Best Jess Brien Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 69: The Boutique Hotel that Love Built with Cody and Annalisa Bermel 49:41

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5d ago49:41

49:41

Annalisa and Cody Bermel’s story is an inspiring example of how shared vision, resilience, and honest partnership can turn a historic building into a beloved community gem - The St. James Social. The Bermel's share an unfiltered look at the leaps they've taken - both personally and professionally. From high school sweethearts to living out of a sno…

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Episode 68: From Paper Routes to Industrial Powerhouse, How Jon Yanta Bet on Himself and Built a Legacy 43:03

19d ago43:03

43:03

Long before Jon Yanta became one of Minnesota’s most respected industrial brokers, he was just a kid from Eagan with grit — and a paper route. Jon credits his mother who gave him his greatest inheritance: a relentless work ethic and zero excuses. This discipline shaped every chapter of Jon's career. Listen to how his story is a lesson in hustle, lo…

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Episode 67: Ice, Investments & Impact: Erik Condra’s Journey Beyond the NHL 37:19

1M ago37:19

37:19

For nearly four decades, Erik Condra’s identity was deeply tied to ice hockey. Eventually playing in the NHL with teams like Ottawa, Tampa, and Dallas, Erik faced a choice familiar to many high-achievers: keep chasing the grind or refocus on what matters most — family and a sustainable second act. Now as the Director of Business Development at Scha…

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Episode 66: Paving the Way: Linda Donaldson's Legacy in Urban Development 23:27

2M ago23:27

23:27

In a candid and inspiring conversation before a live audience at the Women in Real Estate and Development Retreat at Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, Wisconsin - real estate trailblazer Linda Donaldson shared her journey from a pioneering businesswoman to a celebrated force in affordable urban development. Her story reflects not only the evolution of…

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Episode 65: A Voice of Authenticity: Jason DeRusha’s Journey Through Media and Community 44:37

2M ago44:37

44:37

From childhood dreams to a respected voice in Minnesota media, Jason DeRusha’s career is a masterclass in staying authentic while adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape. With deep roots in storytelling, a relentless work ethic, and a passion for community engagement, DeRusha has built a legacy rooted in both integrity and innovation. With humor, …

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Episode 64: A Data-Driven Passion: Nicole Larson and Jesse Tollison on the Future of Retail Research at Colliers 32:27

3M ago32:27

32:27

When it comes to the world of commercial real estate research, few embody the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration as deeply as Nicole Larson and Jesse Tollison of Colliers. In this wide-ranging podcast conversation, the two shared their unconventional paths to real estate, the evolving dynamics of the retail sector, and how data — wh…

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Episode 63: Faith, Fearlessness, and the Power of Saying Yes with Sheletta Brundidge 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

In this dynamic and faith-filled episode, Sheletta Brundidge—Emmy-winning broadcaster, entrepreneur, and founder of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com—shares her remarkable journey of walking in purpose, trusting God, and building a business rooted in boldness and belief. From launching her podcast network after years of being overlooked, to receiving a free…

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Episode 62: The Trailblazing Legacy of Helen Brooks 35:46

3M ago35:46

35:46

In this unforgettable episode, Lisa sits down with commercial real estate legend Helen Brooks—a true pioneer who reshaped an industry and inspired generations of professionals. At nearly 95, Helen reflects on her remarkable 40+ year career, breaking into commercial real estate at a time when women couldn’t even open their own bank accounts. With sh…

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Episode 61: Bringing New Life to Bloomington with Holly Masek 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

Holly Masek is the Port Authority Administrator for the City of Bloomington, and her job is to explore the city’s bold transformation. Holly shares insights on economic development, small business support, creative placemaking, and Bloomington’s growing diversity. From revitalizing commercial spaces to attracting international businesses, she discu…

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Episode 60: Building Community Through Retail and Real Estate with Edie Weintraub 29:10

