Live Well and Thrive with Mike Torchia

#51 Regina LaFrance | From Darkness to Empowerment

In this powerful episode of the Live Well and Thrive podcast, I sit down with Regina LaFrance, an extraordinary woman whose resilience and strength are truly inspiring. Regina opens up about her harrowing experience surviving childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted authority figure and the profound impact it had on her life. Despite the immense trauma, she has emerged stronger, choosing to channel her past into advocacy and healing for others.
Regina discusses her book, Shayla, which dives into her painful past while tracing her path to self-acceptance and empowerment. She stresses the importance of recognizing signs of distress in children and raising awareness to help prevent abuse. Her story is not just about survival but about thriving—and through her nonprofit, the Ladybug Movement, she’s helping others do the same.
She also emphasizes the importance of speaking out and supporting others who have faced similar challenges. Regina's message is clear: healing is possible, and with courage and support, anyone can overcome their past.
Join us for an episode that’s both heart-wrenching and uplifting, as we talk about the journey from victimhood to empowerment and the critical importance of listening to and believing in children’s voices.
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MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
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#50 Betsy Foster | Creating a Community of Wellness at Love.Life

In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Betsy Foster, co-founder of Love.Life, a groundbreaking wellness community that combines healing, spiritual, emotional, fitness, and medical services in one place. Love Life offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to health that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit while fostering a strong sense of community.
Betsy shares how her experience at Whole Foods led her to create Love.Life, where members can access an extensive range of services such as functional training, cardio, physical therapy, meditation, yoga, massage, cold plunges, red light therapy, gene testing, vitamin IVs, and hormone replacement. Everything is designed to help people achieve optimal health in a single, beautifully crafted space.
We also discuss the unique features of Love.Life’s El Segundo facility, including personalized care plans, advanced medical testing, and a welcoming environment that encourages connection and support. Whether someone is looking to improve their fitness, recovery, or overall well-being, Love.Life offers a variety of membership options to meet those needs.
Betsy highlights the exciting plans for expanding Love.Life across the United States and internationally, as well as the importance of creating a space that is inclusive for all, including those with special needs and disabilities.
Tune in and learn how Love.Life could change the way you approach your health!
Learn more about Love Life: ⁠⁠https://love.life/⁠⁠
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WEBSITE ⁠www.operationfitness.com⁠
MERCH HERE ⁠https://www.operationfitness.com/store/⁠
INSTAGRAM ⁠www.instagram.com/miketorchia⁠
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#49 Dru Hammer | Hammered Hearts and Healing Journeys

I sit down with the inspiring Dru Hammer, author of Hammered. Dru shares her incredible journey of resilience and faith, diving into the powerful lessons from her book and her personal experiences. We talk about her challenges, including her marriage, her son Armie Hammer, and the pivotal moments that led her to start the Hammered Heart Foundation.
Dru’s story is one of strength, grace, and transformation. Her faith and commitment to helping others through her foundation, which supports single parents and children in need, truly resonate. In our conversation, she reminds us that no one comes through life unscathed, but we all have the ability to find healing and purpose in our struggles.
If you’re looking for inspiration and insight into how to overcome life’s toughest moments, this episode offers heartfelt wisdom you won’t want to miss. Join me as we explore Dru Hammer’s remarkable journey and the lessons we can all learn from it.
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WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/miketorchia
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#48 Alan Klingbeil | Hollywood vs. Power Slap

I sit down with the incredibly talented Alan Klingbeil, who's making waves both as an actor and a top competitor in the rising sport of Power Slap. Alan's journey is truly inspiring—he went from amateur MMA to being ranked in the top five of his Power Slap division, while also landing impressive roles like playing a sheriff on The Walker and gearing up for a major supporting role in a mystery thriller set in Greece.
We dive into his rigorous training, the science behind his success in Power Slap, and how his background in martial arts has shaped both his physical and mental discipline. Alan shares some fascinating insights into the importance of negative training and how exercise impacts brain function, making this episode a must-listen for anyone aiming to excel in multiple areas of life. Don't miss the chance to hear from someone who's balancing two intense careers and thriving in both.
 
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WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com⁠
MERCH HERE ⁠https://www.operationfitness.com/store/⁠
INSTAGRAM ⁠www.instagram.com/miketorchia⁠
LINKTREE ⁠www.linktr.ee/miketorchia⁠

#47 Athena Vas | Embracing the 'F*CK IT' Mindset

In this episode of Live Well and Thrive, I have a heartfelt conversation with the incredible Athena Vas. Known for winning The Bachelor in 2020, Athena is much more than a television personality; she's an author, mathematician, and a passionate advocate for personal growth.
We explore her bold new book, "F*ck It", where she encourages everyone to let go of past setbacks and seize life's opportunities. Athena shares how her philosophy can transform challenges into blessings and guide you toward achieving your dreams. We also discuss her work teaching math to prisoners, helping them build a foundation for a better future, and her spontaneous decision to compete in the vintage division at the Muscle Beach competition.
Athena's intelligence, authenticity, and dedication to helping others shine throughout our conversation. If you're ready to overcome obstacles and live life on your own terms, this episode is packed with insights to inspire you. Don't miss out—tune in and let's thrive together!
 
