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What if the amount of exercise you actually need for long-term health is far less than you've been led to believe? In this episode, I'm breaking down some fascinating claims from longevity expert Dr. Amy Killen that completely challenge the "more is better" approach many women have been taught when it comes to fitness. One statistic in particular caught my attention: her claim that women may achieve most of the longevity benefits of resistance training with surprisingly little weekly volume. We'll dive into what the research actually says about strength training, longevity, and mortality risk, including why multiple studies seem to show that the biggest health benefits occur at relatively modest amounts of resistance training. I'll also share why, in my own experience and in working with clients, two to three strength-training sessions per week seems to be the sweet spot for recovery, consistency, and long-term results. We'll talk about the trap of comparing yourself to genetic outliers, influencers, and fitness competitors whose training volumes often aren't realistic or necessary for the average woman. I'll also unpack the recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, why walking may be one of the most powerful longevity tools available, and my thoughts on where high-intensity exercise fits into the picture. Most importantly, I want to make the case that prioritizing health often leads to better physique outcomes over the long term than constantly chasing more workouts, more volume, and more intensity. We'll also discuss the real risks of overtraining, including hormone disruption, cycle irregularities, bone loss, and the cumulative stress excessive exercise can place on the body. If you've ever felt like you're falling behind because you're not doing enough, this episode might be the permission slip you need. Sometimes the path to better health, better recovery, and a better body isn't doing more. It's doing the right things consistently for years. Time Stamps: (3:02) Being Prepared For Baby Girl (4:26) Women's Needs For Exercise (8:22) Going Against The Stereotypical Advice (12:37) Prioritizing Health Goals (17:42) House Analogy (20:07) HIIT Training --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, host Mark Burik welcomes Delaney Peranich, a new member of the Better at Beach team. They discuss Delaney's recent experience at the AVP Florida tournament, the dynamics of playing in shallow sand, and the adjustments required in defense and offense. The conversation shifts to coaching styles, particularly focusing on Todd Rogers' influence on Delaney's development as a player. They explore the importance of details in training, the challenges of speeding up the game, and the transition from indoor to beach volleyball. Delaney shares insights on the benefits of playing multiple sports and the intensity of NCAA beach volleyball, concluding with a discussion on team dynamics and competition at Cal Poly. In this conversation, Delaney Peranich and Mark Burik explore the dynamics of volleyball, focusing on the importance of team chemistry, communication, and the role of film review in player development. They discuss the transition from college to professional play, highlighting the challenges and adjustments required in a less structured environment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding player personalities and the impact of effective communication on performance. In this conversation, Delaney Peranich and Mark Burik discuss the importance of building a supportive team, making mental adjustments in competitive play, and the significance of breathing techniques for performance. They explore mindset and communication strategies that enhance teamwork and individual performance, as well as the value of focused practice over just playing games. The discussion emphasizes the mental aspects of volleyball and how athletes can improve their game through self-awareness and effective communication.
If you feel like your attention span has shortened or your brain can't keep up, I've got something for you! In this episode, we explore FOCUSED, the peptide-based formula that rebuilds the chemistry behind concentration, memory, and mental performance. Learn how ginkgo improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, bacopa raises BDNF to enhance learning, phosphatidylserine lowers cortisol to stabilize focus, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin protect neurons from oxidative stress. Hosted by Leanne Vogel. Root Cause Group (address the root of your health issues): https://p.bttr.to/3SqUExb Change your metabolism with peptides: https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/make Peptide quiz (let me help you pick a peptide that'll work): https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/quiz Enjoy today's show. Thanks for listening!
