Inspire Saratoga

Michael Kurkowski

Where community meets inspiration — real conversations with local leaders, creators, and dreamers shaping the spirit of Saratoga Springs.

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21 episodes
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English

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Saturday · 45 min
S5 Ep 3 w/ Ryan Carpenter
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! One of the most caring, genuine, and driven coaches I’ve ever met joins me on the Inspire Saratoga Podcast today. Ryan Carpenter is the owner of Simple Strength and Conditioning in Greenwich NY, a strength studio dedicated to Hardstyle Strength training and community connection. I first met Ryan almost 7 years ago, and seeing the impact and energy he pours into his members is contagious in the greatest way. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey from Saratoga roots to becoming a dedicated strength coach. Discover how small steps, community support, and a passion for health transformed his life and his approach to coaching. Check out more from Ryan at: https://www.simplestrengthconditioning.com/
August 22 · 38 min
S5 Ep 2 w/ Molly Brindle
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Reiki Master Molly Brindle capped a decades-long career in sports sponsorship and media with the study of energy healing, spiritual life coaching, Reiki, Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), aromatherapy, and Bach flower remedies. Founder of Life Clarity, LLC, she is an active practitioner and volunteers her Reiki services for community hospice patients and at a domestic violence center. Molly considers energy healing one of the greatest gifts in her life for the spiritual connection it creates. Longtime residents of Saratoga Springs, New York, Molly and her husband have two daughters and an energetic schnoodle. Good Grief: A Lighter, Heartfelt Look at Loss is her second book. In 2024, she published a children’s book on loss, A Balloon for Grandpa. In this episode, Molly shares her transformative journey from corporate media to energy healing and spiritual coaching. She discusses the principles of energy work, the healing power of water, and her insights on grief and connection beyond the physical realm. Check out more from Molly at: https://www.lifeclarity.net/
August 14 · 37 min
S5 Ep 1 w/ Erin Fortin
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In the first episode of the 5th season, I sat down with Erin Fortin, owner of Erin Fortin Photography on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, helping brands and businesses transform their visual presence and building deeper connections with their audiences. Life took a very drastic turn in 2024 for Erin after she survived a stroke during a run, which was followed by open heart surgery. In this episode, Erin shares her journey from a healthy marathon runner to surviving a stroke and undergoing open heart surgery. She discusses the importance of community support, proactive health measures, and her advocacy for women's heart health through the American Heart Association. Check out more from Erin at: erinfortinphotography.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinfortinphoto/ Please Donate to Erin's fundraiser for the American Heart Association Go Red For Women
March 19 · 53 min
Saratoga AI Collective w/ Justin Wolfer
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Justin Wolfer is the founder of UnclutteredAI and the Saratoga AI Collective, bridging the gap between modern times of advanced technology and human connection. Justin shares his journey from Saratoga to Europe and back, exploring the impact of AI on business and community. Discover insights on cultural shifts, AI's role in creativity, and how to leverage technology for personal and communal growth. Follow Justin at: https://www.facebook.com/yogawithjustin https://unclutterai.io/ https://www.instagram.com/justinwolfer.builder/
March 5 · 44 min
Gracefully Holistic w/ Grace Loney
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Grace Loney is a health and wellness coach who took her personal experience of living with Hashimoto’s and created a holistic coaching program to help others with the same health challenges. In this conversation, Grace shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a health and wellness coach specializing in helping women with Hashimoto's disease. She discusses her personal struggles with health, the importance of a holistic approach to healing, and the role of mindset and community in the healing process. Grace emphasizes the significance of nutrition, stress management, and the need for social connections in achieving long-term health and wellness. The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing mindset changes and the evolving nature of health journeys. Find more on Grace at: Instagram
February 26 · 45 min
Basis Health and Performance w/ Grayson Strange
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Grayson Strange is the founder and Owner, along with Sarah Strange, of Basis Health and Performance in Saratoga Springs. In this conversation, Grayson discusses his journey in the fitness industry, focusing on the evolution of his training methods and the importance of joint health and recovery. He shares insights on transitioning to a new business model that emphasizes functional range conditioning and the internal strength model, highlighting the need for a shift in perspective on training as one ages. Grayson explains how prioritizing joint-specific training can lead to better overall health and performance, and he emphasizes the significance of recovery in achieving long-term fitness goals. The discussion also touches on adapting training for longevity and finding balance in strength training as one ages. Check out more from Grayson at: Instagram https://www.basishpny.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:44 Transitioning to a New Training Model 13:44 Understanding Joint Health and Function 19:44 Client Response and Implementation of New Methods 23:22 Sustainable Training for Longevity 32:04 Adapting Training as We Age 43:53 Integrating Joint Health into Strength Training
