Philippa “Filly” Belet, co-founder of Chris & Filly Functional Medicine, for a powerful conversation about body burnout, functional medicine, nervous system regulation, and the deeper roots of chronic health challenges.

Filly shares her personal journey from struggling with chronic health issues to discovering that healing can require looking beyond symptoms. She explains how gut health, stress, the nervous system, trauma, and deeply rooted beliefs can interact—and why understanding these connections became central to her approach.

Together, Richard and Filly explore the gut-brain connection, people-pleasing and hypervigilance, the impact of childhood experiences, functional lab testing, and the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of burnout.

Filly also challenges the idea that the body is something we need to fight or “fix.” Instead, she encourages us to become curious about what our symptoms may be communicating and to develop a healthier relationship with our bodies.

Healing isn’t always about pushing harder or finding another quick fix. Sometimes it begins with listening to what your body has been trying to tell you all along.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, self-trust, and a more integrated approach to healing.

In this episode of The Richard Listens Show, Richard sits down with licensed therapist and relationship expert Jeremy Mast for a powerful conversation about addiction, trauma, shame, intimacy, and the growing impact of technology on our mental health.

Drawing from both his professional experience and personal journey with alcohol and pornography, Jeremy explores how early exposure, unresolved trauma, emotional isolation, and unmet needs can develop into compulsive behaviors. He explains why these struggles are especially prevalent among men—and why shame and secrecy often make them harder to overcome.

Richard and Jeremy unpack the difference between healthy and toxic shame, how compulsive behaviors can become ways of escaping difficult emotions, and why genuine connection is such an important part of healing. They also examine the rapidly changing digital landscape, including pornography, social media, and AI, and the unique challenges these technologies may create for younger generations.

Most importantly, Jeremy shares a hopeful path forward: addressing the behavior while going deeper into its emotional roots, developing healthier intimacy, creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and learning to heal through authentic relationships and support.

A thoughtful and timely conversation about what often hides beneath addiction—and how understanding, connection, and compassion can help people move toward lasting change.

What separates a talented athlete from a true champion? Often, it’s the mind.

In this episode of Richard Listens, Richard sits down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Jim Afremow and author Phil White to explore the principles behind their new book, The Daily Champion’s Mind.

Together, they unpack why mental training isn’t something athletes should turn to only when things go wrong—it’s a daily practice. From visualization and body language to confidence, resilience, leadership, and recovering from failure, Jim and Phil share practical strategies for developing the mindset required to perform under pressure.

Drawing on lessons from elite athletes across basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, hockey, and more, they explore what champions do differently: they don’t allow one mistake, one loss, or one difficult moment to define them.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, leader, or simply looking to strengthen your own mindset, this conversation is a powerful reminder that mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you train.

Listen now to discover how small, intentional mental practices can build a champion’s mind—one day at a time.

In this special July 4th episode of the Richard Listens Podcast, Richard sits down with Jesse Crosson, author of The Best Part of Prison, for a powerful conversation about redemption, resilience, and the possibility of transformation.

After receiving a 32-year prison sentence as a teenager, Jesse spent 19 years incarcerated before rebuilding his life through meditation, education, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Today, he is a leading advocate for restorative justice, helping young people and communities break cycles of violence through the Second Chance Foundation and Central Virginia Community Justice.

Together, Richard and Jesse explore the realities of prison life, the challenges of reentering society, the mentors who shaped Jesse's journey, and why rehabilitation—not punishment alone—creates lasting change. They also discuss purpose, grief, community, and the responsibility we all have to help others discover hope and meaning.

This is a conversation about second chances, the power of human transformation, and what it truly means to build a life of purpose.

Richard Listens Podcast – Guest Bio: Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is a nationally recognized performance coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Chris Ryan Fitness app, a science-driven platform designed to help ambitious professionals build strength, improve longevity, and perform at their highest level in business, family life, and health.

A former Division I track and field athlete at the University of Florida, Chris was named one of America’s Top 10 Trainers and gained national recognition as a featured trainer on NBC’s STRONG. He later became a founding trainer for MIRROR (now lululemon Studio), helping pioneer the connected fitness movement before at-home training became mainstream.

For more than 15 years, Chris has coached executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, and high-performing parents, while contributing to leading publications including Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, and Shape. His work has also included partnerships with global brands such as Nike, lululemon, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

As a husband, father of three, and business owner, Chris brings a unique perspective on balancing health, leadership, family, and ambition. His practical, science-based approach helps people create sustainable results without extreme diets or endless hours in the gym.

On this episode of the Richard Listens, Richard sits down with Sean — musician, songwriter, Army veteran, and advocate for mental health awareness. From singing in community choirs at age four to becoming the primary lyricist and Executive Producer of The Quarantined, Sean shares the journey that shaped both his music and his mission. Their latest album, Aversion to Normalcy, recorded at the legendary Blackbird Studio, has already surpassed 600,000 Spotify streams since its release in November 2025.

Beyond music, Sean opens up about his experience serving as an Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army with the 3/509th PIR, including his deployment to Iraq from 2006–2007, and how those experiences led him to become an outspoken advocate for veterans’ mental health and the responsible use of cannabis for PTSD treatment. This conversation explores resilience, creativity, healing, and the power of using your voice to create impact.

In this special weekend edition of the Richard Listens Podcast, host Richard sits down with Becca Alvarado—a trainer, athlete, and storyteller from Arizona—whose passion for poetry and spoken word is shaping a powerful creative journey. Becca shares the story behind her upcoming book, Rainbows and Demons: An Anthology of Human Antics, a deeply personal 5–6 year project that weaves together original poetry and hand-crafted illustrations.

The conversation explores the balance between discipline and creativity, as Becca reflects on maintaining physical strength through early morning workouts while nurturing her artistic voice. She opens up about her relationship with running, inspired by her sister’s marathon journey, and how movement fuels both her mindset and creative expression.

Richard and Becca also dive into the importance of human connection—from meaningful interactions at the gym to creating safe spaces through art. Grounded in faith and guided by patience, Becca shares her vision of elevating her craft through music and scriptwriting, with the ultimate goal of reaching Grammy-level recognition in spoken word.

This episode is a powerful reminder that true growth happens when we align discipline, creativity, and purpose into one path.

In this episode of Richard Listens, Richard sits down with Nathan Tomasello—former Ohio State NCAA Champion, four-time All-American, and current professional freestyle wrestler competing in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) league.

Nathan shares the journey of his wrestling career, from becoming a high school state champion to competing at the highest levels internationally. The conversation dives into his training regimen, preparation for the upcoming US Open in Las Vegas, and the disciplined lifestyle required to perform at an elite level—including recovery, nutrition, and mental conditioning.

Together, they explore the psychology of competition, with Nathan opening up about the role of faith, family, and resilience in navigating both victories and setbacks. Richard brings his expertise as a sports psychologist to unpack the mindset required to stay focused, confident, and growth-oriented under pressure.

They also discuss the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, the crossover influence of MMA athletes, and Nathan’s path toward qualifying for the World Championship team.

This episode offers a powerful look into the mind of a world-class athlete—and the inner work required to perform at the highest level.