“Discomfort isn’t a problem. It’s an opening.”

In this powerful installment of Fire Talks, Katie Clark (Co-Founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP) gets incredibly raw about a terrifying week. When her 17-month-old son suffered an unexpected febrile seizure, Katie and her husband Nick were thrown into a world of uncertainty and panic. But as the crisis passed, the real work began: navigating the "aftershocks"—the lingering unsettledness that most of us try to outrun.

In this episode, Katie breaks down:

• The Anatomy of an Aftershock: Why we feel "off" even after the crisis is over, and why that’s actually a sign of integration.

• Yoga Off the Mat: How years of Baptiste Power Yoga practice provided the tools to stay grounded when the mind wanted to spin.

• Data vs. Danger: A perspective shift on why discomfort is actually "data" telling you exactly where your next level of growth is waiting.

• The Choice Point: How to recognize the moment you’re standing at an "opening" and choose the person you’re becoming over the person you used to be.

Whether you’re a parent navigating a scare, an entrepreneur facing a setback, or an athlete hitting a wall, this episode is a masterclass in staying present when life feels wobbly.

Keep the Fire Burning:⚡️ Sponsored by Kumquat Energy & Hydration—Stay fueled for the wild ride of life.🏝 Join us in Panama! Our Costa Rica retreat is SOLD OUT, but we are officially booking for the 2027 Panama Retreat. If you’re ready to untame your soul at the edge of the world, visit https://www.spotteddogyoga.com/retreats to claim your spot.

Follow Katie & Spotted Dog Yoga:https://www.instagram.com/spotteddogyoga_folsom/?hl=en

In this episode, Founder Nick Clark sit down with Shelley Martell, the powerhouse behind Hearts 4 Heroes USA, right here at the Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP studio.

Shelley shares the deeply personal story of how her late dog, Scooby, inspired a mission that is now transforming the lives of first responders across the country—all starting from the organization's roots right here in Folsom, CA.

We dive into the incredible impact of the "Paw Platoon"—specialized therapy dogs trained to support the mental health of our heroes.

While the mission has expanded into four states, Shelley discusses how the foundation was built on local soil, including the story of Blitz, the first therapy dog placed within the local fire department.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:Founded in Folsom: How a paramedic’s bond with his dog in the local community grew into a multi-state nonprofit based right here in town.

The "Probie" Approach: Why Hearts 4 Heroes USA starts training puppies at 4 weeks old to handle the high-stress demands of first responder life.

Community Partnerships: The long-standing collaboration between Hearts 4 Heroes USA and Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, including our weekly charity classes.

The Legacy of Scooby: The emotional story of how one dog's life led to the placement of 26 (and counting) specialized therapy dogs.

Whether you're a first responder, a dog lover, or someone who believes in the power of mental health wellness, this episode is a testament to the healing power of the human-canine bond born right in our backyard.

Give Back.Visit Hearts 4 Heroes USA: https://hearts4heroesusa.org/

Saturday Yoga (Weekly) : 11 AM at Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP and online. $5 donation goes directly to our first responder programs. https://spotteddogyogasup.union.site/

"If you’re in hell, keep going." Growing up as a farmer’s daughter, Jen Smith learned early that toughness was the only way through. But after a high-stakes career and a life-altering divorce, she realized the "fire-breathing dragon" approach was no longer serving her.

In this episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, Nick Clark sits down with founder, philanthropist, and modern-day rancher Jen Smith to discuss the "un-pretty" side of personal growth. From moving her son to a dirt-road ranch to find silence, to the literal moment she had to lock herself in a walk-in cooler to reset her system, Jen shares how she traded anger for vulnerability.

Discover why "I am open to receive" is the most dangerous and beautiful mantra you can adopt, and why the most "delicious transformation" happens in the messy transitions of life.

Connect with Jen Smith: www.jensmith.co

Connect with Nick Clark & Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP: www.spotteddogyoga.com

"The universe is a barista, and it doesn't care if you're 'undecided'—it only hears what you focus on."

In this episode of Play Hard and Love Big Radio, host Katie Clark (Co-Founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP) breaks down the Black Coffee Theory. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel "stuck" despite trying to change, the answer might be in the orders you’re placing.

Katie explains why saying "I don't want to be stressed" is actually an instruction to stay stressed, and how shifting your language from "don't want" to "I am" creates an immediate blueprint for a new reality.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the "Black Coffee Theory" dictates your daily reality.

• Why the universe ignores the word "don't" and how to rephrase your intentions.

• Practical shifts to move from scarcity/stress to abundance and vitality.

• How to "Live Spotted" by placing bold, intentional orders for 2026.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITY:Ready to lead? Our Awaken 200-Hour Teacher Training starts January 29th! For the first time ever, we are including a FREE SUP Yoga Training with your enrollment. Spots are limited by the number of boards we have—don't sleep on this.👉 [Link to Awaken Training]

Sponsor Shoutout:Huge thanks to Kumquat Energy & Hydration for fueling our community. Stay energized and hydrated while you chase your biggest goals.

