Wake Up The Sun

I met Duke earlier this year after a buddy introduced us at a 5:15am workout. What started as me challenging him to actually show up turned into meeting one of the most viral, in-your-face personalities on social media. At first, it was all brutal ball-busting with nonstop jokes and getting roasted, but as I got to know him, I saw the guy behind the camera. He’s someone who speaks his mind without hesitation, and his story of building a platform is nothing short of incredible.Duke grew up in the Northeast in a blue-collar area, like most young guys just trying to figure out what he loved. He worked at a bagel shop, spent time working for his buddy’s asphalt company, and rode dirt bikes and motocross whenever he could. His family was incredibly supportive, always making sure he and his brother stayed involved in things that brought them joy. When the world shut down during COVID, Duke turned the camera on himself. He started sharing his unfiltered thoughts, unsolicited opinions, and commentary on everything fr

I met Peter in 2013 playing poker at a mutual friends house in sobriety. It's funny when you meet people at one point in their life and then watch as everything unfold for the better.What started out as a craigslist opportunity in the boating world sparked a greater dream of working and building "quite literally" a massive marine and seaside construction business. Peter, got sober and moved down to south florida to start over. His first job was a bike ride away from his sober living and he began working at a boat yard and observed detailing companies coming in and out making everything look nice. While he was very appreciative of the work opportunity he had always been entrepreneurial and thought, Hey, I can do that and do it better. He began biking up and down the coast passing out fliers and notes for opportunities for several months with only a couple of clients. One afternoon he told his boss that he was going to pursue it full time and had to give it all of his attention if was going to wo

I met Matt last year through a mutual friend and sober brother in NYC. We had crossed paths in the community but never formally sat down or conversed until we met up for coffee and connected on sobriety, life and all things health and wellness. We know a lot of the same people, attend similar fellowships and connected on our intensity and love of living a sober lifestyle. I learned that Matt is an author and speaker who discusses the transformative power of vulnerability in overcoming personal struggles, particularly those involving loss, trauma, and addiction. He speaks at schools and other events nationwide.He gained recognition for his best-selling memoir, Sway—the first story told by a child of 9/11. In the book, he shares his journey of overcoming various struggles, including losing his father on 9/11, addiction, and trauma. Matt also talks about his experiences with mental health challenges, such as depression and PTSD, and his path toward healing and recovery.With over ten years of sobriety, Matt now s

I met Brooke several years ago when we were performing on stage at an event. She was outgoing, all smiles and very engaging. We happened to see her daughter Ava perform as well with her band. What began as a fun night continued into a working relationship of playing music, training in the summer for overall health and wellness and supporting each other in business endeavors.Brooke Boles is a Boca Raton luxury real estate advisor, marketing strategist, TV host, and keynote speaker recognized for guiding clients through some of life’s most significant financial and personal transitions with clarity, care and precision. A Real Trends Verified Top 1.5% agent, President’s Elite Winner with over $39M in closings to date and $18M+ in 2025, her work is rooted in integrity, empathy and concierge-level guidance supporting clients step into their next chapter. Whether navigating divorce, loss, downsizing, or an exciting new beginning, keeping clients calm, supported and stress free remains her priority.Working with Broo

I first heard of Dr. Sam during my years in education, but it wasn’t until recently at a Christmas party that we had the opportunity to truly connect. As we talked, it quickly became clear how many parallels existed between her work and my own journey from teaching into coaching.Dr. Sam is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist practicing in South Florida. She also serves as a voluntary assistant professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her work focuses on supporting individuals from early childhood through adulthood, and she has built an incredible team dedicated to meeting people where they are. Their shared belief is simple yet powerful: there is a solution for everyone, and their mission is to help each person find the support they’re looking for.During our conversation, we explored many of the challenges people face today—from the “must be nice” mindset to the constant search for happiness, guilty pleasures, and the attention we all seem to seek, whether

I met Matt years ago when Ideal Nutrition was just getting started. At the time, they had a single location in West Palm Beach offering healthy, grab-and-go meal packages designed to make eating well easier. We talked about potential partnerships between FROPRO and Ideal Nutrition and I was grateful for the opportunity to have our products sold and shared with the West Palm community.What began as one store and a small kitchen quickly evolved into something much bigger—a large production facility, multiple store locations, and even a fleet of delivery vehicles connecting the community with healthy, high-quality, and fairly priced food options. Before entrepreneurship, Matt spent many years serving the West Palm community in law enforcement. One of the young men who came to train and work with him shared a passion for healthy eating, and as Matt’s time as a public servant came to an end, he and Wolfgang began working together to grow and enhance Ideal Nutrition. In a crowded space with plenty of competition, t

I first met Bri back in 2013 when she was working part-time at the front desk at Slash Fitness while finishing school. From day one, she had a rare ability to make everyone feel welcome, always greeting people with a genuine smile and an upbeat, positive attitude. It didn’t take long before she began taking classes herself, and soon after, she decided to pursue a path as a personal trainer and coach.Over the years, Bri continued to learn and grow, gaining experience at multiple facilities and businesses while fine-tuning her craft and building strong connections within the community. Along the way, she began to envision what it might look like to open her own fitness space and to take on the commitment of becoming a true one-woman operation.She invested in a business coach and dove headfirst into the process of writing, planning, searching, and eventually finding a space she could call her own, one where she could bring her personal touch to the fitness world. Like many entrepreneurs, she faced skepticism. So

