Celebrating Men and Those Who Support Them
It is with great pride I welcome you to our June Men’s Issue - an opportunity to recognize not only the men in our community, but also the community members and businesses making a meaningful impact on their health and well-being.
In this issue, we highlight local entrepreneurs and collaborators who are building, creating, and leading with purpose. From the team behind Taste Bottle Shop to the partnership of Georgia Luxury Pools and Southern Landscape and Design, these stories reflect the value of vision, craftsmanship, and working together to create something lasting.
We also take a closer look at health - both physical and mental - and the people helping men prioritize it. You’ll meet the founder of The Daily Pilates East Cobb, whose work emphasizes the importance of strength, mobility, and balance for everyone - men in particular. In addition, with a strong focus on supporting men and boys in their mental health journeys, we feature East Cobb Counseling, a trusted private practice offering the most respected and proven doctors and clinicians in Georgia. Community remains central to this issue. We’re proud to feature local media personality Paul Milligan, whose presence on Good Day Atlanta and in our community reflects the power of connection and storytelling. You’ll also read about a businessman creating thoughtfully designed properties on Tybee Island - spaces built with intention to gather, relax, and create lasting memories, as well as a feature on amazing getaways that capture the importance of men stepping away and reconnecting.
This issue is ultimately about more than titles or roles. It’s about impact - how men show up for their families, their work, and their communities, and how others support them along the way. To those featured, and to those making a difference every day, we honor you in this issue.
Thank you for being part of our community.
KEVIN KASETA, PUBLISHER
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Kevin Kaseta | kevin.kaseta@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Rei Kaiser
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Ann Jackson ejw.eastcobbcitylifestyle@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Wendy Edwards, Dr. Kimberly Seheult, EdD, LPC, CPCS, RPT, EMDR, Tran Bui, Rei Kaiser
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Albright Photography, Roberts S. Cooper Photographer, Morgan Beatton
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Cobb County HS Coalition's NW Habitat Humanity Community Curb Appeal event CEO Huhtanen and homeowner. 2: CCF President & CEO, Shari Martin with CCF Founding Chair James L. Rhoden, Jr. 3: Kim Gresh, Marietta City Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson, and Laurie Ann WongBurns celebrate Cobb Community Foundation 4: What a day! Walton High School Jazz Band perform at 2026 Taste of East Cobb. 5: Winners! Pedro and Alex with JLCM VP of Fund Development Tye Barnett, President Ashley Farris 6: Wheeler High School to send three robotic teams to compete in the First Championship, TX! 7: Amazing Walton High School Volunteers with Blingle Marietta Owners, community members Eric and Christy Mesimer
Serving Up Impact! Pickleball with Purpose
The Junior League of CobbMarietta's Serve Up Some Good Charity Pickleball Tournament brought together competition, community, and purpose for an unforgettable day on the courts. With two exciting flights of play, nearly 50 players rallied in support of their mission, backed by nine generous sponsors. Attendees enjoyed spirited matches and raffle prizes, boosting fundraising momentum. Thanks to strong community support, the event will provide $10,000 in grants to local nonprofits serving women and children.
cobb-marietta.jl.org
Photography by Junior League of Cobb-Marietta
A Celebration of Activating Good
Cobb Community Foundation celebrated a year of generosity, collaboration, and impact at the third annual Activate Good event. The evening marked the release of its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting what’s possible when neighbors, donors, nonprofits, and businesses collaborate. The gathering united community leaders to reflect on a year of activating good across Cobb County. The extraordinary was accomplished - in 2025 over $6.5 million in grants and scholarships were distributed, with 73% staying in Cobb.
Photography by Cobb Community Foundation
One Team, One Heart - Support Beyond the Game
Sixth grader Jackson Jefcoat, Dickerson Middle School and Walton’s junior football and lacrosse programs, has shown remarkable resilience since his 2025 diagnosis of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Now cancer-free and continuing treatment, he’s embraced by the Walton athletic community. Coaches and players have rallied around him with visits and support, naming him honorary captain for a senior select game and presenting a commemorative chrome helmet.
“We’re behind him every step of the way,” his team shared.
