The Boa Life podcast

TBL Ep. 21 - John DeMoura

John — family man, VP, a true DeMoura.

 

John DeMoura is Steve's first cousin on his Father's side. He is the Vice President of Encon Heating and Air Conditioning based in Stratford, CT.

 

John grew up in construction. All he knows is hard work. He claims to be a simple guy who stays humble but his peers recognize someone who is extremely driven, inspires others and stays hungry.

 

Our conversation was truly enlightening. It quickly became evident he has the formula and the fortitude for success. He went to the school of hard knocks. In essence he came from the bottom now he's up.

 

John lives in Sandy hook, CT with his wife Paula, son John and daughter Olivia.

 

Encon Heating&AC https://www.goencon.com/

TBL Ep. 20 - Mindy Palhete Fernandes

Mindy — wifey, momma, photographer, teacher, CrossFitter, lover of people, coffee shops and all things crunchy.

 

Mindy Palhete Fernandes graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY with a degree in elementary education and science with a minor in psychology. She went onto CCSU to earn her Masters degree in early childhood. Mindy taught for nearly a decade in Danbury, CT; 2nd grade for three years then 3rd grade.

 

Mindy and her husband Lou left their profession as teachers to focus on growing their photography and videography company. Everlasting Films & Photography, where they specialize in weddings, boudoir photography, and family portraits, has been a thriving passion they continue to run today.

 

Once Mindy and Lou decided to start a family, they expanded their business with associate photographers and videographers so that she could focus primarily on raising her children while still managing the business and handling the editing/studio work. She does still however pop in to shoots from time to time to get behind the camera. Her photography work has led her to projects in Spain, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

 

Mindy’s health journey has led her to living a very natural, holistic/’crunchy’ lifestyle. She’s dedicated a great deal of time to learning about and experiencing the healing benefits of nutrition, supplementation, and detoxification. She embraced her cancer diagnosis in 2017 and set off on a wild trip getting to the root of her health crisis. With the help of Dr. Yvette Whitton, Dr. Nelson Labaredas, Dr. Henry Sobo, and amongst other practitioners, Mindy underwent a personal quest to heal her body from within in the realms of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It was way beyond the physical that western medicine led her to believe. Her mission is to one day, share all of her findings and experiences in a book in hopes of helping others.

 

Mindy's journey continued when she moved from Brookfield, CT to Florida in 2020 with her family. She enjoys getting her high doses of vitamin D and Crossfitting with Lou. She is always on a search to find a good local dive that offers local and clean products and absolutely loves supporting small businesses!

 

Mindy lives in Fort Pierce, FL with husband Lou and her sons Quin (6) and Owen (2) , and Gracey (8) the family cat.

 

Find Mindy on all platforms below:

https://makeiteverlasting.com/

https://www.instagram.com/happies0718

https://www.instagram.com/everlastingfilmsphoto

 

Find Mindy's Team below:

Dr Yvette Whitton, ND owner of Adonai Optimal Health & Wellness Monroe CT 203.220.8849

Dr. Nelson Labaredas, ND Dipl AC owner of CAN Heal Shelton CT 203.954.9475

Dr. Henry Sobo, MD Stamford CT 203.348.8805

TBL Ep. 19 - Niro Feliciano

Niro — Mom, therapist, podcaster, author.

 

Niro Feliciano is a cognitive psychotherapist who has specialized in treating anxiety for the last 16 years. She just released her first book "This Book Won't Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment" which headlined the podcast conversation. She is also the author of the Psychology Today blog “The Good Enough Life” and podcast host of “All Things Life” a weekly show on mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. Niro co-founded a multi-specialty mental health group Integrative Counseling and Wellness Group in Wilton, CT where she treats mainly anxiety in adults and adolescents. In addition, she helps clients with relationship issues and communication, self-esteem issues, personal goal development and stress management.

 

Niro is a Brooklyn-born Sri Lankan-American. She graduated from Columbia University with a Masters of Science in Social Work and completed her internship at Beth Israel Medical Center. She also worked at Mount Sinai’s adolescent health center, one of the largest adolescent clinics in the country. Over the years Niro's passion has grown into a strong desire for helping women and men live freer, fuller lives by getting aligned with what is most important to them.

 

Niro loves Jesus, coffee, chocolate, baking, talks about race and culture, faith, singing, being alone and with family and great friends. She also loves to read for pleasure.

 

Niro lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut with her Puerto-Lankan tribe: husband Ed and four children Natalia, Samuel, Sofia and Carolina.

