Guest Name: Alan Lazaros

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/

Instagram: alazaros88

YouTube: NextLevelUniversity

Summary

In this powerful and deeply human episode, C.K. sits down with Next Level University co-founder Alan Lazaros for a transformative conversation about resilience, potential, and the courage to redesign your life from the ground up. From losing his father at age two, to the collapse of his family at 14, to surviving a devastating car accident at 26 that forced him to confront mortality, Alan opens up about the pivotal events that shaped him into the leader he is today.

Together, C.K. and Alan explore childhood trauma, the cost of unhealed pain, ambition, masculinity, ego, burnout, self-leadership, and the triad of humility, courage, and vulnerability. Alan shares the moment he realized he wasn’t living his potential, how he rebuilt his life through discipline and self-awareness, and why fulfillment—not status—is the true measure of success.

This is a conversation about transformation at its rawest level: how to face yourself, how to stop hiding your gifts, and how to design a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Whether you’re healing, growing, or trying to level up, this episode will challenge, uplift, and inspire.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma shapes identity but does not define your destiny.

• Losing three families by 14 fueled Alan’s drive for stability and belonging.

• The car accident at 26 became his existential wake-up call and catalyst for radical change.

• Humility, courage, and vulnerability form the “Triad of Transformation.”

• Gifted individuals have a responsibility to use their abilities for good.

• Unhealed pain leads to ego-driven living, while healing leads to purpose-driven leadership.

• Transformation starts with truth, often uncomfortable but necessary for growth.

• Belonging vs. significance: people either dial down to fit in or dial up to feel important.

• You can reverse-engineer a magnificent life by aligning daily habits with your long-term vision.

• Next Level University’s mission is to help people reach their potential through daily, actionable self-improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:43 The Importance of Transformation

03:42 Childhood and Early Life Challenges

08:59 Pivotal Life Events and Their Impact

16:36 The Car Accident and a New Beginning

23:43 Realizations and Responsibilities of Gifted Individuals

26:45 Redefining Education and Life Design

29:04 Understanding Apathy, Ignorance, and Fatigue

31:14 The Journey of Alan and Kevin

34:41 Transforming Pain into Purpose

38:35 The Triad of Transformation

41:46 Living Authentically in a Social World

44:43 The Importance of Humility, Courage, and Vulnerability

49:53 The Struggle for Belonging and Significance

51:03 Next Level University: A Path to Growth

Keywords

#alanlazaros #courage #healingjourney #humility #inspirationdaily #lifedesign #mentalhealthmatters #mindsetcoach #nextleveluniversity #personaldevelopment #podcastconversation #podcastinterview #podcastlife #podmatch #potential #purpose #resilience #selfawareness #selfbelief #selfconfidence #selfgrowth #selfimprovement #selfleadership #successmindset #transformationjourney #traumahealing #wellbeing #wellnessjourney #youareenough #yourpotential

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Ellen Barrett

https://www.ellenbarrett.com/

Instagram: ellenbarrettfit

Summary

In this energizing episode, host C.K. Simms sits down with aerobics instructor, author and online movement studio founder, Ellen Barrett, to explore her lifelong devotion to helping people feel strong, capable, and fully alive. From her technicolor introduction to aerobics as a teenager to teaching at Club Med, shaping millions of home exercisers through her hit DVDs, writing four fitness books, and now leading an empowering digital studio, Ellen shares the wisdom, resilience, and joy that have carried her through decades of transformation.

Together, C.K. and Ellen explore movement as self-care, aging with confidence, the power of saying “yes,” the evolution of at-home fitness, and the emotional shifts that accompany entering your prime years. This is a vibrant, compassionate conversation that reminds listeners that growth never stops—and that movement, done with intention, can open the door to possibility at any age.

Takeaways

• Movement is a lifelong companion, and when practiced with intention, it energizes every area of life.

• Saying “Yes” creates opportunities—each new experience is a breadcrumb leading to deeper clarity.

• Fitness doesn’t require perfection; consistency and curiosity matter more than intensity.

