This week on Here's What We Know, we’re sitting down with the hosts of The Fit Mess Podcast, Zach Tucker and Jeremy Grater, to dive into their personal stories of fitness, friendship, and transformation. If you're looking for a little inspiration with a touch of realness, you’re in the right place.

In This Episode:

• Discover how they started their unexpected podcast journey and open up about life beyond fitness.
• Learn about Zach and Jeremy’s 13-year friendship, which began through their wives during pregnancy.
• Hear how their stories go beyond fitness to explore mental health, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.
• Listen to Zach’s inspiring transformation from nearly 300 pounds and a smoker to a long-distance runner.
• Discover how a knee injury became Jeremy’s wake-up call, leading him to embrace bike commuting and mindfulness practices.
• Zach and Jeremy emphasize the power of vulnerability and learn why they believe small steps, both in fitness and mental health, make the biggest impact over time.
• Zach opens up about how forgiving his mother brought him peace, while Jeremy shares valuable lessons from therapy, including how to challenge inherited negative self-talk.
• Discover their refreshing, realistic approach to wellness. Their advice? Focus on small, manageable changes—whether it's a short walk or five minutes of mindfulness.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter

Bio:
Zach Tucker resides in Albany, NY with his young daughter. Zach has a passion for helping people define and meet their wellness goals. He thinks that every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for someone’s wellness. He is on a mission to share his story and some of the tools that helped him on his own wellness journey. Zach is certified to teach yoga and Insanity® Live.

Jeremy Grater is a married father of two young girls and lives in rural British Columbia. He’s been in the broadcasting and podcasting business for about two decades. Jeremy is a certified REBT Mindset Life Coach.

Website: https://www.thefitmess.com/

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This week on Here's What We Know, our guest is Karen Howard, the brilliant author behind the book, Upset is Optional and Executive Director of the Organic and Natural Health Association. Listen in as she shares her wisdom on personal growth, professional journeys, and societal reflections.

In This Episode:

• Meet Karen Howard as a powerhouse in natural health advocacy and an insightful author aiming to help us control our reactions to life's challenges.
• Discover the essence of Upset is Optional, focusing on maintaining control over one's reactions.
• Explore parenting insights deeply tied to overcoming adversity.
• Hear how 9/11 significantly pivoted Karen’s career trajectory.
• Learn life lessons & parenting tips for teaching children to follow their passions rather than societal expectations.
• Dive into Karen's extensive involvement in government policy-making.
• Understand how political engagement has evolved with an emphasis on voting knowledgeably about candidates and issues.
• Learn the value of open-mindedness in decision-making processes & educate oneself to actively participate in democratic processes and remain open to evolving perspectives.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
Originally from Springfield, MO, Karen spent the last 40 living years in Washington, DC working as Congressional Committee staff, lobbying for health care issues, and working for a variety of professional and trade associations. She has experienced a monumental shift in her outlook since the fateful events of 9/11 in 2001. This cataclysmic event left an indelible mark on her sensibilities, prompting her to seek a more purposeful existence. Thus commenced her extraordinary journey towards healing and self-discovery.

For a decade, Karen collaborated closely with naturopathic physicians, leading the way as their Executive Director. She ventured to Ecuador, immersing herself in the wisdom of native healers.

It was during that time that she was introduced to Bob Duggan, the visionary behind Tai Sophia acupuncture school. Pursuing a master’s degree under his tutelage, Karen learned to cultivate a state of well-being through mindful language and actions.

Website: https://upsetisoptional.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.howard.75641
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhoward1761/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-howard/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karenhoward857

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This week on Here's What We Know, we have a groundbreaking conversation with two esteemed guests, Hunter Walker, an investigative journalist and former White House correspondent, and Luppe B. Luppen, a lawyer and a prominent social media presence and writer. Together they discuss their book, The Truce: Progressive, Centrist, and the Future of the Democratic Party, offering listeners an insider's account of political dynamics within the Democratic Party.

In This Episode:

• Access to Insider Stories
• The Relationship Between Barrack Obama and Joe Biden
• Obama’s Role in the 2020 Election
• The Standard Bearer of the Democratic Party
• Kamala Harris & Missteps
• Likability and Sexism in Politics
• Attacks and Double Standards in Politics
• Tension Over US Support for Israel’s Campaign in Gaza
• Fractures with the Progressive and Centrist Coalition
• The Importance of Key Voters Groups of Biden
• The High School Drama of Politics
• Writing a Book Together
• Unvarnished Understanding of Political Players
• Election Insights
• The Goal for Biden and Trump: Just Win, Baby

This episode is sponsored by:
Bison Junk Removal
Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Bio:
Luppe B. Luppen is a lawyer and a writer in New York City. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Stanford University (2005) and Washington & Lee School of Law (2008).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycsouthpaw/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nycsouthpaw
X: https://x.com/nycsouthpaw

Hunter Walker is an investigative reporter and author based in Brooklyn, New York. He has written for notable publications such as Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The Atlantic. Walker spent five years as a White House Correspondent for Yahoo! News during the Trump administration and has covered politics for outlets like Business Insider and the New York Observer. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhunterwalker/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterwalker/

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!