Mental Health, Baseball, Life and more

Sophia from EXOS in Rapid talks about her Tactical Games Competition

What happens when competitive shooting, endurance racing and strength training are combined into one event? For Monument Health Exos strength and conditioning coach Sophia Grohs, the answer is the Tactical Games, a rapidly growing competition that tests athletes' physical and mental limits while requiring precision marksmanship under pressure. Grohs recently appeared on The BrandoM Podcast to discuss her experience competing in the Tactical Games, where she earned a third-place finish in her first event against seasoned competitors. The Tactical Games combines elements of military-style fitness challenges, obstacle courses, running, strength events and shooting competitions. Competitors are required to complete physically demanding tasks before transitioning to shooting stations where accuracy can determine final standings. “It’s kind of a shooting competition and CrossFit had a baby,” Grohs said. A former U.S. Army soldier, Grohs served seven years, including three years on active duty. After leaving the military and relocating to South Dakota, she eventually joined Monument Health Exos, where she now works with athletes, older adults and local sports programs, including Hill City High School athletes and area soccer players. Her path to the Tactical Games began after years of recovering from injuries and surgeries. Between late 2023 and early 2025, Grohs underwent three knee surgeries and a shoulder surgery. Rather than slowing down, the rehabilitation process fueled her desire to return to high-level competition. “I wanted to show these kids what the human body is capable of,” Grohs said. “How do I model that? How do I lead from the front?” At her first Tactical Games event, Grohs faced a field of experienced competitors and quickly learned the challenges of the sport. One event required competitors to repeatedly move a rain-soaked 175-pound sandbag while wearing tactical gear and carrying firearms. Despite some costly mistakes during the shooting portions of the competition, Grohs remained competitive throughout the weekend and even captured an event victory in a sprint-based running challenge. The experience also introduced her to a supportive community of athletes. “The women I competed against were some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve ever been around,” Grohs said. “They were making sure I had the right equipment and was in the right place before events.” Preparation for the sport requires a unique training approach. Grohs monitors her heart rate during workouts and practices shooting while fatigued to simulate competition conditions. “My heart rate is jacked, my legs hurt, I feel like I’m about to puke, and I still have to perform,” she said. Grohs will compete in three Tactical Games events this summer, beginning with a competition in Rupert, Idaho, on June 19. Additional events are scheduled in Iowa and Montana. Support for her competitive pursuits has come from Monument Health, which helped cover registration expenses, and local businesses including Sidwell Arms. For those interested in following her progress, Grohs can be found on Instagram at @sophie_g4, while competition coverage and live scoring are available through the Tactical Games' social media platforms and YouTube channel. As Grohs prepares for another demanding summer of competition, she hopes her journey serves as an example for the athletes she coaches every day. After overcoming multiple surgeries and years of recovery, she now finds herself competing alongside some of the nation's top tactical athletes — and proving she belongs. “I can hang with these women,” Grohs said. “That was probably the biggest thing I took away from that first competition.” https://thetacticalgames.com/ [https://thetacticalgames.com/] https://www.youtube.com/@TheTacticalGames [https://www.youtube.com/@TheTacticalGames] Sophia Grohs  Instagram @sophia_g4 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Not on the Mic Episode 1 - Elisabeth Riisnæs - fellow Homeslice Employee who isn't on the mic but amazingly talented

HOMESLICE MEDIA DESIGNER SHARES NORWEGIAN ROOTS, CREATIVE JOURNEY IN RAPID CITY By Brandon Jones RAPID CITY, S.D. — A casual conversation in the break room at Homeslice Media Group turned into a deeper look at culture, creativity and life between two worlds for graphic designer Elisabeth Riisnæs. Riisnæs, who joined the Rapid City-based media company about six months ago, works behind the scenes designing logos, advertisements, websites and promotional graphics seen across the company’s brands and client campaigns. Originally born in the United States, Riisnæs holds dual citizenship through her father, who was born and raised in Bergen, Norway. Her father first came to America as a foreign exchange student before eventually attending the South Dakota School of Mines, where he studied electrical engineering and met her mother. “He thought it was cool being in America,” Riisnæs said during an episode of “The BrandoM Podcast.” Her mother later became a teacher, while her father remained in Rapid City after college, helping establish roots in western South Dakota. Although born in the United States, Riisnæs spent much of her childhood connected to Norway. She lived there for several months as a child while attending kindergarten and has continued traveling back to visit family over the years. She said maintaining dual citizenship required spending time in Norway and remaining connected to the country. Riisnæs also grew up speaking Norwegian and English, though she admitted she has become “a little rusty” while living primarily in the United States. The conversation highlighted differences between American and Norwegian culture, especially food and entertainment. Riisnæs said Norwegian versions of American products like soda and fast food taste noticeably different because of European food regulations and ingredients. She also shared memories of traditional Norwegian comfort foods, One called Risengrøt including rice, boiled milk topped with cinnamon, sugar and raisins — a childhood favorite she once introduced to college friends in the United States who thought it was bland. Beyond her international background, Riisnæs represents a younger generation of creatives building careers in Rapid City. A 2024 graduate, she previously worked for local apparel company Park Bench Apparel before joining Homeslice Media Group. “I just wanted to try something different,” she said of making the move into media design work. The podcast episode offered listeners a more personal introduction to one of the many employees working behind the scenes in local media while also showcasing the diverse backgrounds that continue shaping the Rapid City community. Listen to this Episode of the brandoM Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts Story Created by  Brandon Jones ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

