HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness Pete Moore

Alexa Newkirk has always seen wellness and fitness as her sanctuary—a vital outlet from the everyday challenges of adolescence and an effective tool in her battle against anxiety and depression during high school. Recognizing the profound impact that holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being—had on her life, Alexa was inspired to dedicate herself to guiding young individuals in discovering their own passion for health and wellness.
At bKYND ("Be Kind"), where she is an advocate for a holistic wellness model, Alexa continues to fuel her commitment to nurturing inclusive environments that empower youth to thrive in all aspects of life. Her work is a reflection of her own journey and a testament to her belief in the transformative power of well-rounded health practices.
bKYND uniquely blends physical activities with educational discussions, reaching various schools and impacting thousands of students by making wellness accessible and engaging. Join host Pete Moore and Alexa as they uncover the inspiring stories of growth, community, and the power of setting a foundation for healthy living from an early age.
"A lot of our programming is really dependent on the energy of our coaches. We teach K through 12, so you really gotta have that enthusiasm . . . the ability to be flexible and make changes on the spot. Because our main objective is to make sure they have a good experience, those early life experiences (hopefully positive experiences with physical activity!) are what really is going to shape their habits for the rest of their lifes," states Newkirk. 
Key themes discussed
Promoting holistic health and wellness through variety of activities. On-site programming removes barriers, benefits families, involves the whole family.  Discussing programming and sales cycle length. Classes accommodate 12-15 students, 2 certified coaches. Free on-site wellness program and how they stand out. Anecdote: Middle school boys discussing stress and their feelings after the program! A few key takeaways:
1. Alexa discusses bKYND, which focuses on a holistic wellness model to engage youth. The program emphasizes not only physical health through fitness activities but also integrates mental, social, and emotional health education, aiming to foster well-rounded development.
2. bKYND is distinctive in its approach by delivering programs directly in schools, making it easily accessible. This eliminates transportation barriers and makes the programs available at no cost to the students or parents, thanks to school-funded contracts.
3. Newkirk highlighted the expansion of their programs from 3 schools initially to potentially 30, showing significant growth and acceptance. This showcases a scaling model that could inspire similar education-based wellness programs.
4. The anecdote about middle school boys openly discussing their stress management techniques illustrates the program’s impact in breaking down communication barriers among youth regarding mental health, a traditionally stigmatized topic.
5. The mention of forming partnerships with entities like Nike or Adidas hinted at future potential for commercial partnerships, which could further enhance program resources and reach. Alexa also mentioned how their program could prompt youth to influence their families' health habits, suggesting an indirect method to wider community health improvements.
Click here to download transcript. 
Resources:
Alexa Newkirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-newkirk/  bKYND: https://www.thebkyndco.com/  Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com  Connect With Us: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ 
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Henry Penix is an innovative entrepreneur in the holistic health industry who embarked on a transformative journey about eight years ago when he co-founded a unique clinic. This space was a melting pot of traditional and alternative medicines, featuring professionals ranging from MD's and DO's to chiropractors, offering a diverse array of healing modalities.
Amidst these varied treatments, Penix and his team discovered the profound impact of sound frequency therapies. The approach was so successful that they dedicated nearly half of their clinic to a sound frequency spa, where clients would immerse themselves in tailored 20-minute sessions designed to address their specific health concerns. These sessions proved highly effective for a myriad of issues, such as anxiety, depression, low energy, and hormonal imbalances, earning rave reviews for their restorative benefits.
Spotting the potential for broader access to these therapies, Penix's wife suggested digitizing the sound frequency experience. The team's timely action, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, launched the platform and growth was rather substantial. The digital incarnation of Penix's sound frequency spa transcended international borders, reaching 133 countries and accumulating over 20 million minutes of therapy usage. Penix not only revolutionized the way his clinic operated but created a global digital health movement centered on the healing power of sound, based on peer reveiwed papers and solid empirical data.
When it comes to launching your own product, Penix states, "I would suggest to the entrepreneurs listening . . . hold on to something as long as you can and certainly get your MVP (minimally viable product) working correctly. And then when you feel like you might be even holding your company back some because you're not taking on outside investment . . . then it's time to pour that rocket fuel and get it even further, all over the world. But if we did that before we were ready, it would just be like pouring rocket fuel on ice cubes instead of on a fire."
