 Dear Croatia... I have a lot to say to you, and I hope I summed it up in this episode. I needed to collect my thoughts, to gather up my senses. I also needed some time to completely fall apart when I got home from this month long odyssey. Reintroduction is always hard. In this episode I talk about reasons that I both completely love, and reasons why I am completely annoyed with Croatia. I hope you find each of them useful, or at the very least somewhat amusing. It might even convince you to book your next trip there. To the 24 guests that joined me for my first ever yoga sailing retreat- Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't wait to reveal the next dates for the trip on this episode. If you are thinking about signing up, please remember I have a no diva- King or Queen Policy :) These trips are meant to be relaxed, insightful, healing, fulfilling and respectful of all that join. I had that on this first experience and hope to have it that way every year to come. I will be posting also A Letter to Vienna, Austria as well talking about the last leg of my trip. I hope you enjoy :) Where are you off to next? Registration is now open for 2022 Marta on the Move Adventures! Feb 19th- Sober Sail Caribbean- 10 spots available June 18th- Greece- 16 spots available July 2nd- Sicily- 16 spots available July 9th- Sicily- 16 spots available Spots are limited and will go fast. Some rooms are already booked. Click on the links for more details, or reach out to Roger at roger@medsailingholidays.com for more details or to put in your deposit to hold your spot on the trip! Please reference Feb 19th for the Sober Sail in Caribbean with Roger. Hope you will join! ~M Sponsored by Bodywork412- Lotions, oils, and potions, and Yang Yin Health Matcha. Get 10% off all of your orders with code Marta! 

Marta On The Move Podcast- Hosted by Marta Napoleone Mazzoni

#154 A Letter to Croatia- What I loved and What Annoyed Me. MOTM Adventures.