Photography by Cobb County School District
Marietta Business Association Continues Tradition of Giving Back
The Marietta Business Association hosted a Casino Night fundraiser to support Barney, the Crisis Response Canine serving Marietta City Schools. Presented by Georgia Wills, Trust, & Probate Firm, the event benefited a 100% donation-funded program dedicated to student and staff emotional wellness and crisis support. At its core, the program emphasizes compassion and connection, ensuring Barney and his handler, SRO Hill, can provide immediate comfort, reduce anxiety, and restore calm when students need it most.
Photography by Marietta Business Association
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce - 84 Years Strong!
The Chamber enters its 84th year, transitioning leadership from Chairman Chris Britton, Brasfield & Gorrie to 2026 Chairwoman Melissa Cantrell, CDH Partners. Rooted in serving others, the Chamber continues to uplift the community. The 2026 Mack Henderson Public Service Award honored Dr. Tiffany Barney of Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy and Rob Garcia, III of Marietta High School College/Career Academy for their impact and dedication to building a better quality of life for Cobb citizens.
Photography by Cobb Chamber of Commerce
WHERE EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP, DESIGN AND COLLABORATION CREATE YOUR ULTIMATE BACKYARD RETREAT
BRINGING RESORT
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS
LIVING HOME
That sense of relaxation and serenity you feel while lounging beside a beautifully curated pool, taking in the surroundings at a beach escape or luxury resort, is something most of us experience only a few times a year. However, what if that vacation feeling could exist at home, every day of the year? That’s exactly what Georgia Luxury Pools is committed to delivering, bringing resort-style living to clients across metro Atlanta.
When David Brown’s grandmother founded a pool chemical company decades ago, she likely never imagined her work ethic and tenacity would grow into a multi-generational pool design and construction business anchored in integrity, quality, and exceptional customer service. After David’s parents took the reins, he was eager to carry the legacy forward, getting involved as early as age twelve. “Growing up around it, we learned early on that people truly value hard work and honesty. One lesson that stuck with me is simple: if you do what you say you’re going to do—and you do it well—you’ll never run out of people who want to work with you. That foundation has shaped everything we do today”, says David.
The Brown family never set out to be just another pool company. For years, the industry’s low barrier to entry allowed contractors with limited experience in design, construction, and business practices to enter the market. That landscape is beginning to shift, with Cobb County becoming the first in Georgia to require a CBP certification to obtain a pool permit. David is ahead of the curve, holding an Advanced CBP designation and actively pursuing his Expert certification, which focuses on complex engineering, specialized materials, advanced soil mechanics, and diagnosing major pool defects.
A meticulously designed poolscape deserves a landscape that enhances and elevates its beauty. That’s where Georgia Luxury Pools’ partnership with Patrick Ferguson, owner of Southern Landscapes & Design, truly sets them apart. Clients can collaborate with David and his team to create a functional, visually striking poolscape, and, if desired, seamlessly extend that vision with expert landscape design, resulting in a cohesive backyard oasis. “Southern Landscape & Designs specializes in drainage, hardscaping, pavilions,
and overall landscape design. This allows us to present clients with a realistic, full-project budget upfront, working with quality, customer-focused professionals. While we operate as separate companies, we collaborate closely to deliver a seamless experience”, David remarks.
The process begins with a consultation to define your aesthetic, functional, and budget goals. A custom 3D design follows, allowing for revisions before moving into permits and preconstruction. Construction then proceeds to excavation and structural work, then to plumbing, electrical, and finishes. Clients can expect 4–6 months from the initial meeting to final walkthrough. Excellent communication during this entire process ensures the client is informed from start to finish, ending in a final walkthrough to learn how systems work. Clients will also be guided on how to care for their new landscape by Patrick and his team.
“We also provide a “pool school” at the end of each project, along with ongoing support during the first year. Our goal is not just to build a beautiful pool, but to make sure our clients feel confident owning and maintaining it, relays David.
