
The Pursuit of Happiness
Join me on my journey in exploring all the avenues that make people happier and more fulfilled with topics such as health, fitness, wellness, mental health, dating and relationships, nutrition, travel and so much more.
Latest episodes

Aug 11, 2023 • 1h 28min
(Ep. 130) Jesi Stracham - Can't Stop Her: The Mindset Behind Overcoming Death to Thriving at Life
The incredible Jesi Stracham rejoins my podcast one year later to dive even deeper into her story of being declared dead twice, left paralyzed to thriving in life and business. We discuss her afterlife experience and how that completely changed her mindset and beliefs from that day on. We talk about her daily struggles but she also shares how she's been able to overcome every obstacle thrown her way.
I love that we also talk about changes the world has made and needs to make for wheelchair users and Jesi is helping leading the charge. She's a woman on a mission and nothing is getting in her way!
Follow Jesi:
@jesistracham
jesistracham.com
Wheel With Me Fitness:
wheelwithmefitness.com
Wheel With Me App
Wheel With Me Foundation:
wheelwithmefoundation.org
Positive Intelligence Book

Aug 4, 2023 • 1h 1min
(Ep. 129) Jeff Wickersham - Rise. Fight. Love. Repeat. - Installing Habits to Create the Best Version of You
Mental toughness and peak performance coach, Jeff Wickersham, joins me on this episode to discuss the multiple ways and sustainable habits we can institute in our lives to become the best version of ourselves. Jeff is truly an inspiration as he lives by his motto "Rise. Fight. Love. Repeat."
Not only does he hold a streak of 2,000+ straight days of meditation but we also discuss how he pushes his body to the limits with extreme workouts and challenges.
Jeff works with all walks of life but specializes in helping men and fathers not only survive, but to thrive. I loved this positive and inspiring conversation.
Follow Jeff:
TheMorningFire.com
TheWarriorDad.com
IG: Jeff_Wickersham

Jul 28, 2023 • 1h 23min
(Ep. 128) Advice for Online Dating in 2023: A Group Discussion of Do’s, Don’ts and Having Fun Along the Way
I welcome Brian Ondrako, Jackie Sanders and Jourie Palumbo to this episode to discuss the landscape of online dating in today's world. This was such a fun and extremely insightful conversation from all different perspectives. After many years of frustrations with online dating, I found my wife online. Brian is currently online dating being a divorced dad of one. Jackie has been on and off online dating as well as Jourie who identifies as queer/bi-sexual.
We've all learned a lot from our collective years online dating and have some great stories to share along the way. Whether you're currently dating, going to be or are done with the dating, this is a great listen. I love the wisdom we brought on this one.
Follow my guests:
Brian Ondrako
Just Get Started Podcast
IG: Brian Ondrako
Jackie Sanders
Level Up Artist Podcast
IG: JSandersStudio
Jourie Palumbo
IG: JourieP

Jul 15, 2023 • 1h 18min
(Ep. 127) Looking Into the Life of a Successful Travel Blogger, The Business and His Favorite Locations with Jacob Fu
Top 5 Travel Blogger, Jacob Fu, joins me on this episode to discuss he and his wife’s journey of not only starting a travel blog, but becoming one of America’s best. Jacob and his wife started their travel blogging business, The Local Adventurer, a decade ago with the idea of exploring locations both near and far and encouraging others to do the same. Their business started to boom, so I wanted to go behind the scenes of what it actually takes to become a successful travel blogger. Everything from choosing the locations, creating content, editing photos and videos, social media and increasing SEO. Travel blogging looks like it’s all fun and games, and a lot of it is, but there is so much work that goes on that we don’t see.
Of course I had to ask Jacob some of his favorite locations, national parks, food towns and more!
Follow Jacob and the Local Adventurer at:
localadventurer.com
IG: @jacobthefu or @estherjulee

Jul 7, 2023 • 1h 37min
(Ep. 126) Ekaterina Shelehova Gives a Candid Look into the Inspiration and Creation of Her Music, Touring and the Music Industry
Singer, songwriter, musician and viral sensation, Ekaterina Shelehova, rejoins me on my podcast for a fascinating conversation on her journey through the world of music over the last year. Meeting Ekaterina last June (Ep. 81) was a blast as we got to know her story on how she became an overnight sensation thanks to her unforgettable performance on Italia’s Got Talent. This time we go behind the scenes with Ekaterina as we discuss her music more intimately, her lyrics, inspiration and the process of getting her music from the studio onto streaming platforms. She talks about what it’s like to tour all of the world, how she prepares for her performances and how even one of the most gifted singers on the planet can battle imposter syndrome.
It’s not everyday you get to talk to a world class musician and I love how honest and candid Ekaterina is. She already has millions of streams and views and her future is only getting brighter.
Follow Ekaterina:
Shelehova.com
IG: @EkaterinaShelehova

