Wake Up The Sun

I met Brooke several years ago when we were performing on stage at an event. She was outgoing, all smiles and very engaging. We happened to see her daughter Ava perform as well with her band. What began as a fun night continued into a working relationship of playing music, training in the summer for overall health and wellness and supporting each other in business endeavors. Brooke Boles is a Boca Raton luxury real estate advisor, marketing strategist, TV host, and keynote speaker recognized for guiding clients through some of life’s most significant financial and personal transitions with clarity, care and precision. A Real Trends Verified Top 1.5% agent, President’s Elite Winner with over $39M in closings to date and $18M+ in 2025, her work is rooted in integrity, empathy and concierge-level guidance supporting clients step into their next chapter. Whether navigating divorce, loss, downsizing, or an exciting new beginning, keeping clients calm, supported and stress free remains her priority. Working with Brooke feels like watching your home step onto the red carpet, beautifully prepared, expertly staged, showcased through global media and a strategic marketing plan designed to achieve momentum and maximum value. It's been awesome to watch Brooke overcome some serious challenges personally and professionally. We had a special guest jump on in the middle of the podcast to share her goals and aspirations professionally and musically as well. I hope you enjoy the show!

I first heard of Dr. Sam during my years in education, but it wasn’t until recently at a Christmas party that we had the opportunity to truly connect. As we talked, it quickly became clear how many parallels existed between her work and my own journey from teaching into coaching. Dr. Sam is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist practicing in South Florida. She also serves as a voluntary assistant professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her work focuses on supporting individuals from early childhood through adulthood, and she has built an incredible team dedicated to meeting people where they are. Their shared belief is simple yet powerful: there is a solution for everyone, and their mission is to help each person find the support they’re looking for. During our conversation, we explored many of the challenges people face today—from the “must be nice” mindset to the constant search for happiness, guilty pleasures, and the attention we all seem to seek, whether positively or negatively. We also shared some deeply emotional moments, especially when discussing what it means to feel like you are “enough,” and why that concept can be so difficult to embrace in everyday life. If you or someone you know is in need of support or simply someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Sam on Instagram @doctorsamllc or visit her website at www.doctorsam.com. We hope you enjoy the show.

I met Matt years ago when Ideal Nutrition was just getting started. At the time, they had a single location in West Palm Beach offering healthy, grab-and-go meal packages designed to make eating well easier. We talked about potential partnerships between FROPRO and Ideal Nutrition and I was grateful for the opportunity to have our products sold and shared with the West Palm community. What began as one store and a small kitchen quickly evolved into something much bigger—a large production facility, multiple store locations, and even a fleet of delivery vehicles connecting the community with healthy, high-quality, and fairly priced food options. Before entrepreneurship, Matt spent many years serving the West Palm community in law enforcement. One of the young men who came to train and work with him shared a passion for healthy eating, and as Matt’s time as a public servant came to an end, he and Wolfgang began working together to grow and enhance Ideal Nutrition. In a crowded space with plenty of competition, they knew they had something special that other brands couldn’t quite replicate. Their brick-and-mortar locations quickly became more than just places to pick up meals—they became spaces where people could walk in, ask questions, and get real, practical guidance about their food choices. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the connection and the time spent with the people they served. Matt and I talked about his transition from public servant to entrepreneur, the “fake it till you make it” mentality, the endless time, effort, and sweat equity required to build a business, and the challenges and rewards of growing a company while raising a family. If you haven’t tried their meals yet, do yourself a FLAVOR and give them a shot. I’m a big fan of their breakfast burrito (and many others), and I promise you won’t be disappointed. You can find them at www.idealnutritionnow.com or on Instagram @idealnutritionnow. We hope you enjoy the show—and their delicious, high-quality food.

