The more elusive it seems to attach a label to someone, often times, the more winding and interesting stories that person has to tell. The less someone seeks the spotlight directly, the more I'm tempted to dig deeper, asking why? What is behind this veil is only meant for a seeker who is willing to put in the time, curiosity, and work to pull back that veil. Todays guest is not famously known for her work, nor is she interested in blatant self promotion, even to the point of being a little weary to be on a podcast. But she is the gem behind the veil. Summer Jones is like a precious stone, beautiful in her unique shape. Someone that doesn't need external validation to survive, but focuses instead on meaningful relationships based on creativity and similar passions. I find it so ironic-in the best way-that the people who are most apprehensive to speak up are often times the individuals with the most to say (if you know what I mean). What she has gleaned from all her lived experience, from being a ballet dancer in New York to studying calculus on scholarship, we now have the privilege of hearing!
*Summer is based in San Diego, California and is teaching her very own curriculum called the SUJO method.
*To inquire about private or group sessions with Summer check out her website!
It is no easy feat to find the balance between our professional lives and all the other things that make us who we are as individuals. Sometimes a challenge lies in deciding which traits, out of many, can win a bit of our time and attention. Sometimes we seek an activity to avoid another. Sometimes we invest in something to make us feel less like an outsider. Sometimes we follow our own talents, eager for the next level. How much thought do we put into deciding which traits we nourish in our lives? Portia Adams speaks beautifully about her journey to become a professional ballet dancer, how she decided to invest in herself with a range of opportunities. You´ll hear both the logic and the heart she puts into evolving in her craft, all the while being open to other means of expression through choreographing. It is always a good time to be a driving force in your own life, and Portia herself has done exactly that.
To follow Portia's adventures
Imagine facing your first real season as a professional runner, joining the start line and finding yourself next to an idol. Not just an idol, but your idol. Then you have to continue to race. What kind of emotional high must that be! There are so many mental factors that can simultaneously be running around in the mind of a professional athlete. You love what you do, but you undoubtedly analyze every move you make-every meal, every sleep, every pain no matter how small. But this is a form of true love. Its the form love takes when you enjoy so much to be bounding through sprawling natural landscapes just on your legs and breath alone! Fanny Borgstrom is a shining example of someone who practices her sport with so much appreciation for the privilege it is to be a professional athlete. From meeting her idol, to becoming someone to idolize Fanny shows us there is always room to enjoy becoming the best version of ourselves.
Follow Fanny's adventures here!
What happens when life confronts you with immense risk you can't walk away from? We all know life carries two sides, yin and yang, dark and light, complementary opposites. This is the kind of confrontation you sign up for when you're on a mountain's edge, looking down its face, a moment away from letting the skis glide over the lip to descend the line. Sebastien Varlet tells us exactly what happens inside his mind as he carries this dualism down magnificent slopes. What he has discovered from years of big mountain skiing, is that the beauty is actually in the details.
To follow Sebastien's adventures check him out at-
You know that person who has gone so deep integrating something into their lifestyle you just cannot separate the two any longer? It's so beautifully a part of who they are they hardly think its worth mentioning. This is the impression I got speaking to Petter Restorp about his escapades, either deep in the mountains of Chamonix or far in the hills of Sweden. In his humility, it felt as if he thought his lifestyle were so average, and I was the person on the side lines assuring him it was nowhere near average. In a big mix of joy, presence, and athleticism Petter carves out his own path like the true mountain goat he is.
To follow any future adventures www.instagram.com/petterrestorp/
What are those few professions that feel so huge, so far away, so long term, unconnected from the reality of the child who decides to fall in love with them? I'd venture a guess that both ballet dancer and wedding dress designer rank high up there for what some consider "unrealistic." From 17 years as a professional ballet dancer, to launching a bridal design business, Lennart takes us through the stages of his process. How do you keep your curiosity for your own passions long enough to see where they might take you? In this case, time and circumstance played a crucial role at an important moment, gifting Lennart a little more time and space than usual to rediscover previously enjoyed hobbies. They are no longer just hobbies.
Find Lennart!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lenn.art.design
Website: lennartradtke.com
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It might feel the most common experience these days is to find yourself competing. Competing for a raise, for recognition, for praise, for a promotion, and the list goes on. But if you have an opportunity to exit that competition and enter a new one, what would you want it to look like? A competition with yourself, to become the best version of yourself, surrounded by the gorgeous French Alps and other like minded people entering the same self improvement competition sounds like a good alternative. At least it does to ultra runner and film maker Tobias Johansson, who has moved countries, changed careers, and moved back in just that pursuit.
* You can follow the work of Tobias or get in touch with him on his website tobiasjohansson.se or Instagram at tbs.johansson, or YouTube also at tbs.johansson
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All the best, until next time!