KISH: Tell us about you…
PJ: I am an Army Veteran, Fitness Trainer, Chef, Podcast Host, MC and most importantly a father.
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you andothers?
PJ: WOW this is a big one, with so many different answers. I wouldn’t say it’s a dream as I am blessed that a lot of what I have wanted to work on is coming to fruition. When I came out of the Military, even though it took some time, I launched “Soulja Fit Lifestyle” where I trained and taught meal prep for those wanting a lifestyle change. In the process I competed 8 times, winning my PRO card in one of the federations. I unfortunately had to put this aside a few years ago but am looking forward to relaunching in the coming weeks. I also started my podcast “Raw and Real Vet Talk” a few months ago. The podcast is geared towards those hard to have conversations that people are afraid to have. It’s an open platform to discuss Divorce, Mental Health, Addiction and so much more
with incredible guests. I am an open book, so nothing is off limits. I enjoy helping people and both “Soulja Fit” and “Raw and Real” are geared towards helping people, whether it be their health journey or just their every day life where they feel trapped in certain situations, I want others to know there are resources out there to get the help they need and that they are not alone.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
with incredible guests. I am an open book, so nothing is off limits. I enjoy helping people and both “Soulja Fit” and “Raw and Real” are geared towards helping people, whether it be their health journey or just their every day life where they feel trapped in certain situations, I want others to know there are resources out there to get the help they need and that they are not alone.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
PJ: Coming out of the Military really helped inspire me and help me to pursue my dreams. Some of us are blessed to come home after life in combat while others aren’t. When you are out there fighting for your country, you see a lot of things that the “outside world” will never be exposed to. Being able to come home almost feels like a second chance, and I have been given a chance to help others, while helping myself and doing the things I love.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
PJ: I have dealt with not only severe PTSD from the Military; I also have gone through a traumatic divorce. The combination of the two together sometimes makes me wonder how I am still going. There are days and weeks that are harder than others where I really can’t find the motivation to keep going, but somehow, I end up powering through. I know I am here to do good things, and I am aware of my potential, so giving up just isn’t an option.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
PJ: Truthfully, myself and my tribe (my kids), I want to show my kids that you can do anything you put your mind to and that their dad doesn’t give up when things are tough. I want to set my children up for a good future and that one day they can look back and be like “Damn that’s my dad”. We live in a world where social media has taken over, and it’s easy to get sucked into that life of what’s real and what’s not. I want to show my kids that social media is not where you go to make money, that hard work is pursuing your passions day in and out until you are proud of the end result.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
PJ: I always say always be true to you, surround yourself with good people, those who will speak highly of you when you aren’t around, and those who will encourage you to go after your dream. We are all stronger together!!! We haven’t fully launched the new website yet for “Soulja Fit Lifestyle”, but for more information on my programs give me a follow on Instagram @souljafit_lifestyle as well as @raw_and_real_vettalk where we will be launching more on the page shortly.