I first met Bri back in 2013 when she was working part-time at the front desk at Slash Fitness while finishing school. From day one, she had a rare ability to make everyone feel welcome, always greeting people with a genuine smile and an upbeat, positive attitude. It didn’t take long before she began taking classes herself, and soon after, she decided to pursue a path as a personal trainer and coach. Over the years, Bri continued to learn and grow, gaining experience at multiple facilities and businesses while fine-tuning her craft and building strong connections within the community. Along the way, she began to envision what it might look like to open her own fitness space and to take on the commitment of becoming a true one-woman operation. She invested in a business coach and dove headfirst into the process of writing, planning, searching, and eventually finding a space she could call her own, one where she could bring her personal touch to the fitness world. Like many entrepreneurs, she faced skepticism. Some said the market was too crowded, that there were already too many gyms and programs, and that the risk was too high. Despite the noise, Bri stayed confident. She had a clear plan, believed deeply in her vision, and trusted that if she gave it her all, it would succeed. Fast forward just one year, and Bri now leads a thriving business. She has trainers coaching her classes, a strong and supportive community that trusts her and her programming, and a space that truly promotes health, wellness, and connection. If you’re in the East Delray area and looking for an incredible community of like-minded individuals, be sure to connect with Bri at @thrive.fs or @bootbybri.g. We hope you enjoy the show!

I had the pleasure of connecting with Kevin on his podcast, RISE ABOVE WITH KEVIN LANNING earlier in the year. We discussed all things sobriety, recovery and my experience strength and hope over the years as a sober man. While I was on the side of getting interviewed, I asked him to be on my show so I could flip the script and find out more about his story and how he became one of the top sober podcasters in the nation. Since our show, he has expanded and opened up a new studio in Palm Beach able to host and accommodate a chill experience. Sitting in the studio, his rise in the podcast scene didn't happen overnight and he was going all in after leaving sales and marketing for one of the most recognizable media companies. In taking the ultimate risk, he left his role there to be closer to his daughter and moved to south Florida. What started as a couple of views took off after a viral moment with a guest on his show and being familiar with how social media works and that algorithms he turned it into a huge hit and show. He has had many artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs and impactful people on the show talking about their journeys and what they had to overcome. If you are struggling or in need of help do not hesitate to reach out to Kevin on instagram @riseabovewithkevin @Kevin_lanning or at www.riseabovepod.com. Enjoy the show!

I first met the Rev back in 2009 when I moved to South Florida and started teaching at St Andrews in Boca. We worked in different grade levels but clicked instantly. Even after I left the school he stayed in my life and supported me through one of the hardest seasons I have ever faced. Years passed and when his name came up again I knew I had to bring him on the show. Rev has been teaching for more than 25 years and is a cornerstone of the St Andrews community. His former students now have children walking the same halls. He has touched generations and continues to show up with the same steady heart. Teaching is his passion but he also loves acting, singing and being a grandfather. Our conversation started with simple questions about his day to day life and turned into something much deeper. We talked about potential, loss, resilience and heartache. We explored how the school has changed over the years and what he hopes to do in the future. He is one of the calmest and most peaceful people you will ever meet. I cannot wait for you to hear this episode.

I met Jillian years ago through the fitness scene after she won a FROPRO giveaway. We stayed in touch, and more recently my wife and I took her workout class. We had an incredible time sweating, laughing, and connecting with the community. I later joined her for a Wake Up the Sun workout at another gym where she trains, and after finally sitting down to talk, I was blown away by her story and the life she has lived. Jillian spent years as a lifeguard and paramedic, working Ocean Rescue on the South Florida beaches while competing in lifeguard games that draw some of the fittest people in the world. Believe it or not, many of the strongest Ocean Rescue competitors live right in Deerfield Beach. What began as a job quickly became a passion and a lifelong mission to stay healthy and help others do the same. When she eventually stepped away from the EMT and paramedic world, some people thought her career ended too soon. Jillian explained that she no longer felt she could give people the patience and presence they deserved. After years of seeing some incredibly tough situations, she wanted a new direction. That direction led her back to teaching, coaching, and helping people improve their health. Today she runs and teaches at GROyoga and also trains at THRIVE Fitness, two growing communities filled with energy and purpose. She stays committed to her own fitness and makes self care a priority so she can show up fully for her family and everyone she serves. When you spend your days pouring into others, taking care of yourself becomes even more important. If you would like to connect with her, you can find her on Instagram at @jk_flowfitness or @groyoga. Hope you enjoy the show.

I first met Doug in 2010, when I quietly slipped into his office fresh off a DUI in Palm Beach. It was my last drink, and I desperately needed help and guidance. He welcomed me with care, brutal honesty, and direction, three things I had been missing. Doug took the time to walk me through my best options, drawing from years of experience serving the community. It was a pivotal moment in my life, and I’ll never forget the words and actions that helped me navigate one of my darkest chapters. In 2024, I stopped by his office simply to say thank you. I wasn’t sure he’d remember me, but once I explained my case, it all came back to him immediately. We shared a laugh, caught up on life, and reconnected in a way that left me feeling grateful. I wanted to know more about his journey and, after some time, invited him onto the show to share his 30-plus years of experience helping people through some of their toughest moments. During our conversation, Doug said something that stuck with me: “The case doesn’t define the client.” He reminded me that most people he works with are good individuals who have made bad decisions and that his role is to help them find their way forward. He genuinely loves what he does. He and his brother have grown their firm into several offices, reaching thousands of people over the years. What drives him most is the connection with people in the courtroom, the challenges, the triumphs, and the work itself. He doesn’t plan on stopping unless the phone stops ringing. If you or a loved one needs help or counsel, you can reach Doug at www.leifertlaw.com (http://www.leifertlaw.com/). We hope you enjoy the show!

Paula is a new connection I made through social media. She stopped by FROPRO HQ to pick up some bars, and I missed the chance to talk with her. When I later took a closer look at her coaching program and the work she is doing in the community, I asked her to join me on the mic and share the story behind her life changes and why she is now committed to helping others. Paula was once a hairdresser and stay-at-home mom. From the outside, she had the picture-perfect life with a beautiful family, a great home, and a wide circle of friends. What began as fun, carefree nights out with her husband and loved ones shifted during COVID. With more free time and fewer responsibilities, her drinking became more frequent. After several difficult conversations and personal challenges, she realized she felt empty and needed help. Seeking support connected her with many other women facing similar struggles, and this eventually led to the creation of a support group. Her life transformed, and she recognized that others might need the same kind of guidance she once sought. She returned to school, earned a degree, and opened an office close to where her own struggles had played out. Paula encourages people to get curious about why and how they do things, and to explore the motives behind both positive choices and challenging behaviors. If you are seeking connection or have questions, you can reach her on Instagram at @happiest_houraf or through her website at www.happiesthouraf.com (http://www.happiesthouraf.com/).

I was connected with Adam via a mutual friend in the entrepreneurial space. He was visiting Florida on podcast circuit and dropped by HQ to share his story and what changed for the better in his life. Adam, is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and the CEO and co-founder of GITT Apparel—short for “Get In The Truck”—which he launched alongside his sister, Jeannette. Born from his own transformation out of addiction and homelessness, GITT is now a global movement and lifestyle brand sold in 41 states and across 3 continents, including Europe and the Mombasa Coast of Africa. The brand has even been featured on Times Square billboards. Adam serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for New Hope Counseling and Recovery in Southeastern Kentucky, where he gives back by helping others still struggling with addiction. He’s also excited about the recent grand opening of him and his fiancé Jen’s women’s treatment center, Fourth Dimension Treatment Center in Coalgood, Kentucky, which offers adventure therapy and a range of innovative, holistic recovery modalities. He’s been featured in LA Wire, CEO Weekly, Recovery Today Magazine, US Insider, NY Weekly, NY Wire, and is a frequent guest on the Everyday Kentucky Show, along with dozens of TV, radio, and newspaper interviews nationwide. Adam has over 300,000 followers across platforms and is known for combining marketing, purpose, and raw storytelling to inspire change. 👉 “GITT motivated. GITT inspired. GITT with the program. Don’t GITT left behind.” If you have ant questions or wish to connect with Adam please do so on Instagram or Tik Tok @gitt_apparel We hope you enjoy the show!