Today’s episode is a special rebroadcast of one of my all-time favorite conversations on the B.rad Podcast! Every so often, I like to revisit episodes that made a profound impact on me personally and delivered tremendous value to listeners, and this conversation with Thais Gibson is absolutely one of those episodes. I am so pleased to introduce a fantastically awesome show with Thais Gibson, creator of the Personal Development School! When Thais first sent me an overview of what she wanted to discuss, I thought, "Sure, let's talk about it." But I have to tell you, I was completely blown away. This became one of my favorite shows I have ever recorded. Listeners, I truly believe this episode has the potential to be life-changing. I know it was for me. It probably helped that I unknowingly became the guinea pig for much of the conversation. What you'll hear is essentially a live coaching session where Thais demonstrates her expertise and methods using real-life examples from my own experiences—particularly the disconnect between my stated goals and some of my behavior patterns. We focused on the pursuit of wealth and financial security, an area where I occasionally feel frustrated or deficient, perhaps because of subconscious patterns operating beneath the surface. Thais explains the causes of self-sabotage and how to reprogram limiting thought patterns. One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion is when she explains that we're operating from our conscious mind only about three to five percent of the time. If you're someone who listens to podcasts, reads books, and continually educates yourself, your conscious mind may be doing a great job acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. But your subconscious needs and programming can still interfere and pull you off course. So in this episode, it's time for Brad to get processed, dig deep, and explore what's really happening when self-sabotage kicks in. Thais Gibson is a counselor, bestselling author of Learning Love, and co-founder of the Personal Development School. She holds a Ph.D. and more than 13 certifications in modalities including CBT, NLP, somatic experiencing, Internal Family Systems, shadow work, and hypnosis. After nearly a decade running a successful private practice, she founded The Personal Development School—an online learning platform designed to provide a more accessible and authentic way for people to transform their lives. In fact, after we finished this recording, I enrolled immediately. I encourage you to visit her website and explore what she offers. She offers a test run where you can see what it’s all about—check it out at personaldevelopmentschool.com. Enjoy this special rebroadcast with Thais Gibson! TIMESTAMPS: People may not always be aware that they are self-sabotaging because it usually occurs at a subconscious level. [00:53] Your conscious mind is responsible for roughly 3 to 5 percent of all of your beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and actions or decisions. Your subconscious is responsible for 95 to 97 percent. [04:48] We all have subconscious personality needs. [07:54] Thais uses Brad as an example to unpack what needs it relates to. She asks first, what does he do in his spare time? [09:34] Where does he spend his money? What does he like to learn about? [12:10] Our subconscious mind is also the host of all of our limiting beliefs. [19:46] There is a tool for how to pull up what your limiting beliefs are. [21:42] We're scared of something that's hidden in the periphery at a subconscious level of mind [24:29] Reconditioning is a tool for reprogramming. [26:25] Thais identifies characteristics of people who have been in a relationship with a narcissist. [30:41] Look for the things that trigger you. Plan your limiting belief and use its opposite. [33:02] Step one: What is your core belief and its opposite? Step two: what are 10 memories to support? They can be recent memories, really old memories, doesn't matter. 10 memories to support this new idea about yourself. I am, in fact, good enough. Step three: listen back for 21 days. [34:17] When thinking about financial security, many people struggle with their subconscious as in feeling they don’t deserve it or some parts of society that have a distaste for the inequitable distribution of wealth. [43:10] There are seven areas of life that need attention. Career, financial, mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and relationship. To ignore one area, we will pay for it later. [52:45] What specific things or set of things are you going to do on a daily basis to reprogram? [59:13] So much futile energy and effort toward change without addressing these core issues is going to be tough. [01:06:13] LINKS: Brad Kearns.com BradNutrition.com - 20% OFF Your First Order! B.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and Recovery NEW: B.rad Real Rad Gummies - Creatine + Nootropics for Focus, Motivation, Performance, and Recovery! B.rad Whey Protein Isolate + Creatine SUPERFUEL - The Best Protein on The Planet! Brad’s Shopping Page BornToWalkBook.com B.rad Podcast – All Episodes Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes - Save 10% Learning Love Personal Development School Atomic Habits We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Get 20% OFF your first order! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Jaspr Air Scrubber: Ultra high-performance air purifier - blows other air filters away! Save $200 on your unit with code BRAD. Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD. 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Most women who struggle with binge eating never talk about it. I'm changing that today. In this episode, I get personal about my own journey with binge eating, tracing it back to my early twenties and walking through the slow, nonlinear process of working through it over the past decade. This is not a quick fix episode. There is no finish line moment, no single breakthrough that made it all click. What there is, is an honest look at what actually moved the needle over time. I break down the three things that made the biggest difference in my healing: releasing the good food and bad food rules that were quietly running the show, going through a functional reverse diet to address what was happening on a physiological level, and reframing the stories I was telling myself after a binge episode. I also dig into something that does not get talked about enough, which is how your body's overall toxic load and sensitivity to certain foods can actually reinforce disordered eating patterns without you even realizing it. If you have ever felt completely out of control around food, finished a vacation feeling more guilt than joy, or wondered if you will ever stop the restrict and binge cycle, this episode is for you. You are not broken, and you are not alone. Time Stamps: (2:52) Visiting Mama Pozos At Hilton Head (7:27) Defining Binge Eating (12:22) Biggest Difference Makers With Controlling Binging (14:14) Letting Go Of Food Rules (16:50) Functional Reverse Dieting --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
