The Kids Table

This week, Gunnar Peterson and Jen Widerstrom welcome Shawn Melland and Bo Sandoval for another special SORINEX Summer Strong conversation that starts with coaching and quickly turns into something much more meaningful. Fresh off an impromptu presentation at Summer Strong, Bo shares what it feels like to step into the spotlight with only hours to prepare and why great coaches should always stay "within striking distance" of their craft. From communicating under pressure to finding flow, the group explores what separates experience from true mastery and why the best lessons are often the simplest. The conversation then shifts into the story behind (https://www.instagram.com/work.built/), the friendship between Shawn, Bo, Colton and Josh, and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge, encourage, and genuinely see you can change the trajectory of your life. They dig into mentorship, purpose, serving others, and the transition from chasing personal success to helping others reach theirs. Along the way, they trade stories from the UFC Performance Institute, hunting trips, Summer Strong, celebrity training, Top Gun dates, and plenty of laughs, all while circling back to a common theme: the people you choose to build with matter just as much as the work itself. Whether you're a coach, athlete, entrepreneur, or simply looking for your next challenge, this episode is a reminder that the best journeys are rarely taken alone. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – ( @TheCastCollective ) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

We’re back this week, live from Sorinex (https://www.sorinex.com/), and pull up our chairs with Jon Heck and Gabe Watson for a conversation that starts with rivalries and ends up somewhere much more useful. Jon walks through his shift from NFL and college strength coaching to his Hammer and Chisel Performance Podcast(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hammer-and-chisel-performance-podcast/id1835141652) and running his own business full-time built on every coach's favorite training app, TrainHeroic (https://account.trainheroic.com/create-account). Gabe shares the story behind his first full-time college gig, as a former player who has seen what every division of college football looks like, landing an assistant role at Colorado State after a DM to a coach he barely knew turned into a job offer within 24 hours, and talks about navigating the whirlwind of college strength and conditioning, where a single phone call can mean packing up your life within days. From there the group digs into the power of just showing up and following up at industry events, why authenticity matters more than looks or a jacked physique when it comes to being an effective coach, and the so-called "sleeper build" debate: can a coach who isn't shredded still be great at their job? They also get into staying the authority in the room with clients, giving yourself grace after a missed lift, and why leaving a job the right way always comes back around. Whether you're a coach navigating team vs. private sector, or just someone building a personal brand in fitness, this one's packed with real talk on relationships, reinvention, and staying in your lane. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. LETS GET SOCIAL: Jon Heck: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/what_the_heck71/?hl=en) Youtube - (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMfKtcEK85qgSOB7rKdUmpw) TrainHeroic - (https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/brand/Hammer%20and%20Chisel) Gabe Watson: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/gabe_watson_33/?hl=en) About Jon Heck: My name is Jon Heck. I played football at the University of North Carolina where I was a 4 year starter and 2x All-ACC selection at offensive tackle for the Tar Heels. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Sport Science, and immediately received certifications as a nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach. I began my career as a strength and conditioning coach and spent nearly a decade working in football strength and conditioning at the NFL and Division-1 college level, as well as working in the private sector at a combine prep facility. I competed at a high level in powerlifting and strongman, and have always been passionate about strength sports in general. A big part of my educational background is in nutrition, and that has been a large component of my coaching in football and the private sector. About Gabe Watson: Gabe Watson was added to the Colorado State football strength and conditioning staff in January of 2026. It will be his first full-time role in the field. He spent the past two years working at Nebraska in football development performance in a quality control role. Previously, he did an internship in football performance at Texas. Watson played at Sioux Falls, were he gained 1,980 career yards as a running back with 27 touchdowns, and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award (D2's Heisman Trophy) in 2018. Finished his playing career at Texas, playing two seasons. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Another year, another (https://www.sorinex.com/). Former NFL offensive lineman John Welbourn joins The Kids Table at this year’s SS19 conference for a conversation that goes far beyond football. Alongside Kids Table veteran Ed Streit, John reflects on what happens after the game ends and why the best competitors never stop finding new mountains to climb. The conversation traces John's path from a decade in the NFL to helping build CrossFit's athletic training methodology, launching Power Athlete, and mentoring the next generation of coaches and athletes. The four of them explore confidence, career transitions, leadership, and why collaboration always beats competition when you're focused on playing the long game. John also opens up about his own battle with brain injuries after football and the years he spent searching for answers. He shares the mindset that helped him rebuild, the lessons he's learned about health and longevity, and why curiosity has become one of his greatest competitive advantages. Whether they're talking about coaching elite athletes, supporting friends instead of competing with them, or finding purpose after reaching the highest level of sport, this episode is packed with perspective on what it means to keep growing long after the scoreboard disappears. Pull up a chair for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and why the strongest competitors are always willing to become students again. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. LETS GET SOCIAL: John Welbourne: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/johnwelbourn/) Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/powerathlete/) X - (​​https://x.com/johnwelbourn) Website - (https://powerathletehq.com/) Ed Streit: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/strengthcoach_ed) X - (https://www.x.com/strengthcoached) About John Welbourn: John Welbourn is a former NFL offensive lineman, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential voices in modern strength and conditioning. After spending 10 seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, John transitioned into coaching and education, helping bridge the gap between elite athletic performance and everyday training. He is the founder of Power Athlete, a coaching and education company that has trained thousands of coaches, athletes, and tactical professionals around the world. Known for his direct approach and deep understanding of performance, John has become a respected authority on strength development, leadership, resilience, and life after professional sports. Today, John continues to educate through seminars, online programming, and his Power Athlete podcast, where he explores everything from human performance and health to business, mindset, and personal growth. His work is driven by one belief: the pursuit of strength extends far beyond the weight room. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This week at The Kids Table, Jen and Gunnar sit down with Justin Cross, founder of Earn Your Booze and a man whose entire philosophy can be summed up in one simple idea: Earn it. What starts as a conversation about fitness, training, and the early days of bodybuilding quickly turns into a much bigger discussion about confidence, discipline, mentorship, and why so many people today feel disconnected from their own potential. Justin shares stories from his military background, the origins of the Earn Your Booze movement, and the lessons he's learned helping men push through physical and mental barriers. Along the way, the group dives into everything from Arnold Schwarzenegger's influence on an entire generation of lifters to why struggle is often the missing ingredient in personal growth. They discuss modern comfort culture, raising resilient kids, coaching through failure, building confidence through action, and why the gym remains one of the best places to practice life. It's a conversation about earning rewards, embracing discomfort, and learning that the things worth having usually live on the other side of effort. Whether you're chasing a new PR, building a business, raising kids, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode is packed with reminders that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. So grab a drink, pull up a chair, and ask yourself one question: have you earned it yet? Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Justin Cross: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/justin.j.cross) Website - (https://earnyourbooze.com/) Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This week at The Kids Table, Gunnar, Jen, and the crew sit down with restaurateur and Olive & Thyme founder Melina Davies for a conversation that goes way deeper than food. What starts with stories about childhood Weight Watchers meetings, crash diets, and fitness culture quickly turns into a bigger discussion about discipline, identity, pressure, perfectionism, and the systems we build to survive. Melina opens up about growing up in an immigrant family, feeling like an outsider in her own home, and how cooking became her way of trying to bring people together. She shares the unlikely path from the film industry to opening Olive & Thyme, the terrifying reality of risking everything to start a restaurant with zero formal experience, and the philosophy that turned it into one of LA’s most beloved spots. Along the way, the group dives into hospitality, leadership, burnout, standards, service, and why the best businesses are built around making people feel seen. The episode also delivers classic Kids Table energy with old fitness modeling stories, chaotic gym banter, restaurant horror stories, and some brutally honest conversations about motivation, mental health, and learning how to stop chasing perfection. Equal parts hilarious, thoughtful, and unexpectedly emotional, this one is really about what happens when people decide to build something with intention and refuse to cut corners. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Melina Davies: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/melinadavies11/) Website - (https://oliveandthyme.com/pages/melina-davies?srsltid=AfmBOopmQGmbHH8n3OoGlu6HM_ZlBYIBmjPtuEKcn5GZgxOiot0ppHo9) About Melina: Olive & Thyme started in 2011 as a small restaurant born out of Melina Davies love for food and togetherness. It was a small open kitchen in Toluca Lake and a giant leap of faith for Melina. You could say the odds were against her: Melina, a movie producer, had no experience in the restaurant world—and this was LA, the land of thousands of eateries, wine bars and bistros. But what Melina had was a cadence in the kitchen. After a fourteen-hour day on set, she’d relish getting home to cook a meal for her family and friends. After a little soul searching and huge encouragement from her husband, Christian, Melina opened her first