Key themes discussed
Started clinic, popular sound frequency spa, expanded globally. Quantum computing accelerates creating energy in body. Frequencies mixed with music and nature sounds. Correcting body oscillations with specific frequencies. Sympathetic resonance aligns frequencies to reduce anxiety. Leading figure in the mind-body community touts benefits of sound therapy. A few key takeaways:
1. Henry discusses Soaak, his technology company which taps into the potential of sound frequency therapies to treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, low energy, and hormonal health. This represents an innovative way to enhance wellness and recovery, potentially reducing the need for conventional medications for some individuals.
2. The conversation touches on the history and the science behind sound therapy, suggesting that its principles are age-old, arguably dating back to the beginning of time, with modern advancements like quantum computing now allowing for greater precision in applying frequencies for therapeutic purposes.
3. The Soaak technology can now be delivered through an app, making it a passive form of therapy that can be used while doing various activities. It offers personalized frequency compositions that can assist with specific needs, from relaxation to enhancing workout performance, indicating the flexibility of the application for different life aspects.
4. Henry reflects on his strategic decision to grow his company to the point where it garnered significant attention, potentially moving towards being traded on the NASDAQ. He advises other entrepreneurs to be cautious with growth and investment, emphasizing the importance of a strong and methodical foundation before scaling.
5. The conversation also highlighted the potential for integrating sound therapy into fitness and wellness facilities. They contemplate the idea that facilities can augment t

Radz Zalewski, an astute entrepreneur with a passion for fitness and branding, is all about transforming how gyms create and maintain their connections with members. Recognizing the pivotal role that supplements and apparel play in establishing a gym's identity, he holds a firm belief that every individual wearing a gym’s shirt not only promotes the brand but also strengthens the communal bond. His approach targets missed opportunities for brand connection by ensuring that members endorse their gym with pride, clad in merchandise that resonates with their lifestyle.
As far as supplements? They're critical because they're consumable . . . people keep coming back. Radz likens them to an entry point to having a much larger wellness conversation. He acknowledges that an astonishing 85% of gym-goers engage with some form of supplementation, highlighting the necessity for gyms to offer education and seamless access to purchasing.
Radz's vision extends beyond the retail aspect, as he advocates for integrating comprehensive nutrition programs and meal planning services into the gym experience. His perspective definitely challenges the status quo, moving towards a time where facilities are seen not just as places to exercise but as a total health solution.
On the evolution of his company he states, "Originally it was just. . .let's build retail programs for gyms. And it was more along the lines of supplements and apparel. Basically order 100 units and keep them at the gym. That worked for some locations, but then we got into helping them create a proprietary done-for-you-online store where you don't have to do anything, and you have one monthly subscription cost. That changes the game for them and makes your retail into a true profit center."
Key themes discussed
Focused on niche supplement products for health. Individuals must represent and diversify their brand. Background, passion, and executed business plan success. Creating perfect customer avatar, gym owner's goals. Serious consideration for the quality of product. A few key takeaways:
1. Radz emphasizes the potential of gyms as not just fitness centers but also as retail outlets. His approach targets gym owners who view their business as a long-term career and are eager to invest in creating additional revenue streams beyond monthly memberships.
2. Zalewski's company helps gyms create their own branded supplements and apparel by handling the entirety of the online retail process, from store hosting to product fulfillment. This enables gyms to focus on fitness while still benefiting from retail revenue without the burden of inventory management.
3. Their offerings are designed to make it easy for gym owners, requiring minimal effort on their part — they simply provide a logo to have a fully functioning online store set up. This model aims to convert members into customers, increasing each customer's value to the gym.
4. Zalewski believes the key success factor is how well gym owners can market their brand within their established community. The gyms that actively promote their in-house products and adopt a strong branding message are the ones that vastly benefit from this additional revenue channel. 
5. Zalewski discusses how his frustration with the complex and under-regulated supplement market led to a more straightforward solution for gym owners. His business focuses on health and efficiency, creating a simple, ethical alternative for fitness entrepreneurs to offer quality supplements and branded merchandise to their members and feel good about doing so!
Click here to download transcript.   
