Author, fitness instructor, world traveler and yogi, Laine D'Souza embarked on a new journey after covid. From growing up in Hong Kong to meeting her husband in the Villages of Central Floridia, they knew they wanted more from life then what they were experiencing. They moved to Laurel Hill, in the Fl panhandle, on 140 acres of land to build a cattle ranch from the ground up. Laine tells us how it all came to be, how it's going and her hopes for the future. Be sure to follow her on Social at WagyuMama Ranch & WagyuMama Schoolhouse and check out her book just published last year on Amazon called Confidence Unleashed.

Mary, who's been teaching for us at Grateful Hearts Yoga since January 2025, shares her story! From growing up in catholic school and first learning of yoga there, to dipping a toe in and then fully immersing in yogic teaching and philosophy in the 70's, Mary shares her passion for and credits yin yoga and all forms of movement as the keys to aging well and continuing to be able to do the things she loves, like caring for her horses.

Learn more and catch her in a class by checking out our schedule at www.gratefulheartsyoga.net

From battling depression, anxiety and addiction most of her life to thriving as a single mom and business owner, Staci is living proof of endurance, mindset and belief in what one can accomplish. Her ongoing health struggles have only added fuel to her fire for living despite what she's been dealt and she tells us how it all came to be. She tells us how her relationship with God strengthened during Covid when the world shut down and she was able to go inward to realize God was with her always. Staci talks about gaining confidence despite ending a long marriage and her RA diagnosis, to pursue her career as a massage therapist and how her business has now evolved to include energy work. Learn more and connect with Staci by visiting www.myfavoriteplacespa.com

Part 2; we dive into Robin's year of struggles and joys, how she overcame the dark cloud of depression she was under as well as rehabilitated her self after her 13th foot surgery. She shares about her "year of yoga with no poses" and how leaning on her deeper understanding of yogic philosophy helped her elevate her practice when she finally did start coming back to the studio. Join us for this journey of self-discovery, embracing change and finding joy in everyday life.

A year of chaos, and no podcast recordings, but we're back to tell about it! In this episode Gracie shares her story of 2024 and all that happened and didn't happen.. nearly losing her youngest daughter, Angel, who had gastric complications from her former gastroschisis disgnosis at birth and current Prader-Willi Syndrome struggles, Gracie tells how she and her husband have refused to stay in a victim mindset, how their relationships have strengthened as well as their boundaries and what they've learned from Angel as her parents. It's a lengthy listen and can be trauma triggering especially if you have a child with either disease or have experienced extended traumatic intensive care. But we pray you take away peace in knowing you are not alone in whatever you are experiencing and that there is always hope in the journey. Stay tuned for part 2, Robin's year!

Have you taken the time to read our beloved City's Mission Statement? It is as follows: To Improve the quality of life by providing exceptional municipal services. Vision: To be known as a forward-thinking, hospitable and growing community that embraces diversity with a family-centric culture.

Tim shares with us his family history and how he lived and worked for the City of Fort Walton for many years before becoming

the first City Manager of Crestview five years ago. He explains to us the responsibilities of this position and that it was an appointed not elected government position. We've learned that Tim has extensive life experience and education to contribute to the task of City Manager. Tim emphasizes with his team the importance of leadership through "trusting, training and empowering people" as well as treating the "source not the symptoms".

We learned about multiple upcoming projects within this vision to help improve our community's quality of life. Things such as more daycares, a multi million dollar sports complex and of course better infrastructure. What about a Target in Crestview? Listen on to find out!

You may have seen him cracking jokes and "stirring the pot" in the infamous Crestview Word of Mouth Facebook group but here is a look behind the screens of Brannon's gigantic heart for people. He's owned Atlas Martial Arts gym in South Crestview since 2010 he says: to fill a void our community was lacking for kids and adults to practice martial arts. In this episode we learn about Brannon's childhood, adulthood and background in Psychology which eventually led to his desire to create a community centered gym to help people of all ages improve themselves and come together as a second family. Brannon discusses his parenting ideals and how owning the business comes second to being a husband and a father. He gives his opinions and advice on how men in general should act/live to make our town, community and world a better place. To learn more about Brannon's gym you can visit www.Atlasma.com or contact him on social media. Be careful though...don't say we didn't warn you about his snarky sense of humor. =)

Randy and Dana from Earth Farm 9, just North of Crestview Fl in Laurel Hill, tell us all about their life and what they offer at their community driven farm environment. Randy began early on in life working in the food industry as a chef and eventually owning his own juicing company and then his own restaurant. He began to face challenges in life with his health that drove him to think about the impact food was having on him. Dana, having faced her own set of struggles with health and stress, was aligning with the lifestyle Randy was creating by growing his own food and starting farms. They moved together from Maryland, to Jacksonville, to South Florida and now here in the panhandle, creating sustainable farms along the way. Not only are they creating farms, but they are providing a place of community and a space for healing through nature, music, meditation, yoga classes and organic/vegan meals. They also provide help with creating your own sustainable landscape, doing the best you can with what you have. Their mission is to see all humans have an abundance of nutrient dense foods, sustainable living environments and empowering educational systems. You can learn more and contact them directly at www.earthfarm9.com, on social @earthfarm9 and quick informational videos at YouTube.com/earthfarm9.

