In this heartfelt episode of the Badass Soul Seeking Warrior podcast, host Annie Fonte delves into the often unspoken topic of grieving during the holidays. While the season is typically associated with joy and celebration, it can also bring a profound sense of loss and sadness. Annie shares personal insights and practical advice on how to navigate these complex emotions, offering gentle ways to care for oneself and honor loved ones who are no longer with us. Join us as we explore the coexistence of grief and joy, and learn how to create a holiday experience that feels manageable and meaningful. Tune in for a compassionate conversation that reminds us that love never leaves us—it just changes shape.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of being present in our increasingly digital world. We explore the potential dangers of excessive screen time for children and discuss practical strategies for fostering real-world connections. Join us as we uncover the balance between technology and presence, offering insights and tips for parents and caregivers striving to create a healthier digital environment for their kids.
Summary
In this episode, Annie M. Fonte discusses how to enjoy the holiday season while preparing for the new year. She emphasizes the importance of intentional living, self-reflection, and making small choices that contribute to personal growth. Annie encourages listeners to embrace the joy of the holidays while also planning for a meaningful year ahead, reminding them that they can live fully in the present without waiting for a fresh start.
Takeaways
Enjoy the holidays by focusing on connection and meaning.
Give yourself permission to say no to obligations.
Small choices today build momentum for the future.
Intentional planning is about alignment and clarity.
Reflect on what you want to experience in the new year.
You can enjoy the holidays and prepare for the future simultaneously.
Design a year that empowers and connects you.
Breathe and reflect amidst the holiday chaos.
You are worthy of joy and growth during this season.
Share your journey with others who need encouragement.
Sound bites
"No is a complete sentence."
"Designing a year that fits you."
"Have a kick-ass rest of the day!"
Chapters
00:00 Embracing the Holiday Spirit
03:29 Intentional Preparation for the New Year
06:33 Finding Balance in the Season
A Conversation with Dr. Heather Saran — Personalized Endocrinology, Preventive Medicine, and the Future of Patient Care
In this episode, Dr. Heather Saran joins the show to share her inspiring journey into the field of endocrinology and her passion for delivering highly personalized patient care. Drawing on her background in nutrition, Dr. Saran explains how understanding the unique needs of each individual allows for more effective treatment and long-term health outcomes.
She offers practical insights into hormone therapy, emphasizing the importance of customization and careful monitoring, and highlights the growing role of preventive medicine in maintaining hormonal balance and overall wellness. Dr. Saran also explores how wearable technology—such as the Oura Ring and Apple Watch—can empower patients to track and improve their health.
Throughout the conversation, she underscores the vital connection between nutrition, endocrine health, and patient education, encouraging listeners to be active participants in their healthcare journey. With her Arizona-based practice now offering telehealth services, Dr. Saran is expanding access to expert care while continuing to advocate for trust and transparency in the patient-physician relationship.
🩺 Key Takeaways
Personalized care is essential in endocrinology.
A strong foundation in nutrition enhances endocrine treatment.
Hormone therapy must be tailored to each patient.
Preventive medicine supports long-term health.
Wearable tech can play a meaningful role in health monitoring.
Patient education and advocacy empower better outcomes.
Trust and communication are key in choosing the right doctor.
Dr. Saran’s telehealth practice is expanding to meet growing demand across Arizona.
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Dr. Heather Saran
00:03 — Journey into Endocrinology
00:06 — Hormone Therapy and Personalization
00:09 — Preventive Medicine Focus
00:12 — Role of Technology in Health
00:15 — Nutrition and Endocrine Health
00:18 — Telehealth Services in Arizona
00:21 — Patient Education and Advocacy
00:24 — Finding a Trustworthy Physician
00:27 — Expanding Dr. Saran’s Practice
In this episode of the Badass Soul Seeking Warrior podcast, host Annie M. Fonte interviews Dr. Joanna Moncrieff, a psychiatrist and academic known for her critical views on psychiatric drug treatments. They discuss the drug-centered model of understanding psychiatric medications, the serotonin myth, and the implications of psychiatric practices. Dr. Moncrief emphasizes the need for a critical approach to psychiatry and explores alternatives to traditional psychiatric medications.
You can get Dr. Moncrieff's book Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth here:
http://bit.ly/48AOwgp
In this captivating episode, join us as we delve into theinspiring journey of Joe Caruso, a former consultant who has embraced hispassion for music. Discover how Joe transitioned from the corporate world toreleasing his first rock and roll single, "Seven Hours a Day," andlearn about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Tune in to hearJoe's story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness through music.
