"If you’re in hell, keep going." Growing up as a farmer’s daughter, Jen Smith learned early that toughness was the only way through. But after a high-stakes career and a life-altering divorce, she realized the "fire-breathing dragon" approach was no longer serving her.

In this episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, Nick Clark sits down with founder, philanthropist, and modern-day rancher Jen Smith to discuss the "un-pretty" side of personal growth. From moving her son to a dirt-road ranch to find silence, to the literal moment she had to lock herself in a walk-in cooler to reset her system, Jen shares how she traded anger for vulnerability.

Discover why "I am open to receive" is the most dangerous and beautiful mantra you can adopt, and why the most "delicious transformation" happens in the messy transitions of life.

Connect with Jen Smith: www.jensmith.co

Connect with Nick Clark & Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP: www.spotteddogyoga.com

"The universe is a barista, and it doesn't care if you're 'undecided'—it only hears what you focus on."

In this episode of Play Hard and Love Big Radio, host Katie Clark (Co-Founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP) breaks down the Black Coffee Theory. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel "stuck" despite trying to change, the answer might be in the orders you’re placing.

Katie explains why saying "I don't want to be stressed" is actually an instruction to stay stressed, and how shifting your language from "don't want" to "I am" creates an immediate blueprint for a new reality.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the "Black Coffee Theory" dictates your daily reality.

• Why the universe ignores the word "don't" and how to rephrase your intentions.

• Practical shifts to move from scarcity/stress to abundance and vitality.

• How to "Live Spotted" by placing bold, intentional orders for 2026.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITY:Ready to lead? Our Awaken 200-Hour Teacher Training starts January 29th! For the first time ever, we are including a FREE SUP Yoga Training with your enrollment. Spots are limited by the number of boards we have—don't sleep on this.👉 [Link to Awaken Training]

Sponsor Shoutout:Huge thanks to Kumquat Energy & Hydration for fueling our community. Stay energized and hydrated while you chase your biggest goals.

Connect with us:Instagram: @SpottedDogYoga_FolsomWeb: www.spotteddogyoga.com

#Manifestation #MindsetShift #YogaTeacherTraining #BlackCoffeeTheory #PersonalGrowth #2026Goals #SpottedDogYoga

"Soccer is the vehicle, but character is the destination."

This week, we sit down with London native, sports science expert and the director of coaching for the El Dorado Hills Soccer Club... Glenn Shepherd.

Glenn’s journey took him from the elite swimming pools of Europe to the sidelines of Stamford Bridge with Chelsea FC, and eventually to the heart of the El Dorado Hills Soccer Club (EDHSC).

Glenn spent years at Chelsea analyzing the best players on earth, but today, his focus is on making the world a better place by providing an awesome experience for our local youth.

He joins Nick Clark, All-American Goalkeeper, Division 2 National Champion & co-founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, to break down how EDHSC is redefining the "youth sports experience" by prioritizing mentorship, fun, and holistic development over the scoreboard.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The EDHSC Mission: Why creating a world-class environment is about building better humans, not just better athletes.

• The Science of Fun: Why "joy" is the secret ingredient to performance and how Glenn is bringing that intentionality to our local fields.

• The Coaching Gap: How Glenn and EDHSC are mentoring local coaches to ensure every child—from recreational to competitive—has a leader they can look up to.

• The Power of Belonging: How a local soccer club becomes the heartbeat of a town like El Dorado Hills, providing a "third space" where kids can grow, fail safely, and find their confidence.

• The "Dreamer" Mindset: Glenn’s advice to young players on how to put their "mind and soul" into something they love to achieve their biggest goals.

Whether you're a soccer parent, a dedicated coach, or a community leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why we show up every week! It’s about more than soccer—it’s about the future of our community.

Is our "always-on" digital culture breaking our health?

In this powerful episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, Nick Clark sits down with Dr. Ron Simms, founder of Back to Health Chiropractic, to discuss the physical and emotional toll of modern life. From speaking to the Oak Ridge Girls Basketball team about "Tech Neck" to navigating the deep waters of grief and the "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD) that hits in the winter, this conversation is a roadmap for local families looking to get back to health.

We dive deep into:

• The Gen Z Crisis: Why the "Anxious Generation" is struggling with socialization and how local sports and community can help.

• The Science of Grief: How emotional pain manifests in the body (specifically the lungs) and how to move through it.

• The "Shift" Happens: A nostalgic look at growing up in Folsom, learning to drive a stick-shift on Sutter Street, and why manual labor is good for the soul.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Dr. Ron’s top tips for staying motivated, hydrated, and active during the grey winter months in El Dorado Hills, California.

• Building a Durable Life: Why a strong "tribe"—whether at Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP or a local mountain biking group—is the ultimate medicine for isolation.