I met Dr Vermani minutes before our podcast as a referral from a dear friend and former guest on this show. She was in town on a PR tour and joined me on The Wake Up the Sun show.  Dr. Vermani is a clinical psychologist, public speaker, teacher and author in the field of mental health and wellness, and a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. In her private practice, Dr. Vermani Balanced Wellbeing, she provides a multi-faceted treatment approach through a variety of techniques and treatments, including supportive Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Breath~Body~Mind practices, executive coaching, Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).  Dr. Vermani specializes in facilitating treatments for adults suffering from trauma/abuse, mood, anxiety, substance addictions and other related conditions and disorders. Furthermore, Dr. Vermani offers crisis management, chronic pain management, self-esteem/assertiveness enhancement, vocational counseling, skill development and professional coaching. She also conducts outpatient/inpatient psychological, vocational and forensic assessments. We spoke about many topics and her approach to helping others and why her career chose her after her childhood and being thrust into a caregiver role at the young age of 6. Please listen as we uncover different energy levels, approaches to routine and taking care of what you focus on........expands. You can reach Dr Vermani on her website www.drmonicavermani.com or on instagram @drmonicavermani. We hope you enjoy the show and have a most triumphant day!

I met Craig seven years ago through mutual friends. As a new transplant down in the South Florida, he quickly became involved in the recovery community to better his own life. What started as a couple month journey has now reached multiple years of sobriety, a new life and family and the opening of a law office. Craig opened up about his past and what led him down a dark path of abusing alcohol and drugs while trying to maintain his legal profession. Ultimately he hit rock bottom and ended up down in treatment in 2018. Upon completion of treatment, he was encourage to stay down here and start over with a humbling job and to focus on himself and his early recovery. He got his first job clerking for a law office and during the interview was completely honest about this situation which landed him the job. His boss at the time understood Craig was working but sobriety and recovery came first. During the early years, Craig spent his life giving back, working with others and following the suggestions of those who came before him. He met his wife and got marriesd, had a child and opened his own law practice with another local lawyer and recovery advocate.  To quote their website at www.robinsoncasey.com, "At Robinson and Casey, If you’re here, chances are you’ve tried everything—conversations, ultimatums, boundaries, second chances—and you’re running out of hope. We know that feeling. The sleepless nights. The constant phone calls. The fear that today could be the day things spiral too far. Families carry that weight until it feels unbearable.We guide you through the entire legal process—whether through the Marchman Act or Guardianship. Yes, we handle the legal filings, but that’s just the beginning. We stand beside you in court, communicate with treatment providers, and make sure your family has the support and clarity you need every step of the way." We hope you enjoy the show and if you or a loved one needs help do not hesitat3e to reach out to Craig with any questions. Have a most triumphant day!

Social media has an interesting way of connecting people. I had never actually met Christina in person. I knew a little about her but was intrigued by her profession and what led to her changing her own life in order to assist others.  We dove right into the coaching aspect and why she chose to work with others. She experience a tragic loss in her family and it changed the course of who she was and her role. Moving down here several years ago working in a job that wasn't super fulfilling she sought other ways of connecting and helping people. We spoke about feelings, what's reality perceived or fake, a true connection to God, moving on in relationships and being ultimately called to finding your true purpose and calling. There will be loss, heartbreak, ups and downs but in the end pursuing your destiny requires much that most will not do or don't even know where to start.  

