What do community, mocktails, and mindfulness have in common? According to Cristi Kaido — everything. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of The Mindful Mixer, Central New York’s first mobile mocktail bar and wellness experience. Cristi shares her journey from growing up in a low-income neighborhood to surviving a life-threatening blood clot, and how those moments sparked a mission to help people slow down, connect, and sip with intention.

You’ll hear how her new book “12 Sips of Christmas” is way more than a recipe collection — it’s a step-by-step mindfulness toolkit wrapped in fun, flavor, and self-care. Plus, she spills the (mock)tea on why sleep, gratitude, and community might just be your ultimate wellness secret weapons. If you've ever wondered what a wellness coach’s evening routine looks like, or how to make mocktails that actually make you feel better — this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:
• Why mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword (and how mocktails can help you practice it)
• What happens at a Mindful Mixer workshop — from muddling to reflection
• The powerful inspiration behind The 12 Sips of Christmas book
• Sleep routines, blue zones, and why Cristi swears by 8 hours a night
• The bigger mission: building community, one sip at a time

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro
(1:00) - Mindfulness & Slowing Down
(2:30) - Combining Mocktails with Mindfulness
(4:15) - Ingredients & Wellness
(6:20) - What to Expect at a Mindful Mixer Event
(9:00) - Unique Gathering Opportunity
(10:40) - Foundational Years & Community
(12:25) - 2020 Health Scare
(15:10) - 12 Sips of Christmas
(20:45) - Food Pairing Ideas?
(21:30) - November 15th Event at The Portal
(22:45) - Favorite Drinks & Mishaps
(26:00) - Certified Wellness Coach
(28:00) - Cristi's Personal Routines
(32:30) - Alcohol & Sleep
(34:35) - Surprises in Business
(36:15) - Talking to Former Self
(37:30) - Vision For the Future
(38:50) - November 15th Tickets
(40:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Cristi Kaido's Links
12 Sips Book - https://www.amazon.com/12-Sips-Christmas-Mocktails-Reflections/dp/B0FV8NVX68/ref=sr_1_1?
Website - https://www.mindfulmixercny.com
IG - https://www.mindfulmixercny.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristi-kaido-30429167
FB - https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmixermocktails

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

From law offices to barbell racks, short-term rentals to speakeasy renovations, Colin LaReaux is a man who wears a lot of hats—and somehow keeps them all balanced. In this episode, we sit down with Colin to talk about everything from his roots in Utica and his real estate empire to his gym FIT Training, nonprofit work through 315K for the Cure, and the bold vision he has for the community’s future. Oh, and did we mention he turned an old auditorium into 1920s-themed Airbnbs across from the brewery?

Colin brings a fresh, optimistic take on what's possible in Central New York. Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or just someone looking to get inspired to start something in your own hometown, this episode is full of nuggets. We talk setbacks, side hustles, why winters aren't so bad if you ski & how purpose and community make the whole grind worth it.

🎧 Tap in for:
• The real story behind turning a historic Varick Street building into a roaring '20s-themed Airbnb
• Why group fitness works—and why some people just come to the gym to pet the dog
• What every beginner should know before jumping into real estate investing
• The inspiring origin of 315K for the Cure, a nonprofit rooted in personal experience
• How optimism and action are transforming Utica, one project at a time

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show & Colin Intro
(1:00) - What Brought Colin Back to Utica?
(3:30) - Utica Just Because
(4:15) - Getting Into Real Estate
(8:30) - Managing Airbnbs
(10:15) - Best Advice Starting Off
(13:15) - Different Mindsets
(14:50) - The Speaks at Faxton Hall
(20:45) - Future Plans For Events
(23:00) - FI Training
(25:45) - Surviving Cancer
(26:45) - 315k For the Cure Origins
(30:30) - Learning From Adversity & Perspective
(33:00) - Common Thread For Colin
(35:20) - Looking to the Future
(39:00) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Colin LaReaux's Links
Breaux Website - https://www.breauxproperties.com
FIT Website - https://www.fitraining.fit
315k Website - https://www.315kforthecure.org
Law Office - https://www.goldbaslaw.com
The Speaks IG - https://www.instagram.com/thespeaksfaxtonhall
FIT IG - https://www.instagram.com/fi.training
FB - https://www.facebook.com/colin.lareaux

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

This week, we sit down with Kristy Mandour — executive coach, speaker, and host of the Sow to Speak podcast — for a conversation that’s equal parts empowering, hilarious, and deeply honest. Kristy has spent years helping leaders and creatives unlock the confidence to speak clearly, show up authentically, and quiet the noise of their inner critic.

We dive into everything from emotional intelligence in the workplace to mom guilt, self-regulation, the myth of “having it all,” and what happens when your daughter compares you to Maleficent. (Spoiler: it leads to serious self-awareness.) If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overextended, or like you’re juggling a dozen different versions of yourself — Kristy’s perspective will make you feel seen, and maybe even a little lighter.

Highlights:

• The Maleficent moment that sparked a powerful shift in Kristy’s parenting and leadership
• Why emotional regulation is the real superpower (especially in high-stakes moments)
• Reframing the inner critic — and replacing it with an inner champion
• How women often feel like an octopus — and why Kristy says it’s time to be a mermaid instead
• The origin story of Sow to Speak — including the unexpected recording setup

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show & Kristy Intro
(0:55) - Maleficent Story
(5:20) - Clear Communication
(8:00) - Reframing Winter
(11:05) - Slowing Down
(12:15) - It's Great to See You
(13:00) - Sow to Speak Origins
(16:25) - Podcast & Authenticity
(18:55) - Stop Worrying About the Critics
(20:45) - Focus & Strategy Creates Risks
(23:00) - Simplifying
(25:30) - Helping Leaders Communicate
(29:20) - What Makes Kristy Different?
(34:30) - Posture & Fight or Flight
(36:40) - Getting Comfortable Takes Practice
(37:25) - Taking Five Minutes & Transitions
(43:20) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Kristy Mandour's Links
Website - https://sowtospeak.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/kristymandour
FB - https://www.facebook.com/sowtospeak
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4KSQ88DRNljGsyQteWiPmC?si=f1fcd43e4a644c90&nd=1&dlsi=1ead0e78635d45df
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kristymandour1487
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-mandour

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org