 I have been off grid for a bit. I truly haven't felt like writing or podcasting in weeks. My sister passed away from cancer in early April. She fought harder than I have seen anyone fight in my life. I miss her. I see her everywhere. she visits in various ways, it isn't enough and won't ever be. Life is just different now. There is a giant hole in my heart that cannot be filled. The reason I am back here writing, and talking is because I remember the day I told her I was thinking about starting Marta on the Move. It didn't even have a name yet. Her words were "Buckle your seat belt, because this is something you were meant to do, something that you won't quit, something that will help others." That is all she ever wanted to do as well. Nina just wanted to help others. I have thought about quitting often these past eight months, more so the past two. I have felt hopeless, lost, lonely. Words were, and still are impossible to describe feelings of despair. Everything that comes with the grief of losing your best friend, your biggest supporter, the person you always ran to, and was there for you without judgement. It's a rare thing, and makes you realize what you had and lost. Falling into despair is easy, crawling your way out is hard, but I just keep telling myself that she is here, watching me, urging me on. That I want to make her proud of me, which has always been my motivation. She would be pissed as hell if I quit, or let myself spiral. I can hear her in my head. "Get up, get moving, do what is hard." The fact that one of my sayings is "Keep it moving, everybody" is funny to me now. I tell myself that everyday to get out of bed, take a shower, take care of myself as best I can. It resonates differently than it did before all of this. It is impossible for me to write everything down that is going through my brain, but I needed to try. There has been a subject that has swam in my head since her passing. The word "Help" has been in my minds eye constantly. I will say that in the past couple of weeks I have received help, and support that I couldn't believe possible. I am humbled and eternally grateful, but there was a flip side to that as well. The dictionary states "help" as- "verb (used with object) to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need; contribute strength or means to; render assistance to; cooperate effectively with; aid; assist: He planned to help me with my work. Let me help you with those packages. to save; rescue; succor: Help me, I'm falling! to make easier or less difficult; contribute to; facilitate: The exercise of restraint is certain to help the achievement of peace." These past weeks I have had SO many people ask me if I needed help. While I was thankful, I was overwhelmed at the same time. I didn't know HOW to let people help me. I didn't know how to articulate exactly how they might help, I also did NOT want to burden anyone, AND I didn't want to seem like I needed help. Loss of control is a big trigger for me that I am working on. This is what this episode is about because I think it is important. There is a GREAT chasm in terms of communication about this subject. It makes people uncomfortable to ask for help, to reach out in a time of need for it. We just don't know how. We want to help our friends and loved ones when they need it. It makes us feel better to do so, but not knowing HOW makes us feel helpLESS. We don't know how to do it properly because the other person isn't articulating what they NEED. In this episode I will try and offer my feelings on - How to let people help you. How to give or offer help in a way that ACTUALLY helps that person. Why you should accept help from others. How to communicate better in ways of giving help. How accepting help from others, helps them in return. I will also offer up clear ideas on how to specifically offer help to grieving loved ones. I am in no way shape, or form an expert at this. This is just my experience talking, and others like me. I have received so much feedback from friends on Facebook, and coping with grief groups. For that I thank you tremendously and I will try and do right by all of you. :) I am determined to tackle this subject, and while I know it will turn off some, or be sensitive to others, I feel it is very important moving forward in this world. Personally, I feel it will help me as well peek at some shadows in my closet I have been avoiding. We are all suffering from grief and loss. Loss over the way we used to live, loss of a loved one, a job, a dream. We NEED to start communicating, rebuilding our relationships in a way that helps each other, and lifts one another up. I refuse to live in a world without Nina that isn't trying to be better. We have one life, one shot, and that is so much more acute without her here. You wouldn't meet a better soul than her. I remember her saying when she got sick. "Please, God. If I can help someone else, that is all I ask." This podcast moving forward will be in honor of "Neen". Because she did help someone, me. In her own amazing way of being her, she has sent me in a direction that is a tad more clear. To help others. Just typing this out is making me feel better, more motivated, giving me life... even if I am crying doing it. That is why I won't give up MOTM, my crazy ideas, or my uncertain dreams. I am trying to sit in the messy phase of this and rediscover what fills my cup. I want to help people, just like she wanted to. We were going to write a book together, Neen. To help those who going through cancer, and also the support people along side them. So we shall. I promise. I ask you who are reading this, if you just stumbled upon this journey, or have been in my jitney since it's inception: Be gentle. I am raw, but trying to heal. It is an ongoing process. It is my wish that if you are like me right now, you find some peace, some rays of sunshine, hope, and the support you need. I also kindly ask that you take a moment to give help to someone who may need it, to reach out, AND that you will ask for it when YOU need it. Maybe this episode will allow you to do so, like it did me. We are ALL in this together. I love you, sis. ~Your Foos. PS~ Thank you to those who helped me work out the title of this episode, I could not for the life of me get it right. This is a blend of what other's suggested. I HAVE NEW SPONSORS! YAY! I have been searching for a WHILE to find the right fit for a collaboration opportunity to be able to support some local businesses, and also help keep the lights on over at MOTM. I finally found them, and like most things in life, they came naturally just looking at products I use everyday. You can take 10% at either of these companies with code "Marta" My partnership between Marta on the Move and Body Work 412 and Yang Yin Health- has me giddy. Why did I choose them? or did they choose me... hmmm. Here is why- Matcha from Yang Yin Health Yang Yin Health- I love matcha and this is some of the best that I have found. If you have been listening to my show long enough you know that I don't drink coffee anymore. The caffeine gave me jitters, and was messing with my sleep and mood. Enter matcha! Pumped full of antioxidants, this ancient green tea actually regulates caffeine on a time release but also adds in a component called the Not all matcha are created equal! Beware some coffee shops using matcha, they have sweetener added in and a bunch of other crap to make it super green. I have tried matcha in every state I stay in, and have only found a handful of coffee companies that use quality matcha that is unsweetened. (Stay away from Starbucks matcha) The best way is to make it at home, use it in baking as well! This company is Pittsburgh based and sources their matcha directly to ensure that you are getting the best quality available. A little goes a long way. Listeners take 10% off their products with code "Marta" Body Work 412- Know all those major essential oil companies out there? There are A LOT. I have seen so many people push essential oils, and I always kinda laughed at it. Here I am partnering with one! Years ago I receive a massage and reiki treatment from a gentleman named Cullen Magg from 412 Body Work. I studied reiki myself under him, and found out he creates and sources all his products direct from the source. Balms, creams, oils, room sprays and more. I loved each and every one of his products and began realizing that not all essential oils are created equally. You could go through an entire bottle of lavender or frankenscence oil SO FAST and the smell just disappates with other companies. Not with these, they last FOREVER. I have had my oil bottles for years and I use them on rotation every day. Try them and you won't believe the quality. There is not comparison with the other brands. There just isn't. Listeners take 10% off with code "Marta" 

#153 The Art of Communication and Vulnerability: Offering and Accepting Help During a Time of Loss.

Valentine’s Day is coming up very soon, and it might look different in 2021. I myself am not the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day. I think it is a consumer, capitalistic holiday, BUT I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about how folks are surviving Covid alone, or with their partner. The beginning of this podcast I must apologize for my Marta rant and update of what is happening in my life right now. Life is currently on crap mode. My sister is fighting cancer, there are changes all around, and it feel extremely heavy. The air is heavy, and I am striving to be light. So the start of this podcast episode is what is happening in my life. I eventually get to the topic of this episode and talk about our relationships and how we are surviving them during Covid 19 isolation. Listen, times are hard right now, and we all could use some help in building and strengthening our relationships. I am personally always looking for the next way I can become a better person and a better partner in all of my relationships. I wanted to throw my own personal tips for living with someone else during isolation, and also share the tips that I have gathered about folks living alone. This coming Sunday which is Valentine’s Day, I am hosting an online self love and body positive yoga class from 8-9pm. Be your own damn Valentine. Sign up over at www.southhillspoweryoga.com Perfect for beginners Hope to see you there. Invite someone you love to join you. It is a wonderful way to connect. What are some of your own tips for surviving during these times? I hope everyone is doing well out there in the world. Throwing some light out at you ~M

#152 How to Survive Your Relationships During Covid Isolation. Tips for Living with Someone and Also Living Alone.

