Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play (NIFPlay), joins The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas, bringing the science of play to leadership, innovation, connection, and resilience. An internationally recognized speaker and former NCAA Division I gymnastics captain and coach, Mia helps organizations understand the power of play.

The granddaughter of NIFPlay founder Dr. Stuart Brown, Mia is carrying an extraordinary legacy forward with purpose and a powerful voice of her own. From helping Denver Gymnastics reach a historic Final Four to speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival and World Expo in Japan, she brings scholarship, leadership, and heart to her work.

Meet a remarkable leader helping the world rediscover something we never should have outgrown: play.

Connect with Mia and NIFPlay:

Website: https://www.nifplay.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-sundstrom1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play_institute/ & https://www.instagram.com/mia_sundstrom/
Substack: https://nifplay.substack.com/subscribe
Discover Your Play Styles: https://playstyles.nifplay.org

#MiaSundstrom #ScienceOfPlay #Leadership #TheVIBE

Discover how Proverbs 28 connects faith, integrity, humility, and boldness in this episode of The Kelly Cardenas Podcast about godly character and doing the right things for the right reasons. Kelly celebrates his big brother Rob, whose example brings biblical wisdom, servant leadership, and the power of living your beliefs into everyday life.

“You are the greatest, so act accordingly.”

My Pops always said it. My big brother Rob has spent his life showing me what it looks like.

Simple? Yes. Easy? That’s a different conversation.

We heard those words our entire lives. But through some of the craziest circumstances, Rob heard them, believed them, and—most importantly—acted on them. Has he been perfect? He’s my big brother. You already know my answer.

What I’ve watched is a man who keeps choosing to do the right things for the right reasons. A man whose faith shows up in how he treats people, conducts business, honors our parents, and handles life when nobody is applauding.

Through reflections on Proverbs 28, this episode explores:
• Walking boldly because your actions align with your beliefs.
• Seeking God, listening well, and applying wisdom.
• Staying focused when distractions get loud.
• Doing honest business and refusing to fake the funk.
• Remaining humble, working your land, and living generously.
• Honoring your parents through the way you live.

What does “you are the greatest, so act accordingly” mean? In our family, it means recognizing the gifts God has given you and accepting the responsibility to honor them through your actions.

That’s The VIBE Method™ in motion: Heart—your beliefs. Mind—your intentions. Skills—your actions. Transformation happens when all three line up, one Inchstone at a time.

Today, I’m celebrating Rob. My big brother. A man who reminds me that the strongest statement you can make about your faith is the way you live.

Listen for a conversation about brotherhood, family legacy, Christian leadership, personal growth, and putting your faith into action.

Subscribe to The Kelly Cardenas Podcast, share this episode with someone whose example has shaped your life, and tell them what they mean to you.

If someone watched your actions without hearing your words, what would they know you believe?

#KellyCardenas #Proverbs28 #FaithInAction

Craig Gottlieb, founder of Panther Diamonds, joins The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas for episode #853, bringing a clear promise to diamond shopping: Madison Avenue quality with Diamond District prices. If you’re searching for a diamond engagement ring, fine diamond jewelry, or a trusted person to turn to with your diamond questions, meet Craig.

Buying a diamond should feel exciting. Somewhere between the sparkle, the price tag, and the terminology, it can start feeling like a final exam you forgot to study for.

That’s why knowing the person behind the diamonds matters.

Craig is a friend, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Panther Diamonds—a brand built around bringing exceptional quality and value together. His positioning says it beautifully: Madison Avenue quality with Diamond District prices.

For me, introducing you to Craig is about giving you a person to call. Someone to put on your list when an engagement, anniversary, celebration, or “we finally did it” moment deserves something special.

Because the diamond might be the purchase, but the person you’re celebrating is the whole point.

Who is Craig Gottlieb?

Craig Gottlieb is the founder of Panther Diamonds and my guest on episode #853 of The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas.

What is Panther Diamonds?

Panther Diamonds is Craig’s diamond business, with the promise of Madison Avenue quality with Diamond District prices.

Looking for help buying a diamond?
Start by getting to know Craig. Whether you’re beginning your search for an engagement ring or exploring diamond jewelry for a meaningful occasion, he’s someone I want you to know.