Georgia Luxury Pools delivers more than a pool, it creates a lifestyle rooted in comfort, beauty, and thoughtful design. Backed by family values, expert craftsmanship, and seamless collaboration, David Brown and his team transform backyards into everyday retreats, bringing the luxury of a resort experience home.
www.galuxurypools.com | 678-467-6693
www.southernlandscapesanddesign.com | 678-467-6693
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE
Craft, Community, and the Perfect
pourPASSION-DRIVEN SELECTIONS, EXPERT GUIDANCE, AND UNFORGETTABLE TASTING EXPERIENCES AWAIT YOU.
There’s an old saying, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Few embody that more fully than Hussein Sultan, owner of Taste Bottle Shop in Sandy Springs. Guided by genuine passion, he has built an impressive brand rooted in experience, strong relationships, and a relentless drive to learn, sharing that knowledge generously with customers who have become friends.
Hussein or “H” as his friends call him, was introduced early on to the way a shared tasting of wine, bourbon, or tequila can bring people together, whether they arrive as strangers or leave as friends. At his family’s business, Soirée Wine, those moments sparked something bigger. “What started as tastings with customers quickly became tastings with close friends,” he says, “and grew into a vision for a different kind of bottle shop, one that feels welcoming, knowledgeable, and centered on discovery rather than just transactions.”
Education is at the heart of Taste Bottle Shop’s philosophy, setting it apart and elevating the customer experience. Hussein brings the benefit of hundreds of hours
spent visiting wineries, distilleries, and breweries, learning directly from master craftsmen. Hussein has built deep relationships with artisans and producers around the world, forming collaborations that not only enrich the customer experience but also give these skilled craftspeople a platform to showcase their work bringing his vision to life. “Whether it’s pairing selections from Taste with or hosting joint tastings and pop-ups, these collaborations let us create fuller experiences for our customers ie, wine dinners, bourbon or tequila pairings, charity galas, or neighborhood gatherings that celebrate local flavor and hospitality”, Hussein remarks.
One such relationship with ASW Distillery has brought together a partnership that is rooted in mutual support for Atlanta-made spirits. Hussein states, "Through our extensive single barrel program we have been privileged to select many private single barrels and we proudly feature their lineup, including standout expressions like their bourbons and single malts, and in turn they appreciate having a dedicated local partner that educates customers and hosts tastings. It’s been wonderful watching (and contributing to) ASW’s growth while helping our customers discover hometown talent”.
Meeting at the University of Georgia, Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson, co-owners of ASW Distillery, discovered a shared fascination with “searching for clarity in aqua vitae,” a passion that ultimately led them to pursue a common vision: building a distillery dedicated to crafting award-winning whiskeys, bourbons, and clear spirits. What they could not have anticipated, however, was how that vision would expand far beyond the still. Today, in addition to their distillery, they operate three tasting rooms, in Buckhead, The Battery Atlanta, and the West End neighborhoods of Atlanta. Their small-batch creations and spirits honor the heritage, tradition and legacy that was passed down from the forefathers who came to this country generations ago. "This summer, we're celebrating our 10 year anniversary since beginning distillation operations at our Buckhead facility. The community and its support of local businesses are still as strong today as back then – it's a testament to friends like Hussein at Taste that we have been able to grow and thrive all these years”, says Chad Ralston, Partner and CMO at ASW.
It is close relationships like these that allow Taste Bottle Shop to highlight exceptional
legacy producers in a way that creates value for everyone involved, most importantly, the customer, who ultimately benefits from these meaningful connections. “People enjoy the chance to try rare pours in a relaxed setting with knowledgeable staff guiding the conversation. We also do wine and craft beer features that bring in a fun mix of regulars and new faces”, says Hussein. Taste Bottle Shop continues to serve as a welcoming space for neighbors and friends to unwind, connect, and rediscover community. Looking ahead, customers can anticipate the results of Hussein’s ongoing pursuit as he explores Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries in search of the perfect pour, curating exceptional finds to share with the community he has built.
www.tastebottleshop.com | 678-691-5854
Backed
ARTICLE BY REI KAISER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERTS S. COOPER PHOTOGRAPHER
Palmwood Haven
With this being his fourth property on Tybee - following two successful sales - Paul continues to refine his approach, designing not just for peak summer weeks, but for year-round use, balancing practical needs with the elevated, escapist feel guests seek in a true vacation home. What sets his work apart isn’t just the investment—it’s a studied understanding of how people actually experience time away, and how a home can quietly shape those moments.