Join Annie as she interviews Joe Caruso, a Harvard BusinessSchool graduate who transitioned from a successful consulting career to pursuing his passion for music. Discover Joe's journey, the challenges he faced, and the inspiration behind his debut single, "7 Hours a Day." His full album, Tales From Two Cities will be available in April 2026.
You can find the song and learn more about Joe on his website: www.joecarusosongs.com
In this engaging conversation, Rick Juarez shares his journey from a large family in Illinois to becoming a successful investment banker and consultant. He reflects on his experiences at Harvard Business School, the challenges he faced in his career, and the importance of health and personal well-being. Rick emphasizes the significance of forgiveness, the impact of business on people's lives, and his current interest in AI and its implications for the future. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the value of perseverance and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends.takeaways
00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose
00:29Exploring Life After Harvard Business School
01:19Introduction to Rick Juarez
06:07Rick's Early Life and Family Background
11:27Education Journey: From High School to College
16:29Transitioning to Harvard Business School
21:05Experiences at Harvard: Challenges and Growth
26:19Career Path: From Consulting to Investment Banking
31:12Reflections on Market Changes and Career Insights
32:11The Impact of Trade Relations on Global Economy
35:33Navigating Economic Challenges and Future Prospects
36:59The Role of AI in Business and Society
44:11Personal Challenges and Lessons Learned
51:17Maintaining Health and Well-being
58:20Reflecting on Life's Achievements and Contributions
In this episode, I sit down with Tom Modly, a seasoned leader with a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. From his beginnings at the United States Naval Academy to his impactful role as theUnder Secretary of the Navy and then acting Secretary of the Navy, Tom shares his journey, insights, and the lessonslearned along the way. Discover the intricacies of leadership, the importanceof decision-making, and how to navigate through challenging times.
Career Highlights:
Tom's experience as a helicopter pilot and the skills hedeveloped.
Transition to leadership roles and his appointment as UnderSecretary of the Navy.
Key responsibilities and achievements in his role,including strategic initiatives and policy development.
Leadership Insights:
Tom's philosophy on leadership and decision-making.
The importance of communication and building trust within a team.
Navigating complex situations and the role of a leader in times of crisis.
Challenges and Lessons Learned:
The USS Teddy Roosevelt incident and the challenges facedduring the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lessons learned from handling high-pressuresituations and making tough decisions.
Reflections on the importance ofresilience and adaptability in leadership.
Quotes:
"The bridge is a metaphor for being in charge, or atleast standing in the place where people are in charge."
"You need to focus on two or three things that you really want to try and make meaningful."
Conclusion:
Tom shares his reflections on his career and the legacy he hopes to leave and gives encouragement for listeners to apply leadership principles in their own lives.
Get Tom's book here: amazon.com/Vectors-Heroes-Heartbreak-Bridge/dp/1642257036
Listen to the 5 part podcast series here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Fg0WQsS1lLu8tuqtRu2EB
In this engaging conversation, Tessa Terry shares her inspiring journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful owner of an RV renovation business. She discusses her early life, education, and the pivotal moments that shaped her work ethic and creative spirit. Tessa emphasizes the importance of support in her marriage and how it has contributed to her success. She delves into her design philosophy, the challenges she faced in her business, and her aspirations for the future. Tessa's story is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the willingness to step outside one's comfort zone.
In this engaging conversation, Tessa shares her journey of transforming RVs and tiny spaces into stunning living areas while balancing family life and entrepreneurship. She discusses her plans for scaling her business, the emotional impact of her renovations on clients, and her desire to travel full-time with her family. Tessa emphasizes the importance of authenticity in social media and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, all while dreaming of a future in France.
Tessa's renovations are a must-see. Go to her website and enjoy! And, follow her on Instagram.
