The Levity Floatcast

In this episode I sit down with Chelsea Cush - a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and faculty member at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Sciences.

I've super grateful for meeting Chelsea! She's invited me into her classroom to talk about creating and owning a small business and managing all of the risks involved in such a venture. It's always a pleasure to be in a room with other entrepreneurs fielding real-world questions.

Knowing very little about the death care industry, I very much enjoyed this conversation with Chelsea. She's one of those good souls who's able to explain concepts and ideas in such an understandable manner. Chelsea has seen firsthand the transformative power of the funeral process and is dedicated to helping families find meaning and closure during their time of grief.

This is a fantastic episode, some may find the talk about the deathcare industry taboo but Chelsea really opened my eyes to the level of care and dedication that goes into the role.

We talked about why someone may want to become a funeral director and the importance of that role. Chelsea also shared some very interesting green burial methods and a project that gives her great pride.

On a macro level, this episode is another example of someone who explored various career paths before finding what spoke most to her soul. 

The next episode is with another one of these gems - Marta Manzzoni. Her episode has entered the production line and looking forward to sharing that beautiful soul with you! 

But right now, it's time to enjoy a wonderful conversation with Chelsea Kush.

So sit back, relax, and floatcast.

Welcome back to another episode of the Levity Floatcast and thank you all so much for tuning in. 

This episode highlights the filmmaker, documentarian, and creative lead of the production studio Scripted Minds - Josh Hamaker.

Josh started floating at Levity in January 2016 and has racked up nearly 100 hours in the tank. I feel grateful to witness his evolution as a human and, using one of his phrases; the levels he's risen.

We cover a range of topics; filmmaking, finding your passion, how to objectively manage the completion of goals, and the art of character creation and storytelling.

It's time to learn about the creative director, filmmaker, and beautiful soul; Josh Hamaker.

So let's sit back, relax, and floatcast.

In this episode, Jamen Thurmond steps in front of the camera for a chat. 

The timing was right for this as his content creation agency is in a transitional phase. The shift is from creating content for various small businesses to more work with personal branding and weddings.

With 8 years out in the wild of this entrepreneurial space, I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with many creatives who've tried to make a social media agency financially stable.

It's an extremely tough endeavor.

And I think part of what makes Jamen special is his ability for objective self-reflection and bravery to reset the sails. These characteristics come through during our conversation. 

We also had subs delivered from Peppy's for this episode. Jamen's always raved about Peppy's and they did not disappoint lol. 

Working with Jamen for the past two years has been an absolute pleasure. He's insightful, smart, professional, and wildly talented.

So thank you again for staying with us and now, without delay - sit back, relax, and floatcast.

Welcome back to another episode of The Levity Floatcast!

This episode is by far one of the most moving conversations I've had with a guest on the podcast.

I sit down with Lorin Kaufman - Lorin may have hosted some of you for a float as I've been fortunate to have her as a team member for a handful of years. She's an absolute all-star at studio operations and genuinely cares about the experience of our guests.

Lorin has a story intertwined with bravery, strength, and courage that people need to hear. Truthfully, I wasn't sure she'd want to come on to discuss overcoming addiction but I'm so thankful bravery overcame fear.

So few people are able to escape the rabbit hole of addiction. But here she is; 8 years of sobriety, two degrees later, she's helping others and making a difference every day.

This human is thriving ... but the story didn't start there.

Listen to this episode as a testament to what's possible, to never give up on our loved ones, and check in on your people.

As always, thank you for listening and being a part of this journey.

Now sit back, relax, and floatcast 🙏💙🏆

Welcome back to another episode of The Levity Floatcast!

In this episode, Dave chats with Tom Grogan, a financial representative of the Luttner Financial Group.

Tom shares his background, how he entered the financial world and gives us an overview of his unique approach with clients. Tom doesn't just sell products or policies to his clients, he talks with them about their long-term financial goals. These conversations can be extremely helpful to understand their current financial situation and map out a plan of action to help them reach their financial goals.

If you're curious about the financial world or want to increase your financial health, this episode is a great listen! Tom's straightforward, extremely knowledgable, and kind in his delivery to others. He also shares his opinion on using artificial intelligence with finances, the importance of life insurance, and how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

This is a great episode with lots of interesting points and well worth the listen.

