Scaling the Summit-- Radio Gold

In this episode, we’re joined by Colleen Wegimont, one of those “gold standard” leaders in our profession whose passion is contagious and whose impact runs deep.Colleen shares her journey in health and physical education, including what first drew her to the field, the mentors and moments that helped shape her path, and the experiences that confirmed she was exactly where she was meant to be. We also talk about leadership and what it looks like to support teachers well, how to serve in ways that truly move the profession forward, and why professional organizations like NAHPL matter now more than ever.You’ll hear Colleen’s heart for advocacy, her commitment to helping others grow, and the kind of perspective that only comes from years of doing the work with consistency, care, and purpose. And because it wouldn’t be Scaling the Summit without a little fun, we wrap up with some rapid-fire favorites and get to know Colleen beyond her title.Visit our website to learn more about the National Academy: nahpl.org

In this episode of Scaling the Summit—Radio Gold, hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims sit down with Dr. Jayanthi (Jay) Kandiah—one of the keynote speakers for the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy National Summit—to talk leadership, collaboration, and what it takes to move health and physical literacy forward. Currently the inaugural dean of the Central Connecticut State University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Dr. Kandiah shares how her experience in nutrition and health sciences and her work expanding interdisciplinary clinics and community-facing learning opportunities shapes her vision for preparing future professionals. Expect practical takeaways on building partnerships, strengthening student success initiatives, and leading with purpose in health-focused education.Be sure to like, subscribe and comment!

In this episode of Scaling the Summit, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome “Radio Gold” listeners to a special conversation with Hasaan Hawthorne, one of the NAHPL 2026 Summit keynote speakers!Hasaan shares the powerful story behind his “Never Quit” attitude, from refusing to be limited in sport and life to stepping onto the wrestling mat against able-bodied competitors in high school and college. You’ll hear how his drive led to a high school state championship, a collegiate career, and a long list of academic and athletic honors, including being a 3-time Collegiate Academic All-American and a recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award.The conversation also dives into Hasaan’s passion for giving back through coaching from his time as a volunteer wrestling coach at Hastings College in Nebraska to his current role coaching with Warrior Wrestling Club in Alabaster, Alabama. Plus, Hasaan breaks down the work he’s doing at UAB as Program Manager for the Inclusive Well-Being Translational Science Collaborative, and what inclusive well-being truly looks like in action.And of course because it wouldn’t be Scaling the Summit without it, Sandra asks her favorite question about the most influential person in Hasaan’s life, followed by a fun round of rapid-fire questions.Don’t miss this inspiring episode—and make plans to join NAHPL in Orlando, Florida, March 2–5, 2026 for the NAHPL Health and Physical Literacy Summit. Learn more at NAHPL.org.

Welcome to the HOLIDAY EPISODE. Sandra and Charity are flying solo in this festive episode—no guests, no agenda… just good ’ole fashioned fun. Grab your cozy drink of choice and listen in as they chat about all things Christmas and winter: favorite traditions, simple ways to stay well during the busiest time of year, and the magic (and sometimes madness!) of the season. They also share what’s happening with the National Academy, why this time of year is so important for our health and physical literacy communities, and a few sneak peeks of what’s coming next.It’s light, warm, and full of genuine conversation, making it the perfect listen while you’re wrapping gifts, driving to holiday events, or taking a much-needed breather from the hustle and bustle.Enjoy!

*To connect with Tony on social media, find him at @fit4lifetonyIn this episode of Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold, co-hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims sit down with Tony Splendore, a dynamic middle school physical educator from Virginia. With over three decades of teaching and coaching experience and an impressive personal fitness journey that includes Ironman competitions and marathons, Tony brings passion and purpose to every role he takes on.Tony shares his insights on what it means to truly engage students in physical education. He reflects on the value of leadership conferences like the Southern Tier LDC and attending professional development conventions.Tune in as Tony shares stories from his career, advice for future educators, and a few fun facts in our rapid-fire round. Topics Include:Why middle school PE is his passionBalancing the demands of teaching and coachingTraining for Ironman & running 5 marathonsCreating a culture of excellence through student awardsEncouraging others to step into leadership and growth opportunities🔗 Learn more about the National Summit: www.nahpl.org

In this energizing episode, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome Dr. Julie Kennel, Professor of Clinical Practice at the Ohio State University. With a career spanning clinical nutrition, behavior change research, and academic leadership, Dr. Kennel discusses what drives people’s food choices, the power of experiential learning, and the future of personalized nutrition. From mentoring students to leading graduate programs and national organizations, her insights will inform, inspire, and ignite new ideas for nutrition and health professionals alike. Don’t miss this rich conversation and of course, a few rapid-fire questions to keep things fun.Interested in our National Summit? Visit our website to learn more: nahpl.org

In this episode, your favorite co-hosts Charity and Sandra take the mic — no guest this time, just real talk about all things back-to-school! As educators, advocates, and lifelong learners, they share reflections, goals, and excitement for the new academic year.Plus, they give some well-earned shoutouts to the incredible organizations helping move the field forward, including:📣 ASAHPERD📣 Alabama State Department of Education📣 HEAL United📣 University of South Alabama📣 University of Alabama–Birmingham📣 The National Academy of Health and Physical LiteracyTune in for an uplifting episode filled with gratitude, joy, momentum, and the spirit of collaboration — because the climb is better together.