I first met Josey years ago, in one of the most emotionally charged environments you can imagine, a recovery group setting where we were supporting a close family friend in early sobriety. I had been invited to show up as part of their support system, and I ended up sitting in on a group session that Josey was leading. What I witnessed left a lasting impression. Her presence, professionalism, and ability to hold space for people in deep struggle, it was powerful. Fast forward to a few years later, we reconnected in a completely different context: the fitness world. We got to talking about her business, her mission, and the community she was building. That’s when I realized she wasn’t just running a company she was creating a movement for people who are working to rebuild their lives. And as 2025 began, I was lucky enough to join her team, offering support as a performance coach to clients who could benefit from that extra layer of care. Josey is the founder of Parallels Consulting, a standout therapy and psychiatric service that’s redefining what healing can look like. Their philosophy is rooted in drawing powerful connections between past behavior and future outcomes, between what’s lived and what’s possible. It’s about helping people move from surviving to thriving. Josey brings over 13 years of deep, hands-on experience across both the clinical and corporate sides of the healthcare world. Before stepping into leadership, she worked as a primary therapist at six top behavioral health facilities, where she not only treated clients but innovated. She created and authored a gender-specific program that brought holistic services into the therapeutic space something that changed lives and redefined what was possible for treatment centers. In this episode, we talk about why she does this work, what fuels her passion, how her own recovery shaped her path, and what it means to show up as a mother, wife, student, and healer all at once. Josey’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep service to others. If you're someone who's ever struggled or love someone who has this conversation is going to resonate. So, lean in. You might just walk away with a new perspective, some hope, and a deeper understanding of what’s possible. And if you or someone you care about needs support, don’t wait. Visit www.parallelsconsulting.com (http://www.parallelsconsulting.com/) to learn more. Let’s dive in.

I met Keesha years ago. Surrounded by people, full of energy, and deeply rooted in the recovery community. Over the years, we’d cross paths at local gyms, events, and business functions. Each time, her presence stood out. Recently, I had the honor of speaking at her adolescent treatment center. Sharing my story with her clients and reconnecting with her reminded me just how far we've both come on our personal and professional journeys. After the event, I knew I had to get her on the podcast. Between running a treatment center, writing a book, and being a full-time mom, her schedule is no joke but we made it happen. This conversation dives deep. We talk about: The raw reality of business ownership, mental health and parenting, sobriety, loss, connection, and resilience and the lessons that keep showing up, even years into recovery. Keesha’s story is full of power, perspective, and purpose. If you're on your own recovery path, supporting a loved one, or just love real conversations—you’ll want to hear this one. Questions about adolescent recovery? Visit www.guardianrecovery.com (http://www.guardianrecovery.com/) (Adolescent page) or connect on IG: @keeshawscott @guardianrecovery

I met Megan years ago in a group fitness class in Delray Beach Florida. After not seeing her for years, while walking through my neighborhood as she had recently moved in. We got to chatting and catching up and would pass each other randomly over the next several months. I started noticing her posting about a new local business and she happened to be the  founder/owner and operator. As someone that loves stories and the journey we reconnected and I got to visit the business, participate in the services provided and then we did a podcast about what led to it all. Having faced her own personal health struggles and the emotional, mental and physical challenges of a difficult divorce, Megan embarked on a transformative journey of self-healing. Along with Megan’s personal story and being a single mom, her two children are what drives and inspires her. This journey not only reshaped her life but also redefined her understanding of beauty—one that goes beyond the surface to embrace the power of inner strength and self-love. At Lumina Rejuvenation, they offer a comprehensive range of advanced services, cutting-edge skincare and anti-aging therapies to wellness treatments designed to help you look and feel your best. If you are seeking to connect with Megan please dm her at @Meg_mcginley or reach out to her @luminarejuvenation or Call: (561) 961-0026 or Email: Admin@luminarejuvenation.com. We hope you enjoy the show!

I met Brandon several years ago when he attended a mutual friends charity workout for people in sobriety. I watched him speak to anyone that came up to him and even took photos with a smile and a thank you. Not a common thing for anyone who that had been in the public eye for as many years as he has. He was warm, engaging and interested. Over the years we trained several times, participated in workouts hosted by our mutual friend Jeremy (former wake up the sun show guest in 2020) and broke bread various times he came down to South Florida for some rest and relaxation. After finishing a workout in the morning, Brandon joined me over at HQ to talk about his journey from a professional skateboarder to rising TV personality to losing it all. After getting sober in May 2015 he began building a huge community of sober networks that facilitate and never turn their backs on those sick and suffering. He, himself experience multiple visits to treatment centers, overdoses, jails and institutions.  His story is raw, authentic and powerful and now he spends his time running group at his facilities, taking phone calls from anyone that needs help, speaking at events across the country and documenting the journey. If you are in need of help or seeking to connect for someone that is please visit www.brandonnovak.com for any and all info or call him directly at 610-314-6747. We hope you enjoy the show!