So sit back, relax, and floatcast 💰🏆💙

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Mark Larimer owner of Truss Brewing. Beginning his professional career as a corporate associate of the popular grocery chain Giant Eagle, Mark has been working with food in some form for most of his life. Done wearing a suit, tie, and dress shoes, in the midst of the pandemic Mark decided it was time to open a restaurant. With a seasonal menu and homemade beer on tap, Mark and his team have brought something special to Pleasant Hills. Of course, opening at this time was a tumultuous experience. This episode is definitely a rollercoaster ride. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jan Receski the owner of OnPar Now. 

OnPar Now is a local business focused on creating a safe space for new golfers, especially women. In a world where business meetings, deals, and general fun takes place on the golf course, many can feel left out. 

Facing a heart-wrenching divorce and 30 years in the corporate world, Jan knew it was time for a change. In just over a year Jan has built a very successful business teaching hundreds of people the skills and community around the ageless sport of golf. 

Jan is an absolute diamond, her story, strength, and gratefulness are all waiting to be heard right now. 

Click the link in our bio then sit back, relax, and floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Cameron Schmidt. Cam is a local artist and graphic designer. Originally from Boston Cam, traveled to Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in engineering but he quickly realized he had a different calling. Constantly doodling in his notes, and spending hours outside of the classroom sketching more, an artist was born. 

We chat with Cam not only about his beginnings but some of the amazing things he’s done in his career so far, and his newly opened studio called Studio 4 in Bloomfield. This episode is very inspirational, and we know you’ll enjoy the conversation as much as we did. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jeff Fieldhouse. 

Jeff is a Pittsburgh comedian and the host of the Baby Face Assassin Podcast. Jeff began his comedy career in Florida when he attended film school because he felt more comfortable with no one knowing him. After diving down the comedic rabbit hole and equating open mics to practice, Jeff quickly became a regular. Back in Pittsburgh, Jeff is continuously honing his craft at open mics while also throwing and booking larger shows for himself. About two years ago he also began his podcast where he interviews other local artists. 

This episode was a ton of fun. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity floatcast we sit down with Kacie Cope the owner of Kacie Cope Interiors. 

Kacie grew up in a very loving Italian home filled with family gatherings and delicious cuisine. Not being one to really live on the edge Kacie initially believed she had to attend a four-year school and get a degree while her parents insisted she create art. Kacie winds up becoming a teacher for underprivileged kids however, fate had something else in store for her. After breaking free from a destructive marriage Kacie started dabbling with interior design. Everything changed when more and more people discovered her blog and requested Kacie to design their homes. 

There are so many beautiful gems of life in this episode! Kacie is a wonderful human and is enjoying an incredible rise to success. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we are excited to announce that the live stream of the floatcast will be returning. It was a bit hectic to figure out but we will now be streaming via DSLR camera to Youtube and we can’t wait for you all to tune in. Just like Joe Rogan, we recognize the importance of a video element. 

We also recap an incredible guest we featured named Kacie Cope. When you think of passion, Kacie will be the new face that appears In your mind. Without spoiling too much, a tumultuous divorce and an unassuming blog lead Kacie to discover her career path. 

A lot to unpack this week so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jordan Valdez the owner of Be Local magazine. 

Growing up just outside of Pittsburgh in a small town, Jordan gravitated to skateboarding as a way of freeing his mind and having fun. After straying away from the dream of being a pro skater, Jordan found himself to be quite the salesman. From high-end community magazines to his now prized BeLocal project, Jordan makes it a point to help the little guy. With the goal of BeLocal aiming to be the go-to locals guide for anything cool and unique going on within Pittsburgh, every day Jordan is making connections to broaden the reach of BeLocal. 

We unpack quite the story of how this man rose through the ranks. Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast Dave and Troy take a moment to reflect on an incredible upcoming guest. 

Jordan Valdez the owner of Be Local magazine in Pittsburgh had some very honest and authentic things to share during his episode and we wanted to provide a little window into that experience before the episode is released. Recording this episode the day after Thanksgiving we touch on the holiday cheer and overall where we’re at as the year is coming to a close. 

You don’t want to miss this one. Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Jesse Valenti a local beekeeper. 

Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of bees and their hierarchy? Well, Jesse has been taking care of and breeding bees for six years. After a breakup that left her with a lot more alone time, Jesse got into gardening. Upon observing the way bees interacted with the environment she began the task of being a beekeeper. Through countless ups and downs, bee stings, and even an allergic reaction, Jesse is going strong and views the care for bees as a mediation. 

Plus who doesn’t like raw honey? 

We untangle so much about the life of bees, the inner workings of the hive, and so much more. 

This is one you don’t want to miss so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🍯🐝♥️

We’ve got quite the episode in store for you lovely folks today. 

With the tragic event that took place at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival, it makes you wonder what kind of world are we living in. Who Is to blame for this, Travis, the venue, the people? We also dip our toes into the MMA pool. Discussing Kamaru’s latest victory over bad guy Colby Chaos Covington. Finally, we wrap up discussing how enjoyable the guest of next week's episode is. Her name is Jesse Velenti and she’s a freaking beekeeper! How cool is that? 

As always we have a lot going on so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Josh Rulnick.

Josh is a loving father of two and a man with a big heart. At the age of three, Josh suffered from a rare hip disease and was told he would never walk again. Through patience, determination, and willpower Josh went through several years of rehabilitation and became an athlete. After college, he went into education where he worked with special needs children and strived to connect with each kid to improve the quality of their lives. 

This episode will really shed some perspective on things we’re blessed to have yet we take for granted daily. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast it’s a special Tuesday. 

Just one day after the flash crash of Instagram and Facebook, Dave and Troy decide to switch things up a bit. Diving into our mailbag they pull up several questions from fans. Ranging from relationships to job circumstances and other more crazy topics. It’s always a good time engaging with the audience and understanding them as they grow to understand us each and every week. 

It all gets unpacked here so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of The Levity Floatcast we sit down with Ryan Taylor. 

Ryan is an established ultra-marathon runner and all-around adrenaline junkie. Rock climbing, ice climbing, running one hundred and six miles, he does it all! For Ryan running is more than just a form of exercise, it’s a meditation and a way in which Ryan can sit with himself. We unpack Ryan’s humble beginnings from how he started running at a young age to now traveling to run ultra-marathons. 

There is a lot of gritty and insightful information in this one. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

In today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast, Dave and Troy discuss some of the hot topics percolating in pop culture. 

With the recent release of Dave Chappelle’s special “The Closer” and the nation-sweeping Netflix series "Squid Game", there is a lot going on in the realm of multimedia! We contemplate what is next for Chappelle now having fulfilled his contractual obligations with Netflix.  We toss around the topic of whether or not he deserves to be canceled and the right to freedom of speech. We wind our way through the creative genius of exhilarating Squid Game and the struggle faced by the creator while trying to get the show on the air.

This was a really fun episode to record and we know you’re going to love it. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast it’s another dynamic duo moment. 

Due to a last-minute guest cancellation, we had to pick up the pieces on our own. Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for how far we’ve come, we decided to reflect on what we feel are some of our best episodes. Diving all the way back to the beginning of our timeline we discuss several personal and fan-favorite guests, and what they’re doing now. It was a bit of a bumpy ride but we all made it out through in one piece. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with artist Phil Seth. 

Phil has been a creative for many years and draws great inspiration for his work from floating. He is a regular in the tank and sees it as a tool to further himself and his creation. We unravel how Phil Seth got into art from being more of a troublemaker and an angsty youth to a kind and gentle person looking to express himself through visualization. 

Gear up for a deep one because Phil will totally warp your mind. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🎨👽✨

We’re diving down deep into the archives once again. 

It’s important to always stay in touch with your roots and we really enjoy showing you just where we came from. This podcast and everything we do is from the mud. It’s just us folks! This episode dates to the throes of covid. Dave and Troy discuss how covid has been affecting them as business owners. Dave has owned Levity for almost 7 years while Troy began his business venture one month prior to the beginning of covid. Different perspectives and different levels of knowledge and wisdom create some interesting tangents. Business aside, amidst all the chaos this was a time where we were able to take a little back seat and sit with some of our thoughts and concerns daily. It’s relieving to listen to our thoughts and feelings less than a year ago and see how far the world has come. 

A lot to digest here and be thankful for. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Brandon Mcconnell the owner of One Up Skate Shop. 

