Explore every episode of the podcast When Grateful Hearts Speak

Have you taken the time to read our beloved City's Mission Statement? It is as follows: To Improve the quality of life by providing exceptional municipal services. Vision: To be known as a forward-thinking, hospitable and growing community that embraces diversity with a family-centric culture.

Tim shares with us his family history and how he lived and worked for the City of Fort Walton for many years before becoming

the first City Manager of Crestview five years ago. He explains to us the responsibilities of this position and that it was an appointed not elected government position. We've learned that Tim has extensive life experience and education to contribute to the task of City Manager. Tim emphasizes with his team the importance of leadership through "trusting, training and empowering people" as well as treating the "source not the symptoms".

We learned about multiple upcoming projects within this vision to help improve our community's quality of life. Things such as more daycares, a multi million dollar sports complex and of course better infrastructure. What about a Target in Crestview? Listen on to find out!

You may have seen him cracking jokes and "stirring the pot" in the infamous Crestview Word of Mouth Facebook group but here is a look behind the screens of Brannon's gigantic heart for people. He's owned Atlas Martial Arts gym in South Crestview since 2010 he says: to fill a void our community was lacking for kids and adults to practice martial arts. In this episode we learn about Brannon's childhood, adulthood and background in Psychology which eventually led to his desire to create a community centered gym to help people of all ages improve themselves and come together as a second family. Brannon discusses his parenting ideals and how owning the business comes second to being a husband and a father. He gives his opinions and advice on how men in general should act/live to make our town, community and world a better place. To learn more about Brannon's gym you can visit www.Atlasma.com or contact him on social media. Be careful though...don't say we didn't warn you about his snarky sense of humor. =)

Randy and Dana from Earth Farm 9, just North of Crestview Fl in Laurel Hill, tell us all about their life and what they offer at their community driven farm environment. Randy began early on in life working in the food industry as a chef and eventually owning his own juicing company and then his own restaurant. He began to face challenges in life with his health that drove him to think about the impact food was having on him. Dana, having faced her own set of struggles with health and stress, was aligning with the lifestyle Randy was creating by growing his own food and starting farms. They moved together from Maryland, to Jacksonville, to South Florida and now here in the panhandle, creating sustainable farms along the way. Not only are they creating farms, but they are providing a place of community and a space for healing through nature, music, meditation, yoga classes and organic/vegan meals. They also provide help with creating your own sustainable landscape, doing the best you can with what you have. Their mission is to see all humans have an abundance of nutrient dense foods, sustainable living environments and empowering educational systems. You can learn more and contact them directly at www.earthfarm9.com, on social @earthfarm9 and quick informational videos at YouTube.com/earthfarm9.

A Pennsylvania native, Christina now calls the panhandle her home and seems to be the catalyst of beautifying many of our local businesses! You may have seen her work on nocticeable places like Main Street Automotive, Gordon's Martial Arts, Crestview Manor, Ohana Heating & Air as well as Pounders to name a few. She's completed 45 different artwork projects in Crestview alone out 85 over the last two years! In this episode Christina, who attributes her love of art to her grandfather, tells us how she landed in this area and what some of these projects have meant to her. We learned of some of Christina's interests as well as her degree in Art Education and a MBA. She has completed 12 artwork pieces in Defuniak Springs, Fl as well as a few in Navarre, Ft Walton Beach and Freeport. She shares an interesting story about painting a mural in the Walton County Jail. She also fills us in on some setbacks for a big project she would like to complete in her hometown as part of the Rails to Trails path and an even larger project she's hoping to complete in the Childrens Hospital of Las Angeles. We are so thankful for Christina's many talents and her devotion to working with local business owners to tell their story through art while making such a lasting impact on our community! Contact her through facebook and instagram at christina_custom_art or her website: www.christinacustomart.com

One of our newest Grateful Hearts Yoga teachers, Amy Taula, shares information from her life experiences on relinquishing control in life & in parenting, letting go of limiting belief systems and tuning into our intrinsic power. Amy describes our body’s incredible ability to heal through processing emotion, sound healing & breath work, with her personal favorite: kundalini yoga or with using God-given plant medicines. Amy shares the importance of understanding & balancing our masculine/feminine energies and how leaning into love are keys to our own personal power and peace.