What if burning more calories had less to do with punishing workouts and more to do with how you live your everyday life? In this episode, we're breaking down 10 low-effort ways to support your metabolism without adding hours of cardio or exhausting yourself in the gym. Because the truth is, your metabolism is running 24/7 and small habits repeated consistently can have a much bigger impact than most people realize. We start with five hobbies that naturally increase calorie burn and improve metabolic health, including hiking, swimming, cycling, dancing, and even hobbies like knitting that help regulate stress and reduce mindless snacking. You'll learn why activities that support cortisol regulation, muscle activation, and nervous system balance can quietly improve fat loss and energy levels behind the scenes. Then we shift into five simple lifestyle strategies that can significantly change the way your body uses energy throughout the day. From walking after meals and increasing NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) to prioritizing sleep, hydration, and even small micro-movements, this episode explains how metabolism is influenced by far more than workouts alone. We also break down the science in a way that actually makes sense covering blood sugar regulation, insulin, cortisol, thermogenesis, and why sleep may be one of the most underrated fat-loss tools available. Most importantly, this conversation reframes the idea that improving your metabolism has to mean doing more. Sometimes it's about working with your body instead of constantly fighting it. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by all-or-nothing fitness advice, this episode will help you see that sustainable progress often comes from the simplest shifts. Your metabolism doesn't just respond to exercise. It responds to your environment, your habits, your stress levels, and the way you move through everyday life. Time Stamps: (3:17) #1: Hiking (5:09) #2: Knitting (6:53) #3: Swimming (9:06) #4: Cycling (10:46) #5: Dancing (13:20) #6: Walking After Meals (13:52) #7: Standing More (14:47) #8: Drinking Cold Water (15:32) #9: Fidgeting (17:07) #10: Prioritizing Quality Sleep (19:02) Functional Fat Loss Solutions Masterclass --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing the full arc of my health journey, from my days as a Division I equestrian athlete at UGA to the years of frustration, confusion, and rock bottom moments that ultimately led me to functional health. I open up about how the pressure to maintain a certain body composition as a college athlete first pushed me toward disordered eating habits, setting the stage for years of weight loss resistance. After graduating and moving to Atlanta, I threw myself into CrossFit, convinced that more intensity was the answer, only to find myself getting puffier, more inflamed, and increasingly exhausted. Despite working out harder than ever, I wasn't seeing results, and my body was sending signals I didn't yet know how to read. Chronic digestive issues, debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and social anxiety began compounding on top of each other, leaving me feeling like I might be making it all up. A series of dismissive doctor's appointments left me feeling invalidated and completely stuck, including one where I was simply told to eat less and exercise more. Coming off birth control without proper hormonal support triggered a new wave of symptoms, including severe acne and irregular cycles, adding yet another layer to an already overwhelming season. I describe the emotional toll of watching life move forward, friends getting married and starting families, while I felt too depleted and self-conscious to fully show up. It wasn't until I discovered functional health and began running comprehensive labs that I finally got the validation I had been desperate for. Something was genuinely wrong, and it wasn't in my head. I then invested deeply, financially and personally, in learning everything I could about the connection between hormones, gut health, metabolism, and the immune system. That journey ultimately led to a 40-pound transformation, not through restriction and overtraining, but by working out less, eating more, and addressing the true root causes. Those hard-won lessons became the foundation for the one-stop functional health program I built for my clients. Now pregnant with my daughter, I reflect on how healing my own body is something I'll be able to pass on in ways I never imagined. If any part of my story sounds familiar, I want you to know: you are not alone, and there is a path to the other side. Time Stamps: (5:32) Going Through Weight Loss Resistance (5:54) Georgia Bulldog (9:02) Taking Health More Seriously (14:22) The Crossfit Girl (22:04) Having The IUD Taken Out (28:52) Being Sick All The Time (29:34) Investing In Health Coaching (31:32) The Functional Health Space (35:50) Our Team Now (40:16) Reach Out To Us --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Dr. Ashley Kuchar is a mindset coach, educator, and speaker who helps athletes quiet their inner critic, handle pressure with poise, and bounce forward after mistakes. She is a former collegiate basketball player with a PhD in educational psychology, bringing both lived experience and research-backed tools to help athletes build lasting confidence in themselves and their performance. You can learn more about Ashley's work at failbettertraining.com.Support the show
Your leadership habits are reshaping your brain right now — for better or worse. Dex breaks down the neuroscience behind five common leadership behaviors that damage brain health.High performers often normalize habits that steadily erode their sharpness, resilience, leadership presence, and even future cognitive health — while still believing they're “doing what it takes.”-How chronic stress shrinks the brain's decision-making centers-Why overwork initially improves performance before turning destructive-The link between leadership stress, cortisol, memory loss, and emotional reactivity-How sleep deprivation impairs empathy, judgment, and cognitive function-Why decision fatigue creates brain fog and poor leadership choices-How harsh self-talk keeps the brain trapped in threat mode-Practical ways to protect your brain while improving leadership performanceIf your brain feels overloaded, foggy, reactive, or permanently “ON,” this episode will explain why — and what to do about it.