It is officially 2021! Yeah, nothing truly has changed. If anything, most of us held this upcoming year up to such high standards, that when we crossed the finish line, we were greeted by more of the same. It’s ok though, it is normal to feel let down. Almost everyone is feeling it right now. You are not alone. I have personally been in a slump for about 2 weeks until I started my program I do yearly called 3 to be ME. I finally feel back in control, am stepping lighter, and having an easier time bringing mindfulness into my everyday life. I get that it is hard though. If you would have talked to me five days ago, I would be raw around the edges, bloated, snippy, and probably in a slump eating my third piece of pizza while not even really tasting it. 

#151 How to Bring More Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life

“What are you thankful for, or what has been your lifeline in 2020?” “What are you looking forward to in 2021?” These are the questions I wanted to ask my audience, and pass along their answers in the hopes that someone who may be struggling hears them and is inspired or uplifted. This year was a rough one, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my 150th episode than featuring some of these thoughts and wishes. Thank you to all who contributed, because without you. I would just be me talking about my own wishes into a microphone, and that is sad. lol Your stories have personally healed me through laughter, reflection, and love. I hope we all have an amazing 2021. I love you and happy new year! ~M     There is still time to grab 50% off my wellness program with code “PARTNER” before it ends on January 1st! 3 To Be Me- A guided journey of self discovery through total body connection could be what you are looking for in the new year. A reset, and a change. Check it out.

#150 Stories of Gratitude From 2020 and Hopes For 2021

My Facebook feed popped up and reminded me that I had recorded a podcast 6 years ago with musician Byron Nash. Years ago we were only acquaintances in the service industry. About a year ago I ran into him, and could sense both of us were in the process of looking for something more in our lives, and also from the relationships we had with others. I asked if he wanted to grab a matcha, and we met and discovered we were both aligned in our wishes. We wanted someone we could bounce ideas off of, to inspire one another, lift each other up, and truly listen to each other without judgement. It became a relationship that I truly cherish. Byron and I have both been in a transitional state the past few years, taking our health and wellness more seriously, which naturally seeped into what we want to put back out into the world. To help people, educate, and at the same time keep ourselves learning and growing along that journey. I reached out to him and wanted to see if he would like to come back on the show and talk about our relationship as it relates to who we are now and also Not being afraid to evolve past who you think you were. How important it is to find an accountability partner to achieve success. This podcast starts with our origin story, leads to our tips for finding a accountability partner and why they are so important and leads to talking about where we both are headed, and why we feel great about that direction. We hope it inspires others to search for the people around you that are positive forces in your life, and also so you can be a positive force in theirs. Check Byron out on his website or hire him as your personal coach! You would not find somebody better to help you achieve your personal goals. Speaking of accountability, I am offering listeners to this podcast the discount code “partner” to take $100 off the cost of my new wellness course 3 To Be Me- A Guided Journey of Self Discovery Through Total Body Connection launches THIS January 2021. Allow me to be your accountability partner and guide. Who is this course for? For anyone that NEEDS a reset in their lives. For anyone that is stressed, has brain fog, is controlled by their cravings, need a jump start, has tried other wellness programs and was left unsatisfied. This course is for someone that is ready for a change. For anyone feeling uninspired, foggy, sluggish, lacking creativity, or overwhelmed. This is your moment to choose self care and reset. Everyone wants to feel better, happier, and have clarity of mind and body, they just don’t have the tools needed to succeed. Allow me to provide those to you. I have cracked the code of achieving total body connection, and am bringing all my knowledge that brought me back from my 200lb weight, shifted my habits, and most importantly had me tuning into my intuition. 3 To Be Me is broken down into a simple 3 week step by step practical course for you to take action and make a change!

#149 Byron Nash- The Power of Accountability and Personal/ Professional Evolution