www.alchemyRVrenovations.comwww.instagram.com/alchemyrvrenovations
00:00 Introduction to Tessa Terry
02:47Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
06:08 Education and Social Life
09:11 Marriage and Family Dynamics
12:00 Home Renovation Journey
15:02 The Birth of Alchemy RV Renovations
17:54 Design Philosophy and Creative Process
21:04 Challenges and Learning Experiences
24:06 Building a Business and Client Relationships
26:54 Future Aspirations and Growth
34:22 Stunning Renovations and Social Media Presence
35:41 Scaling the Business and Future Plans
37:37 Emotional Reactions to Renovations
39:52 The Road Show: Traveling Renovations
42:35 Traveling Full-Time with Family
44:54 Tools and Logistics of Renovations
46:45 Balancing Work and Family Life
48:47 The Joy of the Design Process
50:39 Authenticity in Social Media
52:33 Future Growth and Team Expansion
53:31 Dreams of Living in France
56:52 Mindset and Overcoming Challenges
58:44 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
01:01:37 Creating a Life You Love
01:04:52 Recommended Reading: The Alchemist
In this episode of the Badass Soul-Seeking Warrior podcast,Annie engages in a deep conversation with her Harvard Business Schoolclassmate, Rosemary Kelly. They explore Rosemary's journey from her childhoodin Massachusetts, through the challenges of losing her father at a young age,to her educational pursuits and career in healthcare. The discussion highlightsthe importance of resilience, mentorship, and the impact of personalexperiences on professional growth. Rosemary shares insights from her time atHBS, the challenges of class participation, and the significance of building asupportive company culture. The conversation also touches on Rosemary'slife-changing health experience and how it reshaped her perspective on successand well-being. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the value of connection,integrity, and finding one's place in the world.
Takeaways
The importance of preparing for unexpected life events.
Resilience can be shaped by early life experiences.
Education is a continuous journey that can lead to newopportunities.
Class participation at HBS is crucial for success.
Building relationships and networking is key in business.
Company culture significantly impacts employee satisfaction.
Health challenges can lead to a reevaluation of lifepriorities.
Mentorship can profoundly influence career paths.
Success is not just about professional achievements but alsopersonal growth.
Finding a workplace that aligns with personal values isessential.
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:31 Childhood and Family Dynamics
05:51 Life Changes and Motivations
08:41 Education Journey Begins
11:02 Transition to Accounting
13:19 Pursuing an MBA at Harvard
16:00 The Application Process
18:11 First Impressions of Harvard
20:50 Navigating Class Participation
23:12 Study Groups and Support
25:39 Memorable Professors and Classes
28:25 Second Year Experience
30:50 Career Aspirations Post-Harvard
33:15 Recruitment Process and Interviews
36:21 Navigating Career Choices and Interviews
38:43 Growth in Healthcare: A Journey Through Startups
42:27 Leadership Changes and Personal Decisions
45:00 The Evolution of Healthcare Concepts
47:26 Merging Personal and Professional Life
51:04 Reflections on Life After a Heart Attack
55:18 Lessons Learned from Life's Challenges
59:30 Redefining Success
01:02:17 Advice for the Next Generation
01:05:45 Building a Collaborative Work Culture
After a brief and unexpected pause, I am back.
If you are interested in being part of my BraveBoldBadass Community, please go here to learn more:
https://the-brave-bold-badass-community.mn.co/collections/2597339?sort=by_hosts
If you want to work out with me, go here:
https://the-brave-bold-badass-community.mn.co/spaces/18440512/about
I am looking forward to all that the future holds for all of us!
Salima Witt eats adversity for lunch. She grew up in Canada under the care of a single mom who worked several jobs. Since Salima was often alone, she went to nature to find solace.
Her battle with health challenges started in 2002 after the birth of her second child. She lapsed into a coma caused by sepsis and was given a 10% chance of survival.
In 2017, Salima fell off her horse and landed on her neck, barely escaping paralysis. In 2018, not completely healed from her riding injury, she was diagnosed with stage 3B chromophobe kidney cancer. She went through surgery to remove a reasonably sizable solid mass in her kidney. Then, in 2021, Salima developed encephalomeningitis, which caused her to lose consciousness, sight, and hearing for two months. During this time, she lost the ability to swallow, walk, talk, or care for herself. Salima admits that this was her life's most challenging and humbling battle.
In late 2024, Salima became the author of her memoir, STATIC: Learn to Listen Through the Noise. It Could Save Your Life. It is the inspirational story of her years-long battles with four near-death experiences. Throughout her struggles, Salima discovers her guide: an inner voice, which some call gut feeling, intuition, or God.
Her riveting book chronicles her miraculous power of sheer will and perseverance, how, in her darkest days—when she could not see or hear—she turned inward to listen to her
guide's clear message. STATIC is more than a story of survival; it is a tale of discovery that includes invaluable ways for readers to enhance their lives.
John Slaven was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he claims to have had an idyllic childhood. He is the second of five siblings raised by a stay-at-home mom and a father who was an architect. John attended an all-boys Catholic school through grade and high school and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Town. After graduation, he served the required two years of national service in the Navy before working at DeBeers as a project engineer in the industrial diamond mining business.
John worked with DeBeers for four and a half years before pursuing an advanced MBA. Although he had researched several schools, his wife had suggested Harvard Business School. John submitted his application and was accepted to HBS, so he didn’t apply to other schools.
