Built Different

“BESTIMONIALS: Why BEST Fitness Is Built Different”At Best Fitness Clubs, “big-box” doesn’t mean impersonal — it means big community. Their mission is simple:The Best People. The Best Options. The Best Results.For the 2025 finale of Built Different, I sat down with four of the Best —Taylor Hill, Rachel Meachem, Ryan Taylor, and Toni Werner —long-time coaches, trainers, and leaders who’ve helped shape the culture from the inside out.They shared why they believe Best Fitness isn’t just a gym…but a community where people become their strongest, sharpest, and most confident selves.These are their Bestimonials — and this is why the Best is yet to come.

 BUILT DIFFERENT x HER STRENGTHFounder Nora Matthew fell in love with strength training during her college athletics career — but her real transformation began when she became a mom.Expecting her first son in 2012, she realized how little guidance existed around safe, effective strength training during pregnancy and postpartum. That discovery sparked a mission — and soon after, Pregna-Fit was born: a signature program empowering women to stay strong through every season of motherhood.What began as a small prenatal community grew into Her Strength Studio, which Nora opened in 2018 — a space built by women, for women. Five years later, it expanded into a larger home in the heart of Latham, where it continues to inspire connection, confidence, and courage.In this episode, we talk about faith, family, and the power of purpose — including Nora’s made-for-Hallmark love story of how she met her husband and built both a business and a beautiful family of five boys.Because real strength isn’t just physical — it’s spiritual, emotional, and generational.

🎥 BUILT DIFFERENT: Dancing With the Stars – The Anchorman & The Anchorwoman Edition 💃🕺I’m joined by two of my co-stars lighting up both the newsroom and the dance floor — Casey Bortnick, Anchor for Spectrum News, and Giuliana Bruno, Anchor for News10 ABC.In this special Capital Region Dancing With The Stars episode, we dive deep into:🗞️ Their careers in journalism — what drives their storytelling and why local media still matters.💪 Their fitness journeys and how the Orangetheory Fitness community has helped them stay grounded, connected, and strong.❤️ The why behind their performances — the causes closest to their hearts: • Giuliana is dancing in honor of her brother Anthony, raising funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. • Casey is honoring his dog Remington (Remi) by supporting Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that provides guide dogs to those with vision loss.We talk life, struggle, laughter, and the power of movement — on stage, in the gym, and in the community.

Founded in 2018 by Jess Fuller and Annie Berdar, BARE Blends began as a movement toward healthier living and environmental sustainability — rooted in whole, plant-based ingredients with no added sugars, flavor enhancers, or artificial additives.What started as one small shop in Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany, NY, has grown into a brand with locations in multiple states and a loyal following of people who care about what they put into their bodies and the planet we share.In this episode, I sit down with Jess and Annie to reflect on their seven-year journey — the lessons learned, the mindset behind building a mission-driven business, and the community they’ve cultivated along the way.Jess also shares her deeply personal story of fighting breast cancer, opening up about how that experience reshaped her priorities around health, family, and entrepreneurship.This conversation is about more than smoothies — it’s about resilience, purpose, and building a life and brand that’s truly Bare at its best.🎙️ Listen now on Built Different — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Michael Kurkowski hosts The Strength Connection Podcast and Inspire Saratoga, where he brings together some of the most insightful minds in fitness, business, and personal development. We connected through the 518 Kettlebell Club and sat down for a Built Different conversation about what it means to grow into the best version of yourself—with strength as the starting point.Stay tuned. This one’s for the storytellers, the seekers, and the strong.

On this episode of BUILT DIFFERENT, I sit down with Elaina Sainato Renda (@elainamarie23) to explore a journey that spans from her family’s corner grocery store in Albany to New York City’s wellness world—and back home again. ✨Elaina’s story is one of true transformation. After overcoming her own battles with obesity, panic disorder, and chronic health challenges, she came home to build The Outlet (@pluginto.theoutlet)—a modern platform where wellness meets connection, and people can move forward together. 💫Between the two of us, we’ve lost over 350 pounds and gained strength in every area of life. In this conversation, we cover:The lessons from her personal health journeyBuilding The Outlet as a new model for wellness and communityHer experience with @capitalregiondwtsWhy @cristiano is the fantastical love of her lifeAnd how transformation goes beyond the physical, shaping every part of lifeIf you’re looking for real stories of growth, grit, and community-driven change, this episode is for you. 🔑👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more BUILT DIFFERENT conversations.