5M ago29:10

29:10

Edie Weintraub is a real estate expert with a passion for creating vibrant, community-driven spaces. She shares her unconventional journey from studying biology and working as a dental assistant to discovering her love for real estate and urban development. Edie’s perspective on creating spaces where people truly want to gather is inspiring. Whethe…

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Episode 59: The Journey of Logan Swanson: From Struggle to Land Investment Success 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

Logan Swanson’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep desire for financial and personal freedom. As the owner of Prime Land Exchange and host of The Land Fixer Podcast, Logan’s journey into land investing was not just about making money—it was about reclaiming control over his life. Logan transformed his life through real estate inv…

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Episode 58: Socially Responsible Development with Colleen Carey 34:04

6M ago34:04

34:04

Colleen Carey was a young student when she was inspired by a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He introduced her to the idea of socially responsible development, stating that real estate is about "creating a terrarium for people to live in and as developers, there's a social responsibility to do that right," a philosophy that resona…

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Episode 57: The Vision of Banking Differently with Jerry Baack and MJ Crocker 30:14

6M ago30:14

30:14

In 2005, Jerry Baack and MJ Crocker started Bridgewater Bank - a top performing bank nationwide and one of the largest located in Minnesota. Jerry and MJ explain how Bridgewater started, how it provides a higher level of service - especially to entrepreneurs, why they believe in pushing networks to increase NetWorth's, and the decision to go public…

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Florida Gulf Coast University Panel Discussion 54:12

7M ago54:12

54:12

Panel: Peter Mork - President, Capital Partners Joe Radach - Director of Development, Capital Partners Jesse Neumann - President/Developer, Designing Earth Contracting Alan Freeman - President, Three Oaks Marketplace Property Owners Association, Inc. Shelton Weeks (Ph. D.) - Professor, Dept. of Economics and Finance Send us a text…

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Episode 56: John Lorence's Expert Insight into Tenant Rep Brokerage 32:19

7M ago32:19

32:19

John Lorence is an Executive Vice President in CBRE's Occupier Advisory & Transaction Services group. He is responsible for creating and maintaining client relationships through real estate planning, negotiation, and transaction management. In this episode, hear about John's first big break, how he feels the industry has changed from when he starte…

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Episode 55: Transforming Communities through a Common Bond with Deidre Schmidt 39:26

8M ago39:26

39:26

With more and more people struggling to find an affordable place to live - Deidre Schmidt takes on that responsibility and combats it in a positive way. Schmidt is the President and CEO of CommonBond Communities - an affordable housing developer with services that enhance the lives of residents of all ages throughout the Midwest...housing 13,000 re…

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Episode 54 - Breaking New Ground at Southside Health Services with Ann Cazaban 31:42

8M ago31:42

31:42

Ann Cazaban is the Executive Director of Southside Community Health Services. Southside provides high quality and affordable medical, dental, behavioral and vision services. Southside was founded in 1971 and has been a staple in the Minneapolis community to lead a happy and productive life, built on the foundation of good health. Southside embarked…

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Episode 53 - Brad Schafer: Improving the Lives of Investors through Real Estate 41:18

9M ago41:18

41:18

Brad Schafer is the Chairman and CEO of Schafer Richardson, which provides quality investment, development, construction, leasing and management services throughout the Midwest. After his sister-in-law introduced him to the industry, Brad has amassed an impressive 38-year career. Listen to Brad talk about his first deal and investment property, how…

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Episode 52 - Jeremy Jacobs: Combat-Tested Veteran and Successful Business Leader 47:23

10M ago47:23

47:23

Jeremy Jacobs is an Executive Managing Director at Colliers, leading markets throughout the Midwest. Jeremy comes from humble beginnings growing up in a small town in Virginia. After joining the ROTC in Middle School, his Army interest was immediately sparked. Being the first person in his family to attend college, he went to the University of Rich…

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Episode 51 - Using Construction for a Higher Purpose with Jillian Kalogerson 34:59

