From Team USA Bobsledder to brain injury survivor — this is William Person’s powerful story of loss, healing, and hope.After nearly a decade competing at the highest level, repeated head trauma left William battling confusion, depression, and cognitive decline. Misdiagnosed and left without answers, everything changed when he discovered hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) — a treatment that helped him regain clarity, energy, and purpose.Now, William is on a mission to help veterans, athletes, and others, heal from the hidden toll of head trauma and CTE — at no cost to them.👉 Donate to William’s GoFundMe:Help fund free HBOT treatments:🔗 https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e🧠 In This EpisodeThe untold reality of CTE and micro-concussions in sportsWhy so many athletes and veterans are misdiagnosed with mental health disordersHow hyperbaric oxygen therapy can restore brain functionWilliam’s near-death experience — and what brought him backHis mission to build recovery centers that change lives🙌 Follow William PersonFacebook: facebook.com/william.person.792233Instagram: @willp1234567YouTube: @braininjurysurvival🥥 Follow Kava & KettlebellsInstagram: @kava_kettlebells🎙️ Hosted by Heidi & Charles HatleyWellness • Recovery • Real Conversations
In this episode, we sit down with Douglas LaRose — Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, humanitarian worker with 15 years of experience in global conflict zones, and one of the original voices in the modern kava movement.We dive into:🌱 The mission of the Kava Coalition⚖️ Why kava is being banned or regulated in states like New York🌺 The cultural roots of kava across the Pacific🛑 Misconceptions, FDA skepticism, and the fight to protect kava’s reputation💬 Kava vs. alcohol — healing, community, and mental wellness🌍 The future of kava: farming, supply chain struggles & global demand🤝 How YOU can join and support the Coalition📚 Resources & Links MentionedKava Coalition Website:🔗 https://www.kavacoalition.org/Kava Coalition Instagram:📸 @kava_coalitionhttps://www.instagram.com/kava_coalition/Douglas LaRose (Executive Director):📸 @kavadouglashttps://www.instagram.com/kavadouglas/Kava & Kettlebells Podcast:📸 @kava_kettlebellshttps://www.instagram.com/kava_kettlebells/
This episode is all about feeling healthy, happy, and free — even while on vacation. We’re diving into how to enjoy your time away without sabotaging your momentum, your mindset, or your energy.Whether you're trying to stay consistent with your habits or simply avoid the post-trip crash, we’re sharing real talk, practical tips, and a bit of our own experience in the water (literally).✨ You don’t have to choose between discipline and pleasure — there’s a way to do both.In this episode, we cover:How to enjoy food, rest, and adventure without guiltThe mindset shift that helps you avoid the “all or nothing” trapSimple routines that keep you grounded while travelingWhy joy and flexibility are actually part of a healthy lifestyle
Two military veterans. One mission: Replace booze with botanicals.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bob and Mikey — two former service members leading a powerful movement to rethink how veterans (and civilians) unwind, heal, and connect. From combat zones to conscious consumption, their journey into terpene-infused beverages and plant-based alternatives is changing the game.🎙️ What you’ll learn:• What *terpenes* actually are — and why they matter • Why alcohol might be holding back your healing • How plants are helping vets reconnect, recover, and thrive • The science behind mood, memory, and aroma • How to be intentional with functional plant-based drinks Whether you're sober curious, plant-curious, or just ready to ditch the hangover... this convo will open your mind.
Seven years ago, our family’s life changed forever. While driving with our two young kids, our car went under a semi and was completely crushed. No one should have survived… but somehow, we did.In this video, we share the full story of the accident, the recovery that followed, and how it transformed everything about the way we live today. From Heidi’s traumatic brain injury and weeks in neurological rehab, to the role fitness played in her recovery, this experience is one of the reasons we don’t drink alcohol, why we turned to kava instead, and why we continue to make health and family our top priorities.If this story resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you in the comments. Thank you for supporting us as we share not just our journey, but the lessons we’ve learned along the way! 🙏
Heidi & Charles sit down with Chris Kratom, the owner of NuWave Botanicals and the Elixir Lounge Kava Bar in Houston, TX. Chris was one of the first vendors to really bring kratom to the US in a large capacity and did so with absolute quality and transparency in mind. Chris has been in the industry for a very long time and has a WEALTH of knowledge on the kratom industry as a whole. Don't miss the one, some very good info packed in here...
What happens when you mix nightlife culture, bold flavors, and a whole new way to unwind? Meet some of the founders of Thom Fun’s Original — the creators behind what might just be the sexiest drink you’ve never tried. In this episode, we dive into how they started, what makes their beverages unique, and why more and more people are reaching for them instead of alcohol.Whether you’re into innovative drinks, fascinating founder stories, or just curious about what’s next in nightlife, you’ll want to listen until the end.👉 Check them out: https://www.thomfunsoriginal.com/📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomfunsoriginal/
Heidi & Charles give their thoughts on the recent hearing about the recommended scheduling of 7-OH, the synthetic compound derived from kratom. We give our thoughts on scheduling vs. regulating, the implications of both, and overall the impact this has on the botanical space.
Are you stuck in a cycle of emotional eating—and you don’t even know why?In this episode, we break down why emotional and mindless eating happens, how to identify your personal triggers, and simple, powerful tools to start breaking free from the loop—without guilt or shame.👉 Whether you’re stress-eating at night, bingeing after a bad day, or reaching for food when you’re not even hungry, this video is for you.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:✅ Why emotional eating isn’t about willpower✅ How to identify what you’re really feeling before you eat✅ Tools to break the cycle (without giving up your favorite foods)✅ How alcohol and poor sleep sneak into the loop too✅ The one mindset shift that changes everything🎧 Listen. Reflect. Take back control.You deserve a relationship with food that’s rooted in self-awareness—not shame.🙌 Follow us on IG: @Kava_KettlebellsWe post more mindset tips, workouts, and raw, real conversations about food, fitness, and mental health.
Heidi & Charles dive into when is the best time to drink kava. Before you think, "all the time", hear us out! Kava is a tool, and depending on what you want from it, can be the perfect thing for the perfect time!
Heidi & Charles break down some of the things in the gym NOT to do so you don't become "that" person. Gym etiquette is a must, and being respectful to others in the gym makes it a more inviting and welcoming space. So listen up, and join us on this one!
Heidi & Charles bring Eddie Anaya onto the show, owner of Island Kava Co. This episode hits different! We go into some hard truths about why high performers should be the ones drinking kava, the alcohol culture in America, and being an entrepreneur while serving in the military. Give this one a listen asap!
Heidi & Charles record an episode on site at Kava House Brand kava bar in St Pete at their Hwy 19 location. This episode features 3 separate interviews with staff and brand contributors. In those interviews, we cover what the brand stands for, the kava bar scene itself, and the community aspect that kava & kratom is bringing to the local community.
Heidi & Charles talk about a lifestyle topic we frequently get asked; how do we maintain a vibrant and healthy marriage? Despite what society says, we think its pretty damn easy. Listen as we break down something personal to us outside of the usual kava & fitness!
Heidi & Charles dropped a new kratom intro episode for YouTube, but we got you on audio! We talk a little more on its forms, and also touch upon 7OH and how its misguiding potential users!
What does it take to lead with discipline, train like your life depends on it, and live every day like someone’s watching?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Manny Lamson, a U.S. Air Force officer and 1st Form fitness coach, to talk about what it really means to live with purpose, and build habits with programs such as 75 hard.We get into leadership, physical training, mental toughness, and why ignoring the opinions of others is a superpower.Whether you’re chasing excellence in the gym, in your career, or in how you show up for others—this one will hit home.
Heidi & Charles break down their staple supplements in this episode. We go over the vitamins, minerals, and extra supplements we have year round and why we choose to use them. Hopefully this helps cut through some of the BS out there in the supplement space!
Heidi & Charles discuss the idea of leaving the "average" lifestyle and leveling up in all areas of life, such as fitness & health, and why you need to leave the naysayers behind you. This might ruffle some feathers, but you know what we are about - real talk!
Heidi & Charles give some reasons why a kava bar isn't always the answer, and how you can make kava at home yourself for cheaper and with better quality control and personalization. Additionally, we talk about how some kava bars may not just fit your vibe and thats okay!
Heidi & Charles sit down with Rajiv, the founder of Kava Vinaka, to explore his incredible journey from Fiji to founding one of the most trusted kava companies in the U.S.Rajiv shares what it was like growing up in Fiji, moving to America at 13, and how his love for kava evolved into a full-blown passion and business. We dive into the roots of traditional kava culture, how it’s shared communally in Fiji, and how that experience compares to the vibe of modern American kava bars.