Partnering for Purpose: A Conversation with David Lorenzi of Phi Epsilon KappaIn this episode of Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold, co-hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome a powerhouse guest and true champion of the profession — David Lorenzi, Executive Director of Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity and.With a career that spans teaching, leadership, coaching, and service, David shares insights from his journey — from middle school PE teacher to university professor, adapted PE specialist, and national advocate. He also highlights the impact of Phi Epsilon Kappa and the importance of professional partnerships that support health and physical literacy at every level.Whether you're an educator, a student, or a leader in the field, this episode is packed with passion, purpose, and a few fun surprises in our signature Rapid-Fire Round....like The Sopranos.This conversation will answer question such as:Why partnerships like NAHPL + PEK matterThe importance of professional service in shaping future leadersHow universities and students can get involved in PEKJoin us in Orlando, Florida | March 2–4, 2026 for the NAHPL Health and Physical Literacy Summit!📍 Learn more: www.NAHPL.org📌 Resources & Links:Phi Epsilon Kapp

In this inspiring episode of Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold, we welcome two passionate leaders from the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD): Penny Edwards, Strategy III Program Manager, and Alex X. Martinez, Content and Inquiry Manager.Penny brings a wealth of experience in exercise science, cardiovascular health, and school wellness, including 11 years with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. A former two-sport collegiate athlete and military child, she now co-leads educator initiatives at NCHPAD, helping make inclusive wellness a reality in schools and communities across the country.Alex shares his powerful journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to becoming a champion for adaptive sports and physical activity access for people with disabilities. With a strong foundation in physical education and curriculum development, Alex's work connects evidence-based resources with practical tools for veterans, educators, and families alike.Together, Penny and Alex offer valuable insights into creating a more inclusive and accessible world—one program, classroom, and movement opportunity at a time.Tune in to hear how strategy, service, and heart come together to transform lives through NCHPAD.Learn more at: https://www.nchpad.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon, founder and Executive Director of The P.L.A.Y. Education Corporation (PLAY)—a passionate advocate, change maker, and trailblazer in the field of health and physical education.Shannon began her journey as a physical education teacher in Colorado, teaching across diverse communities and school types. Her classroom experiences lit a fire for equity, leadership, and student wellness—ultimately guiding her to statewide and national platforms. In 2017, she made history as the first woman of color to serve as President of SHAPE Colorado and helped spark the early development of Colorado House Bill 19-1161, focused on comprehensive physical education instruction.From 2018 to 2022, Shannon served as Principal Investigator and Project Manager at the Colorado Department of Education, leading a CDC Healthy Schools grant and convening more than 100 stakeholders through the Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative. Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic brought together departments, educators, and public health experts to support schools in addressing physical activity, chronic condition management, nutrition, and the social-emotional climate.Tune in to hear her inspiring story, lessons in daring leadership, and her vision for what education can and should be.✨ We look forward to seeing all of you at the NAHPL Health and Physical Literacy Summit in sunny Orlando, Florida, March 2–5, 2026!✔ Find all the details at www.NAHPL.org

This month on Scaling the Summit, we welcome the energetic and inspiring Christina Collins, founder of Never Stop Moving 365—a movement that’s empowering individuals to prioritize physical activity, purpose, and personal growth every single day of the year.Join us as Christina shares her journey from classroom educator to national advocate for wellness, her passion for keeping people moving across all stages of life, and how Never Stop Moving 365 is building a culture of movement, resilience, and real-world impact.Whether you're a wellness professional, educator, or just someone looking for a boost of motivation, this episode will leave you inspired to move with intention—and never stop.Tune in, get inspired, and keep climbing.https://neverstopmoving365.com/Christina@neverstopmoving365.comInstagram - @neverstopmoving.365

Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold – Episode Title: Fueling the Future with Madison FosheeIn this inspiring episode of Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold, hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims sit down with the incredibly driven and passionate Madison Foshee, a standout Future Professional.From NCAA DII soccer and cross country to cutting-edge research in microbiology and nutrition, Madison shares her journey as a student-athlete, scholar, and aspiring registered dietitian. Tune in as we discuss:✅ Madison’s athletic and academic path—from USCB to AUM✅ Her involvement in nutrition initiatives and undergraduate research✅ Insights from her experience at the ASAHPERD Future Professionals Leadership Development Conference✅ The value of student engagement in professional organizations✅ Barriers students face and how to break through them✅ Her vision for the future and the mentors who helped shape itMadison brings energy, humility, and wisdom well beyond her years. Whether you're a current student, educator, or professional, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for supporting the next generation of leaders in health, education, and wellness.Don’t miss this one—our very first Future Professional guest, and definitely not our last!