Resources:
Radz Zalewski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radzimir-zalewski-81905611/   Affiliate Supps: https://affiliatesupps.com/  Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com  Connect With Us: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en 
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Lauren Brenner is the innovative mind behind the groundbreaking fitness concept, Powerbox 360—a fusion of an immersive nightlife energy vibe with a killer workout. Brenner's concept transports participants into a 360 degree panorama of pulsating visuals and heart-pounding beats reminiscent of an electrifying club environment. 
Her vision extends beyond "just" the workout though. She aspires to transform attendees from passive onlookers to dynamic players in their fitness journey. 
With a fierce commitment to holistic well-being, Lauren's revolutionary workout experience is crafted not just for the body, but also the mind and spirit. Her program promises an engaging workout that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between entertainment and personal betterment, making her a true innovator in the sphere of immersive fitness.
As a driven entrepreneur herself, on the importance of building a brand Brenner states, "When you own your own business and you're a type A personality, you wanna be in it. You wanna feel it. You want the energy . . .  it's very, very important to to hold on to the integrity and quality of your brand." 
Key themes discussed
Nightclub setting with 360-degree immersive content. The moment of inspiration for PowerBox 360 during the early days of COVID. The challenge of finding and retaining talented instructors. Perspective on building a strong local community through business collaborations. The importance of creating a brand community among clients, not just instructors. The shift in focus from vanity and weight loss to mental health and holistic wellness. The uniqueness of offering personalized temperature control in a group workout setting. A few key takeaways:
1. Brenner shared her journey from Wall Street trader to fitness entrepreneur, highlighting her pivot from founding the Pure Power Boot Camp to keynote speaking and, most recently, creating PowerBox 360. Her story is one of adaptation and innovation, particularly in response to the fitness industry's changes and her own life circumstances.
2. Brenner emphasizes the program's goal of enhancing performance not just physically but also mentally and spiritually, with a focus on injury prevention and longevity.
3. Lauren stresses the significance of community, both within the PowerBox 360 client base and through partnerships with other local businesses. She advocates for a collaborative approach to local commerce and fostering a supportive network that enhances the customer experience while promoting mutual growth.
4. Brenner reflects on the evolution of the fitness industry, noting changes in instructor loyalty and the emerging norm of fitness professionals working across various platforms rather than exclusively for one brand. She predicts that this may eventually cycle back to a more brand-focused approach to staffing.
5. The podcast concludes with Brenner outlining her vision for PowerBox 360's expansion, which includes targeting the hospitality industry and offering customizable individual experiences within a group setting. She aims to create a brand that offers a high-end, personal training experience on a national and international scale, leveraging the unique features of the PowerBox 360 concept.
Click here to download transcript.  
Resources:
Lauren Brenner: https://powerbox360.com/team/   PowerBox 360: https://powerbox360.com/  Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com  Connect With Us: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ 
Website: https://www.halotalks.com 
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Matt Slowinski, a college junior when the pandemic struck, found himself at a crossroads along with his friend Aaron Reznik. With their academic lives interrupted and traditional internships inaccessible, Matt turned to his long-standing passion for tennis as a way to fill his time. For years, he and Aaron had coached private tennis lessons during the summer break.
As they sought to shape their uncertain futures, Matt's entrepreneurial nature shone through. Leveraging his skill on the court, he suggested the idea of hosting a tennis clinic. With Aaron's marketing acumen behind them, they curated their client base and launched First Serve Tennis. This not only allowed Matt to nurture his love for the sport but also provided an avenue for professional growth during a time when opportunities seemed scarce.
Matt and Aaron's journey, punctuated by adaptability and ingenuity, illustrates how they turned a period of global upheaval into a chance to further both their passion and careers in an unexpected, but highly successful, way.
They discuss their entrepreneurial experiences, the challenges of managing multiple sports academies, and their perspectives on the future of the pickleball industry. 
When it comes to community engagement and getting started, Reznik states, "We put together 3 clinics a day for little kids . . . 5 to 9 year olds, 10 to 13 year olds, and high schoolers. So between the hours of around 10 and and 4 PM, we were out there on the courts teaching clinics to these group of kids, maybe 6 to 15 at a time. And then we both realized, 'Alright . . . people love this. We're doing really well at this. We enjoy it. We love it.'"
