In this heartwarming, barn-side episode of the Awesome Advisor Podcast, I visit the Windy Rock Equon Center in Clear Spring, Maryland, to finally meet my long-time coworker and friend, Sandra (Sandy) Burney—and her beautiful American Quarter Horse, also named Sandy. From the crunch of winter coats to the sparkle of “copper penny” summer shine, we get hands-on with grooming, learn what dressage really is, and talk horse care basics: currying, brushing, hoof picking, thrush, bot eggs, safety around legs and hooves, and why herd life matters for horses. Sandra shares her journey—from growing up around horses to working in dressage barns, military life detours, and coming back to riding hunter-jumper—plus the deep, calming connection horses offer, especially in therapeutic programs for veterans and adults with disabilities.

We saddle up for a slow, confidence-building ride, explore bitless bridles and proper tack fit, and have real talk about safety, respect for the animal, and the realities of horse ownership (laminitis, colic, barn management, and farrier work). You’ll hear barn cat cameos, boot-fitting laughs, and the joyful moment I climb aboard for my first ride in ages. If you love horses—or want to—you’ll feel the bond, the learning, and the awe these magnificent “tall dogs” bring to our lives. Remember: you are enough, you matter, and today is the best day of your life.

In this heart-centered episode recorded at the Appalachian Snail Market & Cafe in Bolivar, West Virginia, Kim and I welcome our friend Liz for an open, unpolished conversation about consciously choosing what we take from others. We explore how we’re all “programmed” by upbringing, then reshaped by the people, energies, and ideas we meet along the way—keeping what resonates and gently putting down what doesn’t. From grieving and growth to empathy and “holding space,” we talk about power and awareness, listening without absorbing, and following what feels peaceful. We also share personal stories—proud tears, angry cries, accents we accidentally mirror, and the rocks we choose to carry—to illustrate how to protect your energy, be intentional with influences (including media), and surround yourself with people who lift you higher.

Takeaways: Notice what feels light versus heavy, choose the traits and energies that truly support you, release what isn’t yours, be selective about what you watch and listen to, and honor yourself by moving toward what makes your heart happy.

I finally hit record! On Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026), Kim and I launched The Awesome Adviser from the snowy Little Stony Man trail in Shenandoah National Park. As we crunched along in our “micro cleats,” we dug into our first big idea: being a social chameleon. We talk about how the people we spend time with leave us with pieces—beliefs, habits, energy—that we can intentionally carry forward. When your tribe is full of good people, those pieces can help you become a more awesome version of yourself. I also share the origin story of my grandma name—Grandma Juju—born the night my newborn granddaughter finally stopped crying in my arms and my son dubbed me the keeper of “magic juju.” From reflections and friendships to windy overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley (and a cameo from a red‑tailed hawk), this short, on‑the‑move first episode sets the tone: real conversations, a little adventure, and practical inspiration to help you recognize the awesomeness already in you.

• 'Shenandoah National Park (Official NPS)': https://www.nps.gov/shen/
• 'Stony Man Hike (Official NPS Thing To Do)': https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/stony-man.htm
• 'Little Stony Man via Appalachian Trail (Trail Overview)': https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/little-stony-man-via-appalachian-trail
• 'Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Official NPS)': https://www.nps.gov/appa/
• 'Shenandoah Valley (Encyclopaedia Britannica)': https://www.britannica.com/place/Shenandoah-Valley
• 'Appalachian Mountains (Encyclopaedia Britannica)': https://www.britannica.com/place/Appalachian-Mountains
• 'Red-tailed Hawk (Audubon Field Guide)': https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/red-tailed-hawk