That perspective is rooted in something more personal. Tybee Island has long held meaning for Paul and his family—where early memories were formed, and where accessibility from Atlanta makes it a realistic, repeat destination. Its scale is part of the appeal: a place where you can trade the car for a bike or golf cart, move easily between quieter stretches of beach and more active social areas, and experience something different each time you return. That balance of familiarity and variety ultimately made Tybee the natural place to continue building.
For Paul, that connection began years earlier while he was stationed at Fort Stewart, just outside of Savannah,
while his wife attended what is now Georgia Southern University. Some of their earliest time together was spent on Tybee’s shoreline, a place that already held significance for her family as a long-standing summer tradition. Today, that same sense of familiarity—paired with the island’s proximity, roughly a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta—makes it an easy escape for long weekends, seasonal breaks, and holidays alike.
Beyond its accessibility, Tybee offers a layered experience that continues to draw visitors back. The island’s compact footprint allows guests to settle in quickly, often leaving the car behind in favor of bikes or golf carts. From the lively energy of the South Beach and pier to the quieter stretches of North Beach, where Paul’s homes are located, each area offers a distinct pace. Days can begin with a walk along the shoreline, shift to kayaking excursions toward Little Tybee Island, or unfold along the back river where dolphins move through the water and cargo ships pass into the Savannah Harbor.
There’s a rhythm to the island that extends beyond the beach itself. Landmarks like the Tybee Island Light
Station and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center offer moments of history and exploration, while a mix of casual, well-loved dining spots—from The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen to North Beach Bar and Grill—add to the island’s character. With parks, playgrounds, and open spaces woven throughout, Tybee remains as accessible for families as it is for couples or small groups, offering something unique with each visit, no matter the season. “We love the island,” says Paul. “There are things to do year-round and we can have a different experience each time we visit!”
His latest project, Palmwood Haven, a fully renovated coastal home, reflects a level of planning that goes well beyond surface design. The construction itself took roughly four and a half months, but what’s less visible—and more telling—is the three months spent beforehand sourcing materials, aligning labor, and mapping out every phase to ensure the home would be ready for the 2026 season. It’s a process that speaks to discipline as much as vision.
At approximately 2,000 square feet, the home has been reworked to maximize both efficiency and experience, with a strong emphasis on well-appointed bedrooms, fully renovated bathrooms, and an expanded kitchen designed to comfortably support up to ten guests. Every decision reflects an understanding of flow—how groups move through a space, where they gather, and where they retreat.
A defining feature is the addition of a 400-square-foot screened-in porch, conceived as a true extension of the home. Functioning as a second living room, it includes an outdoor fireplace and a pass-through window from the kitchen—allowing
cooking, dining, and conversation to happen without interruption. It’s a detail that feels effortless to the guest, but is the result of deliberate planning.
Beyond aesthetics, the home is built for longevity. Just yards away from the beach, from upgraded systems to carefully selected, coastal-resilient materials, the goal is consistency over time—so the experience holds up season after season, guest after guest.
More than a renovation, the project reflects an evolving expertise. Paul approaches each property as both a business and a study—refining what works, eliminating what doesn’t, and building with a level of foresight that only comes from repetition and attention to detail.
Paul shares he would be remiss not to mention Suite Beach Tybee - an exquisite new ocean-front property. "The home is amazing and was a labor of love to design and build. Featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen, private pool, elevator, 4 screened-inporches, outdoor kitchen with bar and grill, this 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath offers every amenity you could think of."