Key themes discussed
Tennis lessons turned successful business during COVID. Low-cost tennis academy grows and expands organically. Evaluate time spent, prioritize for maximum return. Pro players, coaches, clinics, and memberships offered. Uncertainty surrounds investment in pro pickleball. Workout recovery products becoming essential for gyms. Pickleball brings people together and gives purpose. A few key takeaways:
1. Aaron Reznik and his co-founder, Matt, got into pickleball without anticipating how significant it would become. They started playing the sport and became addicted, eventually leading to a transformation in their lives.
2. Aaron and Matt ventured into the world of sports academies, primarily focusing on tennis and pickleball. They started with low overhead business models for their academies and reinvested their profits into marketing, courts, and coaches.
3. They initially operated with a handshake agreement before formalizing their partnership as 50-50 owners. They haven't sought outside investment for their ventures, preferring to reinvest their own profits back into the business.
4. Aaron emphasized the growth potential in catering to the 95-99% of pickleball players who are largely unaware of professional pickleball. They see the most potential in engaging recreational players and providing value to the community through their academies and media outlets.
5. The surge in pickleball injuries may be attributed to new players who play excessively without understanding proper recovery techniques. Despite this, the sport has been transformative for many individuals, providing social connections and combating loneliness.
Click here to download transcript. 
Resources:
Aaron Reznik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronreznik/  The Pickleball Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronreznik/  Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com  Connect With Us: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ 
Website: https://www.halotalks.com 
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Maxine Carrington is the Chief People Officer at Northwell Health. She's a highly recognized, dedicated, and forward-thinking professional who works closely with a team led by CEO Michael Dowling. Reflecting her company's expansive vision of health, she takes her role far beyond the traditional confines of her industry. Maxine is not one to simply wait for illness to manifest in her 85,000+ community; she is a proactive leader who seeks to address the root causes of health issues before they escalate into crises.
Health is not merely about treating the sick but encompasses all facets of well-being and personal fitness. Maxine and her team strive to transform communities holistically, acknowledging the profound impact they can have in fostering more substantial, more health-conscious environments.
Bold in advocacy and action, Carrington takes a firm stance on critical social issues such as gun violence and black maternal and infant mortality, treating racism as a public health emergency and pushing for greater sustainability. She is a dynamic force in redefining health care, advocating for a broader perspective that includes both prevention and a holistic response to the societal factors influencing community health.
Regarding the 'human element' in professional growth, Carrington states, "Throughout my career journey, I've always thought about the human being . . . I'm looking at this whole person thinking, 'How do we help this person get here? Who are they? If things go wrong, could we have prevented this? What did we do to help and enable?"
Key themes discussed
Career journey focused on whole person well-being. Desired health benefits and insights from usage. Loneliness identified as biggest health care issue. Promoting economic equity, accessible, diverse fitness options. HR restructuring for personalization, relationship, and connection. A few key takeaways:
1. Carrington highlights Northwell's commitment to addressing not just physical health but broader societal issues impacting wellness, such as gun violence, maternal and infant mortality, racism, and sustainability. This broad view underlines the importance of a holistic approach to employee well-being and extends support beyond the workplace into households.
2. Carrington shares a very unique concept of treating Northwell team members as customers. She underlines the significance of active listening to meet employee needs, which is crucial in talent retention. This approach is a core strategy in creating a supportive work environment, and it's something that Northwell takes quite seriously.
3. Through the utilization of various platforms, Northwell is able to leverage data insights effectively. This not only helps streamline operations but also informs leadership decisions aimed at enhancing the experience for team members. Carrington discusses how such tools can facilitate improved communication and greater efficiency in workplace operations.
4. Addressing the socioeconomic diversity of employees, Carrington underscores the value of offering flexible membership levels and various price points in wellness initiatives, such as through partnerships with companies like Gympass. By providing subsidized access to fitness facilities, Northwell demonstrates its commitment to economic equity and ensuring that wellness is accessible to all team members.
Click here to download transcript.  
Resources:
Maxine Carrington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinecarrington/  Top Woman in Healthcare: https://www.northwell.edu/news/the-latest/maxine-carrington-recognized-as-a-top-woman-leader-in-health-care  Northwell Health: https://www.northwell.edu/  Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com  Connect With Us: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@