The Let's Get Comfy Podcast

What drives a military logistics specialist to become a champion for veteran suicide prevention? For Brianne Brown, it wasn't just career evolution—it was a calling born from personal experience.

In this powerful conversation, Air Force veteran Brianne Brown pulls back the curtain on her journey from military service to her vital work as Central Florida Regional Program Director for The Fire Watch. With raw honesty, s...

Norman Harris welcomes Michelle Hogan, Associate Director of Community Donations at Metropolitan Ministries, for a conversation about finding purpose through service and making an impact on homelessness.

• Michelle's childhood experiences with racism sparked her passion for advocacy and social justice
• Metropolitan Ministries serves the homeless through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and inst...

Dr. Rainey Semia shares her journey from healthcare to real estate, demonstrating how to build multiple successful businesses through systems, processes, and a servant's heart. Her path from occupational therapist to nursing home administrator to real estate entrepreneur offers valuable insights for professionals seeking to diversify their careers and income streams.

• Moving from occupational therapy to nursing home ...

Miranda Johnson's entrepreneurial intuition first sparked in middle school when a teacher suggested she'd make a good secretary. Her response? "No, I'm going to be Miranda Queen instead of Burger King." That early confidence blossomed into a remarkable business journey spanning construction, transportation, and now leadership development.

From her earliest days selling candy in school hallways and ...

What happens to mental health when independence is lost? Steve Lamonaco, President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Science, pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked psychological challenges facing nursing home residents and their families.

Drawing from his remarkable journey spanning four decades in elder care—from nursing assistant to CEO—Steve shares how his firsthand experiences shaped Thrive's innovative approa...

Caitlyn Whitmoyer shares her journey from burnout as an educational consultant to becoming a wellness coach and entrepreneur helping educators find freedom and balance through holistic health practices.

• Owner of Hand in Health Wellness, helping educators find their pathway to freedom
• Co-founder of Thread Education, bringing well-being into schools to strengthen culture
• Defines holistic health as multidimensio...

Arlene Grasso’s inspiring journey reveals the importance of creating accessible living spaces for seniors wishing to age in place. Through her work with Access and Design, she empowers individuals and their families to prepare proactive modifications that ensure safety and independence at home.

• Aging in place as a desire for over 95% of seniors 
• Importance of home modifications to maintain independence 
• AARP’...

Caregiving can be both a rewarding and overwhelming experience, but there is power in community support and self-care. Jazmar Bennett shares her journey of resilience and motivation as a caregiver and offers valuable insights on the importance of prioritizing mental health and utilizing available resources. The conversation emphasizes that every caregiver has the potential to make a significant comeback, urging listeners to embrace...

Dr. Thomas Edwards shares his extensive journey through healthcare, highlighting the importance of personalized and compassionate patient care. The episode discusses challenges in communication, the role of technology, and memorable experiences that shape a physician's approach to healthcare. 
• Dr. Edwards' background and early influences in medicine 
• The evolution of his career from paramedic to physician 

Join us as we welcome the dynamic Dr. Yvette Guzman, CEO of Olive Health, who reveals her passionate mission to transform healthcare for the elderly and those with disabilities in Central Florida. Inspired by volunteering with the Special Olympics, Dr. Guzman's journey shows how early experiences can ignite a lifelong commitment to removing healthcare barriers and advocating for those in need. Her captivating story of entrepre...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Karen Northover, a trailblazing healthcare administrator renowned for her transformative impact on the Florida chapter of the American College of Healthcare Administrators. Discover the remarkable journey from just three members to an astounding 385, and gain insider knowledge on evaluating skilled nursing facilities with practical tips like weekend visits and the importance of survey b...

Discover the incredible journey of Dr. Patricia Hernandez-Poudevida, a clinical psychologist who has navigated cultural transitions and professional landscapes with grace and ingenuity. During our conversation, Dr. Hernandez-Poudevida shares her story from her educational roots at the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico to her transformative experiences in Iowa and Florida. Listen as she recounts the influential mentorship that...

Ever wondered how a former fifth-grade science teacher could shake up Florida's political scene? Meet Ben Braver, our guest on this vibrant episode of Let's Get Comfy. Ben's journey from the classroom to the campaign trail is nothing short of inspiring. His activism at the University of South Florida led to a statewide protest that challenged the controversial demand for student health records. As he runs for the Flo...

Discover the inspiring journey of Ed Spinks, a board-certified elder law attorney and founder of Speaks Law Firm, as he shares his transition from the disciplined life of a US Marine to a passionate advocate for families in need. Ed opens up about how his military background has shaped his approach to law, bringing unique insights into the significance of board certification in elder law. His story is not just about professional su...

Discover the inspiring journey of Mariela Martinez, a trailblazer in the healthcare industry, as she shares how genuine care and dedication can transform lives. From her early days in pre-med studies to ascending to the role of Vice President of Compliance overseeing 48 nursing homes in Florida, Mariela’s story is a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of caring for staff, residents, and their families. You'll learn...

Discover how to significantly reduce the risk of falls and enhance the quality of life for older adults in our latest episode with Jennifer Trevino, an accomplished occupational therapist and founder of Functionality for Life. Jennifer brings over two decades of expertise to the table, sharing invaluable insights into proactive healthcare measures and the profound impact that home safety modifications can have. From her transition ...

What does it take to embody the American dream? Join us for an inspiring chat with Gabriel Papadopoulos, a dedicated community leader and prime candidate for Pasco County Commissioner. You'll hear Gabriel's extraordinary journey from his roots on the Greek island of Cyprus, through his humorous adaptation to life in Tennessee, and finally to his impactful role in Pasco County, Florida. We explore his academic achievements...

What if the key to transforming troubled healthcare facilities lies in the wisdom and experience of a single leader? Join us on this heartwarming episode of "Let's Get Comfy" as we sit down with Reginald Eldridge, a leader whose journey in skilled nursing home administration is nothing short of inspirational. Reginald, honored with FDMA Administrator of the Year four times and the prestigious Maximus 2000 Leadership ...