I had the pleasure of connecting with Kevin on his podcast, RISE ABOVE WITH KEVIN LANNING earlier in the year. We discussed all things sobriety, recovery and my experience strength and hope over the years as a sober man. While I was on the side of getting interviewed, I asked him to be on my show so I could flip the script and find out more about his story and how he became one of the top sober podcasters in the nation.Since our show, he has expanded and opened up a new studio in Palm Beach able to host and accommodate a chill experience. Sitting in the studio, his rise in the podcast scene didn't happen overnight and he was going all in after leaving sales and marketing for one of the most recognizable media companies. In taking the ultimate risk, he left his role there to be closer to his daughter and moved to south Florida. What started as a couple of views took off after a viral moment with a guest on his show and being familiar with how social media works and that algorithms he turned it into a huge

I first met the Rev back in 2009 when I moved to South Florida and started teaching at St Andrews in Boca. We worked in different grade levels but clicked instantly. Even after I left the school he stayed in my life and supported me through one of the hardest seasons I have ever faced. Years passed and when his name came up again I knew I had to bring him on the show.Rev has been teaching for more than 25 years and is a cornerstone of the St Andrews community. His former students now have children walking the same halls. He has touched generations and continues to show up with the same steady heart. Teaching is his passion but he also loves acting, singing and being a grandfather.Our conversation started with simple questions about his day to day life and turned into something much deeper. We talked about potential, loss, resilience and heartache. We explored how the school has changed over the years and what he hopes to do in the future. He is one of the calmest and most peaceful people you will ever meet. I

I met Jillian years ago through the fitness scene after she won a FROPRO giveaway. We stayed in touch, and more recently my wife and I took her workout class. We had an incredible time sweating, laughing, and connecting with the community. I later joined her for a Wake Up the Sun workout at another gym where she trains, and after finally sitting down to talk, I was blown away by her story and the life she has lived.Jillian spent years as a lifeguard and paramedic, working Ocean Rescue on the South Florida beaches while competing in lifeguard games that draw some of the fittest people in the world. Believe it or not, many of the strongest Ocean Rescue competitors live right in Deerfield Beach. What began as a job quickly became a passion and a lifelong mission to stay healthy and help others do the same.When she eventually stepped away from the EMT and paramedic world, some people thought her career ended too soon. Jillian explained that she no longer felt she could give people the patience and presence they d

Paula is a new connection I made through social media. She stopped by FROPRO HQ to pick up some bars, and I missed the chance to talk with her. When I later took a closer look at her coaching program and the work she is doing in the community, I asked her to join me on the mic and share the story behind her life changes and why she is now committed to helping others.Paula was once a hairdresser and stay-at-home mom. From the outside, she had the picture-perfect life with a beautiful family, a great home, and a wide circle of friends. What began as fun, carefree nights out with her husband and loved ones shifted during COVID. With more free time and fewer responsibilities, her drinking became more frequent. After several difficult conversations and personal challenges, she realized she felt empty and needed help. Seeking support connected her with many other women facing similar struggles, and this eventually led to the creation of a support group.Her life transformed, and she recognized that others might need

I first met Doug in 2010, when I quietly slipped into his office fresh off a DUI in Palm Beach. It was my last drink, and I desperately needed help and guidance. He welcomed me with care, brutal honesty, and direction, three things I had been missing. Doug took the time to walk me through my best options, drawing from years of experience serving the community. It was a pivotal moment in my life, and I’ll never forget the words and actions that helped me navigate one of my darkest chapters.In 2024, I stopped by his office simply to say thank you. I wasn’t sure he’d remember me, but once I explained my case, it all came back to him immediately. We shared a laugh, caught up on life, and reconnected in a way that left me feeling grateful. I wanted to know more about his journey and, after some time, invited him onto the show to share his 30-plus years of experience helping people through some of their toughest moments.During our conversation, Doug said something that stuck with me: “The case doesn’t define the cl

I was connected with Adam via a mutual friend in the entrepreneurial space. He was visiting Florida on podcast circuit and dropped by HQ to share his story and what changed for the better in his life. Adam, is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and the CEO and co-founder of GITT Apparel—short for “Get In The Truck”—which he launched alongside his sister, Jeannette. Born from his own transformation out of addiction and homelessness, GITT is now a global movement and lifestyle brand sold in 41 states and across 3 continents, including Europe and the Mombasa Coast of Africa. The brand has even been featured on Times Square billboards.Adam serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for New Hope Counseling and Recovery in Southeastern Kentucky, where he gives back by helping others still struggling with addiction. He’s also excited about the recent grand opening of him and his fiancé Jen’s women’s treatment center, Fourth Dimension Treatment Center in Coalgood, Kentucky, which offers adventure the

