Mike’s top 5 podcasts of 2017 (and how it compares with 2016)

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I wrote the 2016 version of this list at this time last year and it’s interesting to see the changes and similarities from one year to the next. First of all, I’m still bigly into podcasts. There’s no limit to what you can learn and enjoy in podcast form these days, which is one of the reasons why so many people are subscribing, listening, and utilizing. We’ve got murder mysteries, fictional stories, audiobooks, sports, comedy, … I mean, the better question may be, “What can’t you find in a podcast?”   Personally, although I have continued enjoying podcasts, some of my top 5 have changed and some have remained the same. Let’s start with some of the Top 5 from 2016 that didn’t make the cut this year (and my reasoning):   Last year #5 – The NPR Politics Podcast   2 major factors were at work here that drove […]

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Cathartic reflections on an anxiety riddled 7-months

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I wrote what’s below at 10:00 pm on day-2 of our recent beach vacation (also 2 days after completing the acquisition of MFD). I went back-and-forth on whether or not to publish this article. Perhaps it would be best served as just a personal exercise for me getting some of these thoughts out of my head and onto the page, but… Anxiety has been something I’ve dealt with indirectly for a decent amount of time, and although this was my first real bout, many people we know have gone toe-to-toe with the anxiety foe at one time or another. If you can relate, maybe this will speak to you. If not, I’ll be back to the financial posts and uplifting (attempting) humorous posts next week. As always, thanks for being here!   -Mike   (ps- it takes a couple paragraphs for me to find some traction. Bear with me)   […]

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19 Breakthrough ways proven to increase testosterone naturally (guest blogger – Paul)

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Hi, Team! I am thrilled to bring you the below article and infographic from Paul over at DNA lean! Last time, Paul covered different methods to help boost your weight-loss, but today he’s tackling the all-important testosterone levels. If you’re missing a little of the old spark, or if you’re just gathering some info for future days… Paul has you covered. I enjoyed having him back on the site and I hope you will too! Thanks for reading! -Mike   How to increase testosterone Testosterone is the hormone that literally separates the men from the boys, in fact during puberty, it is the increase in the hormone testosterone that is largely responsible for the transition of a boy into a man. Science has demonstrated that a high testosterone level can boost athletic performance, increase muscle mass/muscle tone, heighten libido and confidence amongst other desirable benefits. It is therefore of no coincidence […]

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Don’t decide to lose 60lbs – decide to pack your workout clothes

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First off – I understand that I can be crazy, but please understand that I have my reasons. I don’t do crazy for crazy’s sake. I do crazy (at times) because that’s what moves me toward my goals.     A few weeks ago, I was walking out of the bathroom at work when a coworker spotted me. It must’ve been quite a site. Those of you that workout know that feeling that takes place shortly after a good run. You’ve already taken a cold shower with hopes the sweating will die down, but it doesn’t. So now you have the awkward combination of wet shower hair and sweat beads on your forehead. Let’s not omit the towel around my shoulders, the untucked Polo shirt, and bare feet… (I had forgotten my work shoes at my desk and was hoping no one would spot me – miss. And yes, we […]

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The importance of quality sleep (guest blogger – Mel)

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I’m stoked to say that Mel – our resident clinical research nurse – is back with another great post!   Mel has worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years, has been a contributing author on 11 scientific publications, and currently works as a clinical research nurse at a world-renowned hospital system. She has been gracious enough to share some of her knowledge on the importance of quality sleep with us and we’re thrilled that’s the case!   Have you ever said to yourself, “I could really go for a good night’s sleep?”  Or, “What I wouldn’t do for a good night’s sleep!”  Well, you are not alone!  Sleep is a vital indicator of overall health and well-being*.  It is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.  Our bodies function best with enough quality sleep.  Think of sleep like medicine that needs to be taken regularly.  Sure, we’ve all skipped a dose […]

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Weight loss might be much simpler than advertised (guest blogger – Paul)

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Below is an awesome infographic covering weight loss, nutrition, and an overall healthy lifestyle from Paul at DNA-Lean. His blog covers weight loss, building muscle mass, calories, healthy eating, and a whole host of other topics while his company offers supplements to help you get there. Full disclosure: I haven’t taken the supplements, but let me say I loved his infographic below. If you’re looking for some helpful tips on your health journey, then this post is for you. As always, thanks for reading! -Mike     In the modern day quest for weight loss, people often find themselves doing many a weird and wonderful thing! Perhaps you have tried following the pea soup diet to lose weight? Or perhaps you can bear witness to seeing folk wrapped up in cling film in a sauna room?  It would appear that fat and weight loss has become like old wives tale; unscientific and incorrect! With so […]

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Charting the uncharted – one of earth’s most naturally beautiful and dangerous rainforests

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At the ripe age of 22 (when you think you know everything then eventually hit 30 and realize you didn’t know anything – I hear this cycle continues) I was blessed with the experience of a lifetime… I just didn’t realize its impact and importance in my life until recently (I’m 32).     Winter – 2007 in Kent, Ohio:   Cold. Snow. Clouds. Meteorology isn’t the most difficult task during Northeastern Ohio winters. And for a guy like me (I enjoy the beach and warm weather), all this time indoors affords one an opportunity to think about their future and, more importantly, what they want out of life.   Me? I wanted warmer weather. And because neither the economy nor my professional connection list was too hot at the time, grad school seemed like the place to gain some knowledge and buy some time for things to pick back up.   I […]

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Mike’s top 5 podcasts of 2016: and why I’m listening

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(Photo by SMW) What is a podcast and why are they becoming so popular?   Podcasts are digital audio files that can be downloaded to your device and listened to whenever you’d like, without an internet connection. It’s similar to when we would download music to our iPods or Zunes a few years back (look out early 2000s). They’re on-demand radio shows.   What’s with all the hype?   From current sports updates to ancient history and pop culture to politics… There’s a podcast for that. You into meta-learning? I have 1 (well… 2). Interested in starting a business? Startup would be a good place to begin.   The point is – there’s something for everybody. No matter where you are in life, a podcast can help you progress from there to where you want to be. There’s a catch, though… All this information is available but is all of it reliable.   Short […]

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Purpose, determination and hard work: creating a healthy lifestyle (guest blogger – Brittany)

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Hi Team! This post introduces Brittany, a new guest blogger, that’s an average woman in her 20’s. You know, if average is losing 18 total inches, 17 pounds, and gaining heaps of energy and confidence by making a few life altering adjustments to nutrition and fitness. Here, Brittany shares a bit of her story with you. We hope you enjoy!     Fitness– noun: a general state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations, and daily activities. Health– noun: a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Wellness– noun: an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth.     How do you go from someone who rarely ever worked out and […]

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Keep the muscle, burn the fat (guest blogger – Mel)

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Mel, our resident clinical research nurse, is back to help you figure out how to keep the muscle while burning that pesky fat. She’s loving your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below or email Mike. Thanks for reading! It’s 2AM and you can’t sleep so you decide to get up and watch some TV.  Surfing to see what’s on, you stumble across some infomercials.  This one catches your sleepy eyes…  “Want to look like this?” The narrator asks. “Or this?” “… ‘Fat burn’, the latest technology in burning the fat and keeping the muscle, has been proven to transform fat into muscle in just 2 weeks!” “…Order now by calling 1-800-fat-burn and you will receive an extra…” Wouldn’t it be great if we could keep AND build muscle while we burn the fat?   The answer is – YOU can! And it’s free!  Well, almost.  It will cost […]

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