded. They also share anecdotes about their children's activities and the surprises that come with them. Additionally, they touch on topics such as division of responsibilities, finding time for one-on-one with your spouse, the challenges of having multiple children, the importance of communication, and the impact of observational learning on children. They also discuss the significance of knowing your spouse's love language, the value of difficult conversations in a marriage, and the humorous experiences of dealing with children's bathroom mishaps in inappropriate places.



Sound Bites

"There's so much hate and vitriol in our country right now. And if we just took a minute, to listen and learn."

"Nothing could have prepared me for how real mom/dad brain is."

"Sometimes you just gotta let it happen. You gotta let it happen because nothing would have prepared me for that day."

"Nothing could have prepared me for the first time you hear your child sound, talk or swear or do something like you."



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for Learning

09:50 The Challenges of Parenting

27:18 Balancing Responsibilities and Finding Time for One-on-One

35:26 The Impact of Observational Learning on Children

46:36 Dealing with Children's Bathroom Mishaps



For information on the upcoming REACH program, email Dustin at: dustin@familybyheart.me









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"Nothing Could've Prepared Me For.." True Confessions on Parenthood and Marriage

Whether you have an autistic loved one in your family, you suspect one of your children being on the spectrum or you just want to learn some truths about the topic, this episode is one not to be missed. Hosts Dustin and Brandon speak with Leigh Merryday Porch, the author of the blog Flappiness Is and the book The Scenic Route, Embracing the Detours, Roblox and Unexpected Joys of Raising an Autistic Child. The discussion touches on topics such as family support, the challenges of raising an autistic child, and the importance of getting a diagnosis. Leigh shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for acceptance, understanding, and love. The conversation also explores the concept of neurodiversity and the evolving terminology surrounding autism.

Leigh talks about what has been the most therapeutic experience for her and her work with autism, she emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and the benefits it brings in terms of accessing services and support. She advises parents to educate themselves about the different kinds of diagnoses and to advocate for their child's needs. Leigh also highlights the need for teamwork and collaboration with schools, while acknowledging the challenges and limitations they face due to lack of funding. At the end of the interview Leigh shares a heartfelt poem about the complexities of a hypothetical cure for autism and the love she has for her children as they are.



Sound Bites

"Your family is who's there to support you, your family is who is there to love you unconditionally."

"Her book has been my Bible. It's made me break down. It's also built me up, helped me realize how much I really need to do, not only for my son, but for other autistic people."

"Autism is part of a spectrum of neurodiversity, where individuals may think, behave, and perceive differently."

"The most therapeutic has been the private messages that have come in to me."

"Two years old is approximately the time in which autism is going to become evident to others."



Chapters

07:04 Icebreakers: Describing Leigh Merryday Porch

12:03 The Inspiration Behind the Blog 'Flappinesses'

15:20 Understanding Autism: The Spectrum and Terminology

28:01 Writing the Book and Becoming an Autism Specialist

31:56 Therapeutic Experiences and Surprising Reactions

44:58 Understanding the Concerns of Parents with Autistic Children

46:26 The Importance of Listening to Autistic Adults

48:14 Dispelling Myths about Autism Meltdowns

50:33 The Link Between Vaccines and Autism

52:20 The Complexity of Autism and Genetic Factors

53:45 Correlation vs. Causation in Autism Research

58:06 The Importance of Early Intervention and Communication

01:17:30 The Meaning of Family

01:21:01 If you were "cured" tomorrow poem



For more on Leigh:

leighmerrydayporch.com [https://leighmerrydayporch.com]







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Embracing the Unexpected of Life w/ An Autistic Loved One

In the first interview episode of this season, Dustin and Brandon interview Clarence "Tre" Anderson, a two-time graduate from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is currently attending med school. The three discuss various topics related to family, health, and nutrition. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing and organizing one's time to balance various responsibilities.

Having been a 5-year varsity baseball player and now coach along with attending med school, Tre shares his strategies for time management and scheduling. They also discuss mental health and the significance of taking care of oneself. Tre talks about his background in Biochemical Nutrition and dispel several food myths and touch on the importance of exercise and physical fitness.

One of the key takeaways from the conversation is that nutrition doesn't have to be one-size-fits-all. It's important to understand what your body truly needs and find a nutrition approach that works for you and your family, including portion size and balance being key factors in maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

When it comes to exercise, the simplest rule for parents on the go is it can be incorporated into daily activities, such as taking walks while attending your children's practices or using study walks to combine exercise and phone time.

In the final part of the conversation, Tre Armstrong discusses the biggest metabolism killer and the importance of strength training. He emphasizes the value of meal prep for nutrition and the need for balance and fun in fitness.

Clarence “Tre” Armstrong is a two-time graduate of Case Western Reserve University where he got a degree in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism and a Master’s in Medical Physiology. He is currently a first-year medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Tre was also a five-year member of the CWRU Varsity Baseball team and currently serves as an assistant coach. In his spare time, he also referees high school basketball and umpires high school and collegiate summer ball. He has also worked very closely with Team Impact and is considering the fields of cardiology, sports, or pediatric medicine. 


Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background

06:39 Education and Career Path

09:27 Baseball and Softball

13:12 Walk-Up Songs

23:44 Umpiring and Officiating

29:15 Entitlement in Youth Sports

33:07 Organizing Priorities and Time Management

35:28 Mental Health and Self-Care

37:55 The Importance of Exercise for Mental Health

41:46 Leading by Example in Taking Care of Yourself

44:33 Dispelling Nutrition Myths

48:17 Breakfast and Eating Habits

58:12 Simplifying Exercise for Parents on the Go

01:01:27 Metabolism Killers

01:02:26 Metabolism and Muscle Mass

01:06:28 Nutrition Hack: Meal Prep

01:08:01 Fitness Hack: Balance and Fun

01:09:23 Lightning Round





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Playing Hardball... with Your Health and Nutrition

Past experiences. Circumstance. Complacency. Limiting self-belief. Fear. Just a
few of the many factors that cripple and strand us to a particular point in our
lives. A point that we want to move on from, but we can't seem to get anywhere.
We're stuck. But what if it is easier to move on than we think? That's where I
come in. I'm Dustin Gruss, certified personal trainer and life coach, but others
know me as THE Greatness Facilitator. And whether it my stories, tricks, hacks
or stories from others, we will help you come "Unstuck" and then you can keep
moving forward and step up to greatness.

Coming Unstuck: A Step Up To Greatness Podcast

Not all family legacies are created by blood. What it takes to make a family, in
any sense of the word, comes by the heart. Host, Dustin Gruss, is a family
transformational coach and motivational speaker. Gruss and his wife of over 5
years are on a family journey they wouldn't have imagined- when dating both
declared they wanted kids. But God had other plans as their journey includes
infertility, grief/denial, acceptance, foster care and most recently, adoption.
This podcast aims to be a resource for anyone on any part of the infertility,
childfree, pet only, foster care or adoption journey.

Dustin

Shows