Meet Robin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Robin , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

I have been into health and wellness since my teen years and have a health coaching and a nutrition certification. Holistic wellness is a big part of my business, Joyful Journeys Holistic, through which I offer health coaching, wellness and creativity workshops, and yoga to live music experiences.

Because health is a passion and part of my life’s work, I often feel like the odd woman out when I’m in a conversation with women sharing that they give so much to others and don’t have time for their own self-care.

I always make time for self-care and have for the last several decades of my life – at times to a fault, but what self-care looks like has evolved over the past few years.

Movement, good nutrition, sleep and stress reduction are things I prioritize as part of self-care. I exercise daily – doing a mix of yoga, strength training, running, Peloton riding and walking. Lots of walking!

Running and walking definitely have a huge impact on my effectiveness. Not only do I get all of the benefits that exercise offers but I often listen to podcasts or books while moving and so it is also a time for learning and absorbing information. They say when the body moves the brain grooves and I must say I tend to get great ideas while running and walking. Yoga and strength training keep my mind focused, and my body and heart strong and flexible.

As far as nutrition goes, I definitely lean into consuming a variety of whole foods high in protein, fiber, healthy fats and micronutrients. As we age – especially as women – it is important to build and maintain muscle mass and protect our bones so protein, amino acids, and collagen are things I supplement with daily along with a multi-vitamin. I love Joel Fuhrman’s recommendation that we get in GBOMBS (Greens, Berries, Onions, Mushrooms, Beans, Seeds and nuts) daily and keep that in mind as I create my meals. I definitely feel that eating a nutrient dense whole food diet helps keep me functioning optimally and my energy high.

I’m taking a Mindfulness Based Stressed Reduction course right now that is helping me manage the stress of balancing my work as a gifted and talented teacher, growing a business, embarking on interesting projects, and being there for my family.

One evolution that has been great in my self-care routine is making my workouts more efficient – working out 30 – 60 minutes a day rather than 60 or more. I have friends and clients who feel the need to work out for an hour, 90 minutes or more daily. I used to be in this camp and now realize this can be overtraining, leading to fatigue and increased stress. An added benefit is that I have more time for other things I love – being with family, friends, etc. You don’t need to set aside an hour for working out – if you like it great! But if you can fit in 15 or 20 minutes do it!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have to say that the Yoga to Live Music Events have been so very fulfilling and we will have more to come, but I really want to highlight a special project I am working on.