HBS proved highly beneficial to John as he traversed his career following graduation. After graduation, he worked at Boston Consulting Group in Melbourne, Australia. John spent over nine years with BCG before joining Alcoa as VP of Finance, then joined BHP Billiton, where he served in many roles for thirteen years. John and his family lived on five continents in ten countries and fifteen cities during this time. They moved countries 21 times and moved cities 23 times. Moving an average of every 1.04 years in the past thirty years.
The continual moving proved to be one of his biggest challenges over the years. It was difficult for his daughters to adjust to his constant travel and moving among different schools, and at one point, his wife suffered a complex illness that added to the challenges. Through it all, they have grown close as a family and enjoy spending time together.
John is most proud of his reputation and integrity, which he has held as the most important values in his personal and professional life.
John currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, as a member of a technology start-up. He promises he is staying put and has no plans for future relocations.
Vladimir Jacimovic was born in Yugoslavia as an only child. He left there to come to the United States after his junior year of high school. The University of San Francisco recruited him to play on the men’s basketball team, hoping to one day play in the NBA. These hopes were dashed when the university faced recruiting violations, which caused the basketball program to be closed down.
This was a turning point in Vladimir’s life as he had to decide whether to go to Germany and play professional basketball in the European league or end his basketball career entirely. Vladimir chose to help his parents immigrate to the United States, and he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of San Francisco. Upon graduation, he joined Intel and worked in the software department before leaving to join Ingress, where he worked in post-sales support.
As he became familiar with rising in corporate America ranks, he decided he would pursue an MBA as it seemed that was the track the C-Suite executives had traveled. He was committed to going to the best school in the world so he chose Harvard Business School.
Vladimir loved every minute of HBS, especially the bootcamp atmosphere of the first year. He didn’t have any expectations when he arrived knowing very little about the program and with no personal contacts.
After graduation from HBS, Vladimir joined McKinsey Consulting and settled in Italy for a few years prior to transferring back to San Francisco with McKinsey. During his time at McKinsey he had great exposure to the tech world in Silicon Valley. He joined Crosslink Capital as a Managing Director and spent eight years there before becoming a Venture Partner at New Enterprise Associates. In 2008 Vladimir became the founder and CEO of Continuum Capital Partners, LLC where he still resides and is focused on funding start ups in the artificial intelligence space.
Over the years Vladimir was no stranger to the hard knocks of the venture capital industry where he has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. He resides in San Francisco with his wife and is his children’s biggest fan.
He expresses his gratitude for the journey he has been on after being raised under communist rule and taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to him by being an immigrant to the United States.
Jeff's father worked in the steel industry, so he and his family moved frequently as a child. He grew accustomed to these frequent transitions but settled in during his last years of high school and college and made life-long friends.
Jeff attended the University of Illinois and obtained an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance. He then attended Harvard Business School after spending a few years at Accenture in finance and IBM in sales.
After graduating from HBS, Jeff spent four years in Singapore and three years in Hong Kong before returning to the United States.
Reflecting on the next five to ten years, Jeff is focused on joining a community of people with whom he enjoys spending time. If a business opportunity evolves as a result, all the better.
Debbie Potts has been a competitive athlete most of her life. Her achievements include being a top triathlete, 15-time Iron Man finisher, multiple-time Iron Man Hawaii World Champion, Boston Marathon qualifier, and more.
Her athletic career came to a screeching halt in 2013 when she ended up in Metabolic Chaos, better known as adrenal fatigue.
Debbie hosts the Fit & Healthy Athlete podcast and is the author of Life Is Not a Race, It Is a Journey.
In our conversation, Debbie shares her experience of going from a top athlete to someone who gained 30 pounds and was exhausted and seeking answers to why.
She shares valuable tips and realizations that can help others avoid some of the challenges she faced.
Please visit her website for free resources and an extraordinary amount of valuable information.
She can be found on Instagram @coachdebbiepotts
Enjoy the conversation.
Gaby Chaiban was born to an American mother and Lebanese father in Beirut, Lebanon. She grew up during the Civil War in Lebanon. It was not uncommon for a school to be closed for a few weeks at a time or for Gaby and her classmates to be sent home during the day because of the danger of the war.
At eleven years old, Gaby came to the United States with her mom and brother to attend a year of elementary school. For her, the year in Brookline, Massachusetts, was a culture shock and quite uncomfortable. After the year was up, they returned to Beirut, where she finished her schooling through
high school.
Gaby returned to the United States and attended Smith College, an all-female college in Northampton, Massachusetts. She found the experience less stressful than her first trip to the States. However, she still recognized the difference in the level of curiosity and understanding of world affairs that the American students possessed.
