PODCAST · health
Kava and Kettlebells
by Heidi Rene
CPT Heidi & her husband Charles (certified meathead), dive into the world of botanicals including kava & kratom, while also exploring other facets to a healthy lifestyle!
Episodes
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145: Eliminating Foods to Heal Gut and Skin Whole30 Update
In this episode of Kava and Kettlebells, we share an honest update on our Whole30 elimination phase and what we actually learned about gut health, skin issues, energy, and training performance.This was not about doing Whole30 perfectly or following rules just to follow them. We used it as a tool…
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144: The Alcohol Alternative Helping People Find Connection Again
In this episode of Kava & Kettlebells, we sit down with Ben McQueen, founder of Karuna Kava Bar, to talk about life after alcohol, the power of traditional kava, and why real human connection matters more than ever.Ben shares his journey from alcohol addiction to discovering kava as an…
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143: Most Pain Treatments Ignore This One Thing
What if your shoulder pain isn’t coming from your shoulder? 😲 In this episode, movement expert and physical therapist Eileen Kopsaftis drops game-changing insights on how pain in the body is often misdiagnosed, and how fixing the real root cause (like your ankle!) can resolve years of chronic...
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142: Skinny Isn't Healthy
Think you have a slow metabolism? It might actually be *under-fueled* — not broken.In this episode, we break down why **tracking macros isn’t restriction — it’s awareness**. You’ll learn how to build a stronger, healthier metabolism without starving yourself or chasing the next fad diet. If…
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141: Why It’s Not You—It’s the Wellness World That’s Broken
You’re not broken, you're just overwhelmed by a wellness industry that profits from confusion. In this episode, we sit down with John Engelen, holistic health OG and founder of Joburg Meats, to talk real food, common sense, and the truth about what actually works.🚨 Get 15% off at checkout at...
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140: Why CBD Is More Than a Trend—And How This Founder’s Pain Sparked a Movement
Why CBD Is More Than a Trend—And How This Founder’s Pain Sparked a MovementIn this powerful episode, we sit down with the founder of Flock & Field Naturals to hear how Big Pharma failed him, and how that pain led him to build a clean, ethical, and high-quality CBD and wellness brand that's…
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139: Festive Kava Mocktails to Get You Through the Holidays Booze-Free
This week, we’re sipping different and showing you how to serve up Kava mocktails that your friends, family, and even your skeptical uncle will love. No booze, no hangover, just good vibes and chill holiday cheer.Whether you're celebrating sober, sober-curious, or just want a break from the…
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138: Kava & POOP!!
💩 POOP WARNING!If you’ve ever tried kava and thought, “Wait… is my gut supposed to feel like this?” — you’re not alone. In this video, we spill the tea (or should we say root?) on the real digestive side effects of drinking kava. From personal experiences to gut health insights, this one gets......
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137: CTE, Depression & Redemption: A Bobsledder’s Comeback
From Team USA Bobsledder to brain injury survivor — this is William Person’s powerful story of loss, healing, and hope.After nearly a decade competing at the highest level, repeated head trauma left William battling confusion, depression, and cognitive decline. Misdiagnosed and left without...
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136: Inside the Kava Coalition: Culture, Crisis & The Future of Kava Worldwide
In this episode, we sit down with Douglas LaRose — Executive Director of the Kava Coalition, humanitarian worker with 15 years of experience in global conflict zones, and one of the original voices in the modern kava movement.We dive into:🌱 The mission of the Kava Coalition⚖️ Why kava is being...
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135: Vacation Vibes, without the Crash
This episode is all about feeling healthy, happy, and free — even while on vacation. We’re diving into how to enjoy your time away without sabotaging your momentum, your mindset, or your energy.Whether you're trying to stay consistent with your habits or simply avoid the post-trip crash, we’re...
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134: The Veteran Led Movement To Replace Alcohol With Plants
Two military veterans. One mission: Replace booze with botanicals.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bob and Mikey — two former service members leading a powerful movement to rethink how veterans (and civilians) unwind, heal, and connect. From combat zones to conscious consumption, their…
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133: The Crash that Almost took our Family
Seven years ago, our family’s life changed forever. While driving with our two young kids, our car went under a semi and was completely crushed. No one should have survived… but somehow, we did.In this video, we share the full story of the accident, the recovery that followed, and how it...
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132: Chris Kratom, the Man Who Brought Kratom to the US
Heidi & Charles sit down with Chris Kratom, the owner of NuWave Botanicals and the Elixir Lounge Kava Bar in Houston, TX. Chris was one of the first vendors to really bring kratom to the US in a large capacity and did so with absolute quality and transparency in mind. Chris has been in the…
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131: Thom Fun's Kratom & Kava Kombucha is in the House!!
What happens when you mix nightlife culture, bold flavors, and a whole new way to unwind? Meet some of the founders of Thom Fun’s Original — the creators behind what might just be the sexiest drink you’ve never tried. In this episode, we dive into how they started, what makes their beverages...
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130: HHS, RFK JR. on the scheduling of 7-OH
Heidi & Charles give their thoughts on the recent hearing about the recommended scheduling of 7-OH, the synthetic compound derived from kratom. We give our thoughts on scheduling vs. regulating, the implications of both, and overall the impact this has on the botanical space.