• Women need a different fitness approach, especially as hormones shift—gentle, regulated movement serves them best.

• The fitness industry has changed, evolving from polished DVDs to flexible, accessible digital studios.

• A strong work ethic opens doors, especially in creative or unpredictable industries.

• Home workouts are more empowering than ever, with variety, sustainability, and accessibility at their core.

• Aging can be your prime, especially when strength, self-knowledge, and authenticity grow with you.

• Authenticity wins—people connect to trainers and teachers who feel real, grounded, and approachable.

• Movement creates momentum—once you start moving, you naturally want to move more, creating a snowball effect of well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ellen Barrett and Her Journey

02:20 The Allure of Aerobics: A Personal Connection

10:05 From College to Club Med: Building Experience

14:56 Transitioning to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

21:34 The Work Ethic: East Coast vs. West Coast

26:15 Saying Yes: Embracing Opportunities in Fitness

28:48 The Evolution of Fitness Media

33:01 Consumerism and Attention Span in Fitness

36:55 The Power of Saying Yes

44:13 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books

46:23 Building an Online Fitness Community

49:06 Embracing Life in Your 50s

53:11 The Importance of Movement and Self-Care

Keywords

#aerobicfitness #agingwell #atpeacewithmovement #bodypositivity #confidencebuilding #ellensbarrett #empoweredliving #femaleentrepreneurs #fitnessjourney #fitnessmotivation #fitnessstories #fitover50 #healthandwellness #homeworkouts #inspirationdaily #mindbodyconnection #mindfulmovement #motivationmonday #onlinefitness #pilatespractice #podcastcommunity #podcastinterviews #podmatch #selfcarematters #strengthtrainingforwomen #wellbeingjourney #wellnesslifestyle #womenshealth #workoutathome #yogainspiration

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: D Paul Fleming

https://www.facebook.com/people/D-Paul-Fleming/100088886720840/

Summary

Author, U.S. Navy veteran, and Native American seasoned holy man D. Paul joins host C.K. Simms for an unforgettable conversation about pain, faith, and purpose. From surviving a tortured childhood to finding healing through spirituality and storytelling, D. Paul’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience. He shares how his books 2442 Steps to Crazy, A Date with Suicide, and Mysteries at the Windham Inn transformed his trauma into hope for others—especially fellow veterans battling darkness. With raw honesty and humor, D. Paul explores forgiveness, faith, ego, and the balance between Christianity and Native tradition. This deeply human story reveals how one man turned unimaginable suffering into service, proving that the soul’s light can rise from the deepest shadows.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma doesn’t define destiny—it can fuel purpose and healing.

• Writing became a divine outlet for D. Paul to process decades of pain.

• His faith bridges Native American spirituality with Christian belief.

• The U.S. Navy tested his limits but also gave him structure and endurance.

• 2442 Steps to Crazy and A Date with Suicide were written to help others heal.

• D. Paul’s stories have literally saved lives, including fellow veterans.

• True spirituality comes from within—sometimes silence allows faith to bloom.

• Helping veterans overcome trauma requires healing the mind, body, and spirit.

• Forgiveness is complex; honesty about not being ready to forgive is strength.

• Service doesn’t end with discharge—D. Paul continues to serve humanity through faith and storytelling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to D Paul: A Multifaceted Life

01:52 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact

09:01 Military Service: A New Chapter

29:14 Spiritual Journey: Native American Holy Man

33:01 Faith and Spirituality: Finding Common Ground

34:34 Spirituality and Personal Growth

42:20 The Journey of Writing

50:06 The Power of Storytelling

01:00:04 Helping Veterans and Spiritual Healing

Keywords

#authorspotlight #christianfaith #creativeresilience #emotionalhealing #faithjourney #healingtrauma #hopeandhealing #inspiration #interviewpodcast #mentalhealth #mindfulness #miracles #motivation #nativeamerican #navyveteran #overcomingadversity #podcastcommunity #podcasterlife #poddinmynoggin #podmatch #positivity #purpose #resilience #selfdiscovery #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #storytelling #survivor #traumarecovery #veteransupport

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc