Always Lifting

Today’s guest is Krisna Hanks: Director of Employee Wellness at Ovadia Heart Health, co-owner of Square One Wellness, author, international executive coach, and metabolic health expert. We talk about what it means to “CEO your health” and why leaders must make wellness the priority.In this episode, we discuss:• What metabolic health really means and why it matters beyond weight• Krishna’s personal health transformation and paradigm shift• Why leaders often neglect wellness and how to change that before crisis hits• The ripple effect of prioritizing health in workplaces and families• Rethinking workplace wellness through performance and metabolic healthKrisna’s expertise is a powerful reminder that health is not separate from leadership. When we prioritize our metabolic health, we elevate our performance, our impact, and the lives of those around us. Investing in your health is one of the most strategic leadership decisions you can make.Krisna Hanks LinkedIn Profilehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/krisnahanks/Square 1 Wellness Health Coaching https://www.square1wellness.com/Ovadia Heart Health Wellness Programs https://ovadiahearthealth.com/wellness/Link to Employee Wellness White Papers https://ovadiahearthealth.com/whitepaper/Subscribe for more episodes and remember to always lift.

Today’s guests are Ally and MC, lifelong friends, moms, and co-founders of Lessen the Loads, a service that helps families (and more) offload laundry and clutter so they can get time back for what matters most.Topics Discussed: - How a real-life “overwhelmed mom” moment sparked the business- Going from lab partners to business partners and why their friendship works- Building a flexible, well-paid work opportunity for moms in the community- How the business expanded beyond families to seniors and local businesses- Early challenges, trial-and-error lessons, and their mantra: “Say yes, figure it out later”- Creating culture with a remote contractor team through appreciation and support- The unexpected things found in laundry (yes, it gets wild)- The bigger message: outsourcing without guilt and choosing services over stuffSee links below for more info about Lesson Loads! Learn more about Lesson Loads and their services https://lessentheloads.com/Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lessen.the.loads/Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lessentheloadsConnect with them [email protected]

Today’s guest is Dr. Adelle Shade, Chief Innovation Officer at Alvernia University and founder of Total Experience Learning (TExpL), a framework helping educators create innovative, student-centered learning environments.We talk about:- What TExpL is and how it connects student interests to academic standards- Why teachers are essentially project managers- What innovative classrooms look like in real life- Student outcomes, including entrepreneurship and patent-worthy ideas- Scaling a mission, building culture, and the future of educationSubscribe for more episodes and remember to always lift.More info:Connect with Adelle https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelle-schade/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BAlVYjmoAS%2FSVGNSzTanT1g%3D%3DTotal Experience Learning https://www.alvernia.edu/TExpLAbout Alvernia University https://www.alvernia.edu/

Today’s guest is Thomas Ripsam, CEO of C.F. Martin & Company, the legendary guitar maker founded in 1833 and revered by musicians worldwide. As Martin’s first non-family CEO, Thomas shares what it takes to honor nearly 200 years of history while still pushing the brand forward.In this conversation, we talk about:• Leading through change while protecting what makes a brand special• Craft, creativity, and the role of the artist in leadership• Culture, community, and building teams that stay connected• Curiosity, learning, and staying relevant in a fast-moving world• Sustainability and the future of makingThomas is a reminder that great leadership is not only strategy. It is imagination, intention, and heart.Subscribe for more episodes of Always Lifting.To learn more about Martin Guitars, check out https://www.martinguitar.com/Check out their playlists on https://open.spotify.com/album/2kLoVVEePr57PFAeulX4f7?si=zPctb95QREyEXsPstkoZAQConnect with Thomas on https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-ripsam/

Today’s guest is Erica Deuschle, Managing Partner of KW Main Line and the powerhouse behind the unforgettable brand Trust the Pineapple.From charging groceries on a credit card as a young mom starting in real estate to leading a $250M+ team ranked among the top in Pennsylvania, Erica’s journey is built on grit, faith, and relentless drive. But at the core of her success is something deeper: hospitality, authenticity, and heart.Erica shares openly about family, resilience, motherhood, and what it really takes to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process.Her message is simple and powerful: Don’t quit. Be kind. Trust your instincts. And trust the pineapple.Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, grit, and lifting others.