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129: How to Break the Emotional Eating Loop
Are you stuck in a cycle of emotional eating—and you don’t even know why?In this episode, we break down why emotional and mindless eating happens, how to identify your personal triggers, and simple, powerful tools to start breaking free from the loop—without guilt or shame.👉 Whether you’re...
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128: When should you drink kava?!
Heidi & Charles dive into when is the best time to drink kava. Before you think, "all the time", hear us out! Kava is a tool, and depending on what you want from it, can be the perfect thing for the perfect time!
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127: 10 Unwritten Gym Rules You Need to Know
Heidi & Charles break down some of the things in the gym NOT to do so you don't become "that" person. Gym etiquette is a must, and being respectful to others in the gym makes it a more inviting and welcoming space. So listen up, and join us on this one!
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126: Eddie Anaya, Owner of Island Kava Co.
Heidi & Charles bring Eddie Anaya onto the show, owner of Island Kava Co. This episode hits different! We go into some hard truths about why high performers should be the ones drinking kava, the alcohol culture in America, and being an entrepreneur while serving in the military. Give this one a...
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125: On Scene at Kava House Brand, Hwy 19 Location in St Pete, FL
Heidi & Charles record an episode on site at Kava House Brand kava bar in St Pete at their Hwy 19 location. This episode features 3 separate interviews with staff and brand contributors. In those interviews, we cover what the brand stands for, the kava bar scene itself, and the community aspect...
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124: Why Marriage is Easy! The Lifestyle Episode We Keep Getting Asked to Do
Heidi & Charles talk about a lifestyle topic we frequently get asked; how do we maintain a vibrant and healthy marriage? Despite what society says, we think its pretty damn easy. Listen as we break down something personal to us outside of the usual kava & fitness!
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123: Kratom; An overview, its forms, and 7OH
Heidi & Charles dropped a new kratom intro episode for YouTube, but we got you on audio! We talk a little more on its forms, and also touch upon 7OH and how its misguiding potential users!
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122: Live Like Someone's Watching w/Manny Lamson
What does it take to lead with discipline, train like your life depends on it, and live every day like someone’s watching?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Manny Lamson, a U.S. Air Force officer and 1st Form fitness coach, to talk about what it really means to live with purpose, and…
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121: The Only Supplements you Need
Heidi & Charles break down their staple supplements in this episode. We go over the vitamins, minerals, and extra supplements we have year round and why we choose to use them. Hopefully this helps cut through some of the BS out there in the supplement space!
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120: F*CK Being Average; What it Takes to Succeed in Your Fitness Journey
Heidi & Charles discuss the idea of leaving the "average" lifestyle and leveling up in all areas of life, such as fitness & health, and why you need to leave the naysayers behind you. This might ruffle some feathers, but you know what we are about - real talk!
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119: Why you SHOULDN'T go to a kava bar!
Heidi & Charles give some reasons why a kava bar isn't always the answer, and how you can make kava at home yourself for cheaper and with better quality control and personalization. Additionally, we talk about how some kava bars may not just fit your vibe and thats okay!
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118: Rajiv, owner of Kava Vinaka
Heidi & Charles sit down with Rajiv, the founder of Kava Vinaka, to explore his incredible journey from Fiji to founding one of the most trusted kava companies in the U.S.Rajiv shares what it was like growing up in Fiji, moving to America at 13, and how his love for kava evolved into a full-blown...
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117: Cali Sober vs. Florida Sober: New Trends in the Non Alcohol Space
Heidi & Charles explore the popular Cali Sober trend, but also take a look at the upcoming "Florida Sober" term as well, and what both mean. We talk perspective on sobriety, cannabis, and how kava & kratom fit into the discussion as well!
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116: Douglas La Rose, Kava Coalition Executive Director and Industry OG
Heidi & Charles welcome Douglas La Rose onto the podcast, whom you might have known as the Kavasseur, a long time reviewer and kava industry OG who has now stepped into the role of executive director at the Kava Coalition. We talk kava transparency in the industry, the growth of American kava...
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115: Why you NEED TO SLEEP!
Heidi & Charles talk about one of our favorite topics.. SLEEP! Building healthy sleeping habits & focusing on enhancing sleep is the ultimate cheat code in life, and we go over some tips and concepts that can help you fix & improve your snooze time.
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114: Rest & Recovery Tips and Tricks for the Gym
Heidi & Charles talk about their personal views on what they do to rest and recovery while reaching their fitness goals. We talk training, nutrition, sleep, supplementation, and of course how kava plays a role into bouncing back bigger, faster, and stronger!
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113: Ninja Warrior Karsten Williams
Heidi & Charles welcome Karsten Williams, 7x American Ninja Warrior National Finalist onto the show to talk all things about ninja training, building a community around this style of fitness, building Ninja Project, and of course about some kava & kratom!
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112: Kava for the Veteran community & First Responders
Heidi & Charles discuss why the Veteran community needs to discover kava and its benefits. Additionally, we speak to how military members who are currently serving could benefit from kava, and additionally first responders. High stress, traumatic jobs like these impact in ways that are different...