From our VIBE community in Carlsbad and North County San Diego to everyone listening around the world, pull up a chair and meet my friend Craig Gottlieb.

Subscribe to The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas for conversations about business, relationships, leadership, and the people who make life richer.

Have a diamond question for Craig? Leave it in the comments—and tell us who you’re celebrating.

#CraigGottlieb #PantherDiamonds #DiamondEngagementRings #DiamondJewelry #TheVIBEWithKellyCardenas

What does it take to build resilient leaders, strengthen organizational culture, and create teams that thrive through adversity? Dr. Gene Coughlin, founder of the Resilience-Building Leader Program (RBLP), joins The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas to explore leadership development, team resilience, and the power of building people.

Leadership isn't about a title. It's about the people who are better because you showed up.

And this week's guest has dedicated his life to that very idea.

Dr. Gene Coughlin is a United States Marine Corps veteran, organizational leadership expert, and the founder of Resilience-Building Leader Program Inc. (RBLP), established in 2018.

After serving our country in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 2007, Gene continued his commitment to leadership through program management positions with SAIC, the American Red Cross, and AECOM.

But he wasn't finished building.

He founded RBLP with a vision to develop resilient leaders and stronger teams through a nationally recognized series of leadership certifications.

And when it comes to understanding leadership, Gene has put in the work.

He earned his bachelor's degree in History and master's degree in Military Studies from American Military University, an MBA from National University, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.

That's a whole lot of education backed by a lifetime of experience.

What I appreciate about Gene's journey is that his work centers on something I believe with my whole heart.

People are the greatest investment we will ever make.

Whether you're leading a business, developing a team, serving your country, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, resilience matters.

Because great leadership isn't just about what we accomplish.

It's about who we help become stronger along the way.

I'm honored to welcome Dr. Gene Coughlin to The VIBE.

CONNECT WITH DR. GENE COUGHLIN

Want to learn more about Gene and the work he's doing to develop resilient leaders?

Connect with Gene personally on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/genecoughlin/

Discover the Resilience-Building Leader Program and its nationally recognized leadership certifications:
https://rblp.com/

Follow RBLP on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rblp/

Stay connected with RBLP on X:
https://x.com/RBLPnews

ABOUT THE VIBE WITH KELLY CARDENAS

The VIBE is about people, relationships, leadership, personal growth, and the stories that remind us what matters most.

I'm Kelly Cardenas, and I believe that when we fill our hearts with love, our minds with wisdom, and our hands with diligent work, incredible things happen.

Around here, we celebrate the Inchstones that lead to milestones.

Subscribe to The VIBE for conversations with entrepreneurs, military veterans, business leaders, authors, and extraordinary people who are making a difference.

Remember, we're in the PEOPLE BUSINESS.

And without people, there is no business.

SPEAK LIFE. WORDS CREATE WORLDS.

#DrGeneCoughlin #ResilienceBuildingLeaderProgram #RBLP #LeadershipDevelopment #ResilientLeadership #TheVIBE #KellyCardenas #OrganizationalLeadership #MarineCorpsVeteran #LeadershipPodcast

What happens when a husband-and-wife team with over 60 years of combined hospitality experience decides to bet on themselves? Meet Chef Aron Schwartz and Pam Schwartz, founders of APS Hospitality Group and Blank Slate in Encinitas, California, who are redefining entrepreneurship, chef-driven dining, and genuine hospitality.

Sometimes the best chapter of your life begins when the original plan falls apart!

On episode #851 of The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas, we sit down with Aron and Pam Schwartz, the husband-and-wife duo who turned decades of experience in restaurants, hotels, wine, and hospitality into a whole new adventure.

From launching APS Hospitality Group to creating Blank Slate, a chef-driven dining and event space just steps from the beach in Encinitas, their story is about much more than food.

It's about relationships, reinvention, taking risks, and having the courage to start again.

Because the best things in life don't just happen around a table. They happen when we bring the right people to it.

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, this conversation is for YOU!

Welcome to THE VIBE. Pull up a chair. You're among friends.