Brandon was born in a small town with not much to do. When he was stripped of his dreams of playing volleyball due to a nonexistent male team, he found solace in skating which didn’t require a team. Eventually turning his love into a small local business called Peace of Wood. Through trials and tribulation, Brandon learned the ropes and eventually bought into an already existing skate shop in Pittsburgh called One Up. Now Brandon has expanded the business into a warehouse where he has an attached skatepark for kids. 

Brandon is constantly adapting and innovating his space while simultaneously staying in Intune with the culture through the many events and gatherings he either hosts or sponsors. We uncover all of Brandon’s hard work and grit in another amazing episode. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🛹🤙🙃

⁣In today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we bring out good friend and cameraman, Jamen into the fray!

It’s the end of summer; fall is around the corner, school buses are back on the street, pumpkin spice is in the cups, and we're reminiscing on months of memorable moments. We unpack some recent events such as Juju Smith-Shuster doing the milk crate challenge and the reaction from Steeler nation. We review a viral fan interaction from a preseason Steelers game and recap the Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley boxing match. We open up about some memorable moments from the last few months and what we're looking forward to bringing to the table in the future.

This episode differs from the normal format but it’s packed with wisdom and laughs everyone can enjoy.

Sit back, relax, and let’s Floatcast 🍃🥊👽

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Steve Schohn. 

Steve is a professional firefighter, an ultra-marathon runner, and a volunteer with 412 Food Rescue. Steve has had a tumultuous last few years to say the least. A man who on the outside seemed to be doing great however, inside he was rotting. Steve suffered from intense depression and was an alcoholic. After a major epiphany and the support of his loving partner, Steve has cut out the alcohol, gotten his diet under control, and has gone from barely being able to run one mile to now running marathons as long as seventy miles! Kind of crazy what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it isn’t it? 

We unravel Steve’s full story and more so sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we dive into the archives and pull out one of our first-ever episodes recorded. No guest on this episode, just Dave and Troy going back and forth, finding a groove. We’re all over the place talking about Kanye West, politics, social media, and running a business. 

Being over 40 episodes in we’re a long way away from this version of our podcast however, we wanted to have some fun and remind everyone where we started. 

Get ready to laugh and learn on this crazy journey. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast.

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we cover more ground than we knew we could handle. 

In our ever-expanding and changing world both individual and conglomerate, actions are constantly brought to question. Is Simone Biles wrong for pulling out of the Olympics? Is unionization within Amazon a real possibility? Should we be testing the efficacy of marijuana on certain forms of cancer? 

Whether you’re for or against any of these possibilities they are things that require further discussion and a societal push to become real. 

We jump straight into the action and hold nothing back. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 👽☮️🏆

On today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we sit down with Sydney Davis the owner of Niplids. 

Niplids is a bodypaint-based clothing company Sydney began on behalf of a family member suffering from breast cancer. She even donates 20% of her proceeds to breast cancer charity organizations. We discuss with Sydney her origin story, her goals and aspirations for Niplids, and what keeps her going. 

There are a lot of positive gems riddled throughout this episode. You don’t want to miss out. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast!

On this episode of the Levity Floatcast we touch on a little of everything. From some past and future guests to several events going on in the world right now, this episode is jam-packed. We kick things off by discussing the unfortunate incidents surrounding The Notorious Connor McGregor at UFC 264. 

Should Connor have even been interviewed after such an unfortunate close to the performance? We give our perspective on the bout, future, and post-fight interview of Conor McGregor.

Luke Prokop a professional NHL Player has come out as gay only one month after an NFL player has. Is this something we should acknowledge or is normalization just allowing Luke and others like him to merely exist and do their job without this attention? Join us as we dive down these rabbit holes and more. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 👽🚀🪐

In today’s episode of the Levity Floatcast we cover a vast expanse of topics. 

Why is the popular fast-food chain Subway using fake tuna? Who do we think would win the trilogy bout between the notorious Conor McGregor and Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier? What are the most unassuming vices people battle with on a daily basis? Should Olympic runner Sha'Carri Richardson be suspended for weed? 

Buckle up for this ride as we dive deep into some current events. We go back and forth for almost an hour trying to unravel these mysteries of life and share our thoughts. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🏃🏿‍♀️💥🥪

On this week's episode of The Levity Floatcast, we sit down with Alex Giuliano the owner of the Laborotory. 