Yeahhhhhhh. I didn’t plan on recording this evening at all, but sometimes things hit you like a ton of bricks and you just need to get them out. This podcast is my journal, my outlet, my therapy in a way, and it is how I express myself. The last two days/week I have been feeling highly emotional, crying for no reason, angry, sad, down, all over the place. Part of that has to do with 2020 ending, and all the emotions of revisiting what for me and my family has been a hard year. It has been hard on all of us, even if you feel like it hasn’t touched you, it has. The thing that is important, and keeps me personally going is my relationships. I value them above all else, and I can never seem to express to the people in my life what they mean to me. I was listening to a Hal Elrod podcast today and he reminded his listeners to take a moment, and tell the people in your life that you are grateful to them for being a part of your life, and thank them for being them. This is not an easy task. For me, it wasn’t too hard because I try and do this as often as I can, but there are some people in your life that you maybe have never said this to. I get it. It’s ok. I promise they won’t think you are nuts. Who cares if they do anyways. You never know when someone needs to hear that they have meaning have in your life. This podcast episode is two fold where I rant about- The meaning of relationships and sharing your gratitude We are not an island. Allow people to help you when you need it. You probably won’t get it until you listen to it, but this is something I truly believe in. That due to the internet and social media, we have become islands. Connected, but not really. Surface level. The internet has it’s good’s and bad qualities, and essentially it should be used as a tool. Why not use it to strengthen your relationships past an emoji this holiday season? You will find more meaning than you think when you reach out to someone, and you will be surprised by what you find out when you open up to the people you care about in your life. Even if you haven’t spoken to them in a while. Take the first step, because someone has to, let it be you. Speaking of finding meaning, the pop up dance parties on zoom have been giving me a serious uptick in my mood. They are so much fun, and I truly hope you will join in that fun. Subscribe to my newsletter to get the zoom link. You can be cleaning, changing a diaper, cooking, singing, or dancing your face off. It is a lovely way to connect with humans for a short time and shake off some stress. Everyone will be muted and listening to their own music. It is a ball! My friend Jess brought puppets last time, so that is totally happening again, possibly with show tunes. Look for a holiday jams in JAMS coming up sometime soon! 3 To Be Me- A Guided Journey of Self Discovery Through Total Body Connection is open for enrollment! Course launches Jan 2021!

#148 Find Deeper Meaning in Your Relationships. Plus- How to Ask For Help

I realize that I am spitting out more podcasts that I know what to do with, but the reason is because I AM EXCITED and this is my lead up to the release of my wellness course on Jan 10th. (See below for details) I have recently embraced the change in myself to focus more on life style, self care, self discovery and growth mindset. This is something I have been passionate about for years. This means you will be getting a good bit of episodes of me rambling about things I have discovered that have helped me that I want to share with you all that might help you too. I begin this episode describing the fact that anytime I speak with someone that tells me about a person acting in a toxic way around them, I open up about this one thing that they can do to change their habits. The one thing that you can do today to start the flow of change. I tell anyone I can about it. I shout it from the rooftops! Because when you find something that works, you want other’s to know about it too! …and it does really work. Don’t believe me? I don’t blame you. I would have thought the exact same thing if I hadn’t learned from it. I have my friend Mia to thank for introducing me to the book Dance of Anger. Mia got cancer at a young age and we sat down to talk about SO MANY THINGS that every person needs to know going into it. She gave me this book suggestion, and I hate to say this book changed my life, but it really opened up some negative patterns that were swirling around me, how to spot them, and how you can actually change people’s behaviors around you. This book is geared toward women, but I truly think that it is an important lesson for any person who has tried to maybe give advice to someone and them never taking it, that they just keep swimming in their own misery. Check it out and let me know what you think. Haven’t signed up for 3 To Be Me- A Guided Journey of Self Discovery Through Total Body Connection yet? This first launch of my new course is special because I will be participating along side you! This one time only event will include me for your journey. Students will get live accountability checkins and work shops when it launches on January 10th. Not ready to jump in? You will get access to the basic course whenever you need a reset! Have a friend that is feeling unmotivated, sluggish, foggy, or uninspired? This course makes a wonderful gift. Instead of giving the gift of stuff, gift the experience that might impact their lives for the better. Join Today! Questions? Email Martafoos@gmail.com or Martaonthemovepodcast@gmail.com           *This website contains an affiliate link and I get a small percentage back from your purchase!

#147 The One Thing You Can Do The Change People's Toxic Patterns and Behavior That Actually Works