#TheVIBE #KellyCardenas #AronSchwartz #PamSchwartz #BlankSlateEncinitas #APSHospitalityGroup #HospitalityIndustry #Entrepreneurship #Encinitas #SanDiegoRestaurants #RestaurantEntrepreneurs #ChefDrivenDining

Mathew Bowyer became one of the most talked-about figures in the Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal, a federal sports betting investigation involving former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and millions of dollars in illegal wagers. But who is Mathew Bowyer beyond the headlines, and what can his extraordinary story teach us about success, failure, accountability, redemption, and rebuilding your life?

Welcome to The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas, where we believe everybody has a story, and sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the chapters we'd rather forget.

Mathew Bowyer's name became national news after his illegal sports betting operation was connected to one of the biggest gambling scandals in Major League Baseball history.

But behind every headline is a human being. A father. A husband. A person whose decisions have consequences far beyond what the public sees.

And that's where the real story begins.

Because life isn't defined exclusively by the mistakes we make. It's also shaped by what we choose to do next.

At The VIBE, we're fascinated by the intersection of relationships, choices, character, and transformation. Mathew's story opens the door to important conversations about the dangers of illegal gambling, the influence of money, personal responsibility, and the possibility of redemption.

My Pops always told me, "You never know where someone's from, you never know where they're going, and you never know where you'll meet up with them again. So make a friend out of everyone."

That's the PEOPLE BUSINESS.

And it's why we believe every story deserves to be heard, even when it's complicated.

THE VIBE with Kelly Cardenas is a globally ranked podcast featuring entrepreneurs, celebrities, athletes, cultural icons, and extraordinary people sharing the experiences that shaped their lives.

We don't just talk about success. We talk about the journey.

Because sometimes the greatest INCHSTONE is the moment you decide that your past doesn't get to write your future.

Subscribe to The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas for powerful conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, relationships, resilience, and the human experience.

Remember: WORDS CREATE WORLDS. Speak Life.

#MathewBowyer #ShoheiOhtani #IppeiMizuhara #SportsBetting #GamblingScandal #TheVIBE #KellyCardenas #Redemption #PersonalGrowth #MLB

There’s only one business in the world: the PEOPLE business. In this special crossover episode of INCHSTONES + You Have to Meet My Friends, Proverbs 25 gives us a lesson in leadership, relationships, faith, self-control and why the people will always matter more than the production.

My Pops used to tell me, “Boy, there’s only one business in the world—the people business.”

Turns out, he was right. Again. Starting to get a little annoying, Pops.

This episode is a little different because I smashed two of my favorite shows together.

INCHSTONES is where we take the Proverb that corresponds with the day and pull out something practical we can actually use in our lives.

You Have to Meet My Friends is exactly what it sounds like: I go LIVE, grab my phone and randomly call some of the incredible people in my life. No script. No warning. No idea whether they’re even going to answer. Probably not the smartest production strategy—which is exactly why it’s fun.

And today…they answered.

We called Claudia Wells, the original Jennifer Parker from Back to the Future, who also built an entirely different second act as the founder of Armani Wells, her luxury men’s resale clothing store in Studio City.

Then we called Mathew Bowyer, who operated an illegal sports-bookmaking business with more than 700 bettors. His operation became nationally known because one of his clients was Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, who admitted stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay gambling debts. Authorities have described Ohtani as a victim in the case.

Two VERY different friends.

One BIG lesson.

We were watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel when Midge absolutely BOMBED opening for Shy Baldwin in Las Vegas. Later, she gets back onstage in a completely different environment—and instead of worrying about the perfect material and production, she connects with the people.

Everything changes.

That’s Proverbs 25.

We can become so obsessed with the production—the numbers, followers, business, stage, money, outcome and applause—that we forget the most important thing in the room:

THE PEOPLE.

Spend time with God. Let Him fill your heart with love and your mind with wisdom. Then pour that into somebody else.

Invite discipline.

Master your craft.

Practice patience.

Control yourself.

Let somebody else praise you.

Speak life.

Be a great friend.

Contribute to people.

Because a small room filled with people who feel seen, valued and loved will beat a massive production where nobody feels connected.

Big hat. No cattle.

