The Levity Floatcast

Hello and welcome back to another episode of the Levity Floatcast! It's been a while since the last installment but this episode is fantastic and one everyone could benefit from. So I very much appreciate you checking back in. This episode features the incredible Marta Mazzoni, a multi-talented individual with a heart of gold. Our paths initially crossed shortly after I opened the studio in 2015. Marta floated, loved the experience, and had me on her podcast to talk about the creation of Levity. I can't emphasize enough how amazing Marta is. Her kindness and compassion radiate through all that she does. If you're feeling lost or looking to find a path to inner peace and happiness, Marta is your guide. A talented yoga and meditation practitioner, Marta offers personalized one-on-one coaching for those seeking deeper growth and connection. She also hosts play and mindfulness workshops in schools and corporate events, these aim to boost creativity and connection within organizations and teams. She hosts an online stress-relief class Monday evenings and a morning meditation class on Tuesday mornings. A perfect combination to start your week in a good head space. Marta is accessible on social media and through her website. You can find her on Instagram at MartasOnTheMove and on Facebook at MartaOnTheMove. If you're interested in learning more about her services, you can even schedule a free chat by visiting MartaMazzoni.as.me. You can find all this and an archive of great podcasts about Pittsburgh and the great people in our city over at MartaOnTheMove.com Folks - this episode is a gem; we discuss the power of gratitude and how meditation can help alleviate anxiety. Marta also shares some effective tools for managing anxiety and depression. Listen to this episode and then share it with a loved one who could benefit from the information. But for now, sit back, relax, and get ready to floatcast as we dive into this amazing conversation with Marta Mazzoni.

In this episode I sit down with Chelsea Cush - a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and faculty member at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Sciences. I've super grateful for meeting Chelsea! She's invited me into her classroom to talk about creating and owning a small business and managing all of the risks involved in such a venture. It's always a pleasure to be in a room with other entrepreneurs fielding real-world questions. Knowing very little about the death care industry, I very much enjoyed this conversation with Chelsea. She's one of those good souls who's able to explain concepts and ideas in such an understandable manner. Chelsea has seen firsthand the transformative power of the funeral process and is dedicated to helping families find meaning and closure during their time of grief. This is a fantastic episode, some may find the talk about the deathcare industry taboo but Chelsea really opened my eyes to the level of care and dedication that goes into the role. We talked about why someone may want to become a funeral director and the importance of that role. Chelsea also shared some very interesting green burial methods and a project that gives her great pride. On a macro level, this episode is another example of someone who explored various career paths before finding what spoke most to her soul.  The next episode is with another one of these gems - Marta Manzzoni. Her episode has entered the production line and looking forward to sharing that beautiful soul with you!  But right now, it's time to enjoy a wonderful conversation with Chelsea Kush. So sit back, relax, and floatcast.

Welcome back to another episode of The Levity Floatcast! In this episode, Dave chats with Andrea Neiderhiser, the creator and owner of The Philly Street Candle Bar in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Andrea has created a comfortable and inviting space in the small town of Indiana, Pennsylvania. Her candle bar is an exceptional idea for the area which is in need of more high-quality community-based businesses such as The Philly Street Candle Bar.  In this episode, Andrea shares what inspired her to create such a space, the benefits of having candles in your environment, and what kept this small business owner going during the perils of a pandemic. Since the recording of this episode, Jamen and I have visited The Philly Street Candle Bar in person and created some amazing scents for the studio. All of the folks who've smelled the Earth-scented candle with base scents of rain, trees, and topsoil have been stunned by how it makes them feel. And the reaction to the banana pancakes scented candles were nothing short of amazing! Another great episode with a beautiful soul. So sit back, relax, and floatcast 🕯💙✨

Welcome back to another episode of the Levity Floatcast and thank you all so much for tuning in.  This episode highlights the filmmaker, documentarian, and creative lead of the production studio Scripted Minds - Josh Hamaker. Josh started floating at Levity in January 2016 and has racked up nearly 100 hours in the tank. I feel grateful to witness his evolution as a human and, using one of his phrases; the levels he's risen. We cover a range of topics; filmmaking, finding your passion, how to objectively manage the completion of goals, and the art of character creation and storytelling. It's time to learn about the creative director, filmmaker, and beautiful soul; Josh Hamaker. So let's sit back, relax, and floatcast.