10M ago34:59

34:59

Jillian Kalogerson has been handy from a young age. Learning everything from her dad, she renovated her own home while going to law school. She learned that law school wasn't what she ultimately wanted, but building and construction was. Fast forward to today, she is the Principal at RISE Collaborative Development - a full-service construction comp…

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Episode 50 - Bringing Buildings Back to Life with Rafik Moore 39:26

10M ago39:26

39:26

**This interview is special as it marks our 50th Episode milestone!!** I want to thank my team who has helped me along the way - and all the amazing guests that have taken the time to impart your wisdom to all our wonderful listeners and making the podcast what it is today! Rafik Moore immigrated from Uzbekistan in 1998. Knowing he was in the Land …

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Episode 49 - Educating Students for the Common Good with Andy Babula 29:37

11M ago29:37

29:37

Andy Babula is the Director of the Real Estate Program at the University of St Thomas. From real life experiences in the Real Estate Industry from Target to United Health to Assembly, Andy brings his expertise to the classroom - setting the stage for the future leaders of the Twin Cities Real Estate space. I hope you're paying attention to this pod…

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Episode 48 - Erinn Farrell: Empowering Others through Connection and Belonging 37:30

12M ago37:30

37:30

After years climbing the corporate ladder, and much success in the Advertising industry, Erinn Farrell couldn't ignore a longing within her - she knew something else was out there where she could be dedicating her value and time in a better way. Erinn went on to partner with three other women to bring forth The Coven - a vibrant and inclusive cowor…

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Um, hello! An update from Jess! 8:04

1y ago8:04

8:04

Um, hiiii! Firstly, I want to say a huge sorry for leaving you all in the lurch here on the That’s So Chronic podcast feed! Like I explain in this update episode, I really did not anticipate this big of a break between new episodes, hence why I didn’t let you know ahead of time! In this episode I try to explain where the heck I’ve been and how I’ve…

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Episode 47 - A Conversation with CRE Veteran Peter Mork 41:17

1y ago41:17

41:17

Who knew painting houses on Summit Avenue in St. Paul would be the start of the ever-so-successful career of Peter Mork? As the managing partner of Edina-based Capital Partners, Peter looks back on his exciting career and how it led him to be the commercial real estate veteran he is today. Peter also gives insight into finding good debt, the import…

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Episode 46: From Serving Restaurants to Selling Restaurants with Joe Latina 32:39

1y ago32:39

32:39

Joe Latina was born into a family restaurant business, spending much of his childhood washing dishes and cooking breakfast. His path continued in the hospitality industry until he dipped his toes in Real Estate and got his license and began investing. Now, Joe is one of the top-producing real estate brokers in the Mid-Atlantic region and is the Man…

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Episode 45: Making Spaces Meaningful with Jenna Myrland 39:12

1y ago39:12

39:12

Jenna Myrland believes that reshaping places will reshape communities, which in-turn, reshapes people’s lives. As the owner and designer of her studio, JM Workshop, Jenna is using her past experiences as a vehicle to elevate spaces for change. Her work with a humanitarian agency focused on design for connection and community across the globe. It in…

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Episode 44 - From Carpenter to CEO with Josh Helgesen 36:15

1y ago36:15

36:15

Josh Helgesen has been handy from the get-go. Woodworking in the shop with his dad sparked interest early and turned into a passion he would soon form his career around. Fast forward to 2001, he was brought onto Greiner Construction as an apprentice. Working as a carpenter, then onto foreman/superintendent roles, Josh continued to climb the ladder …

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Episode 43 - Fueling Hearts and Communities with Scott Redd 31:58

1y ago31:58

31:58

A former football player at the University of Minnesota, Scott Redd has always been determined to do his best on, and off the field. While his football career ended when he graduated college, his most important job was just beginning in the workforce. Now, Scott Redd is the CEO and President of Sabathani Community Center, a pillar in the heart of S…

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Episode 41 - Creating Healthy Spaces for A Brighter Future with Jonathon Cremer 37:05

