In this brief solo episode, David J. Toman, a portrait, headshot, and sports photographer based in the San Francisco Bay area, introduces his podcast's new home and name, Portraits in Fitness. Originally named the Fit Over 50 Podcast, this project started from David’s portrait project aimed at capturing fit individuals over 50. The podcast aspires to share the inspiring stories of these individuals, emphasizing their motivation and lifestyle rather than discussing fitness routines, tips, or gear.

David explains his personal connection to the project, including his journey of overcoming a persistent back injury, losing weight, and gaining strength through regular training. The podcast is not just about physical fitness but an exploration of what keeps people motivated and active. David hopes to inspire listeners through the stories shared on his podcast, now hosted on www.portraitsinfitness.com, where audiences can find galleries of past guests and audio episodes.

There is also a video version of this episode on YouTube.

Mic Used:
Electro-Voice EV664 (circa 1960-64)

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the New Home of Portraits in Fitness
00:17 The Evolution of the Podcast: From Fit Over 50 to Portraits in Fitness
02:30 Behind the Scenes: The Portrait Project and Podcast Process
02:56 Why Black and White? The Artistic Choice in Photography
03:43 The Essence of the Podcast: Beyond Fitness How-Tos
04:09 Renaming and Refocusing: The Journey to Portraits in Fitness
06:07 Personal Transformation: A Host's Journey to Fitness
09:47 Strength Training: A New Chapter in Fitness
11:41 Inspiration and Progress: Closing Thoughts

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8

In this episode, Bette Vargas, founder of Vargas Fitness Enterprises and host of the Crazy Sexy Menopause YouTube channel, shares her journey from a naturally active child in Chicago to a seasoned athlete and menopause wellness advocate. Following our studio portrait session, Bette sits down with host David to discuss her evolution in the world of fitness, her discovery and passion for racewalking, and her transition into a healthier lifestyle focusing on a plant-based vegan diet.

Delving into the intricacies of menopause, she highlights the objectives behind her initiative, Crazy Sexy Menopause, aimed at empowering women to live vibrantly through the transition. The discussion further explores the importance of Mindset, Meals, and Movement in aging gracefully, emphasizing personal well-being and the instrumental role of hydration, holistic health practices, and an active lifestyle in maintaining overall health. Bette's narrative encapsulates the essence of embracing life's transitions positively and the significance of self-care at any age.

Photo Gallery

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Getting to Know Bette Vargas
02:03 Bette's Journey into Fitness and Health
04:08 Bette's Childhood and Early Interest in Fitness
07:00 Bette's Introduction to Racewalking
11:00 The Technicalities of Racewalking
13:05 Bette's Children’s Involvement in Sports
19:09 Bette's Transition to a Healthier Diet
33:24 Bette's Journey into Bodybuilding
43:39 Introduction to Menopause
44:27 Personal Experiences with Aging
47:34 Post-2020 Changes to Lifestyle
48:15 Racewalking and Fitness
50:50 Understanding Menopause
01:08:31 Building a Community for Menopausal Women
01:23:41 The Importance of Mindset, Meals, and Movement
01:28:40 Conclusion: Live Life Well

Mics used:
David - Røde Podmic USB
Bette - Neat Worker Bee II

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8

The year 2020 marked change in myriad ways for so many people, many of whom found opportunity in the challenges that confronted them. Janet Tillman is one such person, who discovered the therapy and wonder of hiking close to her home in beautiful Walnut Creek, CA.

Always more active in non-physical ways, Janet took to the trails, unfolding a path of discovery beyond the physical benefits of being active outdoors.

Janet celebrated her 59th birthday shortly after our interview, and reminds us repeatedly through the podcast about the many things in life worth celebrating.

Photo Gallery:
https://fit50over50.com/2023/11/30/janet-tillman/

Mics used:
David - Electro-Voice RE320
Janet - Neat Worker Bee II

More about Janet:
1. Janet is committed to “love, integrity, freedom & ease” for all.