January 22 · 39 min
The Irun Saratoga Half Marathon w/ Jessica Hauprich
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Jessica Hauprich is truly the definition of Inspiration. A Realtor, mom, Ironman Triathlete, and she is spearheading an incredible event for Saratoga Springs in September 2026: The Irun Saratoga Half Marathon. In this episode , Jessica discusses her deep connection to Saratoga Springs and her journey into the world of endurance racing. She shares her experiences growing up in Saratoga, the hidden gems of the area, and her passion for running and community engagement. She reveals her plans for the upcoming Saratoga Half Marathon, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the transformative power of challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of support systems in endurance sports and the joy of bringing people together through running. To join in on the race in September, visit the link here: https://zippy-reg.com/online_reg/confirmed_entrants.php?event=2372 To check out more from Jessica: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.bizzarro.5 Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Saratoga Springs 02:39 Growing Up in Saratoga: A Personal Connection 05:52 The Hidden Gems of Saratoga Springs 08:55 The Journey into Endurance Racing 11:54 Community and Support in Endurance Sports 14:51 The Vision Behind the Saratoga Half Marathon 17:45 Challenges and Triumphs in Organizing the Event 21:39 The Vision Behind the Race 24:45 Creativity in Community Engagement 26:38 Building a Supportive Running Community 29:03 The Art of Delegation and Time Management 30:27 Embracing Challenges and Purpose 32:33 Inspiration and Personal Growth
January 15 · 42 min
The Kettlebell Classroom w/ Jamie Desso
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Jamie Desso is a teacher, and strength coach in the area who found an incredible, and unique way to engage her students that went viral across the country. It started as an idea to bring a kettlebell into her classroom and share her passion with her students, and eventually led her to teaching her students flows and exercises to energize them for learning, and caught nationwide attention through social media. In this conversation, I asked Jamie about how this idea came about, what it was like to see a national response, and the benefits she has seen from her students not just in physical exercise, but how it has enhanced their attention and mindset in all areas of school. Check out more from Jamie on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/thekettlebellclassroom/?hl=en
Dec 16, 2025 · 41 min
Eat GreenFork w/ Stephen Zabala
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Stephen Zabala is a coach, culinary expert and owner of Greenfork, a meal prep service that provides quality nutritious meals for individuals in their health and fitness journey. In this episode, Stephen shares his journey from working in the culinary industry to becoming a nutrition coach and fitness trainer. He discusses his experiences in culinary school, the importance of nutrition, and how he built his meal prep business, Green Fork. Stephen emphasizes the significance of simplicity in nutrition and the common struggles people face when trying to eat healthily. He also touches on the transition from a chaotic restaurant environment to a more positive fitness and wellness lifestyle, highlighting the importance of community and support in achieving health goals. Check out more from Stephen at: https://www.eatgreenfork.com/
Dec 9, 2025 · 31 min
Saratoga Walking Group w/ Stephanie Marotta
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In this conversation, Stephanie Marotta shares her journey from Long Island to Saratoga, her passion for fitness, and the creation of the Saratoga Walking Group. She discusses the importance of community in fitness, the healing power of walking, and the connections formed through shared activities. The conversation highlights the benefits of outdoor exercise and the positive impact of the walking group on its members' lives. Stephanie also shares her personal fitness journey, including her experiences with running and coaching, and her aspirations for the future of the walking group. Check out the Saratoga walking group at: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1KCP4HXZxm/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:09 The Power of Community in Fitness 06:07 Saratoga Walking Group: Origins and Growth 08:53 The Benefits of Walking and Connection 11:50 Personal Fitness Journey and Inspirations 15:03 Future Plans for the Walking Group 17:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Nov 25, 2025 · 58 min
Wee Plant Joy w/ Cody Wasial
