Dementia Care, Alzheimer's Education and the Power of Community | Alex Jones

Dementia Care, Alzheimer's Education and the Power of Community | Alex Jones

What happens when education, compassion, and community come together to support people living with dementia? In this episode of The FitZen Project, I sit down with my longtime friend Alex Jones, whom I met during the Disney College Program years ago. Today, Alex works in dementia-informed education and helps operate a unique community model alongside his family: an adult day program serving individuals with dementia located next to a preschool. Our conversation explores how knowledge empowers caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, and entire communities to better understand dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Alex shares lessons from his work, the importance of creating meaningful connections across generations, and why education can dramatically improve quality of life for both individuals living with dementia and those who care for them. Whether you're supporting an aging parent, working in healthcare, caring for a loved one with memory loss, or simply wanting to better understand dementia, this episode offers practical insight and a fresh perspective on what community care can look like. In This Episode: *  What dementia-informed care really means  *  Common misconceptions about dementia and Alzheimer's disease  *  How education helps caregivers feel more confident  *  The role adult day programs play in supporting families  *  The benefits of intergenerational programs connecting children and older adults  *  Why community awareness matters in dementia care  *  Practical ways to support individuals experiencing memory loss  *  Building compassionate communities for aging populations  Who This Episode Is For: *  Family caregivers  *  Adult children supporting aging parents  *  Healthcare professionals  *  Social workers  *  Community leaders  *  Educators  *  Anyone interested in aging, wellness, and dementia awareness Questions Answered in This Episode *  What is dementia-informed care?  *  How can caregivers better support someone with dementia?  *  What are the benefits of adult day programs?  *  How do intergenerational programs help people with dementia?  *  What resources are available for families caring for aging parents?  *  How can communities become more dementia-friendly?  *  What role does education play in Alzheimer's and dementia care? Lotus and Luna [https://www.lotusandluna.com/discount/Fitzen] Use promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included) Liforme Yoga Mats [https://liforme.com/?ref=rzydftvz] Use code FitZen at checkout for a discount! RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & more [https://ragecreate.com/?sca_ref=10449592.g7H3EtfitJ] There are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% of Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork [https://fitzenrachel--tabatha.thrivecart.com/online-somatic-breathwork-journeys-2026/] Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6YVFN7KPYRFAE] Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize [https://fitzenyoga.com/fitzen-to-prioritize/] Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! [https://fitzenyoga.com/the-fitzen-revolution-waitlist/] Instagram: thefitzenproject [https://www.instagram.com/thefitzenproject/] Website: fitzenyoga.com [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! [https://substack.com/@thefitzenproject?utm_source=user-menu] 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: * Bring on more incredible guests  * Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heart * Keep the podcast ad-free and community-focused 🎧 Become a supporter today [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469815/supporters/new] and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

The Lesson Was Never the Wedding

A couple of weeks ago, I married the love of my life. But this episode isn't really about the wedding. It's about what happened in the weeks leading up to it. Between my son's graduation, teaching at Kentucky Yoga Festival, a surprise incentive trip to the British Virgin Islands, work responsibilities, travel plans, and wedding preparations, I found myself doing what high performers often do: trying to make everything fit through effort, sacrifice, and control. What I didn't realize was that life was teaching me a different lesson. A lesson about receiving. In this solo episode, I share the breakthroughs that happened before I ever walked down the aisle, the unexpected resistance that showed up when things started falling into place, and the powerful realization that wanting something and receiving something are two completely different skills. We explore: * Why high achievers often struggle to receive good things * The hidden connection between worthiness and effort * How control can keep us from fully experiencing life * The difference between manufacturing an outcome and trusting the process * The signs, synchronicities, and moments of presence that made my wedding day unforgettable * What it means to become available for the life you're asking for If you've ever felt like you had to earn every good thing that comes your way, this conversation is for you. Because maybe the next level of your life doesn't require more effort. Maybe it requires more availability. Remember: You are your most important project—not because you need fixing, but because the way you lead yourself determines the life you're available to receive. Lotus and Luna [https://www.lotusandluna.com/discount/Fitzen] Use promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included) Liforme Yoga Mats [https://liforme.com/?ref=rzydftvz] Use code FitZen at checkout for a discount! RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & more [https://ragecreate.com/?sca_ref=10449592.g7H3EtfitJ] There are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% of Personal Financial Planning [https://www.skool.com/personalfinancialplanning/about?ref=ff8a986446944ebcb6c7f67d5b0cd24f] Money mindsets for conscious living. Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork [https://fitzenrachel--tabatha.thrivecart.com/online-somatic-breathwork-journeys-2026/] Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6YVFN7KPYRFAE] Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize [https://fitzenyoga.com/fitzen-to-prioritize/] Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! [https://fitzenyoga.com/the-fitzen-revolution-waitlist/] Instagram: thefitzenproject [https://www.instagram.com/thefitzenproject/] Website: fitzenyoga.com [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! [https://substack.com/@thefitzenproject?utm_source=user-menu] 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: * Bring on more incredible guests  * Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heart * Keep the podcast ad-free and community-focused 🎧 Become a supporter today [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469815/supporters/new] and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