restaurant. In those early days, you would often see Melina in the kitchen at the expo line, while her newborn daughter sat sleeping through lunch at the high-top counter. The restaurant was warm, vibrant, and always busy. Melina and her team whipped up dishes that were local, seasonal, and delicious. They spent time with each customer, introducing them to some of the most amazing cheese, charcuterie & wine from France, the delectable treats from local vendors and would guide them through a new culinary experience. People came—over and over again, and would tell their friends, and the buzz continued to grow. Olive & Thyme grew to be a destination. Today, Olive & Thyme has two locations and are currently building their third. It’s where families gather over Melina’s coveted Fattoush salad, co-workers grab Spicy Chicken sandwiches or Lemon Bars to go, and friends can meet for glasses of sparkling rosé. It’s where the curious go to seek Melina’s latest finds, from global tableware to cookbooks to curated spices, all artfully stocked and for sale throughout the space. Ultimately, it’s a destination for being in good company. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Trainer and IFBB Pro Colin Schoen sits down at The Kids Table this week for a conversation about what it really takes to build a career in fitness that lasts. From his early days working in physical therapy and grinding through slow seasons as a young trainer to eventually building a loyal client base and earning his pro card, Colin opens up about the reality behind a profession that looks a lot easier from the outside. Along the way the crew dives into the business of personal training, why most trainers burn out early, and the difference between simply writing programs and actually coaching people. They get into mentorship, communication, reading personalities, client retention, and why understanding human behavior matters just as much as understanding sets and reps. Gunnar and Jen reflect on their own paths through the industry while swapping stories about gym culture, equipment obsessions, machine debates, and the moments that shaped how they coach today. It’s equal parts fitness industry masterclass, coaching philosophy deep dive, and classic Kids Table chaos. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. LETS GET SOCIAL: Collin Schoen Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/bigschoen_coaching/) TikTok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@bigschoen_coaching) Website - (https://bigschoencoaching.com/) YouTube - (https://www.youtube.com/@Bigschoencoaching) About Collin Schoen: Collin Schoen is a certified strength and conditioning coach and Pro Natural Bodybuilder. Specializing in bodybuilding and athletic development, he has a wealth of experience in helping clients achieve their fitness goals, whether it's building muscle, improving performance, or just feeling better in their own skin. With a focus on individualized programming, nutrition, and recovery, his coaching style is tailored to the specific needs of each client. He has successfully trained competitors to qualify for national level competitions and is also a nationally qualified bodybuilder himself. He is committed to helping clients reach their full potential, both in and out of the gym. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Season Johnson pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that hits home for Gunnar and brings you inside a world most people never see. Working closely with children battling cancer, Season shares what her day-to-day actually looks like, from building trust with kids and families to showing up in moments that carry real weight. It’s not just about care, it’s about presence, consistency, and being someone people can lean on when everything feels uncertain. Along the way the crew gets into the emotional reality of the work, how you learn to communicate with both kids and parents in high-stakes situations, and what it takes to stay grounded while carrying stories that don’t just stay at the hospital. Season also shares her experience caring for Gunnar’s daughter, Monroe, offering a deeply personal look at what that relationship meant on both sides of it and how moments like that shape the way she shows up in her work. She opens up about the lessons these kids have taught her, the perspective that comes from being around that kind of strength, and how it’s changed the way she approaches life outside of work. It’s honest, human, and full of the kind of perspective that sticks with you long after the conversation ends. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. LETS GET SOCIAL: Season Johnson: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/seasonjohnson/) Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/seasonmjohnson/) Website - (https://seasonjohnson.com/) About Season Johnson: Over a decade ago, our family walked through 3.5 years of childhood cancer, and what began as one mother desperately searching for answers has grown into something I never could have dreamed. Today, I have the profound honor of supporting thousands of children and families around the world navigating cancer with the same integrative roadmap that changed our son's story. It is not lost on me for a single day, what a privilege that is. But before any of that I was just a girl who married her hot husband. Twenty-two years later, I'm still convinced I got the better end of that deal. Together we've built a life that has always found itself near something wild and beautiful, whether that's mountains or the ocean. We've called Mexico home, navigated life in a second language (my Spanish is enthusiastically broken, bless everyone who's had to listen), and landed where we are now, soaking up the sunshine of San Diego. We have two teenagers who keep us humble and laughing. Our daughter Selah, whom we had the honor and privilege of adopting at birth, is one of the greatest gifts our family has ever received. Her little brother Kicker rounds out our crew and keeps things wonderfully loud, and we celebrate his healing daily. Our home is full, full of faith, full of yummy healing food, an overly crowded supplement & remedy drawer and full of people we love deeply. This life, every hard and beautiful chapter of it, is what shapes how I show up for every family I work with. I'm not just a practitioner handing you a protocol. I'm a mom who has walked the hardest road and come out the other side with a map. And I want to hand it to you. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Graham Barham pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that moves from small-town Louisiana to sold-out stages, with a whole lot of real life in between. Graham shares how his career has taken off in Nashville, what it actually looks like behind the scenes of songwriting and touring, and how he’s learning to balance the chaos of the lifestyle with the discipline it takes to keep showing up. From early days figuring it out to navigating success in real time, he brings an honest look at what this phase of life really feels like. Along the way the crew gets into everything from drinking culture and creativity to fitness, performance, and the tension between knowing better and still doing it anyway. There are stories about life on the road, lessons from mentors, and a lot of self-awareness about what it means to grow without losing the edge that got you there in the first place. It’s funny, unfiltered, and full of the kind of perspective that only comes from being right in the middle of it Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Graham Barham: Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/grahambarham/) Tiktok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@grahambarham) Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/grahambarhamusic/) Youtube - (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXpe_hp0mJoXDKqMDrAqzIQ) Website - (https://www.grahambarham.com/) About Graham Barham: Graham Barham is a Louisiana native turned Nashville-based country artist who’s quickly building a name for himself with a mix of raw honesty, Southern grit, and a sound that blends country roots with a modern edge. Raised in a small town where music, sports, and long nights with friends all collided, Graham’s storytelling pulls straight from real life. It’s equal parts hard work, bad decisions, and figuring things out as you go. After making the move to Nashville, he leaned fully into songwriting and performing, cutting his teeth in writers’ rooms and on stages across the city. His music reflects where he’s at in real time. Not polished to perfection, but honest, self-aware, and unafraid to show both the discipline it takes to chase something and the chaos that comes with it. With a growing fanbase and momentum behind him, Graham represents a new wave of country artists who aren’t trying to fit a mold. They’re just telling the truth as they live it. Get Your Tickets To See Graham! APR 21 Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN APR 24 Vidalia Onion Festival 2026 Vidalia, GA MAY 1 Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Porthsmouth, VA MAY 2 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival 2026 Winchester, VA MAY 16 Mandalay Beach Las Vegas, NV JUN 13 Rock The South 2026 Decatur, AL JUN 19 Tailgate N' Tallboys 2026 Bloomington, IL JUN 26 Greeley Stampede 2026 Greeley, CO JUL 17 Country Jam USA 2026 Eau Claire, WI JUL 25 Union County Fairgrounds Marysville OH AUG 14 Boots On The Bend 2026 South Bend, IN Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪ https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective) Instagram – ( https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – ( https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective )

Ivey Childers sits down at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that moves from building a custom cake business in Nashville to launching her own tequila brand. Ivey shares how her journey started with curiosity in the kitchen, teaching herself how to bake through trial and error, and how that same instinct led her into a completely new industry years later. From early days testing recipes at work to scaling a business she eventually sold, her path is anything but traditional. Along the way the crew talks about creativity, risk, and what it looks like to trust your instincts when there’s no clear blueprint. From balancing artistry with business operations to chasing that feeling of building something from scratch, this episode captures the mindset behind starting over and staying connected to what you actually enjoy doing. It’s thoughtful, honest, and full of the kind of perspective that comes from figuring things out as you go. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Ivey Childers: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/iveychilders/) Website - (https://drinksouthbound.com/) About Ivey Childers: Ivey Childers is both a spirited Entrepreneur and esteemed Recipe Developer. Creator of the viral IveyCake, a Nashville-based bakery founded in 2007, Ivey quickly gained impressive media attention and rallying support from the biggest names in Music with over 40 made-from-scratch cake flavor combinations. In addition to features on GAC and Today in Nashville, Ivey has made multiple appearances on The Food Network, and has been featured in several global publications including People Magazine due to her impressive celebrity cake designs. From Carrie Underwood’s Wedding Cake to Katy Perry’s Birthday Cake on American Idol, Ivey quickly became a trusted name for industry legends and for Music Industry celebrations like CMT Awards, CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. Acquired in 2019, the IveyCake legacy continues on as one of Nashville’s favorite sweet spots. Ivey’s journey from cupcakes to cocktails was a natural progression. Bringing her recipe development skills home after long days at the bakery, Ivey created tequila-based cocktails to unwind and entertain. After 15 years of searching for the “perfect sipper and mixer”, Ivey took the journey Southbound to Jalisco, Mexico, where she worked extensively with a Master Distiller to find that unique, premium tequila to mix, sip, and savor. Thus, Southbound was born, beginning a new chapter in the Entrepreneur’s career. As Co-founder & CEO of Southbound, Ivey’s mission is to make the consumer tequila choice smoother in an overwhelming market; inviting beginners & tequila enthusiasts alike to Take the Journey Southbound and Rediscover Tequila with a premium, all-occasion spirit anyone can enjoy. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Robbie Kroger pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week and quickly turns a conversation about a controversial hunting photo into something much bigger. He shares how he found his way into wildlife conservation, why he’s focused on changing the narrative around hunting, and what people often miss when they react to what they see online. From crocodiles and conservation funding to the role hunters actually play in protecting wildlife, Robbie brings context to a topic that usually gets reduced to headlines. Along the way the crew leans into the gray area, talking through emotional reactions, conflicting beliefs, and how hard it can be to hold two ideas at once. There are stories from the field, moments of real perspective shifts, and a deeper look at what it takes to build something with purpose in a space that invites constant pushback. It’s honest, layered, and exactly the kind of conversation that makes you think a little differently walking away. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Robbie Kroger: Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/robbie.kroger/) Dr. Robbie Kroger, is the executive director and founder of The Origins Foundation, an organization that is conveying the truth around sustainable use of wildlife all over the world. In today's age it's difficult to understand what is right and what is wrong when it comes to wildlife conservation. Who are the good people, who are the bad people? Robbie, is originally from South Africa, has a deep knowledge of conservation systems and wants the best for wildlife at the end of the day. Some may think controversially he promotes hunting as a mechanism for that conservation work - but you will hear directly from him that hunting is not the be all and end all of wildlife conservation - it works very well in certain places, doesn’t work at all in others. Robbie specifically talks to us today about their historic Cheetah Relocation work. Cheetahs are one of the most endangered carnivores in Southern Africa and as such are constantly looking for habitats to expand into. Robbie and his team in Mozambique found an area and they moved 17 cheetahs into that area, the single largest relocation in history. If you listen to this podcast and want to help feel free to reach out to Robbie at info@theoriginsfoundation.org - they are also always looking for funds to continue their amazing cheetah work and you can donate through this link: (https://give.theoriginsfoundation.org/campaign/707182/donate) Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Comedian Hugh Howser pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that moves from Nashville comedy clubs to the psychology of making people laugh. Hugh shares how he stumbled into stand-up after years in the event world with the help from Leanne Morgan, why open-mic nights can make or break a comic, and how learning to connect with an audience matters just as much as the jokes themselves. Along the way the crew talks about the craft behind comedy, the strange path most comedians take to find their voice, and why humor can be one of the most powerful ways to deal with life’s harder moments. From stories about early shows and surprise guest comics to conversations about fitness, discipline, and creativity, this episode captures the unpredictable, hilarious energy that happens when a great storyteller joins The Kids Table. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. https://www.yeti.com/ TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. About Hugh Howser: As one of America’s premiere event planners, Hugh Howser knows how to give the crowd a good time. He’s been keeping his luxury wedding clients in stitches for years, and now he is graciously taking the comedy club stage so you can buy a ticket to share a “Hughlarious” evening with this larger-than-life comedic force. He doesn’t need the money. He’s already rich! You’re welcome for the opportunity to be in his presence. Growing up among the old money scions of Nashville, Tennessee, Hugh offers a wholly original take on what it takes to be a fabulous southern belle in a modern world. He’s going to call it like he sees it in his signature, southern way. Hugh sports a fabulous mane of big red hair outsized only by the big laughs he gets from his audiences. Hugh’s one-of-a-kind perspective has made him a favorite of comedy legend Leanne Morgan, who is a frequent collaborator. Hugh has become a regular onstage at Zanies in Nashville. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪ https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective ) Instagram – ( https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective ) TikTok – ( https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective )

Welcome to Season 2 of The Kids Table! We’ve settled into our new space over at Gunnar’s Nashville HQ, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring you our first guest, Craig Susser! Craig pulls up a chair and proves that the restaurant business isn’t about food. It’s about people. From his early days getting humbled behind the bar at his first serving job to building Craig’s into one of the most talked-about rooms in LA and Nashville, Craig shares how relationships, loyalty, and emotional intelligence are what actually fill tables. He walks through the deal that almost happened, the pivot that forced him to start over, and the risky bet that turned into a packed dining room. Along the way, the crew dives into presence, reinvention, reading a room, and why you can’t take a night off when it’s someone else’s big night out. This one is about passion, perspective, and building something that lasts longer than a trend. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. LETS GET SOCIAL: Gunnar: Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/gunnarfitness) Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/GunnarFitness) Website - www.gunnarpeterson.com Jen: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/jenwiderstrom) Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/JenWiderstrom) Website - www.jenwiderstrom.com Youtube - @ironjenn The Kids Table: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/kidstablepod) TikTok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@kidstablepod) Craig Susser: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/craigsrestaurants) Tiktok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@craigsla) Website - (https://craigsnash.com/) About Craig Susser: Craig Susser is the founder and owner of Craig’s, the iconic West Hollywood restaurant that has become one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable dining destinations. Known for its classic American menu, warm hospitality, and loyal celebrity following, Craig’s has established itself as a staple of the LA dining scene since opening in 2011. Before launching Craig’s, Susser built decades of experience in the restaurant industry, working in management and operations at some of Los Angeles’ most prominent establishments. His deep understanding of service, consistency, and guest experience shaped Craig’s into more than just a restaurant—it became a cultural hotspot where Hollywood, business leaders, and longtime locals gather. Under Susser’s leadership, Craig’s is known for its elevated comfort food, vibrant atmosphere, and meticulous attention to detail, as well as its strong vegan offerings that have attracted a wide range of high-profile guests. His commitment to hospitality and relationship-building remains central to the restaurant’s enduring success. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Part two with Brett Bartholomew leans into the messy middle of communication, the part that shows up in relationships, leadership, and the everyday moments where things either connect or quietly fall apart. The crew talks about why the idea of being “self-made” doesn’t really hold up, how vulnerability can be a strength for A-type personalities, and why so many conflicts aren’t about what’s being said at all, but about power, control, and the fear of accountability. The conversation moves between practical tools and personal stories, from Brett’s “keys to me” exercise to the marble jar metaphor that reframes how we think about time, priorities, and the people we keep close. There’s also a wider look at optimization culture and heroic standards, and why chasing perfection can pull you further away from being adaptable, grounded, and real. It’s thoughtful, funny, and quietly emotional in moments, the kind of episode that stays with you after the headphones come off and invites you to show up a little differently in the conversations that matter most. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you. TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. About Brett Bartholomew: Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies. Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC. As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Welcome back to The Kids Table, where the conversation starts with fitness and quickly turns into something much bigger. In part one of this conversation, Brett Bartholomew pulls up a chair to talk about the part of coaching nobody puts on a whiteboard: communication. From locker rooms to living rooms, the crew digs into what it actually means to connect with people, build trust, and show up as a steady presence in a world that feels louder, faster, and more distracted by the day. They explore why great programs fall flat without great relationships, how first-principles thinking can change the way you lead, and why being “right” matters less than being received. Along the way, there are stories about misread body language, awkward feedback, love languages, and the fine line between passion and aggression. It’s part coaching clinic, part human behavior deep dive, and part group chat energy. Expect thoughtful insights, honest self-reflection, and the kind of conversation that sets the table for what’s coming in part two. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you. About Brett Bartholomew: Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies. Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC. As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

To kick off 2026 at The Kids Table, we’ve pulled the moments from 2025 that still make us laugh, pause, and learn along side of. This compilation episode is a highlight reel of The Kids Table at its most unfiltered, pulling together the stories, side tangents, and conversations that stuck with us long after the mics were off. You’ll hear late-night honesty, ridiculous inside jokes, deep reflections on friendship, fatherhood, balance, and why success is usually closer than people think. There are reminders about community, doing the work, and not taking yourself too seriously, mixed with the chaos and chemistry that built this show in the first place. It’s not about one lesson or one takeaway. It’s about the moments that shaped the year and set the tone for what’s next. Welcome to 2026. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪ https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective ) Instagram – ( https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective ) TikTok – ( https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective )

To send 2025 out right, we grabbed our favorite listener questions of the year and stitched them into one big Kids Table hang. You will hear trainers asking how to turn a side hustle into a real career, new moms wondering how to juggle strength and cardio, and coaches trying to play nicely with high school programs while still doing their job. In between, the three of them unpack sleep, longevity, heavy lifting for women, body composition after forty, and what to do when imposter syndrome starts whispering in your ear. It is equal parts tough love, practical strategy, and the kind of honest perspective you rarely get in a perfectly filtered fitness world. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Garth Bouldin is proof you do not need a massive platform to be a massive presence. He is Gunnar’s next door neighbor, the owner of Gateway Tire, and the kind of guy who makes you believe customer service and character still matter. What starts as a funny story about Gunnar outbidding him for the property next door turns into a real conversation about trust, relationships, and why people come back for the person long after the sets and reps, or the tires and brakes, are handled. Garth breaks down how he thinks about time, follow through, and taking care of people without needing to be asked twice. The crew also gets into purpose, patience, and what happens when your identity is tied to having somewhere to go and something to work toward. It’s funny, grounded, unexpectedly thoughtful, and a reminder that the basics still work: show up, do what you said you would do, and take care of people. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI : Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you. TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Garth Bouldin: Personal Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/garthb12) Gateway Tire Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/gatewayoffroad) Garth’s Radio Show! High School Power Hour: Airs every Friday Night from 9-11pm on 104.5 the Zone Direct Link - (https://omny.fm/shows/high-school-power-hour) X - (https://x.com/HSpowerhour) Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/hspowerhour/) About Garth: By day, Garth Bouldin is a mild-mannered executive, keeping Gateway Tire in Franklin humming with happy customers. But after that, he’s one of the staunchest supporters of high school athletics in Williamson County. Bouldin has combined his work and his passion. Gateway Tire, along with The Trophy House and WAKM-AM (950), sponsors a player of the week award in football and basketball, and follows that up with a player of the year award for county athletes. This will mark the sixth year for the awards. When he moved to Williamson County 24 years, the landscape was different, with far fewer schools and teams. Now the presentation of weekly awards allows Bouldin and his business to continue to recognize the entire county, even though it has grown. Bouldin himself has become a local celebrity of sorts in the process. He appears often on Terry Merrell’s Thursday sports-talk show on WAKM-AM radio during the football and basketball season, and on many Friday nights can be found helping Merrell and color analyst Stormy Mitchell fill up the football half-time periods with insightful observations and thoughts. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Your questions, our hot seat. In this Q& A episode, we break down HIIT fatigue, why most people are under-recovering instead of overtraining, and how to cycle heavy lifts, isometrics, and bodyweight work when life gets busy. We debate the Smith machine, talk through real paths to “success” in the industry, and show how body composition can change at 40 and beyond with basic habits done well. Expect straight answers, training ideas you can steal, and the reminder that consistency and curiosity beat perfection every time. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This week’s episode starts with fake sick days and somehow ends up in breakups, burnout, and why trainers should stop pretending they have perfect balance. Gunnar, Luke, and Jen talk through the messy, funny, very human moments that actually shape a healthy life. If you have ever faked an illness, questioned a relationship, or wondered why your kid can outsmart you, this feels like the right table to sit at. From travel fatigue to emotional resets to the expectations people place on fitness professionals, nothing is off-limits. The crew also revisits the late-night hangs, family dynamics, and early friendships that built the foundation for this show. Honest, warm, and full of the kind of perspective you only get from real life, this one captures exactly what The Kids Table does best. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you. TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This week, The Kids Table takes a step back into the early days of lockdown: the makeshift gyms, the six-foot sticks, the CPR tests, and the cul-de-sac friendships that kept everyone afloat when the world shut down. Gunnar, Luke, and Jen break down how they trained, coped, and kept people moving with zero equipment, no certainty, and a whole lot of chaos swirling around them. They revisit the strange blend of humor, fear, and unexpected community that shaped that year. They also get honest about the work side: how trainers scrambled when gyms closed, what shifted permanently in fitness culture, and why cheering for your friends carries more weight than cheering for pro athletes. Between stories of masked-up workouts, neighborly antics, and the odd celebrity drop-in, they land on the same truth: people need people. This episode is equal parts nostalgia, humanity, and the reminder that showing up for each other matters long after the world goes back to normal. Oh and it’s also a reminder that you maybe shouldn’t hand the phone to Dolph Lundgren with your drunk dad on the other line. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN) YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬) Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective) TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)