1y ago37:05

37:05

From the small town of Harmony, Minnesota with a population of about 1,000 people, Jonathon Cremer grew up in a 4th generation family manufacturing recycling business. He learned the ins and outs of how a business is ran from a young age. You could say growing a business was in his blood. While his family created a community in business - he wanted…

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Episode 40 - Retail Capital Markets Leaders: Cory Villaume and Matt Hazelton 38:13

1+ y ago38:13

38:13

Cory Villaume and Matt Hazelton started in the Commercial Real Estate business just weeks apart, 18 years ago. Now, as a dynamic duo, they're heading up the Retail Capital Markets team at JLL Minneapolis. Over their careers they have been responsible for nearly $1 billion of retail property dispositions and acquisitions. From selling shopping cente…

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Episode 39: Using Obstacles as a Launching Pad with Logan Haskett 29:09

1+ y ago29:09

29:09

At just 26 years old, Logan Haskett is making a name for himself. After several hardships during his adolescent years, Logan knew the path he was on was the losing one. Knowing he had an entrepreneurial spirit within himself, he started to build his knowledge and strengthen his abilities, which in-turn, was just the beginning of a successful career…

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Episode 38 - Brian Ingram: Generosity is the First Bite, not the Last 30:23

1+ y ago30:23

30:23

Brian Ingram knows how to put love on a plate. Considering himself as the "world's worst student," Brian's mom put him in a culinary program at the age of 14. By the age of 18, he left his home state of Alaska with a passion for the culinary world, working in restaurants as a chef, travelling from San Francisco to New York, and Singapore to Paris. …

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Episode 37 - Steve Wellington: The Whole World is Real Estate 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

Steve Wellington, founder of Wellington Management, Inc., is among Minnesota's most admired CEO's. Since starting the company in 1984, WMI has developed and/or acquired more than 100 commercial and residential properties in the Twin Cities and is currently the 10th largest property management company in St. Paul/Minneapolis. Steve is also an active…

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E36 - Roger King's Insider Investment Secrets 35:55

1+ y ago35:55

35:55

Roger King initially thought he would be a musician after attending the well-known Berklee College of Music, until he was influenced by his father's venture into property investing. Roger switched paths and found another talent, real estate. Now, with 27-years of real estate under his belt, Roger has garnered over 180 successful property flips, the…

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E35 - Heidi Zimmer: When Nothing is Certain, Anything is Possible 37:40

1+ y ago37:40

37:40

Heidi Zimmer thought she was going to be a City Planner until she leaned into her curiosity of the commercial real estate development world. She moved from big city jobs to the non-profit sector revealing her niche in affordable housing. Through her development experience, her work percolated a passion; creating spaces that integrated health and we…

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Episode 34 - Lessons from a Business Legend with Brien Slawik 35:53

1+ y ago35:53

35:53

Marie Slawik was a woman before her time. During the 1950's, a time when men dominated the business sector, Marie and her husband, Harold, founded and owned one of the largest Ford dealerships in the Midwest - Midway Ford in St. Paul., along with an auto-parts store, leasing and car title-loan businesses in an early vertical integration model. They…

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Episode 33 - Are you REDI to Advance your Career? 33:21

1+ y ago33:21

33:21

Andre Ingram and Nene Matey-Keke live out the Urban Land Institute's Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) program's mission: to advance the careers of professionals of color and women in commercial real estate. Ingram, a Development Manager at Schaefer Richardson, and Matey-Keke a decorated broker and founder of RNR Real estate group at Compass …

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That's So: Designer $hit documentary (an interview with director Saffron Cassaday) 25:14

1+ y ago25:14

25:14

It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for a That’s So episode! A chance to chat about a piece of content that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today, we’re chatting about the feature documentary Designer $hit directed by Saffron Cassaday. In Designer $hit, director Saffron Cassaday, who has suffered from ulcerative colitis for …

