Mike Inspires Me Podcast

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) 20.6% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2019 (51.5 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.   In this episode I chat with Mel Schwartz,  psychotherapist, marriage counselor, author, 2xTEDx speaker, podcaster and leadership consultant. We chatted on a variety of mental health related topics and his book, "The Possibility Principle - How Quantum Physics Can Improve the Way You Think, Live, and Love".    I've been a follower of Mel's work for a few years and have benefited from many of the principles he teaches, especially around managing thoughts and anxiety. For more information on Mel, check out melschwartz.com.   Video version: https://youtu.be/02E9hvde4PQ Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback!

"What If I Forget To Breathe?" is ridiculous, right? Why on earth would I forget the breathe? Breathing is an automatic process, so why worry about? But all the same, it is something I have worried about.  In today's podcast I explore the world of anxiety, troublesome thoughts, and mental health. I'll talk about how my mental health has affected my life, what I have done to manage my thoughts and live a more peaceful life. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback!

In this episode I chat with Tommy Tomlinson, award-winning journalist and author of the memoir The Elephant In the Room, about life as an overweight man in a growing America. He is the host of the podcast “SouthBound” in partnership with WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR station. He has written for publications including Esquire, ESPN the Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Garden & Gun, and many others. He spent 23 years as a reporter and local columnist for the Charlotte Observer, where he was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in commentary. His stories have been chosen twice for the “Best American Sports Writing” series (2012 and 2015) and he also appears in the anthology “America’s Best Newspaper Writing.” Video version: https://youtu.be/H04d7PZumDc Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

In this episode I talk about my experience with various diets, weight loss programs, and looking into bariatric surgery and why I ultimately decided to do it on my own. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

Whether we like it or not, stress is unavoidable. We know there is both good and bad stress and how you handle the latter is key to how it affects you. Long-term stress can damage your health, but there are things you can do to help reduce the effect it has on your mind and body. Today I talk about some of the things I have done which have been effective in helping reduce the impact stress has had in my life. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

It's well-known that many who lose weight gain it back. In this episode I share some of my observations and personal experience with this issue, and what can be done to sustain your weight loss.  Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

According to Boston Medical, "An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, and Americans spend $33 billion each year on weight loss products. Yet, nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese." Today I talk about my experience with dieting, having an eating disorder, and what I have found to be best for my health. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

Walking is one of the most health beneficial activities we can do. It not only improves your physical wellbeing, but your mental health as well. Some doctors are now prescribing hiking to help in the treatment of chronic health conditions. In this episode we'll take a 'Hike with Mike' through my personal experiences with the benefits of walking. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

Why is it so hard for some people to stick to a healthier lifestyle? Did you ever wonder why despite knowing what we should eat we still end up over-indulging in those things that are not so good for us? Today I explore some of the reasons why we struggle with these things and my tips for a healthy balance. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

There are many things in our lives that we tell ourselves or know we ‘should’ do - why do we never get around to them, or start but do not continue? Today I explore the reasons we may delay or put off those things and why it is important to take charge before it's too late, most importantly as it relates your health. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

In this episode I discuss my philosophy on how making a small effort to improve your health is better than no effort at all. Often, people become overwhelmed and discouraged by their perceived effort of what they need to do. Small efforts add up to bigger results over time. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

By far one of the most asked questions about my 200 pound weight loss is, "What's Your Secret?". Today I talk about what that 'secret' is and why what I did was important to my success. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

Self-care has become a big topic of discussion, especially over the past year dealing with the pandemic. Today I talk about my experience with self-care, what led me to starting a routine of self-care, and how it saved my life. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

You're struggling to lose weight or regained weight you lost? You know it's your own fault, right? You lack self-control and discipline because that's what it takes... At least that's what much of society may have us believe. In the podcast I discuss where the responsibility lies, what's working against us, and why this is a very complex issue.  Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

So you want to embark on a health journey, but your partner is not interested in making any changes. In this episode I talk about my personal experience with making lifestyle changes while living in a home where the rest were not. How did I deal with these changes? How did these changes impact my family? Based on my article ‘The Unequal Yoke: My Spouse Is Sabotaging My Diet!‘. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

This is an interview I did back in November 2017 on WHEO radio down in Patrick County, Virginia. During the interview, Richard Rogers, Van Rowe Sr., and I discuss my health journey, the challenges, and advice others can follow for embarking on a healthier lifestyle. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

In this episode I talk about my challenges with focusing too much on the aesthetic aspects of losing weight. Based on my 2017 article: It Is Better To Look Good Than To Feel Good? Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

This is an interview I did several years ago on the Donovan Green Show. For those of you who don't know Donovan, he is the personal trainer to Dr. Oz and author of "No Excuses Fitness". He was also a guest on this podcast show, so check it out! During this interview Donovan and I discuss my health journey and 'The Power of the Routine'.  Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

What does it mean to be 'healthy'? How do you want to experience your life? There is a balance between health and happiness. You define what that is for you. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Please consider donating to support this podcast! Your donation helps me help others take charge of their lives and their health! ==> https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/support

In this episode I take a deeper dive into why making small changes leading to bigger results was a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Upcoming FREE Webinar: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/meet-mike-healthy-living-advocate-7-keys-to-his-weight-loss-transformation-tickets-150925302643?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

In this episode I take a deeper dive into why focusing on sustainability was a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

In this episode I take a deeper dive into why always improving, trying new things, and adapting was a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

In this episode I take a deeper dive into what I focused on and my association with the end goal was a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

In this episode I take a deeper dive into why self-motivation and self-talk was a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

In this episode I take a deeper dive into why reinventing myself/stop identifying with obesity was and still is a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss. Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

In this episode I take a deeper dive into why making my plan public was and still is a key factor in my success in losing and maintaining my 200+ pound weight loss.  Questions or comments? Leave them here or reach to mike@mikeinspiresme.com. I welcome your feedback! Source: 7 Key Things I Did To Set Myself Up For Success With My 200 lb Weight Loss Check out my friend Eddie's page and show: Friends in the Spirit 111 Please, help support our causes! We have merchandise and ways in which you can contribute on our pages. Check out the newly designed Hike with Mike Gear Store and introducing the all new Mike Inspires Me Wear Store! Stay Awesome!

It's been a while since I've published a podcast and thought I'd start with my relaunch on a new podcast platform and talk about some of the exciting new changes to format and ideas for upcoming episodes. Also, check out my newly redesigned website, MikeInspiresMe.com - exciting new design, more content, and all my blog articles in one place.

Shaweta 'Shay' Vasudeva, MA (Pyschology), MS (Kinesiology), NFPT-CPT, NASM-CPT-CES, THSA-CNT, and Tai Chi & Black Belt Karate Instructor is a teaching professional, speaker, published author, coach, and cat lover! Her passion is to help people become the best version of themselves by using an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, bringing 10+ years of experience in Psychology, Personal Fitness Training, Corrective Exercise, Nutritional Coaching, Cranial Sacral Work and teaching Karate & Tai Chi classes to her business, ShayTheCoach. Shay teaches classes at Maricopa Community College District as an Adjunct Professor. Some her published work can be found at  https://www.nfpt.com/blog/author/svasudeva   For more information visit her personal webpage: www.shaythecoach.com

In this interview, Dr. Katz and I discuss the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and what people's best course of action is for protecting the most vulnerable in our population. We also discuss his two latest books, "The Truth About Food" and "How To Eat", the latter which he co-authored with Mark Bittman. Finally we wrap things up with some of his current initiatives with his company DietID.

I met my next guest at the National Fitness Hall of Fame where he was inducted for his work as a fitness educator. David Lyons, who was diagnosed with MS in 2006 didn’t let that stop him from competing in bodybuilding, despite the challenges.  After proving that fitness has a positive impact on some of the symptoms of MS, together with his wife, Kendra, David went on to found the MS Fitness Challenge.

Recently recognized by the National Fitness Hall of Fame for having the “First TV Fitness Program shot on Location”. With over 30 years in the fitness industry, Gilad Janklowicz is an icon.

Dionne Ross is a national  television shopping host, speaker, author, personal trainer, mom and an amazing super woman who doesn't let fear get in the way of her goals. We will be discussing her upcoming book, "Settled To Soaring", and how it can help you transform your life!