In this episode, Karen sits down with artist, sculptor, and muralist Greg Dy Young to talk about creativity, grit, and lifting others through art.After a life-changing injury in 2017 left him facing multiple surgeries and a long recovery, Greg made the bold decision to finally put his artwork into the world. What followed were award-winning exhibits, massive community murals, and powerful sculptures made from reclaimed materials.You will hear about:- The story behind the HOPE mural for suicide awareness- Designing the vibrant American Crane mural from blueprint to installation- Creating a custom metal eagle from shop materials- Why community art empowers people who “aren’t artists”- How resilience, rejection, and risk shape creative growthGreg’s work is bold, colorful, and instantly recognizable, but at its core, it is about connection. Whether he is transforming junk into sculpture or leading 175 employees in a community paint day, his mission is simple: use what you have to make something better than you found it.If a door opens, walk through it.Subscribe for more conversations on grit, leadership, and creativity!Learn more about Greg and his work, check out his page Follow him on socials: https://www.instagram.com/didyoungart/https://www.facebook.com/didyoung.art/Contact him at [email protected]

Karen sits down with Dr. Kryn McClain—licensed professional counselor, trauma therapist and founder of Paragon Behavioral Health and Catapollo VR—to explore how mental health, leadership and immersive virtual reality can work together to lift people higher. Kryn shares her journey building a people-first therapy practice to creating VR training modules that improve real-world outcomes. She also shares practical insights on regulating yourself as a leader, building healthy culture and expanding access to care.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Always Lifting 👉 Learn more about Paragon Behavioral Health Services https://www.paragonbhs.com/👉 Learn more about Catapollo VR https://catapallovr.com/👉 Learn more about the Adelyn Rose Foundation https://adalynrose.org/  / kryn-mcclain  

Karen sits down with friend and fellow second-generation leader Beth Hahn, President of Berkshire Systems Group and SAH, for a conversation on building culture that lasts. Beth shares how she grew from a small startup into leading a multi-location company—and why caring for your people, serving the community and leading with integrity are the real drivers of success.Beth’s story is proof that culture isn’t a slogan, it’s what you walk past, what you reinforce and what you build every day. When leaders truly care, people and communities rise with them.🔗 Learn more about Berkshire Systems Group at Berkshire Systems Group, Inc. (BSGI)💼 Connect with Beth (22) Beth Hahn | LinkedIn🎧 As always, like and subscribe to Always Lifting or stream it on all platforms 

Karen sits down with Ed “Kingfish” Lada, President & CEO of Goodwill Keystone Area, to explore how a $102M social enterprise is using workforce development, sustainability, and AI literacy to lift communities across 22 Pennsylvania counties. From re-entry success stories to “AI @ Home” and ethical tech conversations, Ed shares why the future of work must include everyone.Today's Conversation Covers:The story behind Ed’s “Kingfish” nickname and how his Louisiana roots continue to shape his purposeWhy Goodwill is truly more than a store and how donations power jobs, sustainability, and workforce developmentHow Goodwill launched its first AI literacy program and why AI skills matter for economic mobilityThe ethical questions surrounding AI and why capability doesn’t always equal responsibilityWhat leaders often overlook about creativity, time, and recognizing the impact of their work👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Always Lifting 👉 Learn more about Goodwill at www.yourgoodwill.org👉Connect with Ed at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardlada

Always Lifting dives deep into the intersection of technology, leadership, and humanity with strategist, coach, and “tech whisperer” Chad Harvey.Chad has a unique gift: he can walk into a room, talk about AI, and leave you feeling both smarter and more aware of just how much is changing around us. He recently led an AI training for our team at American Crane, sparking lightbulb moments that are still glowing.In this conversation, Chad and Karen explore:• How to separate shiny tech objects from real strategic value• Chad’s “AAA framework” for thinking about AI: Augment, Automate, Accelerate• Why mindset—and embracing discomfort—is critical for leaders and organizations• The future of work, jobs, and how AI is reshaping our skills and roles• What convergence of technologies could mean for our species and society• Why true leadership is about enabling others, not just leading themFrom Vikings to AI, from burnout to breakthroughs, Chad shares insights that will challenge you to rethink not just technology, but what it means to lift others in times of change.If you’ve ever wondered how to ride the AI wave instead of being crushed by it, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Always Lifting 👉 Learn more about Chad at https://chadharvey.com/👉Chad’s own show, AI for the C-Suite https://aiforthecsuite.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcharveyhttps://www.youtube.com/@ChadCHarveyhttps://www.instagram.com/chadcharveyhttps://www.facebook.com/ChadHarveyCoach/

Host Karen Norheim sits down with entrepreneur, storyteller, and award-winning business owner Freddy Vasquez, founder and “Big Cheese” of FXV Digital Design. Fresh off his company’s recognition at the 2025 Greater Reading Chamber Business Excellence Awards—right alongside American Crane—Freddy shares his inspiring journey from designing MySpace pages to building a thriving digital design agency.Together, Karen and Freddy dive into themes of: 🌟 Grit & risk-taking: how Freddy faced challenges and took bold leaps to grow his business🌟 The ups and downs of entrepreneurship: from losing jobs and maxing out credit cards to building      something lasting🌟 Business culture: creating a workplace rooted in authenticity, teamwork, and creativity🌟 Branding & storytelling: why personal and business branding matter for long-term success🌟 Community impact: giving back through toy drives, school outreach, and local partnershipsWith honesty, humor, and heart, Freddy reveals what it means to “create something awesome today” and how resilience, people, and purpose have shaped his success.If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone chasing a vision, this conversation will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to take the leap.📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode lifts you!🔗 Learn more about FXV Digitial Design at https://fxvdigital.com/Follow them on socials: https://www.facebook.com/FXVDigitalDesign/https://www.instagram.com/fxvdigital/https://www.tiktok.com/@fxvdigitalhttps://youtube.com/@fxvdigitalhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fxv-digital-design/

Karen sits down with Joni Naugle — “The CEO Whisperer” — to explore the power of coaching, leadership, and peer learning. As a Vistage Chair and executive coach, Joni has guided countless CEOs and leaders through chaos, uncertainty, and pivotal career moments.Together, Karen and Joni discuss:✨ How Joni became a Vistage Chair and what makes peer groups so impactful✨ The difference between leading and lifting others✨ Why silence is a leader’s secret superpower✨ Common blind spots CEOs face — and how to overcome them✨ The importance of making tough decisions and holding people accountable✨ The practices Joni uses to “fill her cup” and stay energized (including travel, guitar, and lifelong learning)This is a conversation about clarity, courage, and growth — and how great leaders create ripple effects that change lives.🔗 Learn more about Joni Naugle at https://naugleassoc.com🔗Connect with Joni at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joninaugle/🔗Learn more about Vistage at https://www.vistage.com/📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode lifts you!

Always Lifting with Karen Norheim is a video podcast exploring leadership, innovation, wellness, heritage, and grit — all through the lens of curiosity, resilience, and storytelling. Hosted by Karen Norheim, CEO of American Crane and Equipment Corporation, each episode dives into personal insights, leadership philosophies, and big ideas shaping your world. What does it mean to lift? Whether it’s lifting people, ideas, communities, or ourselves, these conversations are designed to expand perspectives and inspire growth.Whether you’re a leader, innovator, maker, or lifelong learner, you’ll find thought-provoking conversations to lift your perspective and fuel your journey.Subscribe to join us — and remember to Always Lift.