KINGS AND QUEENS IN DALLAS

Join Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, for a conversation about how he has championed the integration of fitness and healthcare, while emphasizing the vital role that qualified exercise professionals play in preventing chronic disease, reducing health disparities, and improving quality of life. Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM Biography Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Council on Exercise (ACE), one of the leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to health and fitness education and certification. Dr. Bryant is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, author, and leading voice in exercise science and public health. He has spent more than three decades advancing the science of exercise, elevating professional standards, and championing the role of physical activity in improving individual and community health. Dr. Bryant is widely respected for his contributions to exercise science, behavior change, healthy aging, and chronic disease prevention. He is the author or co-author of more than 400 published articles and 40 textbooks and has served in numerous advisory and leadership roles across public health, medical fitness, and research organizations. His work has supported major initiatives, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Active People, Healthy Nation program, the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Obesity Solutions. A Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Dr. Bryant earned both his master’s degree in exercise science and doctorate in physiology from The Pennsylvania State University. In recognition of his exceptional professional achievements and service, he received Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the university’s highest honor. The award recognizes graduates whose personal lives, professional accomplishments, and community service exemplify the ideals of the university. Throughout his career, Dr. Bryant has championed the integration of fitness and healthcare, emphasized the vital role that qualified exercise professionals play in preventing chronic disease, reducing health disparities, and improving quality of life. In recognition of his decades of leadership, innovation, and service to the health and fitness profession, he was selected for induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, one of the professions highest honors. Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Melissa Sundermann will discuss how health is shaped far beyond the walls of the medical office. Drawing from her work in Lifestyle Medicine, her “Doctor Outdoors” platform, and her leadership in Social Prescribing and Nature as Medicine, she will explore practical ways to help people live healthier, more connected, and more vibrant lives. Biography Melissa Sundermann, DO, DipABLM, FACLM, is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Known as “Doctor Outdoors,” she is a nationally recognized leader in Lifestyle Medicine, Nature as Medicine, and Social Prescribing and currently serves as Medical Director of Lifestyle Medicine at Corewell Health. Dr. Sundermann is the Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Lifestyle Medicine Initiative and the Founding Chair of the Nature as Medicine Subcommittee for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She also serves as an advisor to organizations advancing Social Prescribing and innovative approaches to whole-person health. She is the author of Doctor Outdoors’ Guide to Nature and Lifestyle Medicine and is passionate about helping people cultivate greater health, vitality, connection, and resilience through evidence-based lifestyle practices and time in nature. A lifelong endurance athlete, she has completed 13 Boston Marathons and three full Ironman triathlons. Linked In Profile Instagram Profile Revive! Lifestyle Medicine Well-Being Coaching Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How we age is shaped by more than the passing years. This conversation explores how fear can limit our choices, how purpose gives us a reason to keep growing, and how the stories we tell ourselves influence what we believe is possible in later life. Healthy Ageing isn't only about adding years to your life. It's about understanding what keeps us engaged with life- and recognizing when fear rather than ability, has begun to decide how we're going to live those years. Ken Baldwin Ken is the Co-Founder of the Healthy Ageing Institute, with over three decades of experience in the Fitness and Education Industry. He has played a pivotal role in bringing leading global education, equipment and certification programs to Australia, helping elevate industry standards for coaches, trainers and allied health professionals. Ken is passionate about bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, particularly in supporting adults 45+. Through the Healthy Ageing Institute, he is focused on advancing a Whole-Person approach to health, integrating movement, nutrition, recovery and lifestyle factors to improve long-term outcomes. He is also a driving force behind the Healthy Ageing Summit, bringing together experts across disciplines to shape the future of healthy ageing in Australia. FB: Healthyageinginstitute Website www.healthyageinginstitue.com Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a Pain Scientist, Author, and leading voice in pain science whose work helps people understand that pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. In The Pain Management Workbook, she combines neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and practical self-management strategies to help individuals better understand their pain, calm the nervous system, reduce pain-related distress, and regain a greater sense of control, confidence, and quality of life. Dr. Rachel Zoffness Biography Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a pain scientist and thought-leader revolutionizing the way we understand and treat pain. She's an assistant clinical professor at UCSF, lectures at Stanford, and consults on the development of pain management programs around the world. Dr. Zoffness’s new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is being translated to 27 languages. Website: Zoffness.com Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This timely conversation explores the growing interest in peptides—short chains of amino acids that act as natural messengers, helping cells communicate and supporting important functions such as muscle health, metabolism, sleep, recovery, and healthy aging. The discussion examines how peptides occur naturally in the body and certain foods, how oral peptides move through digestion, how they differ from synthetic or injectable forms, and why peptide science is attracting so much attention. It also highlights the future of peptide research and the passion that ultimately led to the development of MAKE Wellness. Mimi Allen Biography Mimi is a San Diego native with a background in pharmaceutical sales, plant-based wellness, and longevity science. She started her career in dermatological pharmaceutical sales, where she developed a strong foundation in skincare, health, and aging, which ultimately sparked her passion for optimizing wellness from the inside out. She went on to gain hands on experience in the emerging CBD industry, further strengthening her dedication to natural, plant-derived wellness solutions. Today, Mimi is focused on MAKE Wellness, a company transforming the way we think about healthy aging, performance, and vitality through bioactive precision peptides derived from plants and food, designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural systems. Attracted to MAKE’s science backed innovation and leadership in a fast-growing category, Mimi joined the company after recognizing both the strength of the research and the potential of this new frontier in wellness. MAKE Wellness achieved $117 million in revenue in its first year, highlighting the strong demand for its groundbreaking approach. As a single mother of two sons, Mimi is deeply committed to supporting health-conscious adults, especially those 40 and older, who want to age well while preserving their energy, strength, mental clarity, appearance, and overall quality of life. She is passionate about sharing natural, science driven solutions that nourish the body from within and help people stay active and thriving for years to come. It’s all about HEALTHSPAN and not lifespan. Website: https://makewellness.com/mimi/Shopping/Share?promo=give10 Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.