What a treasure it is to have family around who have lived through so many of life's challenges. Gracie's Great Aunt Faye Shaw is just 92 years young with lots of love left to share. Faye's testimony of God's love, as she shares in this episode, started as young as five years old for her when she nearly died of pneumonia. She knew then that she was created for a purpose and was given a second chance at life. Gracie gets a bit emotional as she sits with her matriarchy and listens to such empowering wisdom and strength as well as stories about the grandfather who passed when she was just a toddler. Gracie's grandfather/ Faye's brother, Dan Barnes, was a Pastor at the Community of Christ for over 20 years in Crestview, Fl. What a blessing it's been to have Faye share her story and some history about the church and its conception. If we could summarize the message from this episode it is to keep living like Jesus; love your neighbor as yourself and always keep learning. The poem we discussed that Dan wrote is listed below:

The Difference

I got up early one morning

And rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish,

I didn't take time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

And heavier came each task.

"Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered,

He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

But the day toiled on, grey and bleak;

I wondered why God didn't show me.

He said "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;

I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided, "My child you didn't knock"

I woke up early this morning,

And paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

Gayla has described herself in this episode as a "Lover of Women" and it definitely shows after the first few moments of getting to know her. She owns her strong personality which is inspiring to most or possibly polarizing to some. She holds a space for other women that gives them the opportunity to dig deep and find the best versions of themselves and to show up authentically in the world. We talk a lot about women empowerment, building each other up, having constructive conversations with one another and fostering community over competition. Gayla shares with us her passion for Zumba, dance and her faith and how she ties it all together. We discuss some of the struggles she's faced in the fitness industry in this area and how she stays grounded and true to herself through it all. Gayla talks about what the "Soft Life" means to her and how she's adapted to her body's changes at now 57 years old. "Get in Where You Fit in" and find her at Perfect Fit 24/7 Gym on the Southside of Crestview to take a class or look her up on social media, @gayla-gurl57 on instagram, to connect!

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic

secrets of the world and they that dwell therein." -Zora Neale Hurston

This quote sums up Skylar's ability to dive into her curiosities with such focus and force, which satisfies her true thirst for knowledge. From the human body and what makes it tick to her own personal well being and mental health, she has taken the time, done the research and applied her knowledge to live her best life, to be the best parent, wife and as true to herself as she can be.

In this episode we cover a variety of topics such as: the peaceful parenting methodology and how Skylar continues to practice this; homeschooling and public school; Skylar's background in nutrition, personal training and all certificates she has trained for and received in the field of Functional Range Systems; religion and spirituality and Skylar's decision to step away from Mormonism, as well as her love and passions for kiteboarding and pottery!

The general theme of the podcast is similar to that of her husband's, Kakela Peters of Pounders Hawaiian Grill, in leading with love in all things and not placing judgment on any person for their belief's.

Growing up as a small town Marianna, Fl girl, Cynthia Mitchell knew she was meant for bigger things and never quite felt she fit in at home. She packed up at 18 and couldn't wait to see the world and that's just what she did. She tells us about "Living a lot of Life" in her 20's from her professional life in retail to how she left everything and began sailing. One of her biggest trips included sailing to the Virgin Islands over 110 days with just her spouse. She developed a love of solo traveling and found yoga, completing her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala in 2015. That led her to buying a one way ticket to Bali in 2016 for what she looks back on as her "Eat, Pray, Love" moment. When she decided to settle down from the the fast paced charter life and working away, she and her new partner came back home to land in Ponce De Leon where Cynthia's family lived. That's where their daughter was born and a whole new challenge of navigating motherhood evolved for Cynthia. She tells us about how that time in her life uncovered a diagnosis of anxiety, PTSD and an eating disorder called ARFID, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. She tells us how none of the tools she had used in the past were working for her this time and how hard it was to find time for those rituals and self-care practices as a new mother who was exclusively breast feeding. Cynthia tells us how passionate she is about helping others, health facilitators, women and mothers especially, to live fulfilled lives and in turn take care of one another and the planet. Her brand describes her passion perfectly; EKA Earth ONE Body, ONE Earth, ONE Humanity If you'd like to reach out to Cynthia and learn more about all that she has to offer you can connect with her on Instagram @ekaearth or Cynthia Mitchell on Facebook or email info@ekaearth.com

Nothing is good or bad, right or wrong, all is filtered through our lens of perception based on our lived experience and what we know to be true at the time. When we know better we do better or we'll just stay stuck in repetitive patterns of destruction until something just has to give. Lets vow to do better, together. Some advice from me to me that I thought I'd share with you all in case it might help someone else too! All my gratitude for this incredible community.