"It’s for anyone, but it’s not for everyone." At Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, we don’t just teach classes; we provide a methodology for a better life. In this episode, Nick and Katie Clark get real about why they chose to become the first Baptiste Power Yoga affiliate in California & why they remain the only Baptiste Power Yoga affiliate in the Sacramento Valley.

If you’ve been practicing with us and wondering "what’s next," or if you’re looking for a yoga home that offers more than just a workout, this conversation is for you.

What you’ll discover:

• The Power of Consistency: Why our unified teaching style helps you progress faster than at "random" studios.

• Beyond the Physical: How the Three Pillars (Asana, Meditation, and Inquiry) heal relationships and clear mental clutter.

• The Teacher Training "Time" Myth: Why our 200-hour program actually gives you more time and clarity in your daily life.

• Getting Out to Go In: Why we ditch the mirrors and the "thinking" to help you find your true intuition.

How do you build a movement that outlives your own efforts? Liz Veyhl didn’t just open a yoga studio; she built a "service army." In this episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, host Nick Clark, founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, sits down with Liz Veyhl, the founder of Small World Yoga in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss the logistics of creating massive community impact.

From witnessing the power of yoga in the slums of Nairobi to managing over 100 teachers in the "Music City," Liz shares the blueprint for turning a personal passion into a city-wide non-profit.

Learn more about Liz and Small World Yoga at https://smallworldyoga.org/

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Sign" from the Universe: How a corporate layoff on May 31st was the exact "push" Liz needed to meet her goal of launching her business full-time.

• The Revenue Model: How Small World Yoga balances a 501(c)3 non-profit with an affordable physical studio ($10 drop-ins!) to reach 85+ community partners, including libraries, recovery centers, and prisons.

• The "Jake’s Bakes" Strategy: Lessons learned from her husband’s journey of starting a warm-cookie delivery business from a catering kitchen and eventually selling it to a major brand.

• Human-to-Human Connection: Why physical community and "real-life hugs" are more vital now than ever in a remote-work world.

• Generational Mindfulness: How Liz’s yoga practice is rubbing off on her children as she prepares to welcome her third baby.

  
  

Dive deep with us into the murky, treasure-filled, and sometimes dangerous waters of the American River and Lake Natoma!

This week on Play Hard and Love Big Radio, we sit down with Matt Spruitenberg, the local legend behind American River Lost and Found. Matt shares his incredible story, from moving to the area in '07 and combining his love for scuba diving and treasure hunting into a full-time passion for service.

• Beyond the Surface: Hear jaw-dropping tales of finding everything from priceless wedding rings and $28,000 prosthetic legs to hundreds of discarded vapes and shopping carts—all while cleaning up the waterways.

• Search and Rescue: Matt opens up about his work with search and rescue, including the emotional intensity of locating lost individuals and the critical moments saving lives at the treacherous San Juan rapids. He shares a vital safety tip that's also a life metaphor: Don't swim upstream.

• The World Below: Get Matt's unique underwater perspective on Lake Natoma—the surprising size of the fish (like those "creepy" giant carp), the beautiful but threatened wildlife (Morgansers and beavers), and why it's "better below water."

Matt's commitment to our community is truly inspiring, driven by a love for service and the deep fulfillment of reuniting people with their most treasured possessions.

What if the secret to a longer, healthier, and happier life wasn't just diet and exercise, but something you've completely overlooked?

In this eye-opening episode of Play Hard and Love Big Radio, host Nick Clark of Spotted Dog Yoga and Stand Up Paddle board Company dives deep into "The Hidden Pillar of Health: Why Community Matters More Than You Think."

Nick shares deeply personal insights—including how his community lifted him after his father's passing—and reveals alarming statistics that will change how you view your social life forever:

• ⚠️ The Mortality Risk: Discover the shocking study that links social disconnection to the danger of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

• 🧠 Disease Prevention: How strong social bonds actively reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, and even dementia.

• ⚡️ Energy is Palpable: The crucial difference between transactional online connection and the "mecca of power and passion" you build in person.

Nick challenges you to assess your "pack" and offers actionable steps to cultivate high-quality, lasting relationships, sharing how his own yoga teacher training experience created unbreakable bonds that propelled him to a better life.

Is your community supporting your health, or hurting it? Press play to find out.

• Yoga & SUP Teacher Training (Awaken 200-hour): Level up your leadership and build lifelong bonds.

• Pura Vida Costa Rica Retreat: Join the community for a 7-day experience of yoga, surf, R&R, and shared experience in April!

• This Weekend (Folsom): Get in-person, masterful yoga with Nick and Katie, and join the community at Knee Deep Brewing Company!

Learn More & Register: spotteddogyoga.com

#CommunityIsHealth #SocialIsolation #HiddenPillarOfHealth #LongevityTips #YogaCommunity #NickClark #SpottedDogYoga #MentalHealthMatters #HealthAndWellness #Connection