 

Order Niro's book below: https://www.amazon.com/This-Book-Wont-Make-Happy/dp/1506480411

 

Listen to Niro's podcast “All Things Life” below: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-life-with-niro-feliciano/id1503272253

 

Find Niro on all platforms below:

https://www.nirofeliciano.com/ 

https://instagram.com/niro_feliciano?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://www.facebook.com/niro.feliciano

 

For full video version visit link below:

https://youtu.be/h_0ee5Nos3I

TBL Ep. 18.5 - Nick and Steve

Nick and Steve get out of the studio to discuss Nick's 4x4x48 challenge he did a few weeks back. 

Steve makes up his part of the challenge at a very familiar place, the BHS track!

TBL Ep. 18 - Eddie Pierre Jr

Eddie — aspiring law enforcement officer, gym beast, lovable teddy bear.

 

Eddie Pierre is local guy on a path towards self empowerment and financial success. His love for fitness and community service is evident within minutes of meeting him. 

 

Eddie was born and raised in Danbury, CT. From a young age his parents instilled certain ethics that Eddie still abides by today. His good-natured spirit is contagious. His strength and determination is force to be reckoned with.

 

Eddie's future goal is to start a career in law enforcement and real estate investment so he may ensure his financial freedom and enjoyment of community involvement. 

 

Eddie can be found on:

IG: https://instagram.com/epierrejr?utm_medium=copy_link

Email: epierrejr@gmail.com

 

For full video version visit link below:

https://youtu.be/HAbbPh56Rio

 

TBL Ep. 17 - Mark Boughton

Marky Mark — Commissioner, former Mayor, Big Poppa.

 

Mark Boughton was the longest serving Mayor of Danbury, CT. He held the title for 10 consecutive terms before leaving to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services in late 2020.

 

Mark knows Danbury better than anyone. He went through the public school system and taught Social Studies at Danbury High for 11 years before beginning his political career as a State Representative for 138th District of Connecticut in 1998. His first year as Mayor of Danbury was in 2001.

 

As a veteran Mark knows a thing or two about what it takes to tackle demanding issues while maintaining a steady hand. He made national headlines by pitching at Amazon to bring their HQ to Danbury in 2017 by marking notable statistics including its designation as the safest city in the state, one of the most diverse cities in the country, and the 2nd best place to live in the United States of America. Another event headlined Danbury when famous comedian and TV host John Oliver attacked the city for no apparent reason on his show. Mayor Mark responded in typical amusing fashion by renaming the sewage treatment plant to the "John Oliver Memorial Sewage Treatment Plant". It was all in good fun, Oliver ended up donating $55,000 to charities in Danbury.

 

Mark's passion in education and public service cannot be denied. He continues to be a leading advocate of quality education for all children. His robust presence on social media proves that he is willing to serve in all forms for the community. 

 

Find Mark on all platforms below:

 

https://twitter.com/exmayormark?s=21

 

https://www.facebook.com/MayorMarkBoughton

 

https://instagram.com/exmayormark?utm_medium=copy_link

 

 

For full video version visit link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqCGg-QtFoU&t=2059s

TBL Ep. 16 - Maxwell, Carter, Chloe Demoura

Max, Carter and Chloe — amusing, brilliant witty youngsters

 

Steve's kids join the podcast for an amazing depiction of what it's like being a kid these days. They show us all that no matter your age we should all strive to live the Boa Life.

 

For full video version visit link below:

https://youtu.be/Azm1T8fD-JQ

TBL Ep. 15 - Angelina Valentini

Angelina — top local Realtor, energetic Pro, Nana.

 

Angelina Valentini is a Real Estate Agent with William Raveis in Danbury, CT. As a luxury properties specialist she is noted for her highly effective yet down to earth, straight forward business style. Her extensive knowledge of the local market has proven true with a history of over $600,000,000 of real estate sold since starting her career in 2007. She has worked with professional athletes, writers and artists.

 

Originally from Westchester County NY, Ang was relocated to CT in 1985 while working as a marketing representative at IBM. She left the company to start her family in 1988. After many years as a solo agent Ang now has a Team of nine agents that cover a massive territory surrounding Candlewood Lake in Northern Fairfield County. Their expertise extends into Southern Litchfield and Western New Haven Counties. Ang also covers New York and Florida. Her philosophy is simple; honesty, integrity, respect and excellence.

