Break The Chains, Find Your Flame

Angelica was drawn to the beauty of yoga in her early teenage years. However, it wasn't until college while struggling with grief from the death of her brother and a history of sexual trauma at the hand's of her father that she learned the healing power of yoga. After a decade of committed practice, Angelica decided to pursue yoga teacher training in order to assist others in finding tools to heal themselves. She is a graduate of Yoga Sanctuary's 200-hour yoga teacher training program. She has also completed teacher training certification programs with the Veteran's Yoga Project, Yoga 4 Cancer and Transcending Sexual Trauma through Yoga. She is currently enrolled in a program with the Prison  Yoga Project. Angelica uses movement and alignment cues in her classes to help her students feel a sense of agency, embodiment and empowerment. She currently teaches at Yoga Sanctuary (Community, BIPOC & Spanish), Breathing Space (where I teach public classes and bring yoga to people in recovery homes and prison

This episode features conversations between Shaun and Myself regarding our own history of disordered eating, and eating disorders. The contents in this episode may be triggering for some, please use your own discretion when listening to this episode. If you are in need of any help, please reach out to any loved ones, professionals, or hotlines in your area. You can reach Shaun at : shaun@nutri-iq.net You can reach Steve at : steven.opalenik@theprometheanproject.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Bryna Rogers, MS is a Senior Director at Bay State Community Services, overseeing the Quincy Family Resource Center (QFRC), The Dianne DeVanna Center, and serves as the agency's Infant Specialist. Bryna works with youth and families to insure they have the services, supports, and resources needed for success in school, at home, and in the community. This often involves working with schools, the juvenile court system, and various state agencies and providers. Prior to becoming a Senior Director at Bay State, Bryna spent over 15 years working with youth in school, home, and therapeutic settings. Since 2017, Bryna has served on the DCF Coastal Advisory Board, now serving as Vice President. With a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, she has also trained at the Brazelton Center with Boston Children’s Hospital in the Touchpoints and Newborn Observation curriculum. When not at the office, Bryna enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, ages 21 and 19, walking her dogs Delilah and Co

Aimeé Boettcher is the owner of Two Moons Creative, a graphic design and social media marketing company. She works with small businesses, coaching and helping create authentic and successful marketing campaigns to connect local businesses with their community on social media. Her goal is to take the technicality out of marketing and branding, so you can focus on the heart of your business and do what you truly love! https://linktr.ee/twomoonscreative (https://linktr.ee/Twomoonscreative) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Hollee A. McGinnis, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work. She is a prominent scholar, policy expert, and community organizer on adoption and child welfare. Her research examines social and cultural determinants of children’s mental health, with a focus on improving outcomes for youth and adults with histories of childhood trauma and involvement in systems of child welfare locally and globally. Her current study will explore adult outcomes of adopted and foster care alumni. Prior to obtaining her doctorate in social work at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. McGinnis was the policy director at the Donaldson Adoption Institute, a national organization focused on adoption policy and practice in the U.S., where she headed a national study on adoption and racial identity among adopted adults. She received her Master of Science from Columbia University School of Social Work (New York City) and completed a post-master’s clinical social work fellowsh

Dr. Khadijah Tuitt is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her terminal degree at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She in an alumna of the Partnership Fellow’s Program for emerging Leaders of Color and received honorable mention for the prestigious National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year (NCCY) Award. As a child Khadijah experienced homelessness and neglect and by the time she reached adulthood she was a convicted felon. She is often invited as a panelist or keynote speaker and uses her story of trials to triumphs to help organizations understand the barriers that many Black and underserved individuals face. Dr. Tuitt works to increase awareness around understanding the power of culture, diversity, and inclusivity. She also mentors in the community and is frequently invited to speak about the effects of substance use and mental illness on individuals, families, and society. She is passionate about increasing awareness regarding mental health disparitie

Rolando Garcia III is a recognized leader in the fitness industry, having served as both coach and mentor to some of the top fitness teams and most recognized brands in the world. His certifications include - RKC Level 2, PN2, Masters in Service and Hospitality at Cornell University, Full Instructor in JKD/FMA, and Coach at Boxe Francaise Savate.  Through his father he inherited the Dizon system of Filipino Martial Arts.  He is also a Brazilian Jiujitsu Purple Belt. Lastly, he is the author of “Intrinsic Excellence”, published by Dragondoor and foreword written by Dan John! Instagram: @rolandogarciaiii --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Steve is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in working with people who are seeking to make a change in their health. He has a background in personal training, and utilizes his experiences with mindfulness, meditation, playful movement, and calisthenics to create action plans for those seeking to find/maximize/fuel their inner potential. Steve is a certified Y12SR Instructor ( Yoga as a 12 step recovery program), a certified PCC Instructor (Progressive Calisthenics Certification), and a CMHIMP (Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider). Steve is one of the founders of The Promethean Project, and is currently the host of Break The Chains, Find Your Flame! @theprometheanproject - Instagram Steven Opalenik, LMHC - Facebook Steve Opalenik, LMHC - LinkedIn --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Rob is the Founder of Family Care Counseling Associates in Wilbraham Massachusetts. He is a Fellow in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a graduate of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program taught by Dr. Martin Seligman and a graduate of the Eckhart Tolle School of Awakening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FLXjP3X1YU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FLXjP3X1YU) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

LeRoy J. Watkins III is a dad of 3 lovely children, husband to an exceptional woman, and the CEO & Co-Owner of Viking Sports. His life journey has been anything but traditional. Instead it’s been a collection of spectacular failures combined with unbelievable achievement with lots of character building experiences mixed in. From the way he started his first company, to his first job out of college, to becoming a dad, it’s all become part of this incredible story of who he is. Find him here: https://www.vikingcamps.com/leroywatkins/ (Viking Sports) https://www.facebook.com/LeRoyJWatkinsIII/ (Facebook) https://leroywatkins.com/ (Website) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Ruby Maddox is the creator of Direct Your Purpose, a coaching and consulting business, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate their potential for meaningful contributions to society. She has spent more than 15 years working in the field of nonprofit management and philanthropy.  She is the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations focused on social justice, leadership, and equity (Gardening the Community & Leaders of the Free World) She is a 40 Under 40 Business and Community Leader's award recipient and a 2018 TEDx Speaker. Outreach to her here: https://www.directyourpurpose.com/ (Direct Your Purpose) https://www.leadersofthefreeworld.org/ (Leaders Of The Free World) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Rolando Garcia III is a recognized leader in the fitness industry, having served as both coach and mentor to some of the top fitness teams and most recognized brands in the world. His certifications include - RKC Level 2, PN2, Masters in Service and Hospitality at Cornell University, Full Instructor in JKD/FMA, and Coach at Boxe Francaise Savate.  Through his father he inherited the Dizon system of Filipino Martial Arts.  He is also a Brazilian Jiujitsu Purple Belt. Lastly, he is the author of “Intrinsic Excellence”, published by Dragondoor and foreword written by Dan John! Instagram: @rolandogarciaiii --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Shelby (she/her) is a licensed mental health counselor and certified 200-hour yoga teacher. She uses an integrative and holistic approach to seamlessly blend yogic philosophy in an accessible manner into her clinical practice. In addition to working full-time with college-aged students, she hosts a podcast called “The Yogi Therapist Podcast“ which features candid interviews from professionals in the fields of health, yoga, and psychology. She lives in Boston with her husband and three cats. Check her out on instagram at: @yogitherapist or her website: yogitherapist.net/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Trevor Smith is a passionate, vibrant facilitator and theater-based trainer. He believes in the power of laughter and Improvisation and he uses it well to educate and enlighten his clients. Trevor spent the first fifteen years of his career as a Recreation Therapist in the social services sector using laughter and creative, improvisational techniques to bring about transformation in those whom he counseled. In recent years, Trevor has turned his focus on supporting growth in the legal profession and the banking industry. He is further expanding his training opportunities to meet the professional development needs of a broad range of organizations. His work promotes self-confidence, creative problem solving and effective communication. Both in his career and in his personal life, Trevor values his ability to make people feel comfortable and supported in the learning process, and he is driven to create positive change and explore the possibilities for his clients in his nontraditional learning environment.