Marta, what is this? I thought you were pregnant…. Oh no, no, no friends. I am not. Sorry to disappoint, and also sorry to scare you, Mom. LOL I am ripping the bandaid off and recording a podcast about the details of something I have been working on for YEARSSSSS. If you have followed Marta on the Move for a while now, you will have seen that my curious nature has been focused a good bit on lifestyle and well being. (Don’t worry there will always be travel and entertainment) That last car accident I was in left me in pain, and it really pushed me over the edge to think about taking care of myself for longevity, and also help other’s no matter where they were on their journey to health. I became a yoga instructor, studied reiki, meditation, and mobility courses. I continue to learn more and more every day.  Which is why I am so excited to bring to you my new wellness program 3 To Be Me- A Guided Journey of Self Discovery Through Total Body Connection. Who is it for? For anyone that NEEDS a reset in their lives. For anyone that is stressed, has brain fog, is controlled by their cravings, has tried other wellness programs and was left unsatisfied. This course is for someone that is ready for a change. For anyone feeling uninspired, foggy, sluggish, lacking creativity, or overwhelmed. This is your moment to choose self care and reset. I know I told you guys that I was never the most active human when I was younger, and at one point I weighed over 200 lbs and was in a terrible mental place. I have tried almost every single diet or workout plan there is over the past 20 years, and they always left me wanting.  When I would eventually “fall off the wagon” of whatever plan I was on I felt tremendous guilt at my failure, and then never returned to it. The expectation to continue was too much.  I also felt that something was always left on the table with these programs. None of them ever factored in my mindset.  Sure my I was losing weight and my body felt good, but what about my mind? It felt like a lost opportunity to really have clarity, and discover who I was in my life at that point. What were my goals, how have I changed over the years. To me, mindset is EVERYTHING. Without a healthy mindset everything in your life may feel daunting, foggy, or uninspired. I have spoken and interviewed over 40 people these past couple of weeks, and they feel the same way that I do that mindset is the KEY to contentment and self discovery.  Why were all these diet and exercising plans not addressing it, and most importantly- How do I change my own mindset? It was intimidating. Everyone wants to feel better, happier, and have clarity of mind and body, they just don’t have the tools needed to succeed. Allow me to provide those to you. I have cracked the code of achieving total body connection and am bringing all my knowledge that brought me back from my 200lb weight, shifted my habits, and most importantly my brain. 3 To Be Me is broken down into a simple step by step practical course for you to take action and make a change! I believe you have to have a certain order in order achieve maximum body and brain health and connection. It starts with nourishment of the body, adds in active movement, and then explores mindfulness. It is for EVERYbody… See what I did there? No really, this course is for the person who hits the gym everyday, or someone just starting out. A person who has healthy eating habits, or someone who is loving on some pizza all the time. A person who wants to go deeper into getting to know themselves, or just needs a little push for healthy habits. It is for every level out there. Enrollment is open TODAY November 27th and for one week only the program is offered a discounted rate for my newsletter subscribers. Don’t want to start a program before the holidays? I get you. The first 3 To Be Me starts on January 10th 2021 and beta testers get access to me personally via live workshops. This only time this special consultant feature will be offered! Allow me to be your guide and accountability partner. Everyone needs that person in their corner, and I want to be yours! Self care is SO important, and I hope you take this journey with me! Only my newsletter subscribers will be open to first dibs for the program, discounts, and perks. Want more details click here! Subscribe here for the discount code Hope you enjoyed the podcast!!!! I am so pumped for this! ~M           Medical Disclaimer- This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns, or questions about your health you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

#146 3 To Be Me- a Guided Journey of Self Discovery Through Total Body Connection

This episode is all about why you should NOT feel guilty about taking care of yourself. The whole idea of self care has been blown up, and made into an “expensive spa day”, and frankly, I am ready to think differently about it.  On this episode I delve deep into this idea of changing the way we think of self care.  why you should never feel guilty about it.  What are you own self care tips? I would love to know! Shoot me an email at martafoos@gmail.com   Sign up for my newsletter where I send out lifestyle and travel tips. For this episode I will be sending out my top 3 easy self care tips you can start to do today to make a difference in your overall wellness.  ALSO if you subscribe to the newsletter you will get first dibs to my new program on November 27th! I am inviting YOU to be a part of it.  Want to know more? Full details, discounts, and extra perks are coming out on November 27th to my subscribers!  

#145 Breaking The Standard Idea of Self Care and Why You Should Never Feel Guilty About Putting Your's First.

This episode is for all my idea people out there. Does this sound like you? -You wake up in the morning sometimes and are mad you didn’t write down something you thought of while sleeping. -You have constant ideas that you think are amazing but can't seem to get them off the ground. -Your friends come to your for your advice, you are great at finding the right solution for them -You always see the bigger picture -You sometimes can’t articulate your many different ideas. If any of these resonate with you, then you are like me, and for years I thought something was wrong with me. I would have ideas.. big ideas… great ideas. I would then try and act on my grand ideas, and something would hold me back from ever fulfilling them. I would reach a road block, something I didn’t know how to do, or something that was extremely intimidating to learn about. I would give up on that great idea, and usually end up feeling like a failure. Maybe the idea wasn’t so great after all. Maybe I suck at this. I am here to tell you that you do not suck! Tune into this podcast to learn how to reach that finish line and get your ideas into form! It was a hard road to learn, but I did, and I want all my idea people out there to know it. There is a better way! Hope you enjoyed this episode! Are you ready for a change and want to go deeper into yourself? Be the first to know the details for my wellness course releasing on November 27th. I am inviting YOU to be a part of it. Want to know more? Full details, discounts, and extra perks are coming out soon to my newsletter subscribers!         ​

#144 For People With Big Ideas But Just Can't Reach The Finish Line. My Number One Tip