9/11 Memorial Hike and Golf, with EAFB Fire and RCFD and more

Such and awesome event coming on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, all is welcomed and please help donate and show up for the march and golf tourney! To be apart of this awesome event and or if you have question click the links below or give Randy Maxon a call Randy Maxon 605-858-0317 rcmaxon22@yahoo.com https://www.eventbrite.com/e/911-memorial-day-of-remembrance-golf-classic-25th-anniversary-tickets-1712273569339?aff=oddtdtcreator https://pci.jotform.com/form/260993878967081 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

David Rush AKA World Record Guy, is way more the just a World Record Holder

David Rush, husband, father, electrical engineer and multiple world record holder by a long shot. But why? Why so many records? What got him started and how does he do it? I think in this episode you will find out more about the why and find motivation for your self in the process. recordbreakerrush.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Weight Loss and pain, Goals, Effort and we be lazy

Gym life?  Not you?  Me neither but I was wrong Brandon Jones says he spent years ignoring the warning signs — sore knees, back pain, exhaustion after simple activities and eventually severe foot pain that made even walking through a grocery store difficult. Now, after losing more than 40 pounds and adopting a consistent fitness routine, the host of The BrandoM Podcast is using his platform to encourage others to take control of their health before it’s too late. Speaking candidly during a recent episode of his podcast, Jones detailed his personal weight-loss journey, his struggles with pain and inactivity, and the lessons he’s learned while trying to improve his physical and mental well-being. “I’m not a professional,” Jones said. “I’m just a normal dude trying to be a better version of myself.” Jones said he once weighed more than 325 pounds and often found himself exhausted and sore from everyday activities, including bowling, hiking and coaching youth baseball. He described how plantar fasciitis in his foot became so severe that walking into stores became physically taxing. After medical visits, X-rays and physical therapy, Jones said he realized the root of many of his problems came down to inactivity and excess weight. “My body was basically telling me, ‘You’re too heavy,’” he said. Jones credited regular exercise at Monument Health Sports and Fitness Institute Powered by EXOS with helping reduce his pain and improve his quality of life. He said one of the biggest surprises was discovering that movement and exercise actually relieved many of the aches he once believed required rest. “My back hurt because I wasn’t moving,” Jones said. “Working out is what finally made it feel better.” Throughout the podcast, Jones reflected on how modern conveniences and sedentary lifestyles have changed the way people live. He argued that many people no longer perform the kind of physical labor previous generations experienced daily, leading to declining overall health. “We’ve gotten too comfortable as a society,” he said. “You can go through an entire week and never really break a sweat.” Jones also discussed nutrition, hydration and energy drink consumption, admitting he still struggles with cravings and maintaining consistent eating habits. He described battling cycles of dieting, emotional eating and relying on caffeine for energy. Despite those setbacks, Jones said he remains committed to reaching his next goal of dropping below 280 pounds and eventually reaching 250. “I’m going to break into the 270s,” he said. “I’m going to try.” Jones also encouraged listeners to consult medical professionals, monitor their health and consider resources such as fitness centers, physical therapy and hormone testing if needed. He stressed that while gyms and wellness clinics can help, the most important step is simply becoming more active. “Go for a walk. Stretch. Move,” Jones said. “Do something.” More than anything, Jones said his motivation comes from wanting to keep up with his children, spend time outdoors with his wife and continue enjoying life without constant pain. “I want to be able to go hiking with my family and not feel like it’s the death of me,” he said. “I finally feel better, and I want other people to feel that too.” Listen to this podcast anywhere podcasts are available. The BrandoM Podcast Story created by  Brandon Jones ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.