Gaby went to work for Price Waterhouse after leaving undergraduate school, where she stayed for three years. She felt an unspoken expectation to get a secondary degree. As a result of Gaby’s upbringing, she thought that it was essential to excel in all of her endeavors and prove to people that she was smart and capable.
She applied to four MBA programs: Harvard, Wharton, MIT, and Stanford. She was accepted at Harvard and Wharton but chose Harvard because it was a better-known school in her country of origin, and once again, it would prove her capability.
Harvard was hard for Gaby. The coursework and method of teaching were very intense. She is happy that she attended Harvard, which has helped her throughout her career. And she stays in contact with various groups affiliated with HBS to this day.
Gaby shares her advice to those who may be considering the pursuit of an MBA. She also shares what she learned about herself during her two years at Harvard.
Gaby shares her post-HBS career path, which hit a low point during the 2007-2009 financial crisis. And explains the challenges she faced in managing the care of her elderly mother.
Regarding what the next several years hold for Gaby, she is happy to have options, one of which is settling in France.
Finally, Gaby is proud that she is true to herself and a good person.
Tim Agnew grew up in a wholesome yet affluent family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended private
schools through his senior year in high school and then obtained his undergraduate degree in
engineering from Princeton. After leaving Princeton, Tim left for Melbourne, Australia, as a factory
engineer. During his experience in Australia, Tim determined that his engineering degree might have
limits unless he pursued rounding it out with an MBA.
Tim's Dad had graduated from Harvard Business School in 1958, and Tim was attracted to the general
business curriculum offered at HBS. After visiting the school and getting a taste of the program, he
applied early and was accepted.
Although challenging, Tim's experience at HBS was fulfilling. He was paying for the lion's share of his HBS
experience, so he was hungry to learn. The program was intimidating, but the Socratic learning method
suited him well.
After leaving HBS, Tim spent 14 years with Sony, went on to work with joint venture start-ups, and did
some freelance consulting before landing in San Diego, CA and delving into residential real estate.
On the human side of life, one of the most challenging life experiences that Tim and his wife navigated
through was wanting children but not being able to have them. After years of medical intervention
without success, Tim and his wife explored the option of adoption and once again ran into challenges.
During this time, they attended a weekend seminar about infertility and came away, agreeing that a life
without children would bring advantages and opportunities that they had not previously considered.
After going through an unexpected grieving period, they pursued volunteer work and other activities
that have been fulfilling and rich with experience.
Tim currently resides in San Diego, CA, with his wife, Monica, and they manage a portfolio of residential
properties together.
Dan Howard comes from a close family. His parents both have an MBA. He was raised in San Francisco,
and at age 10, he auditioned for the San Francisco Opera’s Boys Chorus. He was rewarded a spot, and at
age 12, he traveled the world with the Boys Chorus. He sang three times in three operas with the
famous Luciano Pavarotti.
Dan’s travel throughout the world at a young age influenced his future as an international business
executive. He graduated early from USC and immediately moved to NYC without a job to pursue a
career in tourism advertising. He moved into an apartment near Madison Avenue, helped a young
woman move into an apartment near him, and landed a job in advertising through that contact.
Dan left his advertising position to attend Harvard Business School in 1990. Although he wanted to stay
in the travel and tourism industry, he knew he needed to hone his business and leadership skills to be a
more effective executive. Dan applied to several MBA programs but chose Harvard because that is
where the King of Thailand had matriculated.
Harvard Business School was a struggle for Dan. However, he feels he received an excellent education. HBS
trains you for the stress and pace of business. He feels like Harvard reinforced the courage he already
had.
Dan’s post-Harvard career path is as follows:
1992-1995 Tourism Director for the city of Beverly Hills, California
1995-2003 Tourism Director for Napa Valley, California
2003-2004 Tourism Director in San Francisco, California, helped open the Allison Inn and Spa in the
Willamette Valley in Newberg, Oregon.
2004-2009 Montage Resorts
2009-Present V.P. Visit Park City, Park City, Utah
Dan feels that vulnerability is a huge business asset and shares his Three Cs of Leadership.
Enjoy the conversation.
We have a chronic disease epidemic in children and adults in this country. Today, I share the startling statistics of food gone wrong in this country and give you some resources to start taking control of your health.
Resources:
www.detoxwater.com/10-day-cleanse-detox
www.helloglow.co/24-recipes-to-detox-your-skin-gut-liver
www.theinspiredhome.com/araticles/detox-dinner-recipes