SURF’S UP

A 20-plus-year veteran of the wine and spirits industry, Deerfield resident and former attorney STEPH METZ brings a wealth of expertise and energy to Heaven Hill Brands, one of the world’s largest bourbon suppliers. This bourbon enthusiast (Elijah Craig being her favorite) is also deeply committed to wellness. She fell in love with yoga after discovering she has the BRCA1 gene and underwent preventative surgery. Now, a yoga instructor for more than 15 years, Metz holds Level 200 and 500 yoga certifications, as well as a Red Cross CPR certification. Her journey to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga began nine years ago on a rainy summer day. Despite battling choppy waters and spending more time in the lake than on the board, the experience sparked a lasting passion that led to a desire to share the SUP experience. Metz approached Glencoe Park District seven years ago with the idea of offering a “board” yoga class on the summer schedule. She enthusiastically believes that SUP yoga is more than just a workout—it’s a shift in perspective. There’s something magical about standing on the water, feeling the breeze, and being immersed in nature. Metz’s students return year after year to experience the mental and emotional transformation that comes from SUP yoga. For class information, visit glencoeparkdistrict.com. Back on dry land, Metz shares what else sparks her interest and brings her joy.

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“I usually have something non-fiction. I gravitate toward medical books like Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal and Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee’s The Emperor of All Maladies. My taste is probably a combination of my desire to be a doctor in my next life and my curiosity about the science of consciousness. I also have my Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Manual, which I am rereading to memorize Sanskrit counting.”

ON HER MOBILE

“I follow Jason Crandell’s yoga blog at jasonyoga.com. He is one of my favorite yoga teachers! He is smart and articulate, and his explanations/perspectives on practice and teaching are common sense. I often catch up on industry news with Just Drinks and Shanken Daily News.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“During the pandemic, my younger daughter introduced us all to her favorite genre—country. My husband and I both became fans, and we go to concerts all the time at Joe’s Live in Rosemont and Windy City Smokeout. I love Morgan Wallen, Russell Dickerson, and Jordan Davis. Also, Taylor Swift (yes, a slight Swifty). For podcasts, I enjoy Pod Save America, Yogaland, and Bourbon Pursuit.”