Mason Bannavong seemed to have it all — a college degree, peak physical fitness, and a dream job in the bustling city of Dallas. But life took a sudden turn, leaving him broke, unemployed, and back in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. Hitting rock bottom might have seemed like the end but for Mason, it became the solid foundation he needed to rebuild upon. With the support of his family, newfound confidence, and an enduring passion for fitness, he carved out a name for himself in the fitness and powerlifting communities. Now, as a personal trainer, Mason empowers others to strengthen not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits.

www.instagram.com/teamso1training/

open.spotify.com/show/1moR4n7yVyVZB22xemY0Zn?si=e2934be2e52d49d5

www.facebook.com/mbannavong28/

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

The cornfields of Iowa and the lush tropics of Southeast Asia may seem worlds apart, but when Shamik Hayes first set foot in Laos, he felt an undeniable sense of home. Rediscovering the culture rooted deep in his family’s history ignited a passion that would propel him to become one of America’s top Muay Thai fighters. For some, fighting is about glory; for others, it’s the thrill of competition. But for Shamik, every punch and kick is a tribute to his heritage. His ultimate dream? To represent his Lao roots on the international stage.

https://www.instagram.com/blasian_one712/

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Cherish the past, dream of the future but live, today… Time waits for no one and when Tee Insixiengmay needed a fresh start after a tough break up, he bought a one-way ticket to the adventure of a lifetime. From his ancestral homeland in Laos, to the mountains of South America, Tee has been back packing his way around the globe with the goal of visiting to thirty-five countries, by his thirty-fifth birthday. While he loves the beaches, the majestic views and the amazing foods, it’s the connections with locals and his fellow travelers that leave the biggest impression.

https://www.instagram.com/thirstee4adventure/

https://www.youtube.com/@thirstee4adventure

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC