If you're a bagel enthusiast, chances are you've had a handmade, bagel from my next guest.

Meet Noah Fleishman VP and son of he original founder of Bethesda Bagels. In this episode, Noah shares insights into the legacy of the business, the importance of community, and the values instilled by his parents. Noah reflects on his decision to embrace the family business, the challenges of maintaining tradition in a modern market, and the meticulous process behind making their renowned bagels. The conversation highlights the significance of personal connections and the love that goes into their products.

To learn more about Noah Fleishman give him a follow on IG @noahfleish and to check out where the closest Bethesda Bagel is to you - visit their website https://bethesdabagels.com/

What if I told you that South Block was originally a tiny juice bar on GW's campus, would you believe me? Well, guess what it's true, but the story of South Block is bigger than that.

Meet Amir Mostafavi, founder and CEO of South Block, the DMV's premier location for smoothies and açaí bowls.

In this episode, Amir shares how he went from being a kid with a West Coast vibe, obsessed with fruits and veggies to a successful business owner and entrepreneur. He tackles the challenges he's faced along the way and highlights the importance of putting people over profits.

This story is a truly captivating one, that does not disappoint. Please enjoy! And to learn more about South Block, visit their website https://www.southblock.com/

What's better than comfort food?

Here let me help. Comfort food, curated and served up with a heartfelt story and plated with the purpose of bringing happiness to others.

Meet Hamilton Johnson, chef and mastermind behind one of DC's newest restaurants, Mallard.

In this episode, Hamilton discusses the emotional inspiration behind the restaurant, rooted in his father's legacy, and the challenges he faced during the opening. We discuss the evolving food scene in DC, the importance of comfort food, and the growing trend of sober curiosity in dining.

To learn more about Chef Johnson give him a follow on IG @hambone_goonie and to dig into the magic behind Mallard, visit their website or check them out on IG @mallarddc. You'll quickly see the care and attention to detail Chef Johnson has put into creating a welcoming atmosphere and how important it is to him to bring joy to customers enjoying their meals.

Have you ever met someone and known immediately that you all would be friends? It's an energy thing.

Meet Starr Hawkins, also known as Baby Momma Fit, she is known for her incredible energy and contributions to the Miami fitness scene and beyond.

In this episode, we explore her journey into fitness through sobriety and dig into how she found her voice and sense of purpose in this space. Starr opens up about the importance of building a community, both online and in-person, and the impact of COVID-19 on her fitness brand. She emphasizes the importance of being your own brand and finding ways to differentiate yourself in this highly competitive industry.

To learn more about Starr Hawkins, tap into one of her classes and join her community, give her a follow on IG and TikTok @babymommafit and be sure to visit her website for all things!

When one door closes, another one and another one and another one open!

Meet Tommie Runz, content creator, entrepreneur, podcast host and proud Black Sobber Runner. In this episode, we explore Tommie's path to sobriety and the influence social media has had in helping him evolve and learn more about himself. As Tommie found sobriety, he found time to find fitness and fell in love with running, which opened the door to personal growth, connection and community.

We tackle the importance of representation in the running and how he aims to inspire black individuals to prioritize their health and well-being.

To learn more about Tommie Runz and his follow along on his journey give him a follow on IG @tommie_runz and cheer him along as he logs miles, inspires others and continues to share his inspiring story of sobriety.

Raise your hand if you have a physical therapist that has saved your life. I don't know about y'all, but I got my hand raised HIGH and its all thanks to my next guest.

Meet Dr. Ashley Speights, founder and owner of the PHYT Collective, dedicated to rebuilding and building lifelong athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and fitness professionals. This is not your typical physical therapist practice. The PHYT Collective provides a personalized approach and serving their clients.

In this episode Dr. Speights, or just Ashley to her friends, shares her journey from studying early childhood education to becoming a physical therapist and opening her own practice. She emphasizes the importance of proactive and preventative physical therapy, as well as the need for transparency in the healthcare industry. Ashley discusses the challenges she faced as a female business owner and the importance of trusting your gut and embracing failure.

To learn more about Ashley, give her a follow on IG @ashleyspeightsdpt and to check out the PHYT Collective, find them on IG or pop over to their website for more information on how you can book your first today! TRUST THE PROCESS.

If I approached you in a coffee shop and asked you to be on my podcast would you?

Meet Jess Hood, digital content creator, social media marketer, photographer and running influencer in the Washington, DC area.

In this episode, Jess shares her journey of transitioning from corporate finance to full-time content creation and what that leap looked like for her. Jess opens up on how she found her niche in DC by recommending unique activities, focusing on running content and authentically building a community that she could see herself in. We scratch the surface of the running boom her and globally and talk more about what it was like for Jess to put on her own running event just this year (look out for Race The Perimeter next year DC) and the challenges of navigating the online space. She emphasizes the importance of faith and progress in her life and offers advice to others to just do it and embrace spontaneity.

To learn more about Jess Hood, give her a follow wherever you can @jessrhood and check out her stunning work at https://www.jessicarosehood.com/portfolio. ENJOY!