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ORDER ATHENA'S BOOK: www.athenavas.com
WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
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#46 Sebastian Siegel | Grace, Grit, and Gains - Applying Fitness Principles to Life's Success

British-American writer, director, author & Integral therapist Sebastian Siegel’s work focuses on health through courage and consciousness. He is one of the few natural athletes in the world to appear on over 100 fitness magazine covers. Sebastian’s acclaimed movie GRACE AND GRIT (adapted from Ken Wilber’s true story) opened at The Chinese Theatre IMAX, and is one of the most watched movies in Latin America. In the U.S. it streams on Amazon and Apple. Sebastian is the creator of Lucid Dreaming Adventure, and works with a range of high functioning clients at his offices in Santa Monica. “Sebastian Siegel unites with tools of compassion.”
- James Hollis, Ph.D. director emeritus of the Jung Center of Houston“Sebastian Siegel has appeared on over 100 magazine covers from Men’s Fitness to Iron Man and has either represented or owned portions of companies that have sold for values from 12M to 280M.”
Business Rockstars Radio
"Like the book it’s adapted from, this film is brilliant. [Sebastian Siegel’s] Grace and Grit will shake you, and maybe even awaken you in some way. This movie is a must-see, especially for anyone interested in love or consciousness.” 
John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods  
“I’m now at a stage where I’m just tipping over the dark night of the soul, and this film [Grace and Grit] has been very good for me because there’s a fine edge between existential despair and then suddenly liberation”  
Deepak Chopra  
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Welcome to another powerful episode of Live Well and Thrive. I’m honored to welcome back my longtime friend, Sebastian Siegel, a remarkable talent and a true embodiment of commitment and discipline.
In this episode, Sebastian and I explore the deep connection between bodybuilding, work ethic, and success in life. From his early years in fitness to his evolution as a filmmaker and spiritual leader, Sebastian shares how the dedication he learned through training has influenced every aspect of his life. We talk about the importance of follow-through—whether in the gym or in real life—and how that level of commitment can shape who you become.
We also touch on the current state of bodybuilding and the alarming trend of excessive drug use, contrasting today’s scene with the classic physiques of legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane. Sebastian brings his unique perspective on staying balanced and grounded in a sport that often pushes people to extremes.
On top of that, we dive into Sebastian's acclaimed film Grace and Grit, a project that reflects his passion for storytelling and perseverance. It’s inspiring to hear how he’s applied the same principles of focus and resilience from bodybuilding to filmmaking, creating a movie that touches audiences across the world.
Tune in as we discuss what it really means to live with purpose, stay disciplined, and inspire others to follow their path. It’s an episode full of insights for anyone striving to better themselves. Be sure to share it with someone who could use a bit of motivation today!
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Sebastian's Website: www.sebastiansiegal.com
WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/miketorchia
LINKTREE www.linktr.ee/miketorchia
 
 

#45 Dan Clark | From Gladiator to Survivor

Welcome to another powerful episode of Live Well and Thrive, where I sit down with my long-time friend and former American Gladiator superstar, Dan Clark, better known as Nitro. Dan's not just a Gladiator—he’s an author, producer, and the subject of the Netflix documentary Muscles and Mayhem.
In this episode, Dan opens up about the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. We talk about his heart attack and back surgery, and how those near-death experiences forced him to rethink everything. From his battle with grief and mental health to breaking through the pressure of being seen as invincible, Dan’s journey is raw, vulnerable, and full of introspection. He’s not afraid to tackle the tough topics like therapy, addiction, and the importance of men embracing vulnerability.
We also dive into the behind-the-scenes process of his documentary and his latest creative projects, including an inspiring new film about a blind DEA agent. Dan is proof that even the strongest among us need help sometimes, and that resilience isn’t just about muscle—it’s about the heart and mind.
You don’t want to miss this candid conversation that reminds us all of the power of self-awareness, healing, and the pursuit of well-being. Be sure to subscribe and share this episode with those you care about—because living well and thriving is a journey we all deserve.
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WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/miketorchia
LINKTREE www.linktr.ee/miketorchia

#44 Michele Kanan | From PTA Mom to Emmy Winner

I sit down with the incredibly talented Michele Kanan. You might know her as the Emmy Award-winning producer and wife of actor Sean Kanan, but there’s so much more to her story. From being a PTA mom and a passionate fundraiser to navigating major life transitions, Michelle opens up about her journey of self-discovery and transformation.
We dive into the moment she decided to leave her past behind and embrace a new chapter of her life—one that led her to Sean and a partnership grounded in mutual respect and support. She also shares how her Italian roots, motherhood, and dedication to making a difference have shaped who she is today. Michelle’s story is full of powerful lessons on balance, love, and following your heart, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that’s sure to leave you inspired!
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WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/miketorchia
LINKTREE www.linktr.ee/miketorchia
 

