Live Well and Thrive with Mike Torchia

#57 Liela Ciancaglini | The Passionate Path from Argentina to International Fashion

In this captivating episode of the Live Well and Thrive podcast, host Michael Torchia is joined by the dynamic and inspiring Leila Ciancaglini, a former actress turned international fashion show producer. Leila shares her incredible journey from her Italian-Argentinian roots to becoming a prominent figure in the Los Angeles fashion scene.
Listeners will be enthralled by Leila's stories of transitioning from acting in over 28 films to establishing a thriving talent agency in the U.S. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in a new country and how she utilized her multicultural background to create a unique platform for international models.
The episode delves into Leila's philosophy of diversity and inclusion, celebrating beauty from all around the world. She emphasizes the importance of creating events that are not only visually stunning but also foster a sense of community and empowerment.
Leila also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming events, including innovative daytime fashion shows and private dinners featuring exclusive fashion collections. Her passion for fashion, empowerment, and connecting people shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of fashion and entrepreneurship.

#56 Kavita Channe & Marcy Mascara | Embrace Wellness: Balancing Fitness, Wine, and Life

In this lively episode of the Live Well and Thrive podcast, host Michael Torchia is joined by two exceptional guests, Kavita Shanae and Marcy Mascara, as they explore the multifaceted world of health and wellness.
Kavita, a dynamic entrepreneur with a background in broadcasting and sports anchoring, shares her journey from childhood aspirations to becoming a successful host and wine connoisseur. She discusses the importance of enjoying life's pleasures, like a fine glass of wine, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Marcy, owner of a yoga studio in Boca Raton, Florida, delves into the evolving nature of yoga and its role in modern fitness. She emphasizes the significance of combining different exercise modalities, including weight training, to achieve optimal health benefits.
The trio discusses the science behind effective workouts, the importance of balancing cardio and strength training, and the role of nutrition in achieving a fit and vibrant life. Michael also shares humorous anecdotes from his experiences with celebrity clients and his unique approach to fitness.
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insightful tips, laughter, and a reminder to live well and thrive while savoring life's little joys.

#55 Alexander Nevsky | Rising Above: Journey from Russia to Hollywood

Welcome to the latest episode of the Live Well and Thrive podcast, hosted by health and wellness expert, Michael Torchia. In this captivating episode, Michael sits down with his dear friend, the multi-talented Alexander Nevsky. From champion kickboxer to three-time Mr. Universe winner, and now a celebrated actor and producer, Alexander shares his incredible journey from Russia to Hollywood.
Reflecting on their first meeting at Gold's Gym over 25 years ago, Michael and Alexander discuss the importance of positivity and mentorship in achieving success. Alexander opens up about his experiences breaking into the film industry, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. He shares insights into his recent projects, including his latest film, Gunfight at Rio Bravo, and his dedication to portraying characters that challenge stereotypes.
Throughout the episode, Alexander emphasizes the significance of maintaining integrity, understanding the business side of filmmaking, and the power of discipline learned from bodybuilding. His journey is a testament to the American dream, inspiring listeners to pursue their passions with determination and resilience.
Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with anecdotes, advice, and the essence of living well and thriving in every aspect of life.

#54 Nicky Whelan | Finding Purpose in Paradise From Hollywood to Animal Sanctuary

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the "Live Well and Thrive" podcast, hosted by health and wellness expert Michael Torchia. In this episode, Michael welcomes special guest Nicky Whelan, an actress who has found a unique balance between her Hollywood career and her love for animals. Nicky shares her transformative journey from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to a peaceful animal sanctuary, Spirit of Animals, where she volunteers her time between film projects.
Nicky and Michael discuss the importance of finding one's purpose and the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community. They also reminisce about their mutual friend, Chris DeRose, a renowned animal activist known for his fearless efforts in animal rights, including exposing Michael Vick's infamous dog fighting ring and protecting dolphins in Japan.
The conversation takes an engaging turn as Michael shares fascinating anecdotes from his career training Hollywood stars like Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, and Kim Cattrall, blending humor with insights on fitness and nutrition. Nicky, on the other hand, reflects on her acting journey, the challenges of living in Los Angeles, and her deep connection with her family in Australia.
Join Michael and Nicky as they explore the intersection of health, wellness, and animal activism, and discover how living with purpose can lead to a thriving life. Don't miss this heartfelt and enlightening episode!

#53 Chuck Zito | Patriotism, Documentaries, and Unfiltered Opinions

In this riveting episode of the "Live Well and Thrive" podcast, host Michael Torchia sits down with recurring guest Chuck Zito for an engaging conversation that spans patriotism, filmmaking, and the current political landscape. Known for his candid demeanor and unyielding patriotism, Chuck shares fascinating stories from his experiences with Donald Trump, whom he regards as a committed leader ready to steer the country in the right direction.
The episode takes a deep dive into Chuck's latest documentary project, which features an exclusive opening by Donald Trump. Chuck discusses the evolution of the documentary, including new footage and outtakes, and the excitement surrounding its upcoming release. With interest from major platforms like Lionsgate, Showtime, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, Chuck has high hopes for the film's impact.
Beyond film, the conversation ventures into Chuck's thoughts on the current political climate, including strong opinions on leadership and governance. The duo also touches on nostalgic memories and personal anecdotes, bringing a touch of humor and authenticity to the discussion.
Tune in for an episode filled with spirited dialogue, personal reflections, and a glimpse into the world of Chuck Zito, as he shares his passion for storytelling and his unwavering dedication to his country.

#52 Jay Spall | Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: Revolutionary Peptide Therapy

In this riveting episode of the Live Well and Thrive podcast, host Michael Torchia sits down with visionary biochemist Jay Spall to explore groundbreaking advancements in health and wellness. Jay introduces listeners to Mini Circle, a pioneering company in gene therapy, and delves into the transformative benefits of their flagship peptide, folistatin.
Discover how folistatin can help you gain muscle mass, reduce fat, enhance cardiovascular endurance, and significantly lower inflammation, potentially dropping biological age by up to ten years. Jay also discusses the innovative delivery system that makes this peptide accessible and effective with just a single injection lasting two years.
The conversation extends to the future of gene therapy with a sneak peek into upcoming treatments like the LH plasmid, aimed at naturally boosting testosterone levels. Jay shares the potential for creating holistic rejuvenation experiences at stunning locations like Roatan, Honduras, where therapy goes hand-in-hand with relaxation and wellness activities.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of integrating lifestyle changes, such as improved nutrition, exercise, and sleep, with cutting-edge therapies to achieve optimal health. Don't miss this episode for a glimpse into the future of longevity and vitality.

#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
LINKTREE ⁠www.linktr.ee/miketorchia⁠

#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
LINKTREE www.linktr.ee/miketorchia
 

#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/
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/miketorchia
LINKTREE www.linktr.ee/miketorchia
 

#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