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What happens when a lightning bolt of inspiration hits you at 30,000 feet? For Russ Rogers, it transformed him from landscaper and personal trainer into a children's book author and movement creator dedicated to reconnecting families through physical activity.

In this heartfelt conversation, Russ takes us from his childhood on a Modesto farm to his college baseball career at Cal Poly Pomona, where influential coaches helped shape his life philosophy. His journey winds through coaching softball at Bethany University, where he learned a powerful lesson: his least talented team won the most games because they were unified, while his most talented team struggled due to division. This insight about human connection would later fuel his mission.

The true magic happens when Russ shares the origin story of Move Today 365. After carrying an empty journal for over a year, a mysterious "download" experience on a flight to New York compelled him to write for hours, capturing ideas about movement and family connection. Through a chance meeting with a publisher at a birthday party (one of many serendipitous moments in his journey), these musings evolved into a series of children's books encouraging families to disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other through outdoor activities.

Russ's authentic passion resonates throughout as he discusses his upcoming wellness event "Impact Santa Cruz Today" and his newest books—"Unplugged" and "Imagine If"—that extend his mission beyond physical movement into intentional living. His story reminds us that staying open to unexpected opportunities and embracing intentionality can lead to profound personal fulfillment and positive community impact.

Listen for a dose of inspiration that might just move you to close your laptop, put down your phone, and rediscover the joy of being present with those you love.

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Filmed right from Marco’s home on the North Shore of Hawaii—right in the middle of the Pipe Masters competition—this special video episode of Broken Tiles gives us a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a 34-year marriage, all sparked by three deceptively simple questions.

The first one—"What would you never have done without me?"—opens the door to some eye-opening confessions. Brian admits he might never have fully "gotten his shit together" without Stacey’s influence, while she realizes she would never have experienced the slower pace of northern New York—an unexpected but perfect setting to raise their kids. And then there's the hilarious revelation: Stacey would have never, ever used a bidet in a public bathroom if not for Brian’s, uh, strong endorsement. That story somehow leads to a highly entertaining breakdown of their morning adventure hunting for Portuguese malasadas (aka delicious donuts) in Waikiki.

When they dive into each other’s "favorite imperfections," things get even more interesting. Stacey loves how Brian—who's always giving advice about balance and mindfulness—sometimes completely loses his own zen. Meanwhile, Brian gets a kick out of Stacey’s ever-changing approach in the kitchen, which has somehow led to an amusing role reversal. Their different worldviews come into focus when they answer which historical event they’d love to witness: Brian picks the Big Bang, Stacey goes for the sinking of the Titanic. (Interpret that how you will.)

But the most touching moment? When they call out each other’s hidden "superpowers." Brian’s got razor-sharp comedic timing—despite thinking he just yells to be funny—and Stacey has this natural ability to make people instantly feel at home. And, of course, their dog Mija steals the show, constantly interrupting and nearly taking down the podcast equipment in the process.

So, what would your partner say if you asked them these questions? Listen now, then try it for yourself—you might be surprised at what you learn.

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What happens when you stop trying to control everything and start setting boundaries for yourself? Join us on the Broken Tiles Podcast as we explore the nuanced journey of personal growth and therapy, seasoned with our signature humor and introspection. Discover the delicate dance between guiding and letting go, especially from a parental perspective, while pondering the motivations behind our need to control outcomes. Engage with us in a discussion that blends heartfelt insight and playful banter, encouraging reflection on compassion, self-preservation, and the art of establishing boundaries.

Relationships are complex, and the intricacies of codependency add another layer to this complexity. We dive into the implications of codependency with children, friends, and partners, shedding light on the draining nature of emotional vampires and how to manage our time with them. With a nod to the whimsical, we venture into the world of music genres and how they humorously reflect our personalities. From "alt-indie twang" to the soulful vibes of 80s music, we share a light-hearted exchange that captures the essence of our personal characteristics through music.

Mistakes can be unexpected gifts wrapped in life's challenges. We share personal and business stories where unforeseen events led to profound insights. From the delightful surprise of an "oops baby" to lessons learned from a breach of trust, we reveal how such experiences can reshape our understanding of what's truly important. Our conversation meanders through recurring dreams and the balance between freedom and order, ultimately tying together themes of anxiety, creativity, and self-discovery. Join us for an episode that promises both thought-provoking discussions and moments of levity.

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