Through my work as a Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Swigert, I am working with Gifted and Talented Teacher, Sarah Holdeman from Polaris Elementary School on something SUPER exciting called the Hook and Harmony Songwriting Program. This program is striking a chord across four Denver schools this winter and I think it is going to blow our socks off! The Hook and Harmony Songwriting Program is bringing together sixteen students from Swigert, Polaris, Denver School of the Arts, and George Washington High School for a four-week, student-led, and musician supported, songwriting journey — from blank page to big stage.
Guided by professional musicians Paul Hoffman and Travis McNamara, students in grades 5 –12 will learn the art of lyric writing, melody, and performance, culminating in a live concert at the Denver School of the Arts Concert Hall on Wednesday, January 28. Paul Hoffman is the mandolin player and main writer and singer for the band Greensky Bluegrass. The band has earned critical acclaim from Billboard, NPR, and Rolling Stone who hailed them as “representing a genre for a whole new generation.” Greensky recently played their 20th Red Rocks show on September 13th and will be celebrating 25 years as a band on October 31st in the place of origin, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Not only does this quintet create boundary blurring, creatively captivating music (it is highly recommended you see them live) with thoughtful and soul – stirring lyrics, but they are all really down to earth, kind humans who genuinely enjoy playing together, show after show.
Travis McNamara, formerly a part of Trout Steak Revival, a band that was known for its strong musicianship and ability to put light and beauty into the world with its music, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and inspiring lyricist. He recently produced a solo album where he plays over 15 instruments, entitled Moon Calendar, that blends earthy, ethereal sounds with thought provoking yet grounding lyrics.
Musician Paul Hoffman shares,
“It has become increasingly important to me to participate in as much outreach with schools as I am able to and have a positive impact in the lives of the students and teachers whom I value dearly and adore.”
Musician Travis McNamara states,
“I know how important music programs were for me growing up. I love the idea of getting to witness and encourage the creativity of these young writers, and to hear what is on their minds. I am honored to be a part of this.”
The program aims to amplify student voices, build confidence, and create community through music, connecting classrooms to Denver’s vibrant creative scene.
We also have a team of students from the DSA Visual Cinema Arts Program who will be documenting the project, supported by professional film producer and editor, Julie Batkiewicz of Onward Content.
We are breaking new territory here and I’m not sure what to expect from the final showcase because it will unfold so organically, other than that it is going to be something really really special (in a good way – in a really good way.) I know that the students involved are passionate about songwriting and music, talented in different ways, that many sing and play a variety of instruments, and that one has been working on an album for the last year. Enter Paul Hoffman and Travis McNamara into the mix, two guys with serious lyric writing and musical prowess that have a real interest in working with students. I feel like the sky is the limit and I find myself steeped in gratitude that I get to be a part of it!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The number one quality that has allowed me to be successful is believing in myself and my ability to put beauty and light into the world. I recently hosted another yoga to live music event with Buffy Barfoot teaching alongside music from Matt Cooper. Sam Abraham, my yoga teaching mentor, led a meditation after. The experience gave me repeated goosebumps and was so moving I was on the brink of tears numerous times. I wasn’t alone, I had a woman come up to me after in tears saying how much she needed this, my husband tearing up telling me how amazing Matt, Buffy, and Sam Abraham were and how beautiful the experience was. I received a dozen text messages throughout the day echoing what a beautiful and soul stirring experience it was.
Having goals and dreams is one thing, but believing that you can actualize your dreams and goals is another. Many people wait for things to happen to them, I find myself repeatedly having an idea and then asking myself – what do I need to do to make this happen – and I act rather than react. I think many people don’t believe they are worthy of working with this person or that person or starting a business or paradigm shifting program. They somehow feel inadequate. Growing up I watched my dad start innovative programs as an educator and as a Vietnam Vet. I watched him set a goal and go after it. To this day he has an “I can and I will” mindset and because of that has done and continues to do some pretty amazing things. Much of my belief in self comes from watching him operate and realizing that people can and should feel empowered to do good in this life. The Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can’t or can, you’re right,” feels very true to me.
The second quality that has allowed me to be successful is another mindset piece – believing that the world is full of wonder. You couple believing in yourself with believing the world is full of wonder and there is no limit to what you can do! There is so much beauty in this world and yes, there is plenty of ugliness too. I believe what you focus on expands and if you want to see the good you will. If you are intent on seeing the bad, that will grow in your world. There is a lot of political turmoil, environmental stress, etc. right now and it is easy to see all that is wrong with the world but I’m not sure that thinking makes the world better. If you believe in your abilities and you believe the world is good, you can dream up and actualize some great things!
The third skill that has helped me in my journey is my ability to build community and connect with high vibration people and connect the right people to one another. I believe there is something to learn from everybody. I am always thinking about how to bring people together and leverage their strengths. To be working with Paul Hoffman and Travis McNamara is nothing short of a dream for me. I thought that Paul would be great with students and saw a genuine desire in him to support our schools. I reached out, not expecting to hear anything, only for him to thank me for thinking of him and confirm he was very interested in learning more. This will be my third year working with Paul and I do not have adequate words to express my appreciation for him. I came home one afternoon this summer and my husband, who knows and shares good music, was listening to Moon Calendar, Travis McNamara’s solo album debut. “This is the guy you should bring into the songwriting fold,” he said and as he said it it was like I had already had the thought previously. “Yes – you are right!” I said and set about DMing Travis (because I believed I was worthy to work with him and believed together we could create light and beauty.) So I am giving my husband credit here but I very often find myself thinking – this person would be great for the yoga to live music event or how can I bring this person with these amazing strengths into something I am working on or something someone else is working on. I like to build bridges and community and that has been very helpful in my work as an educator and business owner and creator.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am always looking for musicians for the yoga to live music events and would ultimately like to offer a music and movement retreat that focuses on wellness but leverages music as an integral part of wellness. I am always looking to work with fitness gurus, yoga and meditation instructors, nutrition and wellness experts, artists and perhaps above all – musicians! We also have news outlets interested in covering the Hook and Harmony Songwriting Program but I welcome other news inquiries.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alexis Reaves

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