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Episode 32 - Kristen Anderson Uses Space for a Purpose 31:27

2y ago31:27

31:27

Kristen Anderson oversees Hempel Real Estate's construction and design activities. She is part of the reason why we're able to host our podcast show as she and her team built the beautiful podcast studio! Kristen's love for historic buildings broke her into the business. After working on the famous Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City, it…

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Miranda Allen & Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) 1:03:02

2y ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Happy Tuesday! When I was passing through London, UK in July I was able to sit down and chat with Miranda Allen about her diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) In this episode, Miranda looks back with hindsight and explains where it’s possible her symptoms began, the years of not really knowing what was going on, …

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Episode 31 - Girl, Buy that Building! with Torrey Benson 36:46

2y ago36:46

36:46

Torrey Benson is a lifer when it comes to real estate. Coming from a family in commercial real estate, she has maneuvered her professional career around it. A Minnesota native, Torrey grew up a ski racer, going to Minnesota's popular ski area, Buck Hill. As to no one's surprise, she ended up in Montana where she is currently a Commerical Real Estat…

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Markus Birdman & 2 Strokes and Homonymous Hemianopia 44:29

2y ago44:29

44:29

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today - in the middle of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - I was able to sit down with comedian Markus Birdman, to chat about his experience of having two strokes, as well as living with a diagnosis of homonymous hemianopia. In this episode Markus explains how it it felt for him going through stroke number one and t…

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That's So: The Surgeons' Hall Museums (and the Blood & Guts Walking Tour) 17:30

2y ago17:30

17:30

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for a That’s So episode, where we chat about something that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today, we’re chatting about The Surgeons’ Hall Museums and the Blood & Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History Walking Tour that I was able to ch…

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Episode 30 - Neil Timmins: Take Action Today, Get Paid Forever 31:45

2y ago31:45

31:45

Neil's first job was at a bank - and when he realized his mom made double what he did as a Residential Real Estate Agent, he knew he needed to switch gears. He followed his mom's footsteps and by the age of 29, he became the #1 RE/MAX agent in Iowa, but despite this, he longed for more freedom to choose how he spent his time. Neil began to realize …

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Jo Prendergast & Breast Cancer 1:19:29

2y ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Welcome to That’s So Chronic!. Today I am chatting to psychiatrist, comedian, and author Dr Jo Prendergast about her diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as her latest book When Life Sucks. In this episode, Jo talks us through her breast cancer diagnosis and what happened next. We chat about the amount of decisions you have to make after a diagnosis…

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Dr Saimun Singla & Rheumatoid Arthritis 42:32

2y ago42:32

42:32

Welcome back to That's So Chronic! Today I am joined by Dr Saimun Singla and we are discussing her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as well as her work as a paediatric rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician. In this episode, Dr Saimun shares her story of working for years in rheumatology and then going through her own rheumatoid arthrit…

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That's So: The D*List (with editor Olivia Shivas) 15:20

2y ago15:20

15:20

Welcome to That's So Chronic. It’s the final Tuesday of the month, which means it’s time for another That’s So episode. Today I am chatting to Olivia Shivas, the editor of The D*List - the home of disability culture in Aotearoa. The D*List is an online culture magazine that creates space for disabled people to tell their own stories through feature…

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Episode 29 - Tables Have Turned! Lisa Christianson was Born an Entrepreneur 27:43

2y ago27:43

27:43

Something fun and exciting this week as Lisa Christianson sits on the other side of the mic and is in the hot seat! Christianson & Company's Summer Intern interviews Lisa on this special podcast. Lisa was an entrepreneur before she was an entrepreneur. As soon as she could remember, Lisa would doodle ideas onto paper about different business ideas …

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Nick Allen & Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Fibromyalgia 42:18

2y ago42:18

42:18

Today I am chatting to Nick Allen who is living with a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia. However, this was not always the case… In this episode Nick talks us through the long process of initially being diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and the lifestyle changes that he implemented to manage h…