Connect with us:Instagram: @SpottedDogYoga_FolsomWeb: www.spotteddogyoga.com

#Manifestation #MindsetShift #YogaTeacherTraining #BlackCoffeeTheory #PersonalGrowth #2026Goals #SpottedDogYoga

"Soccer is the vehicle, but character is the destination."

This week, we sit down with London native, sports science expert and the director of coaching for the El Dorado Hills Soccer Club... Glenn Shepherd.

Glenn’s journey took him from the elite swimming pools of Europe to the sidelines of Stamford Bridge with Chelsea FC, and eventually to the heart of the El Dorado Hills Soccer Club (EDHSC).

Glenn spent years at Chelsea analyzing the best players on earth, but today, his focus is on making the world a better place by providing an awesome experience for our local youth.

He joins Nick Clark, All-American Goalkeeper, Division 2 National Champion & co-founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, to break down how EDHSC is redefining the "youth sports experience" by prioritizing mentorship, fun, and holistic development over the scoreboard.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The EDHSC Mission: Why creating a world-class environment is about building better humans, not just better athletes.

• The Science of Fun: Why "joy" is the secret ingredient to performance and how Glenn is bringing that intentionality to our local fields.

• The Coaching Gap: How Glenn and EDHSC are mentoring local coaches to ensure every child—from recreational to competitive—has a leader they can look up to.

• The Power of Belonging: How a local soccer club becomes the heartbeat of a town like El Dorado Hills, providing a "third space" where kids can grow, fail safely, and find their confidence.

• The "Dreamer" Mindset: Glenn’s advice to young players on how to put their "mind and soul" into something they love to achieve their biggest goals.

Whether you're a soccer parent, a dedicated coach, or a community leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why we show up every week! It’s about more than soccer—it’s about the future of our community.

Is our "always-on" digital culture breaking our health?

In this powerful episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, Nick Clark sits down with Dr. Ron Simms, founder of Back to Health Chiropractic, to discuss the physical and emotional toll of modern life. From speaking to the Oak Ridge Girls Basketball team about "Tech Neck" to navigating the deep waters of grief and the "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD) that hits in the winter, this conversation is a roadmap for local families looking to get back to health.

We dive deep into:

• The Gen Z Crisis: Why the "Anxious Generation" is struggling with socialization and how local sports and community can help.

• The Science of Grief: How emotional pain manifests in the body (specifically the lungs) and how to move through it.

• The "Shift" Happens: A nostalgic look at growing up in Folsom, learning to drive a stick-shift on Sutter Street, and why manual labor is good for the soul.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Dr. Ron’s top tips for staying motivated, hydrated, and active during the grey winter months in El Dorado Hills, California.

• Building a Durable Life: Why a strong "tribe"—whether at Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP or a local mountain biking group—is the ultimate medicine for isolation.

"It’s for anyone, but it’s not for everyone." At Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, we don’t just teach classes; we provide a methodology for a better life. In this episode, Nick and Katie Clark get real about why they chose to become the first Baptiste Power Yoga affiliate in California & why they remain the only Baptiste Power Yoga affiliate in the Sacramento Valley.

If you’ve been practicing with us and wondering "what’s next," or if you’re looking for a yoga home that offers more than just a workout, this conversation is for you.

What you’ll discover:

• The Power of Consistency: Why our unified teaching style helps you progress faster than at "random" studios.

• Beyond the Physical: How the Three Pillars (Asana, Meditation, and Inquiry) heal relationships and clear mental clutter.

• The Teacher Training "Time" Myth: Why our 200-hour program actually gives you more time and clarity in your daily life.

• Getting Out to Go In: Why we ditch the mirrors and the "thinking" to help you find your true intuition.

How do you build a movement that outlives your own efforts? Liz Veyhl didn’t just open a yoga studio; she built a "service army." In this episode of Play Hard & Love Big Radio, host Nick Clark, founder of Spotted Dog Yoga & SUP, sits down with Liz Veyhl, the founder of Small World Yoga in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss the logistics of creating massive community impact.

From witnessing the power of yoga in the slums of Nairobi to managing over 100 teachers in the "Music City," Liz shares the blueprint for turning a personal passion into a city-wide non-profit.

Learn more about Liz and Small World Yoga at https://smallworldyoga.org/

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Sign" from the Universe: How a corporate layoff on May 31st was the exact "push" Liz needed to meet her goal of launching her business full-time.

• The Revenue Model: How Small World Yoga balances a 501(c)3 non-profit with an affordable physical studio ($10 drop-ins!) to reach 85+ community partners, including libraries, recovery centers, and prisons.

• The "Jake’s Bakes" Strategy: Lessons learned from her husband’s journey of starting a warm-cookie delivery business from a catering kitchen and eventually selling it to a major brand.

• Human-to-Human Connection: Why physical community and "real-life hugs" are more vital now than ever in a remote-work world.

• Generational Mindfulness: How Liz’s yoga practice is rubbing off on her children as she prepares to welcome her third baby.