Rise to the Role: Leadership, Purpose & the Power Within with Randall Thames

What if the life you’re meant to live is already inside of you — waiting to be activated? In this powerful conversation, Rachel sits down with executive coach, speaker, and author Randall Thames to explore purpose, identity, leadership, fulfillment, and what it truly means to rise into the role you were created for. Together, they unpack the difference between happiness and fulfillment, the danger of complacency, and why so many people stay stuck on the “lazy river ride” of life instead of stepping into their deeper calling. Randall shares the philosophy behind his book and the In-Spirit Institute, explaining how discovering your gifts, abilities, and purpose can transform not only your career, but your entire life. From executive leadership to entrepreneurship, self-awareness to spiritual alignment, this episode bridges structure and soul in a way that feels both grounding and expansive. Inside this episode: * Why fulfillment matters more than external success * The “gap analysis” framework: gifts, abilities, and purpose * How to activate your “super purpose power” * Identity vs activity: separating who you are from what you do * Why complacency can quietly become a dragon * The importance of systems, rhythm, and intentional daily practices * Using AI as “actionable insight” instead of letting it control you * The role of challenge, discomfort, and uncertainty in growth * Why your greatest work may already be trying to emerge from within This conversation is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start trusting the purpose already inside you. Because maybe the goal was never the peak. Maybe the goal was always the journey. Connect with Randall Thames: Website: Inspire Institute Book: Rise to the Role And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s ready to rise into the next version of themselves. Remember: You are your most important project. Lotus and Luna [https://www.lotusandluna.com/discount/Fitzen] Use promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included) Liforme Yoga Mats [https://liforme.com/?ref=rzydftvz] Use code FitZen at checkout for a discount! RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & more [https://ragecreate.com/?sca_ref=10449592.g7H3EtfitJ] There are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% of Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork [https://fitzenrachel--tabatha.thrivecart.com/online-somatic-breathwork-journeys-2026/] Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6YVFN7KPYRFAE] Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize [https://fitzenyoga.com/fitzen-to-prioritize/] Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! [https://fitzenyoga.com/the-fitzen-revolution-waitlist/] Instagram: thefitzenproject [https://www.instagram.com/thefitzenproject/] Website: fitzenyoga.com [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! [https://substack.com/@thefitzenproject?utm_source=user-menu] 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: * Bring on more incredible guests  * Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heart * Keep the podcast ad-free and community-focused 🎧 Become a supporter today [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469815/supporters/new] and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

The Energy Behind High Performance | Chris Ryan on Strength, Leadership & Longevity