#43 Sean Kanan | Way of the Cobra

In this episode of Live Well and Thrive, I’m thrilled to welcome the incredibly versatile Sean Kanan. You may know Sean from his iconic role in Karate Kid 3 and the smash hit series Cobra Kai, but there's so much more to his story. From acting to writing, producing, and even cooking, Sean's talents are as diverse as they are impressive.
Sean opens up about the surreal experience of returning to his Karate Kid roots after 35 years, this time with Cobra Kai Season 6. We dive into the world of martial arts on screen, discussing the authenticity of his performances and how he’s managed to stay in such phenomenal shape over the years.
But this conversation goes deeper than just Hollywood. Sean shares a powerful and personal journey of overcoming significant challenges—weight gain, career uncertainty, and battling demons. He talks about the turning point when his wife, Michelle, became the force that drove him to change his life for the better. His books, Way of the Cobra and Welcome to the Kumite, detail the strategies and mindset shifts that helped him transform from a place of mediocrity to one of success.
We also connect on the importance of positive reinforcement and mentorship—something I know firsthand from my own journey, including unforgettable lessons learned from legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sean’s story of survival, especially his near-death experience while filming Karate Kid 3, and his determination to complete the film despite the odds, is nothing short of inspiring.
Join us for this heartfelt and motivational discussion that will leave you empowered to take on your own battles. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Sean’s incredible story.

#42 Frank Grillo | Fitness, Film, and the Fighting Spirit

I’m excited to kick off the new season of Live Well and Thrive with a truly captivating conversation with my friend, the incredibly talented Frank Grillo. Originally from New York, Frank’s journey from training clients at Gold’s Gym to becoming a Hollywood actor is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
In this episode, Frank and I take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our early days and our mutual passion for fitness. Frank opens up about his martial arts training in Thailand, his experiences working alongside legends like Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson, and the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder in life. You’ll hear some unforgettable stories, like our Saturday lunches with Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the valuable lessons Frank learned from these icons.
We also dive into Frank’s notable roles, including his transformative performance in Warrior, the challenges and rewards he faced in the TV series Kingdom, and the behind-the-scenes stories from his time on the set of Tulsa King. Frank shares insights into his disciplined lifestyle, his unique approach to nutrition and training, and the sacrifices he’s made along the way to achieve his goals.
This episode is not just a look at Frank’s remarkable career but also a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I couldn’t think of a better way to start the new season, and I hope you’ll join us for this engaging and heartfelt discussion with Frank Grillo.
 
(From Wikipedia)
Frank Anthony Grillo (born June 8, 1965) is a seasoned American actor recognized for his dynamic roles in both film and television. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he's best known for his portrayal of Brock Rumlow, also known as Crossbones, across three major superhero films and a related series. Grillo has also made a significant impact in the action-horror genre, starring as Sergeant Leo Barnes in two installments of The Purge franchise.
His filmography includes standout performances in movies such as Warrior (2011), The Grey (2012), End of Watch (2012), Zero Dark Thirty (2012), Wolf Warrior 2 (2017), Wheelman (2017), and Boss Level (2021).
On television, Grillo has demonstrated his versatility with a leading role in Kingdom (2014–2017). His TV career also features recurring roles in series such as Battery Park (2000), For the People (2002–2003), The Shield (2002–2003), Prison Break (2005–2006), Blind Justice (2005), The Kill Point (2007), and Billions (2020).

#41 Kanya Sesser | Living Beyond Limits

Join me, Mike Torchia, on this episode of Live Well and Thrive as I welcome the remarkable Kanya Sesser. From being abandoned as a baby in Thailand to becoming a beacon of positivity and resilience, Kanya shares her incredible journey of overcoming challenges and redefining what it means to live with a disability.
Discover how Kanya's vibrant energy and indomitable spirit have led her to break barriers in fashion, sports, and entertainment. Listen as she recounts her experiences as a model, athlete, and actress, including her daring stunts and roles in popular TV shows and movies.
Through heartfelt conversations, Kanya opens up about her early life, her supportive adoptive family, and the lessons that have shaped her unwavering optimism. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing one's unique strengths.
Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with stories of triumph, love, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
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WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/miketorchia
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#40 Dr. Ilan Kedan | Revolutionizing Heart Health with Portable Ultrasound Technology

In this episode, I'm excited to introduce a remarkable guest, Dr. Ilan Kedan, a renowned cardiologist based in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Kedan offers a unique and cutting-edge service by bringing state-of-the-art portable ultrasound technology directly to your home or office. This non-invasive device allows him to scan for plaque buildup in your arteries without harmful contrast or ionizing radiation.
Join us as Dr. Kedan shares his inspiring journey from an overweight kid who found motivation in fitness shows to becoming a top amateur bodybuilder and eventually a celebrated cardiologist. We'll dive into his innovative concierge practice, how he integrates advanced technology into patient care, and his expert insights on heart disease prevention.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from this groundbreaking approach to heart health, please share this episode. Your action could save a life.
Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes and visit OperationFitness.com for exclusive merchandise!
 
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WEBSITE www.operationfitness.com
MERCH HERE https://www.operationfitness.com/store/
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