Family By Heart

Family By Heart w/ host Dustin Gruss

Not all family legacies are created by blood. What it takes to make a family, in any sense of the word, comes by the heart. Host, Dustin Gruss, is a speaker and coach for the family man who wants to lead by caring better for himself, first. Gruss and his wife of over 7 years are on a family journey they wouldn't have imagined- one that includes infertility, grief, foster care to adoption and now parenting two toddlers as a multi-racial family. This podcast aims to be a resource for anyone on any part of the infertility, childfree, pet only, foster care/adoption and parenting journey.

  1. 09/06/2024

    How to Navigate Life and Change With a Different Perspective

    Summary In this conversation, Dustin and Brandon catch up on their summer activities. Dustin talks about his son's progress in swimming lessons and his own experiences with concerts and fitness. Brandon shares his daughter's transition to college and his son's interest in golf. In the meat of the episode, they discuss the importance of perspective, how it can impact our lives and how they maintain it through therapy, self-reflection, and journaling. They talk about the need to reframe situations and find a different perspective, even if it means looking at things in a silly or fun way. They also emphasize the importance of giving ourselves and others grace, especially when it comes to making mistakes. They discuss the balance between being a parent and allowing children to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences. They also touch on the significance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and practicing gratitude. Dustin also talks about an effective tool for gaining perspective he got from a dinner meeting with a good friend, Darin Painter. The tool was a "My Life in Weeks" Calendar which can be downloaded or posters ordered online. GIVEAWAY Be one of the first 10 to comment your favorite part of this episode in the comments or on our socials to get your own "Family By Heart" sticker and one of our first 10 will get their very own Family By Heart shirt. IG: instagram.com/familybyheartpod Takeaways Catching up with friends and family is important to stay connected and share experiences. Swimming lessons can be a fun and educational activity for kids, and they can progress quickly with regular practice. Attending concerts and engaging in fitness activities can be enjoyable ways to spend the summer. The transition of a child going off to college can be emotional for parents, but it's important to support their independence. Maintaining perspective is crucial in navigating life's challenges and making decisions. Therapy, self-reflection, and journaling are effective tools for gaining and maintaining perspective. Reframing situations and finding a different perspective can help us handle past issues and make them seem less drastic. Giving ourselves and others grace is important, especially when it comes to making mistakes. Finding a balance between being a parent and allowing children to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences is crucial. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences can have a significant impact on our mindset and well-being. Practicing gratitude can help us appreciate the present moment and find joy in everyday life.

    56 min
  2. From Bad Ass Mom to Bad Ass Mountain Climber w/ Endurance Athlete, Shari Cline-Maouri

    07/03/2024

    From Bad Ass Mom to Bad Ass Mountain Climber w/ Endurance Athlete, Shari Cline-Maouri

    Summary In this conversation, Dustin and Brandon chat with Shari Maouri, an endurance athlete and member of Compound Fitness in Strongsville. Shari shares her journey from being overweight and out of shape to becoming a fitness enthusiast and mountain climber. She talks about her motivation, the impact of fitness on her life, and her experiences participating in challenging events like the 29029 Everesting Challenge and the 12-hour Walk Challenge. Shari also discusses her book-writing aspirations and her desire to inspire and help others on their fitness journeys. She discussed the differences between Whistler and Sun Valley, highlighting the challenging terrain and the supportive community in Sun Valley. Shari also shared her personal journey of overcoming health issues and the importance of liquid calories for her during endurance events. The conversation then shifted to the 12-hour walk challenge, with Shari and Dustin sharing their own experiences and encouraging Brandon to participate. They discussed the power of continuous improvement (Kaizen) and the transformations they have witnessed in themselves and others through their fitness journeys. Shari also mentioned her upcoming book, coaching, and speaking tour, where she plans to inspire and help others overcome trauma and achieve their goals. Takeaways Fitness can be a transformative journey, helping individuals overcome personal challenges and build confidence. Small changes in diet and activity levels can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being. Supportive gym communities can provide a safe and encouraging environment for individuals to pursue their fitness goals. Setting goals and pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Sharing personal stories and experiences can inspire and motivate others to embark on their own fitness journeys. Whistler and Sun Valley offer different challenges for mountain climbers, with Sun Valley having a steep ascent and a supportive community. The 12-hour walk challenge is a transformative experience that allows participants to focus on self-improvement and reflection. Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is a key principle at Compound Fitness, encouraging small steps towards progress in all areas of life. Supporting and helping others achieve their goals can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Sound Bites "I know what it's like to be that person who is over 40, who is overweight, who has never been an athlete, who has no belief in themselves in a number of areas of their life." "I feel like, you know, God has given me this gift and I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't carry forward to others." "I need to carry his light forward. I need to tell his story because even through those five years, he was sick, he was in pain. He never let anything stop him from his mission." "There's usually other reasons that you put yourself through a 36-hour endurance" IG: instagram.com/sharimaouri99 IG: instagram.com/familybyheartpod 29029: 29029 Everesting 12 Hour Walk: 12hourwalk.com