What does real performance actually look like as you get older? In this episode of The FitZen Project, Rachel sits down with nationally recognized performance coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Chris Ryan Fitness app, Chris Ryan, for a conversation that goes far beyond workouts and aesthetics. Together, they unpack the intersection of fitness, leadership, longevity, parenting, entrepreneurship, and the energy it takes to truly show up in life. Chris shares his journey from Division I track athlete to NBC’s STRONG trainer and connected fitness pioneer with MIRROR (lululemon Studio), while also diving into the mindset shifts that separate sustainable health from hustle culture extremes. This conversation explores: * Why health directly impacts leadership and executive presence * The connection between fitness, confidence, and career growth * Building strength and longevity without obsessive dieting * Why mobility and recovery matter more than most people realize * Parenting, presence, and creating healthy family culture * How successful leaders prioritize themselves without guilt * The role of discipline, consistency, and energy management * Why “being in the business of yourself” changes everything Chris also opens up about balancing ambition with family life as a husband, father of three, entrepreneur, and coach — proving that high performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of connection. Whether you’re a corporate leader, entrepreneur, parent, athlete, or simply someone trying to feel better in your body and life, this episode is a reminder that your health isn’t separate from your success — it’s carrying it. Connect with Chris: Website: ChrisRyanFitness.com Instagram: @ChrisRyanFitness If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that taking care of themselves is not selfish — it’s leadership. And remember: You are your most important project. Lotus and Luna [https://www.lotusandluna.com/discount/Fitzen] Use promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included) Liforme Yoga Mats [https://liforme.com/?ref=rzydftvz] Use code FitZen at checkout for a discount! RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & more [https://ragecreate.com/?sca_ref=10449592.g7H3EtfitJ] There are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% of Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork [https://fitzenrachel--tabatha.thrivecart.com/online-somatic-breathwork-journeys-2026/] Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6YVFN7KPYRFAE] Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize [https://fitzenyoga.com/fitzen-to-prioritize/] Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! [https://fitzenyoga.com/the-fitzen-revolution-waitlist/] Instagram: thefitzenproject [https://www.instagram.com/thefitzenproject/] Website: fitzenyoga.com [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! [https://substack.com/@thefitzenproject?utm_source=user-menu] 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: * Bring on more incredible guests  * Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heart * Keep the podcast ad-free and community-focused 🎧 Become a supporter today [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469815/supporters/new] and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫

How to Stop Chasing More: Self-Awareness, Peace, and the Power of Subtraction

What if the thing keeping you stuck… is everything you keep trying to add? In this powerful conversation, Rachel sits down with author, inventor, Ironman athlete, military veteran, and storyteller Scott Lackey to unpack what it really means to wake up to your life instead of slowly giving pieces of yourself away. This conversation goes deep into self-awareness, identity, resilience, failure, personal reinvention, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes peace comes through subtraction—not addition. Scott shares the story behind his upcoming book Wake Up to Die Again, including the lightning strike moments that changed his life forever—from business success and devastating loss to discovering the difference between ownership vs stewardship, surrender vs control, and external achievement vs internal peace. Together, Rachel and Scott explore: ✨ Why authenticity is becoming a survival skill ✨ The danger of constantly chasing “the next thing” ✨ How failure teaches what success never can ✨ The question that changed Scott’s life: What are you willing to sacrifice? ✨ Stewardship vs ownership in business, parenting, relationships, and identity ✨ The two voices in your head—and which one wins ✨ How self-awareness requires radical honesty ✨ Why subtraction may be the fastest path to peace ✨ What it means to “wake up to die again” vs waking up fully alive This is one of those conversations that will likely stop you in your tracks and make you ask yourself harder questions. And honestly? That’s the point. If you’ve been feeling stuck, chasing, disconnected, over-performing, or quietly craving something more aligned… this one’s for you. Lotus and Luna [https://www.lotusandluna.com/discount/Fitzen] Use promo code Fitzen at checkout for 20% off (sale items not included) Liforme Yoga Mats [https://liforme.com/?ref=rzydftvz] Use code FitZen at checkout for a discount! RageCreate | Affirmations|Oracles & more [https://ragecreate.com/?sca_ref=10449592.g7H3EtfitJ] There are over 1 million of our affirmation cards floating around the world. Use Code FITZEN 20% of Tabatha Debruyn 9D Breathwork [https://fitzenrachel--tabatha.thrivecart.com/online-somatic-breathwork-journeys-2026/] Active Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional healing. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6YVFN7KPYRFAE] Sign up for the FitZen Newsletter! [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Get your FREE Guide: FitZen to Prioritize [https://fitzenyoga.com/fitzen-to-prioritize/] Join the FitZen Revolution Waitlist! [https://fitzenyoga.com/the-fitzen-revolution-waitlist/] Instagram: thefitzenproject [https://www.instagram.com/thefitzenproject/] Website: fitzenyoga.com [https://fitzenyoga.com/] Music provided by: Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/home Follow my Blog on Substack! [https://substack.com/@thefitzenproject?utm_source=user-menu] 💖 Love the Show? Help me Keep the Magic Going! If The FitZen Project has ever made you laugh, cry, or feel a little more connected—consider supporting the podcast! Your support helps me: * Bring on more incredible guests  * Share powerful stories of healing, humor, and heart * Keep the podcast ad-free and community-focused 🎧 Become a supporter today [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469815/supporters/new] and help me keep the soul in storytelling. Every dollar, share, and kind word means the world. Thank you for being part of the FitZen journey. 💫