Shatoyia Jones, reigning Ms. Massachusetts 2019 AWOS, is a social systems entrepreneur and educator, motivational speaker, social good lifestyle blogger, budding podcast host, philosopher and model. Growing up in a small, poor city in Louisiana where the ¨hustle and respect¨ is more important than financial stability and self-development, she is forever grateful for being privileged to attend one of the most elite colleges in the U.S. With a newfound passion for providing access to basic needs and education, as well as facilitating profound discussions on humanity, poverty and poverty alleviation, and holistic health - mental health, her philosophies have become her lifestyle. She currently serves as Founder and CEO of Ordinary x Influence, a social enterprise helping change makers build initiatives and businesses for sustainable impact and ethical practice, profitability, and scalability, Founder of First Ladies of Poverty Foundation & First Ladies of Poverty TV, and Education / Leadership Consult

Megan has a deep understanding and experience in recovery, stemming from her own spiritual journey and transformation following her struggles with alcohol and addiction. Megan spent years in the harrowing clutches of alcohol addiction and battled an eating disorder during a time in her life that she refers to as her dark night of the soul. Megan has been in recovery for nearly four years and she integrates adventure and nature into her recovery practice, as she finds both to be incredibly healing and influential. Megan is passionate about helping individuals navigate through their own dark night of the soul and step into their power in order to live an integral and joyful life. Megan works for an organization called Being True To You that helps individuals achieve natural maturation out of addiction, integrate transformational experiences, and awaken to their true selves. For more information about this organization, visit http://www.beingtruetoyou.com/ (www.beingtruetoyou.com). You can also visi

Hey Guys!!! During this trying time we thought we would put together an episode that will help you find space, grace, and healing. This is an episode of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Meditation. It explains the process and gives an introduction to what it is, and how to utilize its body relaxing potential. After the introduction, you will be led on a 20 minute meditation and guided through the process of slowly contracting and relaxing your body. Please enjoy!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support)

Episode 24 features our good friend Perry O'Hearn. Perry owns a gym in Philadelphia called Philly Phitness. Through Perry’s studies in Electrical Engineering and over 20,000 of hours of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Academy of Personal Training,  he has been able to put together a training facility like nowhere else in Philadelphia. Philly Phitness runs on a platform of training that combines a balance of strength training, nutritional support, mindset support, supportive and rehabilitating techniques (chiropractic, massage therapy, mindset support, etc), and recreational activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook on life (rock climbing, hiking, triathlons, etc). Perry has created multiple transformation programs that allow for clients to choose their commitment while not limiting their access to his network and team of fitness professionals. He does not believe in training clients; He believes in transforming lives. Perry has a team of amazin

Annie Vo is one of New York City’s most successful and sought-after personal trainers. As PCC Team Leader, RKC Team Leader and Level III Gym Jones Instructor she has taught certifications and seminars all over the world. Over the last decade, Ms. Vo has honed her skills through fully immersing herself in a multitude of training disciplines, from bodyweight, to kettlebells, to power lifting and more. She has been featured in The New York Post, NPR and Mademan.com. Annie Vo continues to work with clients from numerous backgrounds, including athletes and celebrities, as well as everyday professionals. She is known for her no-nonsense training style, brutal serenity, and her talent for bringing out the best in everyone who crosses her path. A diverse and complex talent, Annie holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Columbia University and is a classically trained musician. https://annievo.com/ (https://annievo.com/) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steven-opalenik/support (https://anchor.f

Shannon Algeo is a life coach, motivational speaker, and yoga:meditation teacher. He is the host of the iTunes Top Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/soulfeed-chats-influential-leaders-inspiring-life-coaching/id977979288?mt=2 (SoulFeed) and interviews iconic wellness leaders in the wellbeing space like Deepak Chopra, Gabby Bernstein, Marianne Williamson, Caroline Myss, and many more. Shannon works with clients to heal old patterns of trauma and negativity so they can powerfully show up in the world to live a life of power, presence, and purpose. Shannon was named one of the 2019 “35 Under 35 in Wellness to Watch” by Wanderlust and named one of the “Nicest Instructors in New York City” by RateYourBurn for his work as a yoga and meditation teacher. He leads corporate mindfulness programs for companies like the global non-profit (RED) founded by Bono as well as several start up companies. In addition to giving talks for lululemon and Wanderlust, Shannon was invited to speak at the United Nations for Yo