In the end, this isn’t just a story about a renovated home or thoughtful new construction. It’s about the connection between places and experiences. How, when done right, a home becomes part of the memory itself. On Tybee Island, that’s exactly the point.
tybeevacationrentals.com/property/d987a5f0-4006-430f-94e8 -d93fc7468ede
https://tybeevacationrentals.com/property/bcd0aeac-f7db -4e72-84bd-b8d305c245b2
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN BEATTON
Inside Reine Cook's journey creating a Pilates studio that strengthens body, mindset, and connection
Powerful Pilates:
Built on Balance
Reine Cook had always believed she was the architect of her own destiny, happiness, and fulfillment. As a full-time Human Resources Operations Manager, devoted wife to Levi, and mother to their ten-year-old son, she prioritized family, career, and her health. So when her experience at a local Pilates studio fell short of expectations, she didn’t settle.
Reine Cook
“I’ve always known I wanted to start my own business, but nothing ever fully held my attention, until Pilates. It was the one challenge I never walked away from. It pushed me in a way that felt both physical and mental, and I kept coming back to it”. She also emphasized the importance of leading by example for her son, saying, “I wanted my son to find his passion and not be afraid to take risks. I wanted him to know that he could go after what he loves and that I’ll always be his biggest supporter,” Reine states.
Recognizing she had found her passion, she immersed herself in extensive research to create the ideal studio that not only reflected her values and goals, but elevated the experience into something truly exceptional, nurturing mind, body, and soul. She knew she had found her Pilates home when she discovered The Daily Pilates. Reine remarks, “When I discovered The Daily, it was the first time a studio genuinely made me feel good - not just in the workout itself, but in the overall experience. It felt elevated, intentional, and welcoming all at once. That’s when everything started to click. I realized I wanted to bring that same feeling to my own community - to create a space where people feel empowered, supported, and excited to show up for themselves”.
Reine’s intuition proved spot on. This purposeful, total-body method, centered on strength, postural alignment, flexibility, and muscle balance, has resonated with millions and continues to gain momentum thanks to its adaptable intensity and mindful approach. Its benefits span all fitness levels, with growing appeal among men as well. “Pilates is incredibly effective for men, especially those already engaged in strength or cardio training. It improves core strength, mobility, stability, and overall body awareness—all of which enhance performance and reduce risk of injury,” says Reine, adding, “For men who lift or run regularly, Pilates acts as a powerful complement for an active recovery day, targeting smaller stabilizing muscles that are often overlooked to create a more balanced, functional body.”
Reine is proud of what she and her team have created for their community, noting that The Daily Pilates was designed with the client’s entire experience in mind. From the moment a client walks through the door, they are welcomed into a space that feels light, elevated, and calming, with a clean, modern aesthetic that is both refined and approachable. Reine says she was drawn to The Daily Pilates for its intentional, calming, and thoughtfully designed environment, something she had long been searching for.
The Daily Pilates experience is also defined by its instructors who are comprehensively trained and certified, each bringing a distinct energy, expertise, and style. Every class offers a fresh perspective while maintaining a consistently high standard of instruction. Reine notes that the studio offers a wide range of classes designed to meet clients at every stage of their fitness journey, from mindful, form-focused Foundations classes to high-intensity HIIT and Jump Sculpt sessions. She adds that Reformer Stretch + Sound Bath provides space to slow down and reset, while private and duet sessions offer more personalized guidance, allowing clients to choose what best supports their goals, whether that’s strength, intensity, or recovery.
As Reine and her family move forward, their commitment to their close-knit community remains central to their mission. From in-studio events to collaborative wellness experiences and pop-up gatherings, The Daily Pilates strives to bring people together. As Reine shares, “At the end of the day, The Daily Pilates is about more than fitness, it’s about creating a space where people feel stronger, more confident, and more connected to themselves. If we can be a small part of someone’s daily routine in a way that positively impacts their life, then we’re doing exactly what we set out to do.”
thedailypilates.com/eastcobb | 404-482-2126
Transform Your Body and Mind with The Daily Pilates
Whether you're just starting your journey or a seasoned practitioner, our classes are designed to help you make real progress at every level to reach your wellness goals.
We invite you to experience pilates where wellness & design unite. It's more than a workout - it’s a sensory escape.
thedailypilates.com/eastcobb
404-482-2126
4250 Roswell Road | Suite 450 | Marietta, GA
June is for Healthy Pets in Marietta, GA
Keep your pet healthy this summer with full-service veterinary care you can trust. From wellness visits to advanced diagnostics, our team provides compassionate care in a calm, clean environment.