 I wrote the post below before I recorded today. After I had posted it, I realized that I needed to record more of what I was feeling about this podcast my husband and I listened to this morning. Tune in.  The episode featured Brene Brown on The Science of Success podcast episode. In my recording, I go off the rails here a bit talking about becoming the best versions of ourselves, and also my wellness program I am creating. I put it out there, it was scary, but I am all about changing my own narrative over here, and part of that is breaking down my fears. :) Hope you enjoy!   Original Post---I can’t say enough about Brene Brown. I got introduced to her during my yoga training, and haven’t stopped listening to her since.  She zooms in on the vulnerability and shame we all feel which are two of some of the HARDEST subjects to face. I tell people over and over, the strongest humans are the ones that will look within, find a therapist, get help, and uncover patterns and habits that do not serve you, or the people around you. Even in myself this was not an easy lesson to swallow and accept.  In this episode she talks a good bit about the stories we tell ourselves, which I believe right now will help a lot of people who are divided in our country and across globe. ( Even though I am so sick of talking about America... How’s the rest of the damn world doing).  Ahem, anyways... The stories we tell ourselves have such power over us. They are the way we digest information. Information about others around us and ourselves.  We have a tendency as humans to make up a story about someone else in any given situation, even if we don’t know that person. This is especially important in people with differing views. The stories we make up about them have the power to change HOW WE FEEL.  How we feel about ourselves and how we feel about others. It opens up our eyes to judgement when you start to inspect the story you have woven about a situation involving yourself or something you are viewing from the sidelines. Example of one story-“Teresa hasn’t returned my Facebook Message... maybe I said something wrong in my text. Maybe she is offended or mad.” Another story- “Teresa is busy being a mom and working, she probably just overlooked it” One of these stories serves us and one doesn’t. Can you pick out which? Is there a time in your life that you have made up this exact same thing? Of course there is! Probably more often that you think! When you start to notice your gut reaction story, you can start to change the narrative! It ?is ?so ?important.  Understanding that simple fact that we tell ourselves a story, and possibly opening  the box to inspect that story, and why we told it the way we did in our minds. Wow. It has the capability to change our mindsets!  Your mindset is everything. Literally, everything you do, the actions you take, and how you live your life comes from your mindset.  The question is- How empathic, loving, kind, strong, courageous, confident, and vulnerable do you want to be? In my mind, those are the highest goals to achieve to be the best version of yourself.  It takes WORK though, it is peeling back the layers of mental and physical patterns. Habits you have collected over the years. It is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are a life you can look back on and really embrace and love. Knowing you tried to be the best person you can be.  In the end, that is ALL that it boils down to anyways.  ️ 