 

Ang strongly believes in giving back. She is heavily involved in community organizations including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Make A Wish Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut and Saint Edward the Confessor Church. Ang has also served as a volunteer for many years in her local community including Secretary for the New Fairfield High School Booster Club, New Fairfield Parks & Recreation Softball Board and coached New Fairfield Parks & Recreation Girls Softball.

 

Ang lives in New Fairfield, CT with her husband Anthony. They have three adult children Alyse, Anthony and Gabrielle. The also have two granddaughters Emily and Evelyn.

 

Find Ang below:

https://thevalentinigroup.com/

Contact her via:

angvalentini@raveis.com

 

For full video version visit link below:

https://youtu.be/6BrkU1mn-50

TBL Ep. 14 - Ray Boa

Ray — local business owner, entrepreneur, exceptional idol.

 

Ray Boa is The Boa Life in the flesh. He is the co-owner and President of A&J Construction based in Brookfield, CT. He was born in Portugal but moved to Angola, Africa at a young age where he lived a very modest life with both of his parents and older brother Joe. The family eventually immigrated to the U.S. to seek greater opportunities and settled in Danbury, CT.

 

As a young man Ray had many aspirations. His focus was developing the tools needed to excel at soccer, be a positive community leader as well as a family man. He is currently fluent in four languages but was only capable of speaking Portugese when he arrived at NYC on February 28, 1968 aboard the ship Christopher Columbus. He knew he had to work exceptionally hard. The love, dedication and ambition his parents instilled in him has led to the many successes he continues to reflect on today.

 

Ray graduated from Danbury High School and Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He dominated the soccer field and was proudly inducted into Soccer Hall of Fame at both schools. More recently he received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was selected to be on the Advisory Board Center For Compassion, Creativity, & Innovation at Western Connecticut State University. He was also honored by the Danbury Old Timers. After school Ray quickly rose through the ranks as a Supervisor at Grolier Inc. and then Manager of Export Sales and Service for International Development Markets at Duracell Inc.

 

Ray's accolades are endless. The list begins with being on the Board of Directors at the Portuguese American Club and President of General Assembly and Marching Band at the Sons of Portugal, all while starting a new family and venturing out of the corporate world into business with his brother-in-law Arlindo Augusto. A&J Construction was in its infancy but Ray knew that his entrepreneurial spirit could not be held down. He continued to work hard and serve his community. The Portuguese Cultural Center was born and Ray served as the President of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. Ray also served as member of Economic Advisory Committee at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, the Board of Directors at Danbury Hospital and currently serves on the Board of trustees at Union Savings Bank.

 

Ray lives in Danbury, CT with his wife Zulmira. They have three adult children Kelly, Lori and Joseph. The also have six grand children Nina, Jax, Luke, Nora, Mila and Reese.

 

Find Ray at https://www.ajpaving.com/

 

For full video version visit link below:

https://youtu.be/VWJziRcZezA

TBL Ep. 13 - Jimmy Oates III and Neil-Thomas Lauri

Jimmy and Neil — comrades, coaches, CrossFit extraordinaires.

 

Jimmy Oates III and Neil-Thomas Lauri are CrossFit coaches at CFB Athletic Club in Bethel, CT. They lead multiple levels of athletes with ages ranging from 5-83 years old through the rigorous fundamentals of exercise. They encompass what it means to be well rounded healthy individuals.

 

Jimmy has lived in Bethel for much of his life. He's been coaching for over two years and is currently the GM at CFB Athletic Club. As a former lacrosse player for Quinnipiac University Jimmy has the experience and tools to get the best out of his members. His favorite part about the job is being able to help people achieve their goals and getting them the results they want. Jimmy's passion is working out and competing in CrossFit competitions, but music and anything marvel related occupy any down time he may have.

 

Coming in at 5 foot 11 and a half inches, born in late 1991 and raised in the Empire State comes Neil. Neil's been coaching CrossFit since 2012. It's been his main focus along with powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting and sport-specific training. He's trained a diverse group of athletes ranging from weight loss to competing. Neil's life outside the gym is mainly occupied at a butcher shop in Brewster, NY where he's been employed for the past 15 years. He lives next door in Carmel, NY.

 

Jimmy can be found on:

IG: https://instagram.com/joates19?utm_medium=copy_link

Email: jimmy@crossfitbethel.com

Neil can be found on:

IG: https://instagram.com/nlauri71?utm_medium=copy_link

Email: ntylauri@aol.com

 

For full video version visit the link below.

https://youtu.be/VuP7IQge9qw