Our services include:
Wellness & illness exams
Dentistry & surgery
Digital & dental radiographs
Ultrasound & in-house lab work
Hospitalization & emergency care
Microchips & travel certificates
End-of-life care & more
1100 Mt. Bethel Drive, Marietta, GA 770-565-7175 ProvidenceVeterinary.com
The Man Behind the Moments
Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken shares his journey, his curiosity, why he’s never stopped exploring
If you’ve ever watched morning television in Atlanta, chances are you’ve spent time with Paul Milliken. He’s the familiar face bringing energy, curiosity, and a sense of fun to Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta. Whether he’s out on location or stepping in to deliver the weather, he has a way of making viewers feel like they’re right there with him.
But his story starts long before the live shots and behind-the-scenes adventures.
“I majored in broadcast journalism in college at the University of Florida (yes...I'm a Gator!). My initial goal was to study print journalism, because writing is really my first love, but I'm a big ham, too, and couldn't resist the bright lights of the news studio!”
That mix of storytelling and personality clearly paid off. “I've been the feature reporter in Atlanta since 2012, which means I get to spotlight the people, places, and events that make North Georgia so amazing. It's the absolute best. I get to explore the state and bring our viewers right along with me.”
What viewers may not realize is just how varied his career has been.
“I started in a small town and worked my way up, doing just about every job in television news that exists. I've edited newscasts, I've rolled teleprompters—you name it. Every job has been a valuable experience and has led me to where I am today.”
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
That hands-on journey shows up in the kinds of stories he’s drawn to most. “I’m a fan of ‘behind the scenes’ kinds of things. I’m a curious guy, so any time I get to explore places that the public doesn’t typically get to see, I’m excited. And I love adventure—from riding roller coasters to climbing mountains and crawling through caves. People seem to like to see me get down and dirty on live TV!”
Off camera, his world is just as full. “A perfect day off involves travel. My husband Steven and I spent time in Thailand late last year and it was wonderful.” When he’s not traveling, he stays busy. “So many hobbies! I'm always writing something—fiction and non-fiction. I'm a huge fan of horror movies, especially from the 1970s or 1980s. I also have some strange collections, including dozens of different editions of the board game Clue!”
Paul Milliken & husband Steven Cooper exploring New Mexico
Locally, he has his go-to spots. “I love the Roswell Riverwalk for a great morning of exercise. The Roswell Public Library has a great ‘Friends of…’ bookstore inside, and I pop in often to check out the selection. If I’m in Marietta, I have to stop by Marietta Diner!”
Grounded by family, he shares, “My parents are definitely the biggest influence on the man I am today. Both devoted their lives and careers to helping others. They are the most accepting and loving people you'll ever meet, and they both have a passion for learning that really rubbed off on me.”
And for anyone still figuring things out, his advice is refreshingly simple: “You've got time. So much of my life has been spent hurrying to get somewhere, trying to reach the next step in my career and accomplish the next big goal. Honestly, if I could go back, I wouldn't rush so much. I'd try to enjoy the moment more and trust that things will happen when they're supposed to.”
Next up? Author. “I'm really excited that my first book is being published at the end of this year,” he shares, co-writing the memoir of Ms. Louvain Demps, a Motown-era singer whose story he can’t wait to share.
“I am so lucky to get to connect with people through my job. Seriously, so lucky.”
Paul Milliken with his parents, Beth & Greg Milliken, his biggest influence
Paul Milliken, Emmy Award-winning reporter bringing stories to life on Good Day Atlanta
The High-Performance Paradox
Boys, Men, and the Quiet Work of Mental Health
ARTICLE BY DR. KIMBERLY SEHEULT
In East Cobb, excellence is a lifestyle. Our boys are training before sunrise, our teens are balancing AP classes with varsity schedules, theatre and culinary arts, and our fathers are leading teams, closing deals, and coaching teams.
From the outside, it’s impressive. From the inside, it can be exhausting.