What a treasure it is to have family around who have lived through so many of life's challenges. Gracie's Great Aunt Faye Shaw is just 92 years young with lots of love left to share. Faye's testimony of God's love, as she shares in this episode, started as young as five years old for her when she nearly died of pneumonia. She knew then that she was created for a purpose and was given a second chance at life. Gracie gets a bit emotional as she sits with her matriarchy and listens to such empowering wisdom and strength as well as stories about the grandfather who passed when she was just a toddler. Gracie's grandfather/ Faye's brother, Dan Barnes, was a Pastor at the Community of Christ for over 20 years in Crestview, Fl. What a blessing it's been to have Faye share her story and some history about the church and its conception. If we could summarize the message from this episode it is to keep living like Jesus; love your neighbor as yourself and always keep learning. The poem we discussed that Dan wrote is listed below:

The Difference

I got up early one morning

And rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish,

I didn't take time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

And heavier came each task.

"Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered,

He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

But the day toiled on, grey and bleak;

I wondered why God didn't show me.

He said "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;

I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided, "My child you didn't knock"

I woke up early this morning,

And paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

Gayla has described herself in this episode as a "Lover of Women" and it definitely shows after the first few moments of getting to know her. She owns her strong personality which is inspiring to most or possibly polarizing to some. She holds a space for other women that gives them the opportunity to dig deep and find the best versions of themselves and to show up authentically in the world. We talk a lot about women empowerment, building each other up, having constructive conversations with one another and fostering community over competition. Gayla shares with us her passion for Zumba, dance and her faith and how she ties it all together. We discuss some of the struggles she's faced in the fitness industry in this area and how she stays grounded and true to herself through it all. Gayla talks about what the "Soft Life" means to her and how she's adapted to her body's changes at now 57 years old. "Get in Where You Fit in" and find her at Perfect Fit 24/7 Gym on the Southside of Crestview to take a class or look her up on social media, @gayla-gurl57 on instagram, to connect!

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic

secrets of the world and they that dwell therein." -Zora Neale Hurston

This quote sums up Skylar's ability to dive into her curiosities with such focus and force, which satisfies her true thirst for knowledge. From the human body and what makes it tick to her own personal well being and mental health, she has taken the time, done the research and applied her knowledge to live her best life, to be the best parent, wife and as true to herself as she can be.

In this episode we cover a variety of topics such as: the peaceful parenting methodology and how Skylar continues to practice this; homeschooling and public school; Skylar's background in nutrition, personal training and all certificates she has trained for and received in the field of Functional Range Systems; religion and spirituality and Skylar's decision to step away from Mormonism, as well as her love and passions for kiteboarding and pottery!

The general theme of the podcast is similar to that of her husband's, Kakela Peters of Pounders Hawaiian Grill, in leading with love in all things and not placing judgment on any person for their belief's.

Homelessness is not only a major issue in our community of Crestview, Fl but around the world.

In this episode we meet Ann Sprague, a Baker, Fl. native, former school teacher and guidance counselor who is now devoting her life to following God's newest calling for her by helping the homeless.

C.A.S.H. Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless as well as the Cold Night Shelters and Soup Kitchen's in our area were spear headed by Mrs Ann and a few others she mentions in this podcast. She shares how a simple morning walking in 2008 during her retirement lead to this new purpose for her life.

Mrs Ann shares about all of the volunteer opportunities available at the Shelter and that there are caseworkers available M, W, F from 9am-4pm to help with intake of new individuals. We learned of all the ways the shelter employees & volunteers help our homeless neighbors to get back on their feet, take them to much needed medical appointments or to get refills for their medication. She tells us how other organizations in our area all work together to find the best fit for all individuals.

Mrs. Ann tells us what grants they've applied for recently and what is still needed to best provide in our community. She also shares about an exciting new project that is so close to fruition that could help MANY others from being homeless! These angels on Earth behind C.A.S.H. are not only helping the current homeless but are taking preventative measures to help others from ever having to lose their home!

Mrs. Ann informs us about the Thrift Store on 192 Main St that benefits the Shelter with 100% of their earnings called Hope Starts Here as well as other fundraisers that will happen throughout the year!

If this podcast is speaking to you to get involved or you'd like to donate you can contact Ann or anyone at the shelter at (850)-398-5670

located at 120 Duggan Ave Crestview, Fl 32536

You can make checks payable to: Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless or drop off any household items anytime.

Find them on Facebook: Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless Shelter Support Group

Email: chuckandannsprague@gmail.com

C.A.S.H Vision:

"It is the mission of the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the homeless and at risk in order to provide an avenue to self-sufficiency thereby strengthening our community."