Episode 6 -The Moments that Shape Your Why

Episode 9 - Shaken, Not Stirred!

What happens when life forces you to let go of control and see yourself and others differently? In this episode of Just Ripe, Sylvia “Sly” Cosmopoulos shares her journey from growing up and finding her place in the restaurant business to becoming a respected voice in the beverage world. Along the way, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her perspective, including personal struggles, physical and mental challenges, and the unexpected moments that became catalysts for growth. Sly opens up about confidence, identity, recovery, and the importance of having people beside you during life’s hardest seasons. She also shares how her relationship with her partner helped reshape the way she approaches connection, vulnerability, and what truly matters moving forward.

Episode 8 - Life Can Reshape the Way You Show Up

What happens when life evolves and the traditional path no longer feels like the right fit? In this episode, Lori Castillo reflects on her journey from first-generation college graduate to corporate executive to entrepreneur. She opens up about the influence of her parents, long-distance seasons with her husband, her battle with breast cancer, and helping care for her mother with dementia. Through honesty and perspective, Lori shares how life’s challenges can reshape priorities and how we show up for the people who matter most.

Episode 7 - Finding Perspective in All Life Offers

What does it look like to step away from what once defined you and move toward a life that feels more aligned with who you are becoming? In this episode of Just Ripe, Jay Johnson reflects on a journey shaped by his upbringing in Florida, personal challenges, and pivotal life transitions. From supporting his wife through cancer to walking away from a high-level executive role in search of something more meaningful, Jay shares how perspective is often forged in life’s most difficult moments. He explores the importance of being intentional with how we spend our time, staying open to new experiences, and continuing to pursue what brings fulfillment while holding onto the lessons that shaped us along the way.

Episode 6 -The Moments that Shape Your Why

What shapes the path you choose and the purpose you carry forward? Former mayor of San Antonio, Ed Garza reflects on his upbringing, the influence of family and community, and the early loss of his mother that helped shape his perspective on life and service. From those formative experiences, he shares how his passion for public service took root and evolved over time. Along the way, we get to know Ed beyond the titles, explore how he thinks about “quiet time” and what’s next, offering a thoughtful perspective on purpose, growth, and investing in the next generation.

Episode 5 - Never Too-th Late for A Nice Smile

What does it mean to take better care of something you use every single day, but rarely think about? Dr. Levi Jurich helps us “brush up” on dental hygiene with a conversation that’s light, easy, and surprisingly insightful. From everyday habits to the small things we tend to overlook, he shares practical reminders to keep your teeth—and overall health—in a good place. We laugh a lot along the way, get to know Dr. J beyond the chair, and close with his Just Ripe moment—bringing a simple but meaningful perspective to how we care for ourselves.