It has been years since I have sat down with Pedro Luna and chatted about life and the pursuit of greatness. It's always good to regroup with a former guest on the show and review former goals that have turned into reality. What once started as a fun thing on the side has turned into a full time passion project and business not only for him but for his wife and family. Yoga retreats in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, connection in and with new communities, impacting young yogis and changing lives all from the simple action of saying yes, taking massive action and getting it done. Sitting down we dove right into the most important topics such as returning shopping carts to their proper places, doing the best you can for today, making yourself a fucking priority and saying NO to dumb shit. I know that's a lot to handle in one sentence but that's what a repeat guest is all about. Catching up on the epic life events and changes to what's most important during the day to day. When you go from a numbers, playing it safe guy to following a passion and then creating four different businesses as a result, all while raising a family you kind of know a thing about a thing or two. Pedro is just that. A man who's figured out what's most important to him, what makes him tick and fill up with joy and how to share that with the world. I hope you enjoy the show and if you have any questions for Pedro or what he's doing you can reach him on instagram @yogawithpedro or @yogimemes. Have a most triumphant day!

Eric has been a longstanding community advocate in the mental health and substance abuse space for quite some time here in South Florida. While I've only gotten to know him over the last 2 years from working in the industry, he has a sterling reputation and shining references from his work. Eric is an accomplished South Florida psychotherapist and behavioral health consultant, currently in private practice since 2007 and specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance misuse, grief and loss, anger management and related traumas.  He began working as a therapist in 1995 and has worked in a diverse range of clinical capacities including community mental health, residential addictions treatment, Native American behavioral healthcare administration and private practice. Eric also provides behavioral health program consultation and counselor training. He has instructed at the graduate school level and provides specialty clinical training to psychotherapists.  We dove into his journey of starting out many years ago and what led him to today. He shared overcoming some personal struggles and that vulnerability is the antidote for shame. He has an amazing way of sharing his life and putting into relatable and easy going way. Eric is also the host of The Good Counsel Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. You can contact him at www.ericbrickerlmhc.com or on social media- linked in and instagram @ericbricker.lmhc. We hope you enjoy the show and thank you for tuning in. 

I met Shirah at a pickleball event at a local indoor pickleball club after she had emailed my wife regarding FROPRO and her newly started Palm Beach Founders Club. After Chelsea and I attended her amazing event where we got to meet other founders, business owners, VCs and new startups it was clear that Shirah knew what she was doing and an unstoppable force.  Her story began as a teen whose friend had her drink spiked at an outing which led to Shirah thinking that there has to be a way to stop that from happening. Her thought turned to immediate action where she took a scrunchie and other materials and created a rough prototype that essentially covered any drink to prevent from drink spiking. With the help of her family she took her idea and started to work with manufacturers and production facilities until the exact idea became a reality which is now called NIGHTCAPit. As a result, she was invited on Shark Tank and pitched her idea where Shark Lori Greiner invested in helping her grow the product. Shirah has sold over 500k products in over 40 countries and now focusing on legislation where bars, clubs and other places will have to provide a covering on drinks if asked for. Now, Shirah focuses her time on running her business from anywhere she pleases and looks to connect and grow with other founders and business owners. If you are thinking about an idea, starting a business or seeking an entrepreneurial journey she says "throw yourself into it' and make it become a reality. You can reach Shirah @shirahbenarde or @palmbeachfounders or learn more about her product @nightcapit or www.nightcapit.com. We hope you enjoy the show!