    55 min
  3. Succeed By Showing Up And Other Life Lessons From The Legend, Coach

    06/26/2024

    Succeed By Showing Up And Other Life Lessons From The Legend, Coach

    Summary This episode is bound to be as legendary as Dustin and Brandon's guest, Coach, who is an inspirational figure in sports and entertainment. He shares his coaching philosophy and the importance of being there for others. The guys have fun talking sports as they discuss the Cleveland Browns and their playoff drought, as well as the NBA and the legitimacy of championships won in the bubble. Coach emphasizes the need for kindness and communication in building trust with players. He also talks about his experiences with legendary athletes like Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Thomas. Other topics covered include the importance of communication, the impact of social media, the value of being a good human being, the need for self-care, and the power of belief in oneself. The coach emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and not relying on others to make decisions. Takeaways Coach emphasizes the importance of being there for others and showing kindness and support. He believes in building trust with players through effective communication and genuine care. Don't stay silent because you don't know what to say; it's better to acknowledge someone's grief and offer support. As children, we were more connected to our communities and had a better sense of right and wrong; as adults, we rely too much on others to tell us what to do. Taking care of oneself is essential; no one else will do it for you. Consistency and discipline are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Athletes are less accessible now than in the past, and it's important to remember that they are just people too. The coach was involved in a long baseball game where KISS played during the half-inning breaks. Sound Bites "People see what you guys are doing is absolutely fantastic because you're providing a service." "You gotta be there with them." "I don't say anything because I don't know what to say." "We know the difference between right and wrong, don't we? So... what happened?" "You can either do it or you don't." Look for Coach to start sharing his wisdom with the general public as he is beginning to learn more about modern technology and plans to launch accounts on TikTok and IG soon. To share your wisdom, story or ideas for an episode, contact: dustin@familybyheart.me .

    54 min
  4. Small Worlds, Spreading Big Positivity and Building Your Children's Self Esteem Through Youth Sports and Affirmations

    06/07/2024

    Small Worlds, Spreading Big Positivity and Building Your Children's Self Esteem Through Youth Sports and Affirmations

    Summary In this conversation, Brandon and Dustin discuss various topics related to parenting and coaching. They reminisce about their hometown and share personal stories. They touch on the importance of mental health and self-care, as well as the role of youth sports in teaching life skills. They also discuss the concept of participation trophies and the impact of building self-esteem based on effort rather than results. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting children and loved ones. Takeaways Dealing with grief is a challenging process, and it's important to find strength and support from loved ones. Sending positive quotes can have a positive impact on others and it's rewarding to receive a response from someone who was touched by them. The participation trophy culture in sports may hinder the development of work ethic and resilience. Coaching youth sports requires patience and understanding, as each child matures and develops at their own pace. Youth sports teach valuable life skills and should be focused on teaching fundamentals and having fun. Coaches play a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive environment for young athletes. Building self-esteem based on effort and attitude rather than results is important for children's development. Recognizing and acknowledging the effort and progress of children is essential for their motivation and self-confidence. IG: instagram.com/familybyheartpod

    50 min
  5. "From Foster Care to Coaching Self Care" w/ Author, Speaker, Coach, Angela Quijada-Banks

    05/29/2024

    "From Foster Care to Coaching Self Care" w/ Author, Speaker, Coach, Angela Quijada-Banks