#143 Vulnerability and The Stories We Tell Ourselves

 I was pretty scared to write this, it started as an simple Instagram or Facebook post, but then when I finally started writing it, it became long. I figured it may be better as a blog post instead, so here I am. I wanted to reintroduce myself. I feel everyone is going through a transition right now with the state of the world, and honestly, that isn’t a bad thing it just means more time to be introspective. This year has been stressful and moment to moment we all question certain decisions we have made. I have been looking back on my life and for the first time, I am at a point where I see no mistakes. None! How could any of my decisions have been mistakes, they made me who I am today. This is an easy thing to acknowledge to yourself, but to really digest it prove difficult. Looking back, there was a choice in my life that I saw my shift. The girl that got on a plane alone, scared to death to fly overseas in 2004 to work on tomb excavation in Italy. That was the moment I started weaving who I wanted to be. Man, I thank that girl almost every day. A broken heart lead to that decision and it was the best ones I had ever made. Although I didn’t know it then. It fueled my confidence and ignited my travel bug to explore the world with purpose. I have done some pretty cool travels like diving to search for the treasure from the wreck of the Atocha, but my passion became trying to help and make a difference or learn something culturally when I traveled. I started and never stopped my traveling solo for volunteer projects around the world. Restoring a 10th century castle in France, living on a boat to study whale and dolphin migration in Ischia. In Portugal I helped the impoverish by working on homes and learned the art of plastering, I scuba dove in frigid temperatures to clean reefs in the Atlantic, most recently my travels took me to work on a sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. All of these experiences lead me to create Marta on the Move. I needed an outlet for my curiousity when I was back in my hometown of Pittsburgh and not traveling. But in addition to just focusing on traveling, it became something else- a vehicle for my curiosity. I just didn’t see it. My show topics ranged greatly, and for years I struggled with justifying my shifting topics on my show, and then recently it clicked that the backbone of the show pushes people to “be curious and cut the cord of comfort” This quote is one of the subjects I live by and give motivational speeches on, so why was I suddenly feeling judged.  The funny thing was that I was the one doing the judging. It was all in my own head. I mean, the title of my show is Marta on the Move… it would stand to reason that the topics would vary and change based on what I found interesting. One of our best human best gifts is our love of curiosity! This was something I had to embrace fully in myself and my show. The ability to shift as you change through life and not take myself so seriously. I have never been one to care what other’s think, why was I having these feelings now.  It brings me to this year, and this moment. I felt…. different. More confident and awakened then I had ever been. Truthfully, that took a mini breakdown on my part. As that song says there is “Beauty in the breakdown”, and it is completely true. It causes a shift, and you are forced to rebuild and become stronger. Sometimes this means leaving the past behind to become who you are NOW. This was how I felt and I wanted to see that manifested somehow. I had made a choice to get some photography work done, some shots that were boudoir style (you are so very welcome, Phil), some extravagant and over the top like the picture below. Mainly I wanted nudes. They were my favorite. I needed to shed a skin I was living in, and it felt SO GOOD. I didn’t feel exposed, I have always felt comfortable in my own skin. I felt empowered. I had to document this moment in my life, and I wanted these pictures for myself. I am so happy with them  Check out my favorite turn of the century top hat! I look like I am going to introduce the strangest game show ever created, and I LOVE IT. I got my photos back and loved them (Thank you Elizabeth Craig Photography!). As I sat staring at all of them, and I had to think to myself- “Well well well Marta, who are you now?” I know am still that curious adventure seeking, treasure hunting, game night planning, solo traveler advocate and slightly off kilter human. I love these things about me.  But I am also someone who is shifting more into self care. I have been shifting for quite a while, it just finally opened up the flood gates inside of me and everything is beginning to click into place. It is scary and exciting at the same damn time. A little back story- All my life I have been a yo yo dieter. My weight fluctuated all the time. I was never a sports or workout person. I was heavy for quite some time but it wasn’t until I hit over 200lbs that I knew that I was unhealthy. All the craft beers Phil and I were brewing and late night cheese plates caught up to me.  I never saw myself as overweight or anything but just me. All my life I just wanted to be comfortable with whatever clothing I put on. (Clothing is overrated, my new pictures prove this  I just reached a point where I knew it was unhealthy for my body and needed a change.  I tried every diet until I found one that worked for me, and then it morphed into a lifestyle balance. I still needed to find physical exercise. Believe me, I didn’t want to. I found power yoga and really loved the equal parts of strength and meditation. I threw myself into it at least five day week. Last year I got into a car accident that left me in pain. I was just starting my yoga teacher training. It was a hit to my ego for sure. I suddenly couldn’t do the moves I wanted. The coveted headstand, handstand. All the inversions. Gone. I was now in pain simply while walking, and I had to watch my other piers doing the things I could no longer do. It smarted. It really did, but I began to turn inward more and that was a huge step for me. I also had to rethink the way I moved my body. Thanks to my long time BFF over at MÜV Integrated Physical Culture, I began to learn the physics of my body, how it moves, and how to age with strength and mobility. I even did their training with cadavers in the hospital touching the bodies to learn the mechanics of muscle, tendons and bone structure. Believe me, this was something I never ever wanted to do in my life up until this point, but when you feel real pain, you start to wake up. You don’t want it to happen again and will do anything to stop or prevent it. This was where I began going down the fitness rabbit hole, and not just any fitness, the kind that can be sustained through our aging process as humans. But with the body comes the mind, and I realized years ago after my very first car accident that I needed to calm mine down. Phil and I studied Transcendental Meditation over 7 years ago, and I didn’t know it then but that training prepared my mind after this last car accident. It was now helping tremendously since I was moving a lot less than normal. I believe so much in the power of meditation that this year I started posting free meditations in a time of crap over @martamazzonipgh on Instagram. I never dreamed I would be teaching publicly and privately meditation and strength building yoga, but the need to help others who might be suffering from pain or anxiety was too great. It also kept me accountable for my own personal practice. You know what they say, “practice what you preach” this is too true, and self care is something I want to practice my entire life and share with people to in the hopes to inspire and help them as well become the best versions of themselves. You will see more of this self care on Marta on the Move. I’m finally not apologizing for any of it, because it clicked that it is my vehicle to discover more about myself on this crazy ride of life. I always knew that in the back of my mind, but I have now adsorbed and digested it.  I love my show and where it has lead. It has prompted me to finally start work on writing three books, begin creating a wellness program, open inspirational Airbnb’s, teach, interview celebrities, host my own yoga retreats domestic and abroad (2021 sailing yoga retreat, baby!), and connect people culturally throughout the world. Much more than all of that, it has been an outlet for me, a personal form of therapy.  So looking at who I am right now is exactly who I want to be, and all my past decisions have lead me to where I am today. Marta 2.0. LOL This life, this show, it has been a RIDE. I want to thank each and every one of you who has and continues to support me throughout my journey. Grammatical errors and all. This might be my favorite of over 100 pictures taken. We have no idea where the future might take us, and that is EXCITING. Own your mistakes for they made you who you are today. After this long ass post I just want to say again on behalf of Marta on the Move’s ever shifting podcast- “Keep it moving” also “Be curious and cut the cord of comfort.” you never know where that will take you. I personally can’t wait to see where it leads. Love to all and most importantly, love yourselves, ~M