Sofia Gray is a NASM-certified trainer and senior sociology major at Union College who’s turning passion into purpose—leading strength classes, coaching peers, and helping build a healthier campus culture. We sat down to talk about what fitness means to her, and how she’s inspiring men and women alike to fall in love with finding their own strength.  #BuiltDifferent

From fitness instructor to full-blown founder, Sophia Filuta is a walking reminder that confidence is built not bought. In Part 1 of our Season 1 finale, I sat down with the creator of So Phit Fitness to talk about starting a business in your 20s, building a brand rooted in authenticity, and turning your daily life into content that moves people. From Capital Region cardio classes to curated content and cross country adventures-Sophia is as real and fun as it gets. Want the blueprint for building a life that's So Phit? Tune in now.

Bridging the words of fitness and skincare to help you look and feel your best-inside and out. As a licensed esthetician at Ehden Aesthetics and a team member at Hot Worx Latham, MacKenzie Shutts is passionate about using her own health & fitness journey to empower clients to take control of their wellness through education, consistency, and community.From infrared training sessions to medical-grade skincare plans, MacKenzie believes self-care should be intentional, personalized, and rooted in confidence. Whether you're showing up for your skin or showing up to sweat, MacKenzie is ready to help guide your way.

Through her vibrant Instagram page Saucy Suraci, Kristen Suraci has cultivated a devoted following of foodies, cocktail and mocktail lovers, and Upstate New York adventure-seekers. A proud Guilderland native, Kristen is deeply passionate about spotlighting the local businesses and the unique entrepreneurial spirit that sets the Capital Region apart from the rest of the country.We sat down for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from her practical approach to fitness—which gives her the gastronomic freedom to savor all kinds of sustenance and libations—to her love for all things local.

Back in February 2024, Alaina Pilarinos and I met while modeling in the Sweat & Style Fitness & Fashion Show—and we’ve been friends ever since.In this episode, we dive into her powerful fitness and family journey: from building a thriving hospitality group to becoming a standout group fitness instructor, nutrition coach, personal trainer, and transformation expert.Alaina lives and breathes the Greek value of philoxenia—the love of the stranger. Spend a few minutes listening to our conversation, and you’ll feel like part of the Pilarinos family too.

Dr. Kendra Zappia and Dr. Morgan Fryer both grew up in Mechanicville, NY and share more than just a passion for dentistry—they share a story of local roots, academic excellence, and a commitment to health in all its forms. Kendra graduated from Mechanicville High School, served as class president all four years at Siena College (B.S. in Biology, cum laude), and earned her D.D.S., cum laude, from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Morgan followed a remarkably similar path: Siena College Biology major (cum laude) and University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine grad (cum laude), all while growing up in the same hometown as her sister. I sat down with both of my dentists—who also happen to be sisters—to talk about their journey, their approach to fitness, and their approach to providing quality dental care with a healthy dose of personality.

Dr. Shivangi Patel, M.D. is a board-certified family medicine physician who practices preventive and primary care. Not only is she my primary care doctor—she’s also a good friend and workout partner.Shiv and I recently sat down for a conversation about her personal journey in life and fitness, which has taken her from Atlanta to Antigua and now to Albany. We covered a wide range of topics, including the difference between health care and sick care, and the vital role that wellness-centered conversations play in modern medicine.

In this episode, James Basile of Menands, New York shares his story of going from high school football player to fitness industry veteran and small business owner. We dive into the lessons he’s learned building SupplementCartel in Loudonville, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how both of us have navigated life after losing our fathers. Tune in for candid conversations on fitness, relationships, and resilience.