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! A great friend and inspiration, Cody Wasial, entrepreneur, life coach and founder of Wee Plant Joy is my guest on Inspire Saratoga. In this conversation, Cody shares her journey from entrepreneurship to life coaching and ultimately to founding the nonprofit Wee Plant Joy. She discusses the importance of community, personal growth, and the power of intuition in making life-changing decisions. Cody emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, and how her experiences have shaped her vision for conservation and community engagement through eco tours. The conversation highlights the challenges faced along the way and the joy found in embracing change and following one's passion. Check out more from Cody at: https://codywasial.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Community Connection 02:48 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 05:39 The Shift to Life Coaching 08:58 The Decision to Sell and Its Impact 11:48 Finding Purpose and New Directions 14:39 The Birth of We Plant Joy 17:36 Navigating Challenges and Growth 20:36 Embracing Change and Intuition 23:15 The Journey of Healing and Family Support 26:37 Connecting with Nature and Animals 29:23 Balancing Energies for Success 31:49 Embracing Faith and Opportunity 34:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery 38:12 Building Resilience Through Challenges 39:38 Finding Joy Amidst Grief 41:26 The Birth of We Plant Joy 45:41 Connecting Communities Through Conservation 50:20 Local Actions for Global Impact 52:02 Rapid Fire Reflections
Nov 18, 2025 · 58 min
The Art of Modern Photography w/ Megan Mumford
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In this episode, Megan Mumford, owner of Megan Mumford Photography, discusses the importance of building trust and comfort with subjects in emotional photography. She emphasizes that while technical skills can be learned, the relationship with the subject is crucial for capturing their true beauty. Megan shares her approach to photography, highlighting the multi-layered process of creating impactful images that resonate with both the photographer and the subject. Check out more from Megan at: https://www.meganmumford.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/meganmumfordphotographer/?hl=en
Nov 11, 2025 · 37 min
The Voice of Saratoga Living w/ Natalie Moore
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In the first episode of Season 4, I’m joined by Natalie Moore, Editor in Chief of Saratoga Living magazine. In this conversation, Natalie shares her journey from a local intern to a prominent figure in the publication. She discusses her experiences living in Saratoga, the origins of the magazine, and the importance of community connections. Natalie reflects on her transition to the editor role, her writing process, and the trends she observes in the local community. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal her personal insights and inspirations. Check out more from Natalie and Saratoga Living at: https://saratogaliving.com/ Saratoga Living After Hours on Substack: https://substack.com/@saratogalivingafterhours Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Natalie Moore and Saratoga Living 02:47 Natalie's Journey to Saratoga Living 05:56 The Origins of Saratoga Living Magazine 08:57 Building Community Connections 11:54 Transitioning to Editor Role 14:40 Storytelling and Writing Process 17:53 Community Engagement and Trends 20:45 The Future of Saratoga Living 24:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
Sep 4, 2025 · 11 min
Legacy Lesson: September Transformation
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In this Legacy Lesson episode of the podcast, I reflect on the beauty of September and the themes of change and transformation. The importance of understanding the difference between making a change and undergoing a transformation, drawing insights from my conversation with Alec Lewis, who successfully transformed his health and lifestyle. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Change: The Beauty of September 01:55 Understanding Change vs. Transformation 05:14 The Power of Environment in Transformation 09:16 Navigating the Middle Stages of Transformation
Aug 28, 2025 · 49 min
Intuitive Energy and Bodywork w/ Erin Sikopoulos
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Erin Sikopoulos is the founder of Turn a New Leaf Intuitive Energy and Bodywork on Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs. In this conversation, Erin shares her journey from a career in broadcasting to becoming a massage therapist and energy worker in the area. Erin emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the impact of sound and energy on healing. She also reflects on her experiences during the pandemic and her vision for the future of her wellness collective, Turn A New Leaf. Check out more from Erin at: https://turnanewleafllc.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erin Sikopoulos and Her Journey 03:35 The Allure of Saratoga Springs 06:36 Transitioning from Broadcasting to Healing 09:22 Early Days in Massage Therapy 12:26 Understanding Energy Work and Its Benefits 15:13 The Shift to Integrative Practices 18:13 Navigating the Pandemic and Virtual Sessions 27:47 The Power of Real-Time Intuition 30:03 Building a Supportive Wellness Community 32:16 Navigating Leadership and Personal Identity 33:14 Grounding Practices for Entrepreneurs 34:37 Exploring Sound Therapy and Its Benefits 39:57 The Science of Sound and Vibration Therapy 45:29 Future Aspirations for Turn A New Leaf
Aug 21, 2025 · 12 min
Legacy Lesson: 1 Year in to Inspire Saratoga
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! In this Legacy Lesson episode, I reflected on the journey of starting the podcast and the lessons learned over the past year, the importance of practicality and consistency in personal growth and creativity, sharing insights from his experiences and interviews, particularly with musician Cassandra Kubinski. Focus on what is practical rather than seeking the optimal way to do things, advocating for a mindset of just starting and staying committed to the process.