In this episode, Jamen Thurmond steps in front of the camera for a chat.  The timing was right for this as his content creation agency is in a transitional phase. The shift is from creating content for various small businesses to more work with personal branding and weddings. With 8 years out in the wild of this entrepreneurial space, I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with many creatives who've tried to make a social media agency financially stable. It's an extremely tough endeavor. And I think part of what makes Jamen special is his ability for objective self-reflection and bravery to reset the sails. These characteristics come through during our conversation.  We also had subs delivered from Peppy's for this episode. Jamen's always raved about Peppy's and they did not disappoint lol.  Working with Jamen for the past two years has been an absolute pleasure. He's insightful, smart, professional, and wildly talented. So thank you again for staying with us and now, without delay - sit back, relax, and floatcast.

Welcome back to another episode of The Levity Floatcast! This episode is by far one of the most moving conversations I've had with a guest on the podcast. I sit down with Lorin Kaufman - Lorin may have hosted some of you for a float as I've been fortunate to have her as a team member for a handful of years. She's an absolute all-star at studio operations and genuinely cares about the experience of our guests. Lorin has a story intertwined with bravery, strength, and courage that people need to hear. Truthfully, I wasn't sure she'd want to come on to discuss overcoming addiction but I'm so thankful bravery overcame fear. So few people are able to escape the rabbit hole of addiction. But here she is; 8 years of sobriety, two degrees later, she's helping others and making a difference every day. This human is thriving ... but the story didn't start there. Listen to this episode as a testament to what's possible, to never give up on our loved ones, and check in on your people. As always, thank you for listening and being a part of this journey. Now sit back, relax, and floatcast 🙏💙🏆

Welcome back to another episode of The Levity Floatcast! In this episode, Dave chats with Tom Grogan, a financial representative of the Luttner Financial Group. Tom shares his background, how he entered the financial world and gives us an overview of his unique approach with clients. Tom doesn't just sell products or policies to his clients, he talks with them about their long-term financial goals. These conversations can be extremely helpful to understand their current financial situation and map out a plan of action to help them reach their financial goals. If you're curious about the financial world or want to increase your financial health, this episode is a great listen! Tom's straightforward, extremely knowledgable, and kind in his delivery to others. He also shares his opinion on using artificial intelligence with finances, the importance of life insurance, and how to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is a great episode with lots of interesting points and well worth the listen. So sit back, relax, and floatcast 💰🏆💙