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111: The Reality of Mommy Wine Culture
Heidi & Charles bring Tessa, owner of Lumenade kratom beverages, and Ashley, owner of Alchemist Kava Bar on the show to talk about the phenomena of the "mommy wine culture". This is the concept thats pushed in movies, pop culture, and social media that encourages moms to reach for the bottle of...
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110: Lisa Lozada on Survival Swimming, Sober Parenting, and more!
Heidi & Charles bring Lisa Lozada on the show, owner of The Swim Gym Southwest FL. We talk about her journey as a business owner, CPT, homeschooling, and being an advocate for a alcohol free lifestyle.
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109: Kava & Intimacy with your Partner
Heidi & Charles bring back some more talk on kava and how it can help enhance those intimate moments with your partner. While we have touched on this before, we wanted to bring it to life for YouTube, so listen again and see what nuggets we touch on this time!
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108: Revisiting Kava Side Effects
Heidi & Charles take a look at the most common side effects of consuming kava, whether in the form of capsules, extracts, or the traditional drink. We talk about our anecdotal experiences, what research says, and how to mitigate the mild sides that kava may bring.
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107: What is Kava?
Heidi & Charles give the YouTube audience an overview of what kava is, and we have the audio here for you! While we have done "what is kava" episodes way back when, this is a good revisit of what this wonderful plant does!
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106: Our First YouTube Episode! K&K Re-Introduction
Heidi & Charles dropped their FIRST YouTube episode today! This is the audio only version of that episode, where we do a re-introduction to ourselves, Kava & Kettlebells, and what to expect moving forward!
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105: Censorship in the botanical & health space
Heidi & Charles give an emotionally charged take on censorship in the botanical space, namely for kratom but also potentially kava. We also give thoughts on how a lot of health & wellness items are also pushed away and why this is a bad thing. Also, we give updates on our YouTube launch!
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104: Wray Payne, owner of Tortuga Beverage Co
Heidi & Charles welcome Wray Payne on the show, who is the owner of Tortuga Beverage Co. Tortuga makes kratom, kava, D9, and blue lotus canned beverages with all natural ingredients and nano extract technology. Wray comes from a brewing background, along with hemp industry experience, that all…
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103: Why YOU need to be taking creatine!
Heidi & Charles talk all about creatine on this episode, including the physical and mental benefits of supplementation. We also talk a bit about our East Coast FL kava trip and an exciting kava bar experience "first" for Charles!
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102: Josh Sutherland, owner of Pure Infinity Botanicals, blows the lid on the kratom industry
Heidi & Charles welcome Josh Sutherland on the show, owner of Pure Infinity Botanicals, one of the largest kratom & kava companies in the United States. Josh gives us his story on how we built the business from $500 to what it is today, and also blows the lid on the kratom industry and how...
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101: Brandon, Steve & Bennie from Tea Time kratom seltzers!
Heidi & Charles welcome Tea Time, a family owned kratom beverage company onto the show today! We have Steve & Brandon, the father and son duo who started the business, along with their Texas sales rep Bennie talk all things Tea Time. Hear about the story behind the company, what they are doing…
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100: Our 100th Episode!!! Reminiscing & Future Talk
Heidi & Charles celebrate their 100th episode of Kava & Kettlebells podcast!! We talk about why we started the show, why we keep going, and some future plans.
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99: Miriam, owner of Lava Kava in Portland, Maine!
Heidi & Charles welcome Miriam onto the show, who owns Maine's first kava bar, Lava Kava! Miriam is a FL native who moved to Maine on a nursing assignment and after seeing the absence of kava bars, decided to open her own!
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98: Calories in, calories out... Is it that simple?
Heidi & Charles talk about the concept of calories in vs. calories out, and where it's not always that simple. We talk metabolism, types of food, how to track your calories, and things to look out for!
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97: John & Sarok, owners of Mad Hatter Kava Bars in Phx, AZ!
Heidi & Charles welcome John & Sarok on the show, owners of Mad Hatter kava bars located in the Phoenix metro area! Arizona holds a special place in our heart and we love having kava bar owners from our hometown in Phoenix on the show to share their journey.
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96: Hurricane Milton & How Kava came to the Rescue
Heidi & Charles give some updates on their Hurricane Milton experience, and why they choose to drink kava during stressful experiences vs. other botanicals!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
CPT Heidi & her husband Charles (certified meathead), dive into the world of botanicals including kava & kratom, while also exploring other facets to a healthy lifestyle!
HOSTED BY
Heidi Rene
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Kava and Kettlebells have?
Kava and Kettlebells currently has 143 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Kava and Kettlebells about?
CPT Heidi & her husband Charles (certified meathead), dive into the world of botanicals including kava & kratom, while also exploring other facets to a healthy lifestyle!
How often does Kava and Kettlebells release new episodes?
Kava and Kettlebells publishes regularly with 143 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Kava and Kettlebells?
You can listen to Kava and Kettlebells on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Kava and Kettlebells?
Kava and Kettlebells is created and hosted by Heidi Rene.
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