#142 Owning Who You are Now, and Not Who You Were

 Welcome Courtney Hazlett to the show! She is the creator of "Restaurants on the Edge" on Netflix. If you are in full binge mode and also dreaming of your next vacation, this episode is for you. "Restaurants on the Edge" takes you to restaurants around the world that need a facelift in a popular location, and steps in to help them reimagine their restaurant. There is two seasons of the show and hoping for a third! We chat about the creation of the show and how Courtney came up with the idea to pitch to Netflix. Also how she built the perfect crew to compliment the vibe of the show. We also talk about the state of the industry right now in the food service world. Talking about the comfort level of going out to eat, and what that means for restaurants and take out in the industry. From my families company Aldo's Foods Inc in Pittsburgh to the tiniest of restaurants around the world, we are all being effected by this situation. Courtney and I talk about our opinions on what restaurants and take out places can do to survive during this time and hopefully thrive. Courtney talks about how hopefully the show will inspire folks to step outside their comfort zone, and whenever this lifts for all of us (because it will!), and book a trip to visit one of these places. Check out the show and let's hope for a season 3! This episode is brought to you by our friends over at Natrona Bottling makers of Red Ribbon Soda! "Natrona Bottling Company, makers of Red Ribbon Sodas, Red Ribbon Mixers and Jamaicas Finest Ginger Beer, has been serving the Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh for 116 years. Coming from a time when every small community across the country had their own soda pop shop to call their own, we are one of only a few left that make our beverages the way pop was meant to be made. We produce our beverages with only cane sugar, the same bottling equipment (which is now antique) and a carbonation process called “pinpoint carbonation”. This old school process, which utilizes dry ice to create our bubbles instead of a manufactured co2, gives our sodas a small fine champagne like bubble that gently dance across your pallet with every sip. We are the last in the country to use this traditional process to continue to present you with a true authentic representation of what soda pop is supposed to taste like. Sponsored by Natrona Bottling Company Stay Refreshed, Stay Satisfied and Stay Happy. Drink Red Ribbon. Sincerely, Vito Gerasole Natrona Bottling Company CEO"     

#141 Courtney Hazlett Creator of Hit Netflix Show "Restaurants on the Edge" Talks About the Food Industry During Covid, Creation of the Show and More.

 You know her name, and her amazing personality from the hit show Trading Spaces on TLC. Paige Davis hasn't stopped since being cast in the show in 2001. She has starred on Broadway, and you have seen her on Ellen, Oprah, Entertainment Tonight and more. In 2018 she rejoined as host for the "Trading Spaces" reboot, and I was so pumped to be able to catch up with her in New York. We talk about her history being cast in the show, how she isn't the person to ask about DIY projects, body image, being a libra, (We are the best!), keeping an at home workout routine during Covid, and more. I love Paige, and wanted to do something special for this episode since she had recently lost her close friend and "Trading Spaces" designer Frank Bielec, along with her uncle a few weeks ago. I brought to the show four of Paige's closest friends to challenge her in a game of "Two Truths and a Lie." It was a HILARIOUS and heart felt time. Hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. Paige, us two Libra's shall dance together again in no time at all. ;) Special thanks to Rodney Shwartz for helping me organize her friends together! WOOT! Follow along over at www.martaonthemove.com and find Paige at www.paigedavis.com This episode was made possible with the support of Campari USA and Natrona Bottling Company "Natrona Bottling Company, makers of Red Ribbon Sodas, Red Ribbon Mixers and Jamaicas Finest Ginger Beer, has been serving the Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh for 116 years. Coming from a time when every small community across the country had their own soda pop shop to call their own, we are one of only a few left that make our beverages the way pop was meant to be made. We produce our beverages with only cane sugar, the same bottling equipment (which is now antique) and a carbonation process called “pinpoint carbonation”. This old school process, which utilizes dry ice to create our bubbles instead of a manufactured co2, gives our sodas a small fine champagne like bubble that gently dance across your pallet with every sip. We are the last in the country to use this traditional process to continue to present you with a true authentic representation of what soda pop is supposed to taste like. Sponsored by Natrona Bottling Company Stay Refreshed, Stay Satisfied and Stay Happy. Drink Red Ribbon. Sincerely, Vito Gerasole Natrona Bottling Company CEO" Campari America boasts a rich, comprehensive portfolio of more than 20 brands, including award-winning vodkas, whiskies, cordials, liqueurs, and rums. "Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., which together with its affiliates Campari Group, comprise an international beverage powerhouse making it the sixth-largest spirits company in the world. At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America. Unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, the Campari America portfolio is a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. "Campari America is committed to profitable growth by combining its focus on brand building with innovation and functional excellence. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®." 

Paige Davis from TLC's "Trading Spaces" on Marta on the Move Podcast -Talks History of "Trading Spaces", Life During Social Distancing, Body Image, Being a Libra and more.

Marta On the Move a podcast/blog featuring sit down conversations with people that have something interesting to share from Pittsburgh, PA and beyond, travel advice, food/drink, and general nerdery. Marta On The Move has been featured on KDKA News Radio, Star 100.7, Empowering Women's Radio, Drinking Partners, Red Horse Radio, and Yinzperation. Guests have included Mayor Bill Peduto, Peter Max, Tom Savini, Byron Nash, Rachel Carlson, and many more. Twitter- @icantfindmarta Facebook -Marta On The Move. Instagram- marta_on_the_move www.epicastnetwork.com www.martaonthemove.com Email comments or questions to martafoos@gmail.com Tell me what you want to hear next! #martaonthemove Sponsors- Puzzle Pax Receive $5 off your total order with code MOVE www.puzzlepax.com Collapsable, customizable, beer carriers.

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Marta On The Move Podcast- Hosted by Marta Napoleone Mazzoni

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