Misty Peterson is a Buti teacher at Grateful Hearts Yoga and a dear friend of ours. In this episode Misty divulges her truths and her JOYS. As she was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adolescent and not having much help with it, she began to learn about her own mental health and how it was tied to unhealthy habits and weight gain. She noticed how society treated her when she looked one way vs another. She credits that time in her life for putting her on the path of becoming who she is and why she loves people for exactly who they are. She later had another health battle after the birth of her son and discovered her colon was septic and needed to be removed at age 24. She shares with us the trauma this caused her mentally, physically and emotionally and how it eventually led her to yoga. She shares with us how she began researching how to live a clean lifestyle and began eliminating products that contain high chemicals and metals as well as the challenge of eating clean in todays fast paced world. Lastly, Misty introduces us to another component that has helped her heal, gain weight and slowly ween off every medication she was on for pain, anxiety and depression since 2015. Cannabis. She credits this miracle plant for her health and the person she's able to be today. Misty enlightens us with the science behind our own intrinsic endocannabinoid system-a system of receptors found throughout the body-that perfectly match up and process cannabinoids and distribute them for our overall health and well-being. If you'd like to contact Misty directly she is always open for conversation at the studio or on social media. You can find her instagram @missginamarie007

"Father & Husband first, restaurant owner second" as Kakela Peters describes himself, has lived the majority of his life locally in Crestview, Fl. Personally, I have enjoyed getting to witness his road to success from moving back home with a family and a dream to making his first $300/day profit in his food truck to over $3,000 a day in his brick and motor that we all love to frequent, to opening a second location in Niceville. He has truly created an atmosphere that honors the Aloha spirit as well as a place his employees, lovingly described as the Pounders Ohana, love to be a part of. Kakela tells us some background stories like how working at a San Destin Resort and Olive Garden shaped him into being a responsible working adult. Then how he truly found his calling and purpose in life when he worked at the first two Hawaiian restaurants in Utah during his college years. He shares with us the truths about working that first year in the food truck and how much he had to sacrifice being away from his family. We appreciated Kakela's testimony & gratitude for God's Love and the teaching of Jesus Christ that continue to inspire him daily and plays such an elemental roll in the way he runs his business-leading with love.

From growing up in Nashville, TN to finding her forever home in Crestview, FL, Misty, owner of My Favorite Place Spa tells, us how her business began and what the transition to Crestview and out of the military was like for her family. Misty opened My Favorite Place in 2018 and is opening a second, North side, location this September! Misty genuinely cares about her employees and their experience working for her which is sometimes uncommon in the spa industry. She has truly created a serene getaway right in the middle of South Crestview where you can escape the hustle and bustle to find some time for self care. Misty discusses with us the benefits of massage and skin care and tells us all about the services they offer, from custom facials, full body waxing, lash lifts and of course custom massage treatments. Robin and I brag on our favorite massage therapist Staci, and talk about the difference this 1hr a month makes to our mental health. If you are in need of spa services but are unsure about making an appointment, stop by and talk to Misty's friendly staff! They are located at 2500 S Ferdon Blvd and can be reached at 850-398-6500 or at www.myfavoriteplacespa.com Thanks for supporting the local, small, woman-owned business that loves to help you reach your skincare and healthcare goals!

The Sound of Freedom is crushing the box office and spreading awareness all over the country of the Child Sex Trafficking crisis, but what's next? Our yoga friend and Veteran, Dave, shares with us about his experience working with a local organization; Called 2 Rescue out of Pensacola. He tells us about the many moving parts involved in any given rescue mission and shares touching revelations of being a father and witnessing the condition of a young girl he helped rescue. Dave gives us details about the upcoming caravan he's coordinating 7/30/23 starting at 9am in Crestview, Fl. The caravan will be to raise awareness of this ongoing and increasing evil that's not just happening in other countries but in our own backyards. Florida is ranked as the THIRD highest state of sex trafficked victims in the U.S. Being on the I10 corridor makes us even more vulnerable. Come out and network if you'd like to learn more and get involved! There are many ways to volunteer and lots of skill sets needed to make a mission successful. Dave gives us tips on how to talk with our children and set limits and boundaries as parents to keep them situationally aware and safe. Trauma is Trauma. Dave shares how yoga/meditation help him stay grounded and balanced and encourages others to find the thing that help them keep moving forward. Transitioning out of the military and finding new purpose can be very difficult but there are organizations out there to help. If you'd like more information from Dave you can contact him at (910)658-5110 or diverdave1978@protonmail.com Check out c2rministries.org to help "answer the call" with helping search, locate and rescue the lost, missing and exploited Lets let the world know; "God's children are not for sale!"

Homelessness is not only a major issue in our community of Crestview, Fl but around the world.

In this episode we meet Ann Sprague, a Baker, Fl. native, former school teacher and guidance counselor who is now devoting her life to following God's newest calling for her by helping the homeless.