    Summary In this special episode for Foster Care Awareness Month, Brandon and Dustin speak with the author of The Black Foster Youth Handbook, speaker and holistic health coach, Angela Quijada-Banks. Angela shares her insights on preventing and recovering from burnout, emphasizing the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal relationships. She also discusses her books, including the Black Foster Youth Handbook and the I Am Success Workbook, which focus on empowering and supporting foster youth. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health and self-reflection in finding fulfillment and purpose. The conversation covers topics such as the need for additional mental health awareness month for minorities, the impact of social media on mental health, the barriers to seeking mental health support in minority communities, the importance of safe and trusted adults for foster youth, and the challenges of self-sabotage and burnout. Takeaways Avoid burnout by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal relationships. Slowing down and finding balance is essential for overall well-being and fulfillment. Family and relationships play a significant role in providing support and a sense of belonging. Societal pressures to constantly achieve and progress can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout. Empowering and supporting foster youth is crucial for their success and well-being. Taking care of mental health and engaging in self-reflection are key to finding purpose and fulfillment. The uptick of social media has caused increased anxiety, especially among African Americans who may not believe in mental health. Barriers to seeking mental health support in minority communities include cultural beliefs and lack of access to resources. Safe and trusted adults play a crucial role in the lives of foster youth, providing support and guidance. Self-sabotage and burnout are common challenges, and it is important to prioritize self-care and set boundaries to avoid these pitfalls. Sound Bites "There's no rush. We are in a race against ourselves." "What really matters? What really matters to us? And our family really matters to us." "Rest, sleep, and take care of your health. These are the foundations to prevent burnout." "I'm going to be more so a shell of myself because that's safer." "We don't believe that mental health exists either." "You're being selfish. Just get to work like everybody else." BUY The Black Foster Youth Handbook BUY I Am Success Workbook Angela's Linktree

    1h 8m
  6. "Rocking Out in Life and With Our Mental Health, Part Two" w/ Alternative Cleveland DJ, Carrie Danger

    05/20/2024

    "Rocking Out in Life and With Our Mental Health, Part Two" w/ Alternative Cleveland DJ, Carrie Danger

    Summary In this episode, Dustin and Brandon continue their interview with Carrie Danger, a DJ for a local Cleveland radio station. They discuss the power of music and its impact on their lives. Carrie shares how music has helped her through difficult times and how certain albums have become soundtracks to different stages of her life. They also talk about Carrie's journey to sobriety and the importance of self-care and mental health. She emphasizes the need for support systems and the power of making positive changes in one's life. Carrie also shares her personal bucket list goals and the meaning of family to her. She encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and offers practical tips for self-care. Takeaways Music has the power to shift moods and can be a source of comfort and support during difficult times. Certain albums can become soundtracks to different stages of our lives, evoking specific memories and emotions. Prioritizing mental health and self-care is essential for overall well-being. Quitting drinking can be a transformative decision and lead to positive changes in one's life. Quitting alcohol was the best decision Carrie Danger ever made. Having a support system and a partner who understands and supports your decision to quit drinking is important. Family is not limited to blood relations; it includes those who support and care for you. Carrie's favorite mantras include 'be nice to yourself, you have a body' and 'check your pie chart.' Career goals include becoming syndicated and creating additional income from her skills. Personal goals include prioritizing self-care and creating a peaceful home environment. Engaging in movement, such as walking or dancing, can help improve mood and body image. Family means being there for each other, telling the truth, and creating special memories. Listeners are encouraged to reach out with topics, guests, or suggestions for the podcast. Sound Bites "Music is powerful because it is truly something that you can always go back to every time, whatever mood you're in." "Music has a way of finding us at certain times in our lives." "Quitting alcohol was the best decision I've ever made." "Quitting alcohol was emotionally taxing, but it allowed me to rediscover myself." Carrie Danger can be heard on 107.3 Alternative Cleveland on weekdays from 2-7pm. Social Links IG: instagram.com/carriedanger

    43 min
  7. "Rocking Out in Life and With Our Mental Health" w/ Alternative Cleveland DJ, Carrie Danger, Part 1