Here’s the paradox: the same traits that drive success—discipline, ambition, competitiveness—can quietly erode mental health when they’re not balanced with connection, recovery, and emotional awareness. High performers are often the least likely to ask for help, because they’ve been rewarded for pushing through.
And yet, pushing through isn’t the same as thriving.
At East Cobb Counseling, we work with boys, teens, and men who are doing everything “right” and still feel off—irritable, disconnected, anxious, or burned out. For young athletes, the pressure to perform can crowd out identity. When the test is over, or the game ends, or the presentation is done, who are you? For high-achieving students, perfectionism becomes a full-time job. When is it ever enough? For men in corporate leadership, the expectation to provide, lead, and remain composed can make vulnerability feel like risk instead of strength.
But relationships—at home, at work, and within ourselves—require more than performance. They require presence.
“High achievement without emotional connection is a fast track to burnout,” says Dr. Kimberly Seheult. “The goal isn’t to lower standards—it’s to build the internal capacity to sustain them without sacrificing your well-being or your relationships.”
Dr. Alex Ayvazian LPC, NCC; Shannon Mimbs LPC, NCC, CAMS; Dr. Stephen Wise LPC, CCTP, EMDR
That’s where intentional mental health work comes in. Not as a reaction to crisis, but as a proactive strategy for longevity, clarity, and connection.
For boys and teen athletes, our clinicians, Laura Lim Sang and Haleigh Baldwin, focus on helping young men develop emotional range alongside physical strength. That means learning how to process pressure, manage frustration, and communicate effectively—with coaches, teammates, and parents. Confidence isn’t just built in the weight room; it’s built in how a young man handles setbacks, relationships, and self-talk.
For adult men, the work often shifts toward balance.
Shannon Mimbs, Dr. Stephen Wise, Dr. Alex Ayvazian and myself, support professionals and couples in navigating stress, communication breakdowns, and the subtle drift that can happen in long-term relationships. Success at work doesn’t automatically translate to fulfillment at home. In fact, without intention, it can pull against it.
We often ask our clients a simple question: What does a successful life look like outside of your resume?
That question tends to land.
Because the truth is, most men don’t want less success— they want more meaning. More connection with their spouse. More presence with their children. More clarity in their own minds. And perhaps most importantly, more permission to take care of themselves without guilt.
Self-care, in this context, isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. It looks like sleep that isn’t sacrificed for productivity. It looks like movement that isn’t always competitive. It looks like conversations that go beyond logistics. It looks like knowing when to push—and when to pause.
We also integrate a deeper layer of personalization through 3X4 Genetic Blueprint testing, offered by our Genetic Practitioner, Laurel Clayton. This testing provides insight into how each individual’s body and brain are wired—from stress response and dopamine regulation to inflammation and recovery. For high-performing kiddos and men, this can be a game-changer. It moves the conversation from “Why can’t I focus?” to “What does my system actually need to perform at its best?”
Because optimization isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what works for you.
In a community that values excellence, the next evolution is sustainability. Raising boys who can compete and connect. Supporting men who can lead and listen. Building families where success and well-being are not in competition, but in partnership. Performance will always matter here. But the men who thrive long-term are the ones who understand that strength isn’t just measured by what you achieve—it’s measured by your resilience, your relationships, and your ability to show up fully in every area of life.
eastcobbcounseling.com | 678-263-4211
Dr. Kimberly Seheult LPC, CPCS, RPT, EMDR; Laurel Clayton MHC, 3x4 Genetics; Laura Lim Sang LCSW, EMDR; Haleigh Bauldwin NCC, LAPC
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’ GETAWAYS GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing
dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
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Established in 1973, we have earned a reputation as Atlanta’s most distinguished jeweler. Family owned and operated, we are known for exceptional craftsmanship, timeless designs, and a deeply personal approach to fine jewelry.
For more than five decades, we’ve had the honor of being part of life’s most treasured moments for countless families. As we reflect on our journey, we are deeply grateful for the lasting relationships we have built and the trust that has been passed down from one generation to the next.
It is our privilege to continue to create meaningful designs that celebrate your stories, milestones, and memories.
