What does it mean to stay positive when life changes overnight?

In this episode of the Move to Heal Podcast, we sit down with Dave Strong, a Branford, Connecticut design-build contractor, father, and stage 4 colon cancer survivor whose story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, perspective, and finding hope through life’s most difficult moments.

At just 22 years old, Dave experienced the devastating loss of his mother. Years later, in October 2016, he faced another life-altering moment when he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

Through unimaginable challenges, Dave has continued to choose positivity, focus on what he can control, and find gratitude in the everyday moments that matter most.

In this conversation, we explore grief, fatherhood, living with cancer, mental strength, and the power of perspective. Dave also shares how his experiences have inspired him to support others navigating their own challenges.

His message is simple but powerful: Celebrate every victory.

Because no matter how small, every victory deserves to be recognized.

Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about finding strength, holding on to hope, and continuing to move forward, one victory at a time.

Today’s guest, Mo Parson, is the co-owner and operator of Fitness Sanctuary. After experiencing gang violence and surviving being shot, Mo found healing and purpose through faith, fitness, and connection.

In this episode, we talk about turning pain into purpose, the often-overlooked mental health struggles in inner-city communities, and how our hardest experiences can become the foundation for growth. Mo’s story is a powerful reminder that pain may be part of our story, but it doesn’t have to define how it ends.

In this episode of the Move to Heal Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Amendola to talk about sobriety, self-discovery, and what it really means to turn inward and prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

Nicole shares how recovery, movement, self-care, and navigating unexpected challenges have strengthened her relationship with herself and shaped her healing journey. Her message is simple: take what you need and leave the rest. We hope something in her story reminds you that healing is possible, growth isn’t always linear, and you are never alone.

This episode contains discussion of: suicide.

Join us in this episode as we explore the remarkable journey of Ray Fleser, owner of CrossFit 401 in Smithfield, RI.

Ray was a high school and college athlete, and his commitment to physical fitness became his anchor during life's challenges. Before Ray was introduced to MTH, he would offer the gym space to recovery programs and behavioral groups, hoping fitness might offer them the same benefits it has provided for him.

Today, he and his gym partner, Jennifer Jasper, host over 100 people a week at their Move to Heal meetings on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Ray and Jen's active involvement in Move To Heal has been integral to the program's success, making CrossFit 401 not just a gym but a trusting community, where individuals find support, encouragement, and a shared commitment to well-being.

Tune in to discover how Ray's vision fosters a safe space for personal growth and challenges everyone to find strength in vulnerability.

Please visit www.movetohealct.org for more information, or email us at info@movetohealct.org

Instagram: @movetoheal.ct

Join us in this episode as we hear the remarkable journey of Guin, a Move to Heal member whose life took an unexpected turn after a car accident left her with chronic pain and potentially a life-long disability. Despite doctors' discouraging predictions, Guin defied the odds and embraced the Move to Heal program after hearing about it through Greenwich CrossFit.

Dealing with chronic illness and pain, Guin found solace in the supportive community of Move to Heal. She shares her experience of attending every meeting at Greenwich CrossFit, witnessing the transformative power of the program firsthand. This episode explores Guin's inspiring journey of resilience, healing, and empowerment, showcasing the transformative potential found within the MTH community.

This episode contains discussion of: alcohol/drug addiction, suicide.

In this episode, co-founder of MTH Ethan Hershman shares his inspiring journey of battling alcoholism and drug addiction in his early teens, getting sober, and ultimately co-founding Move to Heal.

Ethan dropped out of college to run the family business, and for a decade juggled his addiction and growing career. Ethan faced a pivotal moment when, at 30, he realized he couldn't care for his two-year-old daughter.

Embracing recovery, he leaned on Alcoholics Anonymous, a nutritionist's guidance, and regular workouts as essential pillars. Now, Ethan attributes his 30 years of sobriety to the trio of physical fitness, nutrition, and group support meetings.

These principles laid the foundation for Move to Heal, where Ethan actively participates in meetings to reinforce his ongoing recovery journey. Join us for a compelling narrative of resilience and transformation.

Please visit www.movetohealct.org for more information, or email us at info@movetohealct.org

Instagram: @movetoheal.ct

Meet Jessica Dean, a registered dietitian and former CrossFit enthusiast who now leads Move To Heal's Free 16 Week Nutritional Program, focused on intuitive eating.

Jessica openly recounts her personal journey and discusses how the Intuitive Eating book triggered a significant shift in her perspective on diets and her relationship with food and exercise. Jessica's commitment to educating others is evident as she systematically debunks myths surrounding diet culture with a thoughtful approach.

In this episode, she provides practical tips on adopting intuitive eating, creating a joyful and informed relationship with food. If you're interested in breaking free from the constraints of diet culture while engaging in an informative discussion, this enlightening conversation with Jessica is worth a listen.

If you are apart of the Move to Heal community and would like to sign up for our FREE 16 Week Nutritional Program with Jessica Dean, please visit: https://www.movetohealct.org/services#Nutrition

Please visit www.movetohealct.org for more information, or email us at info@movetohealct.org

Instagram: @movetoheal.ct

This episode contains discussion of: alcohol/drug addiction, eating disorders, suicide

Meet Harley, a 31-year-old graduate student in psychology, whose life story is an incredible journey of resilience and triumph. Overcoming an unstable childhood, a traumatic brain injury at the age of 9, and navigating the challenges of an eating disorder and substance abuse in her teens, Harley's perseverance shines through.

Currently celebrating five years of sobriety, with two years actively involved in Move To Heal meetings, Harley is a beacon of inspiration for individuals facing their own battles. Her courage in discussing past struggles, including suicidal thoughts during college, serves as a testament to her strength and determination. Harley's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Please visit www.movetohealct.org for more information, or email us at info@movetohealct.org

Instagram: @movetoheal.ct