The Laborotory is Pittsburgh’s premier CBD, Glass, and Kratom store. Alex started off as an employee, has been working in the glass business for more than 10 years, and now owns the shop he first started working in. Alex and his team are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things glass, cannabis, or kratom-related. 

In this episode, we discuss how Alex made his way into the world of glass and cannabis, how the market is changing with cannabis regulations being continuously lifted, and some of the interesting but often overlooked benefits of CBD, Delta 8 THC, and Kratom. There is a lot to look forward to in this episode. 

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 💚🙏🌿

In this floatcast, Dave and Troy chat about stress and share the results from last week's Instagram polls; average stress level, biggest stressors, we answered some questions and shared the tips you gave to relieve stress. 

There were some really good tips, one of our favorites is "Run. Marijuana. Float." 🙃😂

You all really are the best ♥️🏆💚

Sit back, relax, and floatcast 🎨🚀✨

In this episode, Dave and Troy share the results from the audience polls and feedback on CBD.

The results were overwhelming on where you all stand with CBD and the effectiveness of the various products. The answers and experiences shared were insightful, appreciated, and made for a great discussion.

Listen to what others had to say, do your own research, then decide for yourself if CBD is for you.

Thank you all for participating in the polls and taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts. With all the interaction, this episode was really fun and we hope you like it too!

Sit back, relax, and floatcast 🌲🌀👽

In this recap episode, Dave and Troy reflect on Chance's episode and some positive takeaways from their time with him.

If you haven't yet, hop back and listen to Chance's episode to learn how he started in photography, his message to fellow creators, and the positivity he spreads with youth.

Sit back, relax, and floatcast 📸🌆🏆🖤💛

In this episode of the Floatcast, Dave & Troy sit down with Chancelor Humphrey of Keep Pittsburgh Dope. Chancelor is known in “Pittsburgh and beyond” as a street-style photographer. He shares some advice that every creator needs to hear to help them along their journeys as artists. His advice for the younger generations can be applied to all who are forging a path of their own.  

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🤙☮️💙  

✅ Full episodes can be heard on Spotify by visiting http://www.LevityFloatcast.com ✅  
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If you find value in this episode please subscribe to our channel, it really helps our community grow.

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The Levity Floatcast is a podcast that's dedicated to connecting with interesting people from all walks of life. The home base for the show is at Levity Float Studio in Squirrel Hill Pittsburgh PA, and is considered by many to be one of the "must-see places in Pittsburgh"! Guests share their story with the hosts; Dave Rapach (Owner of Levity // Float Guru) and Troy Johnson (@troyreevesraps // Audio Engineer) and they get a chance to try floating in a sensory deprivation tank for the first time.  

If you're in need of stress relief or just some quiet time to yourself, hop over to ScheduleYourFloat.com and treat yourself right to a 60 or 90-minute float.  

SCHEDULE YOUR OWN FLOAT SESSION ➡️ ScheduleYourFloat.com  

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CONTACT US
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THANK YOU FOR LISTENING, LIKING & SUBSCRIBING!

In this episode, Dave & Troy recap their time with Santina and Katherine of Spilled Ink & Images. The guys talk about the things they learned from the authors, takeaways from the episode, and how bravery and courage can make all the difference. 

If you haven't, hop back and listen to Santina and Katherine's episode - it's really worth the listen.

So sit back, relax, and floatcast 🌀♥️🏆

In this episode of the Floatcast, Dave & Troy sit down with Santina & Katherine; authors of the art book “Spilled Ink and Images” and discuss how to define true love. 

Additionally, they discuss good stress management techniques for artists.  

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🤙☮️💙

In this episode, Troy and Dave reflect on their time and conversation with Chris Passaro. They chat about some of the things they admire about Chris, his work ethic, and the way he lives his life.

They also spend some time chatting about the importance of listening to your inner voice and following your desired path in life.

Sit back, relax, and floatcast 🌊🏄‍♂️👽

In this episode of the Floatcast, Dave & Troy share their lessons from 2020.

Dave shares his insights on the mistakes some business owners made last year and shares some sound business advice for 2021.

Troy talks through his experience of starting a new business just as the pandemic hit, and highlights what we’ve learned from 2020. They also reflect on some of their favorite parts about the Floatcast in this 2020 recap episode.  

Sit back, relax, and let’s floatcast 🤙☮️💙