I met Dr Vermani minutes before our podcast as a referral from a dear friend and former guest on this show. She was in town on a PR tour and joined me on The Wake Up the Sun show. Dr. Vermani is a clinical psychologist, public speaker, teacher and author in the field of mental health and wellness, and a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. In her private practice, Dr. Vermani Balanced Wellbeing, she provides a multi-faceted treatment approach through a variety of techniques and treatments, including supportive Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Breath~Body~Mind practices, executive coaching, Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Dr. Vermani specializes in facilitating treatments for adults suffering from trauma/abuse, mood, anxiety, substance addictions and other related conditions and disorders. Furthermore, Dr. Vermani offers crisis managemen

I met Craig seven years ago through mutual friends. As a new transplant down in the South Florida, he quickly became involved in the recovery community to better his own life. What started as a couple month journey has now reached multiple years of sobriety, a new life and family and the opening of a law office.Craig opened up about his past and what led him down a dark path of abusing alcohol and drugs while trying to maintain his legal profession. Ultimately he hit rock bottom and ended up down in treatment in 2018. Upon completion of treatment, he was encourage to stay down here and start over with a humbling job and to focus on himself and his early recovery. He got his first job clerking for a law office and during the interview was completely honest about this situation which landed him the job. His boss at the time understood Craig was working but sobriety and recovery came first.During the early years, Craig spent his life giving back, working with others and following the suggestions of those who cam

Social media has an interesting way of connecting people. I had never actually met Christina in person. I knew a little about her but was intrigued by her profession and what led to her changing her own life in order to assist others. We dove right into the coaching aspect and why she chose to work with others. She experience a tragic loss in her family and it changed the course of who she was and her role. Moving down here several years ago working in a job that wasn't super fulfilling she sought other ways of connecting and helping people.We spoke about feelings, what's reality perceived or fake, a true connection to God, moving on in relationships and being ultimately called to finding your true purpose and calling. There will be loss, heartbreak, ups and downs but in the end pursuing your destiny requires much that most will not do or don't even know where to start.  

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Justin Weidenfeld for nearly fifteen years. I first met him as his baseball coach and trainer when he was in middle and high school, and through that time I also grew close with his family. His father, Don, was someone who showed me incredible kindness during one of the hardest seasons of my life. He treated me like family, and that generosity left an impression not only on me but on so many people in the South Florida community.Seven years ago, Don passed away suddenly from a heart attack. In that moment, Justin’s life took a new direction. As a young man, he was faced with the weight of grief and the responsibility of being strong for his family as a son and a big brother. Loss has a way of reshaping us, and for Justin, it led him to seek support at Experience Camps. What began as a place of healing soon became a passion. Over the years, he became deeply involved and now serves as the Director of the Georgia Boys program for Experience Camps.Experience Camps, founded in 200

I had the pleasure of sitting down with someone who truly embodies heart, hustle, and community spirit, Michelle Hagerty. We’d crossed paths at local events and through mutual friends, but it wasn’t until a run with the Deerfield Beach Run Club that I really got to connect with her and I’m glad I did. Michelle's story is one of evolution. Raised up north, she stepped straight into the family business after school, built a vibrant life with her husband and kids, and now finds herself in a powerful new chapter: giving back in big ways. From her deep involvement in local charities to launching http://ThePowerOfSports.com, which is a mission-driven platform helping kids gain access to sports, equipment, and wellness. Michelle is proof that impact starts at home and grows outward.In this episode, we talk about how she balances her daily routine, her mindset, the importance of staying grounded, and her upcoming dancing role in Boca Ballroom Battle, where she’ll be dancing for the George Snow Scholarship Founda

I first met Josey years ago, in one of the most emotionally charged environments you can imagine, a recovery group setting where we were supporting a close family friend in early sobriety. I had been invited to show up as part of their support system, and I ended up sitting in on a group session that Josey was leading. What I witnessed left a lasting impression. Her presence, professionalism, and ability to hold space for people in deep struggle, it was powerful.Fast forward to a few years later, we reconnected in a completely different context: the fitness world. We got to talking about her business, her mission, and the community she was building. That’s when I realized she wasn’t just running a company she was creating a movement for people who are working to rebuild their lives. And as 2025 began, I was lucky enough to join her team, offering support as a performance coach to clients who could benefit from that extra layer of care.Josey is the founder of Parallels Consulting, a standout therapy and psychi

I met Keesha years ago. Surrounded by people, full of energy, and deeply rooted in the recovery community. Over the years, we’d cross paths at local gyms, events, and business functions. Each time, her presence stood out.Recently, I had the honor of speaking at her adolescent treatment center. Sharing my story with her clients and reconnecting with her reminded me just how far we've both come on our personal and professional journeys.After the event, I knew I had to get her on the podcast.Between running a treatment center, writing a book, and being a full-time mom, her schedule is no joke but we made it happen.This conversation dives deep. We talk about: The raw reality of business ownership, mental health and parenting, sobriety, loss, connection, and resilience and the lessons that keep showing up, even years into recovery.Keesha’s story is full of power, perspective, and purpose. If you're on your own recovery path, supporting a loved one, or just love real conversations—you’ll want to hear this