Jul 3, 2023 • 44min
(Ep. 125) The Travel Credit Cards I Use: Worth It or Not?
I break down each of the four travel credits I have in my wallet that I've been using to travel the world, the benefits, how to take advantage of the perks and which one I'm going to get rid of.
I absolutely love to travel and these credits cards have given me a major boost in being able to travel all over the world for some of my favorite adventures and I'd love to give you some insight on which ones I use, why and how I use them. If you're looking to travel more and just get started, getting one of these cards could be a major step in the right direction to help you save on future travel.
While these cards offer major perks and benefits, I do discuss some of the frustrations and talk about which card will soon be leaving my wallet.
My cards in the wallet:
Capital One Venture X
> Referral Link
Chase Sapphire Preferred
> Referral Link
Delta American Express Platinum
> Referral Link
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
> Referral Link

Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 22min
(Ep. 124) Megan Militello and Lacey Ernandes on their Decision to Shut Down Elevated Oats, Business Lessons Learned and the Truth Behind Food Labels
Elevated Oats co-founders and veterans, Megan Militello and Lacey Ernandes join me again to discuss their journey the past year and what led to their decision to shut down the company. When starting a new business, not all stories, even with a great product, is all sunshine and rainbows, but they are certainly learning experiences. I really appreciate them being honest and candid about the costs of business, all of the marketing involved and mistakes they made and what they would do different. We get a real look behind the scenes of creating a start up. They also spill the tea on some of the disappointing and frustrating facts that many of us don’t know when it comes to dealing with the FDA and the rules and guides when it comes to labels and packaging and how ingredients. Brace yourself for what they share.
But Megan and Lacey have some new amazing ventures on the horizon with a cookbook coming soon as well as a joint podcast on everything they learned about starting a business, helping other entrepreneurs along their own path.
Follow Megan on IG: @meganmilitello
Follow Lacey on IG: @laceyernandes
Stay in touch with @ElevatedOats

Jun 16, 2023 • 1h 32min
(Ep. 123) Happy Father's Day: A Conversation with My Dad About the Past, the Present and the Future
Happy Father's Day! My dad joins me on this episode to not only celebrate Father's Day, but to look back in time in some his favorite memories of raising me, proudest moments and things he wish he did differently. He's learned a lot from this journey of being my dad and gives me advice for me to pass down to my future children.
I ask him about his thoughts when he found out he was having a son, bonding over the Orioles, dogs, unforgettable moments on our travels and of course my wedding.
This is truly a one of a kind podcast filled with highlights and discussing some tough moments that will no doubt give you insight on who I am and where I come from. I will cherish this episode for the rest of my life and hopefully one day, get to show my kids as well.

Jun 9, 2023 • 1h 4min
(Ep. 122) - Bishoi Khella on His Training, Nutrition and Mindset into Losing 160 lbs in Less Than 2 Years
Bishoi Khella joins me on this episode to discuss his viral transformation and journey of losing 160 lbs in less than 2 years. He mentions he's not a coach or a fitness trainer and he's just a regular guy, but boy does he have a story to share.
He talks about the bad habits that allowed himself to reach 350 lbs and the moment that everything changed. His mindselt completely flipped as well as his mental fortitude and as he finally started to hold himself accountable. He gives great insight on his training program, lessons learned, nutrition and fitness routine.
Follow Bishoi, his journey and get the low down on his daily habits at:
BishoiKhella.com
IG: @BishoiKhella

May 31, 2023 • 1h 41min
(Ep. 121) Honeymoon Part 1 - Iceland: Recapping our Epic Adventures Plus Travel Tips and Advice
My wife, Kristen, and I discuss and recap the first leg of our honeymoon adventures in Iceland (April 4-11). We chased waterfalls, looped the golden circle, braved the waves in Vik, discovered glacier caves, relaxed at the Blue Lagoon and everything in between. Not only do we talk about our day by day explorations, but we also give you some great travel advice when visiting Iceland.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Blue Lagoon Spa & Retreat
Silica Hotel
Day 2:
Golden Circle
Laugarvatn Fontana
Hotel Grimsborgir
The Old Dairy Foodhall - Selfoss
Day 3:
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Gljúfrafoss waterfall (right next to Seljalandsfoss)
Skogafoss waterfall
Dyrhólaey lookout
Skool Beans - Vik
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Day 4:
Ice Pic Journeys
Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
Day 5:
Svartifoss Waterfall Hike
Hotel Kria
Day 6:
Black Sand Beach Reynisfjara - Vik
Hallgrímskirkja - Reykjavik
Lamb Hot Dog stand - Bæjarins Beztu
Omnom Chocolate
Sky Lagoon