C.A.S.H. Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless as well as the Cold Night Shelters and Soup Kitchen's in our area were spear headed by Mrs Ann and a few others she mentions in this podcast. She shares how a simple morning walking in 2008 during her retirement lead to this new purpose for her life.

Mrs Ann shares about all of the volunteer opportunities available at the Shelter and that there are caseworkers available M, W, F from 9am-4pm to help with intake of new individuals. We learned of all the ways the shelter employees & volunteers help our homeless neighbors to get back on their feet, take them to much needed medical appointments or to get refills for their medication. She tells us how other organizations in our area all work together to find the best fit for all individuals.

Mrs. Ann tells us what grants they've applied for recently and what is still needed to best provide in our community. She also shares about an exciting new project that is so close to fruition that could help MANY others from being homeless! These angels on Earth behind C.A.S.H. are not only helping the current homeless but are taking preventative measures to help others from ever having to lose their home!

Mrs. Ann informs us about the Thrift Store on 192 Main St that benefits the Shelter with 100% of their earnings called Hope Starts Here as well as other fundraisers that will happen throughout the year!

If this podcast is speaking to you to get involved or you'd like to donate you can contact Ann or anyone at the shelter at (850)-398-5670

located at 120 Duggan Ave Crestview, Fl 32536

You can make checks payable to: Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless or drop off any household items anytime.

Find them on Facebook: Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless Shelter Support Group

Email: chuckandannsprague@gmail.com

C.A.S.H Vision:

"It is the mission of the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the homeless and at risk in order to provide an avenue to self-sufficiency thereby strengthening our community."

Joanne Klepal is a certified Asian Bio-Energetic Therapy practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Master Practitioner of Neuroscience Linguistic Programming(NLP), Coach and Master Practitioner of Timeline Therapy and author of Natural Healing Techniques with Cory Croymans. She has practiced, coached and trained in England, India, Thailand and the U.S. She is a global wanderer who's traveled to more than 50 countries and resided in England, Southeast Asia and the U.S. and has made her home in the Florida Panhandle in Defuniak Springs. Joanne has led Reiki trainings, Breathwork classes and workshops as well as collaborative and private Reiki sessions at Grateful Hearts Yoga in Crestview, Fl. In this episode you'll get to know more intimate and vulnerable pieces of Joanne's life that ultimately led to her path of holistic healing and helping others transform into their best selves! Hear about Joanne's perspective of life no matter her circumstances and about the tools she uses to create peace. To learn more about Joanne and contact her directly visit: www.liveyouryellowbrickroad.com

An Incredible yoga teacher and human being, Somi tells us all about growing up in Iran, her family dynamics and her eventual immigration from her country to Finland, to the United States and how she landed in Crestview, Fl! Robin asks Somi about the immigration process, about the role yoga has taken in her life and why she decided to begin teaching yoga. We learn about Somi's spirituality and what it was like growing up in a culture that prioritizes religious beliefs even for those who are not religious. We touch on the differences in the school systems between Iran and the U.S. as well as the cultural expectations after school age. Somi shares her passion and hopes for the future of teaching yoga and traveling with her husband! We are very thankful for Somi and her presence at Grateful Hearts Yoga Studio and her willingness to share her experiences with us! Be brave and follow your dreams, like Somi! Find her here: www.somi-yoga.com

As we get to know Derek and how Uplifters came to be we also discuss what its like to raise kids while running a business and also touch on special needs parenting! Derek's youngest child was born with Down syndrome and he tells us how it felt to receive that diagnosis for his only son and how he handled it moving forward. Derek agrees that men don't always need to be the "fixers" and sometimes we have to let go of what we can't control.

Get to know your hosts and why they've started this podcast! In this episode Gracie interviews Robin about her childhood through adulthood/motherhood and paths that led her to Crestview, Fl and ultimately Grateful Hearts Yoga! We learn about her gifts of compassion, keen organization skills and her entrepreneurial spirit which helped lead her to developing her own patented product, the KomfyRoo! Robin talks about how she stays grounded and motivated even through trials that have tested her Faith, like her foot injury requiring multiple surgeries keeping her immobile for two years! "No more cold feet or shoulders, the Komfy Roo keeps you covered!" www.Komfyroo.com be sure to check it out!

Get to know your hosts and why they've started this podcast! In this episode Robin interviews Gracie to ask about her childhood, how she recognized her developing spirituality, what has tested her Faith, what keeps her motivated and more! Learn how she became a yoga teacher & studio owner in 2018 of Grateful Hearts Yoga as well as how she handled being a teen mom and losing her brother at an early age.

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Check out www.gratefulheartsyoga.net for more info on yoga with us!