2. Being of service to others is a priority, and she is mindful of making choices that honor herself as well.

3. Keeping her mind, body and spiritual life supports her in living an exuberant life. She is grateful for her love and expresses this in how she loves her life.

4. Communication is primary. Possibility lives in language, so she chooses to work through things through a dialogue where both/all parties feel seen, heard and celebrated for who they are and their options.

Visit Janet at https://tillmanlifeconsulting.com/

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8

Ann McCormick is a triathlete who came to serious athletic training later in life. Having let health and fitness take a back seat to career and family, she took stock of where she was and decided to do something about it.

On this episode, Ann describes her trajectory from a pre-diabetic diagnosis in her mid-forties to a phenomenal weight loss of over 80 pounds which she has maintained for almost 15 years. She discusses developing a healthy relationship with food after a lifetime of disordered eating, and especially how she integrated vigorous physical activity into her daily life. She recounts overcoming the imposter syndrome, finding positive motivation in fun, completing her first of over 30 triathlons in 2011, and never looking back as she continues to set personal records at age 59.

Photo Gallery:
https://fit50over50.com/2023/09/08/ann-mccormick/

Mics used:
David - Maono PDX400
Ann - Neat Worker Bee II

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8

*PART 2 OF 2*
From endurance runner and triathlete, to soccer player and literal "soccer mom," and now multi-time medalist at the Olympic Weightlifting National Championships, Susie Gerhard has followed a fascinating trajectory in her active journey. At the center, she has always had a love and appreciation for movement and a desire to seek out new challenges.

In this episode, Susie shares her experiences with diet and nutrition, injuries, what "aging" means to her, and the joy of movement. She also agreed to come back for Episode 468, hopefully well before we're 100!

Photo Gallery:
https://fit50over50.com/2023/07/06/susie-gerhard/

Mics used:
David - Electro-Voice RE320
Susie - Neat Worker Bee II

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8

*PART 1 OF 2*
From endurance runner and triathlete, to soccer player and literal "soccer mom," and now multi-time medalist at the Olympic Weightlifting National Championships, Susie Gerhard has followed a fascinating trajectory in her active journey. At the center, she has always had a love and appreciation for movement and a desire to seek out new challenges.

In this episode, Susie recounts that journey and shares tales and nuggets about the challenges of going from "long slow distance" to explosive speed and agility, and most recently finding success in a unique discipline of weightlifting. She had so much to share that our conversation is divided into two parts.

Photo Gallery:
https://fit50over50.com/2023/07/06/susie-gerhard/

Mics used:
David - Electro-Voice RE320
Susie - Neat Worker Bee II

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8

A longtime Bay Area resident raised in Rhode Island, Gregg Geoffroy is a true example of someone that lives life as an active participant, and not a passive spectator.

Gregg is a tap dance performer and popular tap instructor, as well as a pianist and piano teacher. If that doesn't make him busy enough already, he maintains a strength and fitness routine at the gym, which he has done daily since he was 14.

On this episode, Gregg shares insight on what it's like to "just do it" on a daily basis, and how he has adjusted his approach to fitness, diet and sleep as he ages.

Photo Gallery
https://fit50over50.com/2023/09/01/gregg-geoffroy/

Mics used:
David - Shure SM57
Gregg - Behringer XM8500

Portraits in Fitness is a multimedia venture featuring podcasts and portraits in collaboration with San Francisco Bay Area photographer David J. Toman. Originally launched in late 2022 as the Fit Over 50 Podcast, it has been renamed to better reflect its unique nature as a podcast sandwiched by photo shoots, in studio and on location.

If you are over 50, live an active lifestyle in which a physical pursuit is integral to your life, and would like to participate in the project as a subject, you are invited to learn more and apply at the project website. Please check the site for updated portrait galleries of our guests, and spread the word and invite someone you know!

https://portraitsinfitness.com/podcast/

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/8pWYTN9zLMg5B3YX8