Dr. Paul E. Calarco, Jr.From the streets of New Rochelle to the soul of the Capital Region, Dr. Paul E. Calarco, Jr. is a modern Renaissance man whose passions defy easy categorization. If Jonathan Goldsmith is The Most Interesting Man in the World, Paul is the one catching up in the rearview—equal parts professor, poet, and philosopher.Paul holds both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies/Sociology. By day, he’s a professor at Hudson Valley Community College, where he blends critical thought with compassion, and where he is known for integrating holistic wellness into the classroom. By night, he might be spinning tracks as a DJ, guiding students through Bikram, Vinyasa, or Yin yoga, or conducting a sound healing session as a certified Reiki master.A yogi with a poet’s soul, Paul describes himself as a “seeker of knowledge,” embracing this lifetime as an opportunity to pursue “passion and love.” Whether through a quote from Paramahansa Yogananda or a verse from Biggie Smalls, he believes in connecting the mind, body, and spirit—on the mat, in the classroom, and in life.

Entrepreneur. Investor. Consultant. These are just some of the roles that Richard Mack of Wilton, New York plays in various aspects of his life. After high school, he struggled to find himself and slowly had his life fall apart as he fell deeper and deeper into alcoholism & depression. Growing up as an athlete, he knew that personal training and doing Crossfit was one of the few things that he loved and supported him physically and mentally.For the past decade, Richard has rebuilt his life through a powerful redemptive journey in sobriety. Going all in to become a better human by adopting a healthy lifestyle and surrounding himself with the right people. Our conversation touched on the lessons we've both learned on our fitness and wellness journeys including how we can work to build a better masculinity that's rooted in responsibility, character, and strength.

Kristen Garzone of Troy, New York is a wife, a mother, and leads an active lifestyle. She built a large following on Instagram in large part by documenting her marathon running journey. In real life and on social media, her life changed before, during, and post-pandemic as she navigated her own health journey. Kristen continues on her own road to personal redemption in part by slowly getting back into running. Her life story provides inspiration through her raw vulnerability and honesty working through complex physical, mental, and emotional heath issues including the meaning of motherhood.As she continues on her own fitness and wellness journey, Kristen is a courageous example of what it truly means to have the heart of a lion and to be your own freedom fighter.

Sonya Smith is the definition of a strong and successful woman. In her professional life, Sonya is the SUNY State Director of the New York Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) where she continues to make history as the first woman and first African-American to lead New York's vast SBDC network. As a fitness enthusiast, Sonya is a dynamic athlete who has played many sports and competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions. Sonya and I sat down to discuss her fitness and wellness journey and also ended up comparing notes on how prioritizing fitness and wellness impacts dating and relationships.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Maya Banks grew up as an All-Academic Student and All-American Athlete graduating from Guilderland High School in New York's Capital Region. As a Division I Student-Athlete at San Diego State, Maya studied Political Science during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and realized her renewed love of yoga while battling frustration over injuries that derailed her playing career.In "Our Convo Like Wo," Maya and I learned more about our shared passions for strength training, yoga, and public service.

Born in Albany, New York, Jenna Snide-Papielion began dancing at the age of three. She grew up studying tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. As a teenager, Jenna began exploring her passion as an educator teaching dance to other children. That passion led her to founding the Capital District Arts Initiative with her brother that provides an array of dance and theatre programming. Jenna and I discussed our shared common thread in growing up as performers and how we bring our artistic lenses to our ongoing fitness and faith journeys.

For over a decade, Tommie Burch of Schenectady, New York has had a yoga practice and found this practice of balancing mind, body, and spirit to be transformational. She is now a certified barre instructor, prenatal yoga instructor, and a Pilates teacher. Tommie and I discuss the spiritual arena of yoga, building a positive relationship of self-identity, and finding your true power & strength when you center your life on fitness and wellness.For more information on Tommie visit: https://balancebytommie.com/

John DeMichele is 71 years young and a faithful member of Metabolic Fitness in Colonie, New York. After 46 years of marriage, his wife, Colleen, entered into eternal rest following a brief but fierce battle against ovarian cancer in December of 2023. John and I discuss life, fitness community, and shared our insights on our respective fitness and grief journeys on the debut episode of "Built Different."