THE INCHSTONE: When you focus on the people, everything else becomes details.

You were right again, Pops.

There’s only one business in the world—the PEOPLE BUSINESS.

Spend time with God. Fill up with love and wisdom. Pour it into everyone you meet.

Then watch what happens.

INCHSTONE: When you focus on the people, everything else is just details.

What would change in your business, marriage, leadership or life if you stopped trying to perfect the production and started pouring into the people?

Thank you to our sponsors:

The #1 personal injury law firm in Las Vegas

Cardenas Law Group

Panther Diamonds- Madison ave quality with diamond district prices.

#Proverbs25 #PeopleBusiness #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #Leadership #FaithAndBusiness #PersonalGrowth #Relationships #SelfControl #SpeakLife #Inchstones #TheVIBE #KellyCardenas

What if one of the most powerful tools for dementia and Alzheimer’s care isn’t another complicated technology—but music, memory, and human connection? Neuroscience advocate and The Day By Day Project founder Kaylie Glenn is changing the conversation around dementia, memory care, senior living, and brain health through the innovative Memory Disco™ Program.

And here’s the part that makes her story even crazier…

Kaylie started this journey at 14 years old.

Yep. Fourteen.

While most of us at 14 were trying to figure out who liked us, what shoes were cool, and how to survive algebra, Kaylie Glenn was building what would become The Day By Day Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia.

Today, with a B.S. in Neuroscience, Kaylie is the inventor of the Memory Disco™ Program, a multi-sensory music experience designed specifically for senior living and memory care communities. Instead of focusing only on what dementia may take away, her work looks at what the brain can still access—and uses music, movement, sensory experiences, and human connection to create moments of joy, purpose, and belonging.

That idea punched me right in the heart.

Because behind every diagnosis is still a PERSON.

A mother.
A father.
A grandparent.
A friend.
A story.

And sometimes the person we think we've lost is still very much there—we just need to find another door.

Kaylie’s work has been featured in UK Neuro Times, Alzheimer’s Today Magazine by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, and TEDx, but what impressed me most wasn't the résumé.

It was the WHY behind the work.

This conversation is about neuroscience, dementia care, music and memory, entrepreneurship, innovation, purpose, and what can happen when somebody stops waiting until they're “old enough,” “experienced enough,” or “qualified enough” to make a difference.

Kaylie is proof that impact doesn't check your birth certificate before it lets you through the door.

This episode might change the way you think about dementia.

But I think it might also change the way you think about what's possible when you recognize a problem, care deeply enough about the people affected by it, and decide to DO SOMETHING.

That’s a VIBE.

Watch the full episode and meet Kaylie Glenn, founder of The Day By Day Project and creator of Memory Disco™.

Proverbs 19 gives us a powerful lesson about stress, wisdom, trusting God, letting go, and learning to walk through life a little lighter. 

In this INCHSTONES episode of The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas, we break down Proverbs 19 and one of the simplest lessons my Pops ever taught me: “Boy, the only reason you’re stressed is because you’re carrying things you weren’t designed to carry.”

Thanks, Pops. Super helpful. 

Meanwhile, I’m over here carrying tomorrow, next Tuesday, everybody else’s problems, three imaginary conversations that haven’t happened yet, and a situation God never asked me to touch.

My Pops? Peaceful.

Why?

Maybe because he understood something I’m still learning: God never designed us to carry everything.

Proverbs 19 reminds us that 

a little with God is worth more than a lot without Him. 

Desire without knowledge isn’t good. 

Honesty is a superpower. 

You can’t buy relationships. 

Wisdom matters. 

Diligence works. 

Jealousy is heavy. 

Speak life. 

Honor your family. 

Make good friends—and more importantly, be one.

And yes… push-ups work too.

Unfortunately, you actually have to do them.

The same goes for wisdom.

Seek it. Listen to it. Accept it. Apply it.

Plans are good, but purpose prevails.

Peace works when you practice it.

And when we stop listening to God, eventually His voice becomes harder for us to hear. It’s like turning off the faucet of knowledge and then wondering why we’re thirsty.

God is light.
God is love.
And the alternative gets heavy really fast.

Maybe the goal was never to become strong enough to carry everything.