The Sports Doctor is in! Dr. Robert A Weil, Sports Podiatrist, specializes in orthotics that improve alignment, stability, balance & performance. He is the host of “The Sports Doctor™” Radio Show. The show is now featured on BBS Radio Network, UK Health Radio Network & Sports 4 Fanz Radio.

My thoughts around losing and/or gaining weight and people's comments or perceptions. Being in the public eye with my 200 pound weight loss opens me up to some interesting comments and observations, many of which I would not have expected. In the early days I used to get frustrated and defensive, now I am more curious about what drives people's perceptions and how we can help change some of these by educating.

Recording of the Q&A session with Vance Wade Hinds and Mike Harrington who both lost over 200 pounds. Also, check out Vance's interview with Mike on the Mike Inspires Me podcast show on all major podcast hosts and right here: https://anchor.fm/mikeinspiresme/episodes/MiM-7-Vance-Hinds-Interview-ege145

In this episode I chat with Dr. Tom Rifai about the importance of using lifestyle changes as a first course of action for treating health issues. Dr. Tom is the founder of Reality Meets Science, a health coaching, consulting and education company. He is an expert in the areas of metabolic health and behavior modification based management of insulin resistance, type 2 and pre-diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and weight control.

He’s the author of “No Excuses Fitness”, a 30 day plan to supercharge your health, and personal trainer to Dr. Oz. With over 20 years in the health and fitness field, he now helps other coaches thrive in their business. His positive energy is infectious. In this podcast I interview Donovan Green, a mentor, friend, and an inspiring soul.

Charlene Bazarian is a fitness and weight loss success story after nearly 100 pounds, an attorney and the mother of three active teenage boys.

In this podcast I chat with my friend, Blake Miles, an Abundance Coach who teaches people to bring themselves from where they are to where they want to be and develop a strong mindset. Hear Blake's inspiring story of his health journey motivated by the news of his daughter's pregnancy. At the time he was 44 years old and weighed over 300 pounds. Blake's positive mindset and outlook on life are a true inspiration! Blake's Company: N2L Transformations

In this podcast I share a glimpse into my world of obsession with food. This love letter will give you some insight into the internal struggles I faced and still face to this day. Afterwards I tell you a little about some of the things I do to manage this and how it has changed my outlook on my journey.

I recently interviewed my good friend, John DiCostanzo. He’s a father, a business-owner, a musician, has a girlfriend, and managed to lose 80 pounds so far in his health journey.

Vance and I discuss the challenges of living as a larger person, the turning point, and the journey. I was excited to meet Vance and do this interview as we both share a similar story. Get a rare glimpse into the world of two formerly 400+ pound men as we share our struggles (both before and now), some laughs (Vance is a helluva funny guy!), and the inspiration we love to share. We hope you enjoy it! Skype video version: https://youtu.be/CJ8dgB0S6ts

Alex Trebek, tv personality most famous for the hit game show Jeopardy!, recently announced that he is battling pancreatic cancer. He made a public statement about it and announced that he will beat this disease. His demeanor and attitude was amazing. This triggered a flurry of media activity and articles talking about the odds for survival with his type of cancer. This makes me wonder how helpful that is to him at this point. He needs our support, not our pity. 

For my first interview I thought I'd start with the person who had been closest to me through my entire health journey, Teresa, my wife. I wanted to share her perspective on how my health transformation affected her before, during, and up to today.

When we identify with a certain trait or label it may limit our ability to change. In order to evolve we need to picture our future selves achieving our goals. Dream it to in order to change that behavior.

My Toastmasters speech entitled "The 3 P's and Your Goals" in which I talk about key principles I used during my health transformation and how you can apply these to your own goals.

This is an excerpt entitled "Back From The Dead" from the book I am writing.

Mike Harrington has been inspiring people all over the world sharing insights about his amazing 200 pound all natural weight loss. His mission is to inspire people to take charge of their lives and their health. To further expand his reach, Mike has launch this exciting podcast which will feature his insights on health, motivation, and interviews with inspiring people. For more information on Mike's story, check out: www.MikeInspiresMe.com