    05/13/2024

    "Rocking Out in Life and With Our Mental Health" w/ Alternative Cleveland DJ, Carrie Danger, Part 1

    Summary In this two part episode of Family by Heart, Dustin and Brandon interview Carrie Danger, a DJ for Alternative Radio Station 1073 in Cleveland. In the first part, they discuss Carrie's upbringing, how she became a DJ, and her experiences in the music industry. In the second part, they delve into the power of music and Carrie's mental health journey. Some of the icebreakers include discussing Carrie's DJ name, her love for cats, and her guilty pleasure of love for popcorn and breakfast choices. She talks about her grounding story for watching American Pie movies. Carrie discusses her background, moving from Tennessee to Ohio, and her experience in high school. She also talks about her journey into radio and the benefits of vocational school. Carrie shares her passion for music and her favorite concerts, including The Cure, and meeting bands as well as her music preferences and her large vinyl collection. Carrie can be heard, live and local, weekdays from 2-7 on 107.3 Alternative Cleveland in the Cleveland area, stream from their website or on their free 107.3 ALT CLE app. IG: instagram.com/carriedanger Takeaways Carrie Danger is a DJ for Alternative Radio Station 1073 in Cleveland The conversation is divided into two parts: Carrie's upbringing and experiences in the music industry, and the power of music and her mental health journey Carrie's DJ name, Danger, was given to her in high school and she loves it She is a cat lover and has two cats named Ruka and Han Solo She used to enjoy drinking beer and smoking cigarettes, but has since quit and instead loves traditional butter popcorn She got grounded for watching American Pie movies against her mom's rules. Carrie moved from Tennessee to Ohio and had a tough time adjusting to a new high school. She got into radio by attending Ohio Center for Broadcasting (now Ohio Media School) and worked hard to get her first job. Carrie has a passion for music and taught herself to play the trumpet and tenor saxophone. She has attended numerous concerts and favorite concerts include The Cure, Band of Horses, White Denim, and The Super Villains. She enjoys meeting bands and has had positive experiences with Cold War Kids She also listens to classic rock, rap, R&B, and country music, but not new country. Carrie is a vinyl collector and enjoys listening to records in her free time.

    1 hr
  8. "Nothing Could've Prepared Me For.." True Confessions on Parenthood and Marriage

    04/29/2024

    "Nothing Could've Prepared Me For.." True Confessions on Parenthood and Marriage

    Summary In this episode, Dustin and Brandon discuss various topics related to parenting, marriage, and personal experiences. They talk about the importance of learning from others, the challenges of parenting, and the need to be open-minded. They also share anecdotes about their children's activities and the surprises that come with them. Additionally, they touch on topics such as division of responsibilities, finding time for one-on-one with your spouse, the challenges of having multiple children, the importance of communication, and the impact of observational learning on children. They also discuss the significance of knowing your spouse's love language, the value of difficult conversations in a marriage, and the humorous experiences of dealing with children's bathroom mishaps in inappropriate places. Sound Bites "There's so much hate and vitriol in our country right now. And if we just took a minute, to listen and learn." "Nothing could have prepared me for how real mom/dad brain is." "Sometimes you just gotta let it happen. You gotta let it happen because nothing would have prepared me for that day." "Nothing could have prepared me for the first time you hear your child sound, talk or swear or do something like you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for Learning 09:50 The Challenges of Parenting 27:18 Balancing Responsibilities and Finding Time for One-on-One 35:26 The Impact of Observational Learning on Children 46:36 Dealing with Children's Bathroom Mishaps For information on the upcoming REACH program, email Dustin at: dustin@familybyheart.me

    1h 20m
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Not all family legacies are created by blood. What it takes to make a family, in any sense of the word, comes by the heart. Host, Dustin Gruss, is a speaker and coach for the family man who wants to lead by caring better for himself, first. Gruss and his wife of over 7 years are on a family journey they wouldn't have imagined- one that includes infertility, grief, foster care to adoption and now parenting two toddlers as a multi-racial family. This podcast aims to be a resource for anyone on any part of the infertility, childfree, pet only, foster care/adoption and parenting journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Family By Heart w/ host Dustin Gruss
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Family By Heart w/ host Dustin Gruss
  • Show Website
    Family By Heart