In this powerful episode of Scaling the Summit, we sit down with Tyler Summitt, son of the legendary Pat Summitt—a trailblazing coach, a devoted mother, and a courageous fighter in her battle with Alzheimer’s.Tyler shares heartfelt stories about growing up as the son of a coaching icon, the lessons he learned from her leadership both on and off the court, and the deeply personal journey of watching his mom face Alzheimer’s with the same strength and determination that defined her career.Join hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims for this touching tribute to Pat Summitt’s legacy, a conversation about resilience, and an honest look at the impact Pat Summitt has had on so many. This is one you won’t want to miss.Email Tyler at TylerSummitt@gmail.comPat Summitt Foundation: https://patsummitt.org/Pat Summitt Leadership Group: https://patsummittleadershipgroup.com/

Abby Samuels, Senior Development Manager for the American Cancer Society Michigan, discusses the Michigan Softball Academy. At this one-of-a-kind event, 250+ community members participate in the two-hour instructional clinic from University of Michigan Softball players and coaches on how to hit, throw, pitch, field and runs the base, followed by a social mixer & silent auction. Learn more at www.msoftballacademy.org

Tune in as Sandra and Charity kick-off 2025. They discuss the upcoming NAHPL National Summit, Sandra's Alabama snow day, and Charity's yarnball beanie. Tons of laughs on this one....you don't want to miss it. Early registration for the NAHPL National Summit ends on February 14th. Register today: www.nahpl.org

Bridgette currently serves as Chief Wellness Officer in the Office of the President at the University of West Georgia. Her accolades include: Distinguished Achievement Alumni Recipient (2021), Berry College, Rome, GA.  COE Distinguished Faculty Member Winner (2019), College of Education, University of  West Georgia  Circle of Leadership Inductee (2018), National Wellness Institute  Above and Beyond Award Winner (2018), University of West Georgia Bridgette joins us to talk about her role as the Chief Wellness Officer as well as the other positions she has served in. Bridgette makes a great lasagna and would love to meet Robin Roberts. Tune in to learn more!

Cathy Fischer is an award-winning Health and Physical Education teacher from Montana. She has been active in Montana AHPERD. Cathy is an avid runner (competing in 100 milers). Be sure to leave us a review!!

Today's guest is Brian Geiger. After a long career at UAB, Brian is currently the Executive Director of The Horizons School. The Horizon School is a nonprofit post-secondary school offering a licensed post-secondary certificate program for young adults with learning and other disabilities. To learn more about The Horizons School visit their website and check out this brochure. Upcoming Fundraiser Info: Horizons School Hosts Annual Fundraiser Event on October 18thBirmingham, AL – 8/26/24 – Horizons School, a leading institution dedicated to empowering young adults with learning disabilities, is excited to announce its upcoming annual fundraiser, scheduled for October 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower in Birmingham.This year’s event promises an evening filled with entertainment, including a lively Bingo game, dinner, and more. The fundraiser will bring together community members, local businesses, and supporters of Horizons School’s mission to help raise essential funds that directly benefit the students.“We are thrilled to host this event again and look forward to a night of fun and generosity,” said Cierra Dunbarr, Marketing and Development Director at Horizons School. “Our goal is to raise awareness and funds to continue providing life-changing educational and employment opportunities for our students. We invite everyone to join us in supporting these incredible young adults.”Attendees will have the opportunity to win prizes and enjoy a wonderful evening in one of Birmingham’s most iconic venues. All proceeds from the event will go towards enhancing the educational programs and resources offered at Horizons School.Event Details:- Date: October 18, 2024- Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM- Location: Thomas Jefferson Tower, 1623 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and Horizons School encourages businesses and individuals to consider contributing to this meaningful cause. For more information about the event or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Cierra Dunbarr at cdunbarr@horizonsschool.org

In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Dr. Sherri Huff! Dr. Huff is the Birmingham City Schools Curriculum Specialist for Physical Education, Health Education, and Drivers Education. She’s also the Advocacy Chair for ASAHPERD, where she’s made significant contributions, including serving as Past-President. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation—tune in!

Join Charity and Sandra as they talk about their highlights from the NAHPL National Summit and about Charity's transition into the role as Past-President. Plus, this is our 100th episode! Help us CELEBRITY by leaving a review!!