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Mark Larimer owner of Truss Brewing. Beginning his professional career as a corporate associate of the popular grocery chain Giant Eagle, Mark has been working with food in some form for most of his life. Done wearing a suit, tie, and dress shoes, in the midst of the pandemic Mark decided it was time to open a restaurant. With a seasonal menu and homemade beer on tap, Mark and his team have brought something special to Pleasant Hills. Of course, opening at this time was a tumultuous experience. This episode is definitely a rollercoaster ride.  Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jan Receski the owner of OnPar Now.  OnPar Now is a local business focused on creating a safe space for new golfers, especially women. In a world where business meetings, deals, and general fun takes place on the golf course, many can feel left out.  Facing a heart-wrenching divorce and 30 years in the corporate world, Jan knew it was time for a change. In just over a year Jan has built a very successful business teaching hundreds of people the skills and community around the ageless sport of golf.  Jan is an absolute diamond, her story, strength, and gratefulness are all waiting to be heard right now.  Click the link in our bio then sit back, relax, and floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Cameron Schmidt. Cam is a local artist and graphic designer. Originally from Boston Cam, traveled to Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in engineering but he quickly realized he had a different calling. Constantly doodling in his notes, and spending hours outside of the classroom sketching more, an artist was born.  We chat with Cam not only about his beginnings but some of the amazing things he’s done in his career so far, and his newly opened studio called Studio 4 in Bloomfield. This episode is very inspirational, and we know you’ll enjoy the conversation as much as we did.  Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jeff Fieldhouse.  Jeff is a Pittsburgh comedian and the host of the Baby Face Assassin Podcast. Jeff began his comedy career in Florida when he attended film school because he felt more comfortable with no one knowing him. After diving down the comedic rabbit hole and equating open mics to practice, Jeff quickly became a regular. Back in Pittsburgh, Jeff is continuously honing his craft at open mics while also throwing and booking larger shows for himself. About two years ago he also began his podcast where he interviews other local artists.  This episode was a ton of fun.  Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity floatcast we sit down with Kacie Cope the owner of Kacie Cope Interiors.  Kacie grew up in a very loving Italian home filled with family gatherings and delicious cuisine. Not being one to really live on the edge Kacie initially believed she had to attend a four-year school and get a degree while her parents insisted she create art. Kacie winds up becoming a teacher for underprivileged kids however, fate had something else in store for her. After breaking free from a destructive marriage Kacie started dabbling with interior design. Everything changed when more and more people discovered her blog and requested Kacie to design their homes.  There are so many beautiful gems of life in this episode! Kacie is a wonderful human and is enjoying an incredible rise to success.  Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we are excited to announce that the live stream of the floatcast will be returning. It was a bit hectic to figure out but we will now be streaming via DSLR camera to Youtube and we can’t wait for you all to tune in. Just like Joe Rogan, we recognize the importance of a video element.  We also recap an incredible guest we featured named Kacie Cope. When you think of passion, Kacie will be the new face that appears In your mind. Without spoiling too much, a tumultuous divorce and an unassuming blog lead Kacie to discover her career path.  A lot to unpack this week so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jordan Valdez the owner of Be Local magazine.  Growing up just outside of Pittsburgh in a small town, Jordan gravitated to skateboarding as a way of freeing his mind and having fun. After straying away from the dream of being a pro skater, Jordan found himself to be quite the salesman. From high-end community magazines to his now prized BeLocal project, Jordan makes it a point to help the little guy. With the goal of BeLocal aiming to be the go-to locals guide for anything cool and unique going on within Pittsburgh, every day Jordan is making connections to broaden the reach of BeLocal.  We unpack quite the story of how this man rose through the ranks. Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast Dave and Troy take a moment to reflect on an incredible upcoming guest.  Jordan Valdez the owner of Be Local magazine in Pittsburgh had some very honest and authentic things to share during his episode and we wanted to provide a little window into that experience before the episode is released. Recording this episode the day after Thanksgiving we touch on the holiday cheer and overall where we’re at as the year is coming to a close.  You don’t want to miss this one. Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jesse Valenti a local beekeeper.  Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of bees and their hierarchy? Well, Jesse has been taking care of and breeding bees for six years. After a breakup that left her with a lot more alone time, Jesse got into gardening. Upon observing the way bees interacted with the environment she began the task of being a beekeeper. Through countless ups and downs, bee stings, and even an allergic reaction, Jesse is going strong and views the care for bees as a mediation.  Plus who doesn’t like raw honey?  We untangle so much about the life of bees, the inner workings of the hive, and so much more.  This is one you don’t want to miss so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🍯🐝♥️

We’ve got quite the episode in store for you lovely folks today.  With the tragic event that took place at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival, it makes you wonder what kind of world are we living in. Who Is to blame for this, Travis, the venue, the people? We also dip our toes into the MMA pool. Discussing Kamaru’s latest victory over bad guy Colby Chaos Covington. Finally, we wrap up discussing how enjoyable the guest of next week's episode is. Her name is Jesse Velenti and she’s a freaking beekeeper! How cool is that?  As always we have a lot going on so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Josh Rulnick. Josh is a loving father of two and a man with a big heart. At the age of three, Josh suffered from a rare hip disease and was told he would never walk again. Through patience, determination, and willpower Josh went through several years of rehabilitation and became an athlete. After college, he went into education where he worked with special needs children and strived to connect with each kid to improve the quality of their lives.  This episode will really shed some perspective on things we’re blessed to have yet we take for granted daily.  Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast it’s a special Tuesday.  Just one day after the flash crash of Instagram and Facebook, Dave and Troy decide to switch things up a bit. Diving into our mailbag they pull up several questions from fans. Ranging from relationships to job circumstances and other more crazy topics. It’s always a good time engaging with the audience and understanding them as they grow to understand us each and every week.  It all gets unpacked here so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of The Levity Floatcast we sit down with Ryan Taylor.  Ryan is an established ultra-marathon runner and all-around adrenaline junkie. Rock climbing, ice climbing, running one hundred and six miles, he does it all! For Ryan running is more than just a form of exercise, it’s a meditation and a way in which Ryan can sit with himself. We unpack Ryan’s humble beginnings from how he started running at a young age to now traveling to run ultra-marathons.  There is a lot of gritty and insightful information in this one.  Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!