Maybe wisdom is learning what was never ours to carry in the first place.

Pops, you were right.

“Boy, the only reason you’re stressed is because you’re carrying things you weren’t designed to carry.”

When we realize we were designed to carry God’s love—not the weight of the entire world—we can finally walk light and free.

Thanks again, Pops.

I love you, and I miss you more than you’ll ever know.

INCHSTONE: What are you carrying today that God never asked you to pick up?

 The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas
INCHSTONES | Proverbs 19
 Speak Life. 

Words create worlds.

#Proverbs19 #Proverbs #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #Faith #TrustGod #Wisdom #Stress #Anxiety #LetGoAndLetGod #ChristianMotivation #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #FaithOverFear #GodsPurpose #Peace #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Inchstones #TheVIBE #KellyCardenas

You Have to Meet My Friends with Kelly Cardenas is an unscripted podcast series about friendship, relationships, entrepreneurship, leadership, success, and some ridiculously interesting people. It’s part of The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas and quite possibly the least professionally produced interview concept in podcasting.

Here’s the format:

I call my friends.

That’s it.

No scheduling. No pre-interview. No prepared questions. No publicist. No idea if they’re going to answer.

Very cutting edge.

They usually have no clue they’re about to be on a podcast, and occasionally they’re doing something that makes me immediately question whether calling them was a good idea.

Perfect.

We talk business, leadership, entrepreneurship, relationships, success, failure, family, personal growth, money, life and whatever else happens before somebody says something they probably wish I would edit out.

I usually don’t.

These are some of the smartest, funniest, most successful and most interesting people I know.

More importantly…

They’re my friends.

Because relationships grant access, and apparently mine have granted me permission to randomly call people and put them on the internet.

Welcome to You Have to Meet My Friends.

No preparation.
No warning.
Questionable journalism.

Let’s see who answers the darn phone.

What does Proverbs 11 teach us about expanding our capacity for success, relationships, leadership, business, wealth, and the blessings God has for our lives? My Pops used to tell me, “Boy, don’t shrink your thinking”—and Proverbs 11 might be one of the clearest biblical blueprints I’ve ever found for building a foundation strong enough to think bigger, live bigger, and handle more.

Yesterday, a friend told me about a phone call that happened because of one relationship—and that conversation could lead to a $25 million investment capable of shifting the landscape of one of the most well-known sports in the world.

Then we talked about Maddox getting serious about photography and what we were doing this weekend.

Normal conversation. 

Oh…and I forgot. My morning started with one of the most elite trial lawyers in Atlanta talking about preparation, motherhood, serving her community, and some of the highest-profile cases in the country.

And it hit me:

Relationships expand your world—but your foundation determines your capacity to handle what enters it.

Proverbs 11 lays that foundation out in almost ridiculous detail.

Do the right thing.
Integrity wins.
Pride brings disgrace; humility brings wisdom.
You can’t buy love.
Relationships cannot be faked.
Put your hope in the right place.
Speak Life.
Preparation creates confidence.
Be generous.
Be good to people.
Watch your mouth.
Gossip never wins.
Foolish people talk about people. Wise people talk about ideas.
Seek wise counsel.
Stay out of debt.
Do right business.
Honor what is truly valuable.
Honor your family.
Trust God to provide.

Years ago, Mark Palermo told me that most challenges in business ultimately come down to capacity.

I think that’s true about life too.

If we want to expand our capacity, we have to strengthen our foundation.

Proverbs 11 shows us how.

Because when the foundation is strong, maybe we stop shrinking ourselves to fit our circumstances—and develop the capacity to receive the relationships, opportunities, responsibilities, and blessings designed for our lives.

Pops, you were right again.

And somehow you summed up an entire chapter of Proverbs in five words:

“Boy, don’t shrink your thinking.”

Sit with that for a second.

Wisdom doesn't have to be complicated.

Thanks, Pops. I miss you every day. I love you.

Subscribe to The VIBE with Kelly Cardenas for INCHSTONES on Proverbs, biblical wisdom, leadership, personal development, relationships, business, faith, mindset, purpose, entrepreneurship, and becoming the person capable of carrying what you're asking God for.