Inspire Saratoga

Michael Kurkowski
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Where community meets inspiration — real conversations with local leaders, creators, and dreamers shaping the spirit of Saratoga Springs.

  1. Sep 12

    S5 Ep 5 w/ Olivia Mannion

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Olivia Mannion is a born and raised Saratogian, Stage 4B cancer survivor and is a founding member and co-lead for the Young Leaders Caucus, lobbying and advocating for Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) cancer community both locally and nationally. In this episode, Olivia shares her inspiring journey through cancer, her advocacy work with the American Cancer Society, and her efforts to influence policy and support others in the AYA community. Follow Olivia at: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaaaleee/ Spook Out Cancer 5k on Sunday, October 4th https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/SaratogaSprings/SpookOutCancer?fbclid=IwY2xjawUQ9GtwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUQxdVZEMkdkY05XdVNxRXlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEer4Zt5ueMU-GOHbUtfBIjyWtuLJ5wrVTrtpfnF8uSNo1jXtwOK_iel9-o4iQ_aem_k2aKz4Z7Xa24PGsA89Vdcw

  2. Sep 5

    S5 Ep 4 w/ Dr. Manuel Astruc

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Dr. Manuel Astruc is a board-certified psychiatrist in Saratoga Springs, with more than 20 years of experience helping high-performing professionals overcome burnout, depression, and mental fatigue. As both a clinician and entrepreneur, he’s seen firsthand how success can come at the cost of energy and fulfillment. His own experience with burnout in 2008 inspired him to combine neuroscience-based treatment with performance coaching — creating a structured path for ambitious people to recover clarity, motivation, and joy in their work. Dr. Astruc continues to practice psychiatry at Manuel Astruc, M.D. & Associates in Saratoga Springs, while leading the development of the NeuroPeak Protocol — a program designed to help high achievers feel and perform at their best. In this episode, Dr. Manny shares his personal journey through burnout, the transformative power of small habits, and innovative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation. Discover practical strategies for mental health, resilience, and achieving a flourishing life, especially for entrepreneurs. Check out more from Dr. Astruc at: Happiness Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Rules-Burnout-Embrace-Entrepreneur/dp/1544536283  NeuroPeak: https://neuropeakprotocol.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/manuelastrucmd  FB: https://www.facebook.com/ManuelAstrucMD/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelastruc/

  3. Aug 29

    S5 Ep 3 w/ Ryan Carpenter

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! One of the most caring, genuine, and driven coaches I’ve ever met joins me on the Inspire Saratoga Podcast today. Ryan Carpenter is the owner of Simple Strength and Conditioning in Greenwich NY, a strength studio dedicated to Hardstyle Strength training and community connection. I first met Ryan almost 7 years ago, and seeing the impact and energy he pours into his members is contagious in the greatest way. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey from Saratoga roots to becoming a dedicated strength coach. Discover how small steps, community support, and a passion for health transformed his life and his approach to coaching. Check out more from Ryan at: https://www.simplestrengthconditioning.com/

  4. Aug 22

    S5 Ep 2 w/ Molly Brindle

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Reiki Master Molly Brindle capped a decades-long career in sports sponsorship and media with the study of energy healing, spiritual life coaching, Reiki, Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), aromatherapy, and Bach flower remedies. Founder of Life Clarity, LLC, she is an active practitioner and volunteers her Reiki services for community hospice patients and at a domestic violence center. Molly considers energy healing one of the greatest gifts in her life for the spiritual connection it creates.  Longtime residents of Saratoga Springs, New York, Molly and her husband have two daughters and an energetic schnoodle. Good Grief: A Lighter, Heartfelt Look at Loss is her second book. In 2024, she published a children’s book on loss, A Balloon for Grandpa. In this episode, Molly shares her transformative journey from corporate media to energy healing and spiritual coaching. She discusses the principles of energy work, the healing power of water, and her insights on grief and connection beyond the physical realm. Check out more from Molly at: https://www.lifeclarity.net/

  5. Aug 14

    S5 Ep 1 w/ Erin Fortin

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In the first episode of the 5th season, I sat down with Erin Fortin, owner of Erin Fortin Photography on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, helping brands and businesses transform their visual presence and building deeper connections with their audiences. Life took a very drastic turn in 2024 for Erin after she survived a stroke during a run, which was followed by open heart surgery.   In this episode, Erin shares her journey from a healthy marathon runner to surviving a stroke and undergoing open heart surgery. She discusses the importance of community support, proactive health measures, and her advocacy for women's heart health through the American Heart Association. Check out more from Erin at: erinfortinphotography.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinfortinphoto/ Please Donate to Erin's fundraiser for the American Heart Association Go Red For Women

  6. Mar 19

    Saratoga AI Collective w/ Justin Wolfer

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Justin Wolfer is the founder of UnclutteredAI and the Saratoga AI Collective, bridging the gap between modern times of advanced technology and human connection. Justin shares his journey from Saratoga to Europe and back, exploring the impact of AI on business and community. Discover insights on cultural shifts, AI's role in creativity, and how to leverage technology for personal and communal growth. Follow Justin at: https://www.facebook.com/yogawithjustin https://unclutterai.io/ https://www.instagram.com/justinwolfer.builder/

  7. Mar 5

    Gracefully Holistic w/ Grace Loney

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Grace Loney is a health and wellness coach who took her personal experience of living with Hashimoto’s and created a holistic coaching program to help others with the same health challenges. In this conversation, Grace shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a health and wellness coach specializing in helping women with Hashimoto's disease. She discusses her personal struggles with health, the importance of a holistic approach to healing, and the role of mindset and community in the healing process. Grace emphasizes the significance of nutrition, stress management, and the need for social connections in achieving long-term health and wellness. The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing mindset changes and the evolving nature of health journeys. Find more on Grace at: Instagram

  8. Feb 26

    Basis Health and Performance w/ Grayson Strange

    Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Grayson Strange is the founder and Owner, along with Sarah Strange, of Basis Health and Performance in Saratoga Springs. In this conversation, Grayson discusses his journey in the fitness industry, focusing on the evolution of his training methods and the importance of joint health and recovery. He shares insights on transitioning to a new business model that emphasizes functional range conditioning and the internal strength model, highlighting the need for a shift in perspective on training as one ages. Grayson explains how prioritizing joint-specific training can lead to better overall health and performance, and he emphasizes the significance of recovery in achieving long-term fitness goals. The discussion also touches on adapting training for longevity and finding balance in strength training as one ages. Check out more from Grayson at: Instagram https://www.basishpny.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:44 Transitioning to a New Training Model 13:44 Understanding Joint Health and Function 19:44 Client Response and Implementation of New Methods 23:22 Sustainable Training for Longevity 32:04 Adapting Training as We Age 43:53 Integrating Joint Health into Strength Training

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About

Where community meets inspiration — real conversations with local leaders, creators, and dreamers shaping the spirit of Saratoga Springs.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Kurkowski
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inspire Saratoga
  • Show Website
    Inspire Saratoga