Aug 15, 2025 · 52 min
Alec Lewis: From Politics to Personal Transformation
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Alec Lewis has had a powerful life, both personally and professionally, and I was pumped to learn more about it on the podcast. In this conversation, Alec Lewis shares his journey from a childhood in Los Angeles to growing up in Vermont, discussing the cultural differences between the East and West Coasts. He delves into his political experiences, the challenges of the political landscape, and how it has shaped his views. Alec also opens up about his personal transformation through health and fitness, detailing his weight loss journey and the evolution of his fitness philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of community, storytelling, and the power of connection through his podcast, 'Built Different.' The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Alec's insights and inspirations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:35 Cultural Differences: East Coast vs. West Coast 06:19 Political Journey: Early Interests and Experiences 09:15 The Reality of Politics: Challenges and Disenchantment 12:28 Personal Transformation: Health and Fitness Journey 24:19 Mindset and Continuous Growth in Fitness 28:06 The Journey to Self-Compassion 30:48 Falling in Love with the Process 32:38 Evolution of Fitness and Wellness 37:33 The Importance of Consistency 39:42 Building Community through Conversation 44:17 The Power of Storytelling in Fitness 48:43 Finding Balance in Passion and Talent
Aug 8, 2025 · 41 min
Transforming Fashion: The Noble Edit Journey w/ Jennifer Branco
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! Jennifer Branco is the founder of The Noble Edit, a clothing boutique with a mission for ethical and eco-friendly business in the world of fashion. In this conversation, Jennifer Branco shares her journey from being a fast fashion consumer to founding Noble Edit, a boutique focused on ethical and sustainable fashion. She discusses the impact of fast fashion on the environment and personal style, the challenges of starting her business, and the importance of consumer awareness. Jennifer emphasizes the need for thoughtful shopping habits and the joy of connecting with customers through styling. She also offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on her personal motivations and inspirations. Check out more from Jen at: https://shopthenobleedit.com/about Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Branco and Noble Edit 04:33 The Mission Behind Noble Edit 10:18 Understanding Fast Fashion 14:18 Personal Transformation and Fashion Ethics 19:59 Building the Noble Edit Business 24:08 Challenges and Staying True to the Mission 25:50 Evolving Definitions of Success 28:07 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 29:50 Connecting Through Style 31:09 Influences and Encouragement 33:23 Practical Advice for Entrepreneurs 36:35 Rapid Fire Fun Questions
Jul 30, 2025 · 39 min
S3, Ep 4 Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti: The Body's Role in Mental Health
Welcome To Inspire Saratoga! Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti is a Somatic Therapist, Author, and Creator of the BeFriend Your Body program…and also one of the smartest, most passionate people I’ve ever met about the work she does. In this conversation, Dr. Ann shares her journey from traditional psychotherapy to integrating somatic practices and yoga therapy into her work. She discusses the importance of the body in mental health, the evolution of psychotherapy, and the impact of modern culture on self-image and connection. Dr. Biasetti emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to therapy that includes body awareness and self-touch, and she offers practical tips for listeners to enhance their mind-body connection. Check out more from Ann at: www.anembodiedlife.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:36 The Missing Link in Psychotherapy 06:12 The Evolution of Therapy Practices 09:26 Bridging Yoga and Psychotherapy 12:10 Understanding Somatic Psychotherapy 15:29 The Body as a Truth Serum 18:25 Common Struggles in Modern Therapy 21:25 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 24:21 Body Image and Self-Worth in the Digital Age 27:08 Mind-Body Connection Practices 30:25 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Jul 25, 2025 · 14 min
Legacy Lesson: Operationalizing Optimism
Welcome to Inspire Saratoga! A collection of recent lessons, beginning with Jon Dorflinger’s insights in a recent episode, connecting with Denzel Allen’s Beast Tamer practice, and Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, I wanted to dive into perception, creating affirmations, and operationalizing an optimistic and enthusiastic mindset.

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