Championship Culture At HomeYour kid strikes out, double-faults, falls in a routine, or melts down after a mistake and suddenly your whole body feels it too. We get it and we go there, honestly. Kelly sits down with Becky Beaulieu of Championship Culture Coach and Jaime Gaard Chapman of Gaard Performance Academy to talk about the messy middle of raising young athletes while also running a business, managing a marriage, and trying to stay steady in your own skin. Becky shares the turning point that made “culture” impossible to ignore and why winning is often the byproduct of habits you cannot see on a stat sheet: body language, standards, team-first behavior, and the courage to address conflict instead of sweeping it away. Jaime adds what she's learned coaching across generations, why youth sports feel more professionalized than when we grew up, and how Gen Z athletes respond to autonomy, ownership, and leadership that listens. We also dig into sports parenting pressure, identity, and the car ride home. How do you hold high standards without tying your mood to their score? When does opportunity become overload for the whole family? What are practical ways to manage time and energy as a working mom, including batching, deliberate communication, and scheduling joy before tournaments take over the calendar? You'll leave with mindset tools, language that protects your child's confidence, and a clearer definition of what a healthy “championship culture” can look like at home. If this hits close to home, subscribe, share it with a sports parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find the support they need. What part of sports parenting feels hardest for you right now?Resources Mentioned:Connect with Jaime & Becky:Contact the Host, Kelly Kirk:Email: info.ryh7@gmail.comGet Connected/Follow:The Hue Drop Newsletter: Subscribe HereIG: @ryh_pod & @thekelly.tanke.kirkFacebook: Reclaiming Your Hue Facebook PageCAKES Affiliate Link: KELLYKIRKCredits:Editor: Joseph KirkMusic: Kristofer Tanke Thanks for listening & cheers to Reclaiming Your Hue!
The best athletes in the world aren't consistent because their lives are calm. They're consistent because they've learned how to get back on track, fast. In this episode, we're breaking down the one trait that actually separates the ultra consistent from everyone else, and it has nothing to do with willpower or discipline. We're diving into the real reason you keep falling off your health routines, and why it might not be a character flaw at all. If you've ever missed a workout, overeaten on the weekend, or abandoned a protocol early and then spiraled into shame, this episode is for you. We unpack the surprising research behind the famous marshmallow test and what it actually reveals about trust, environment, and follow-through. You'll learn why your metabolism, hormones, and stress response may be working against your best intentions and what to do about it. We talk about what a real "way back" looks like when life gets busy, chaotic, or emotionally draining. Forget waiting until Monday; we're giving you practical resets you can use at your very next meal, workout, or hard moment. We also tackle the fine line between releasing shame and staying accountable, because both matter. You'll walk away with a handful of powerful questions to ask yourself when things fall apart, so you can turn setbacks into information instead of evidence against yourself. This episode will challenge the way you define consistency and replace perfection with something far more sustainable. If you're ready to stop starting over and start returning, this one's for you. Time Stamps: (3:29) Hustling Mom's and Busy Seasons (4:47) Recent FLUSH Protocol (5:47) Justin's Perspective on Consistency (19:42) When You're Struggling With Execution --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Send us Fan MailWorld Series rings don't come from hype—they come from how you think when everything is on the line.In this conversation, Josh Kosnick sits down with Joshua Lifrak, Director of Performance and Coaching at Limitless Minds and former Chicago Cubs Mental Skills Coach, to unpack the mindset systems behind the 2016 World Series run and how those same tools translate directly into the boardroom, the home, and your inner life.They break down neutral thinking, why most leaders live in reaction instead of response, and how to shift from life by default to Win Today—no matter what happened yesterday. You'll hear real stories from the Cubs' clubhouse, lessons from elite performers and corporate leaders, and practical mental drills you can start using tomorrow morning.If you're a founder, executive, or business owner carrying real pressure—team, payroll, marriage, kids—this episode will challenge how you process adversity, define success, and lead when the moment gets loud.In this episode:The inside story of the Cubs' 2016 World Series run and what was happening “between the ears” that fans never sawWhat “be present, not perfect” looks like when the scoreboard, investors, or your family are watchingNeutral thinking vs positive thinking—and why neutrality creates better decisions under pressureThe six steps from Win Today and how they connect with the Five Bridges of Kairos (Spiritual, Internal, Relationships, Environment, Legacy)Why high achievers resist “Mile Zero” and drift into complacency after big winsHow visualization actually works for elite performers—and how leaders can use it before key meetings, pitches, and hard conversationsThe illusion of choice, failure as a non‑negotiable, and what it really costs to stay comfortableReady for a room where leaders tell the truth faster?If this conversation hits home, you're exactly the kind of leader Bridge Builder Mastermind is built for—a table of owners and executives who are done pretending everything is fine while carrying the full weight of their business and life.Bridge Builder Mastermind is for leaders who have already built something meaningful, but know there's another level of clarity, courage, and consistency required for the next chapter. Monthly, in‑person sessions in Madison, WI where we tackle real decisions, not hypotheticals—and you walk out with concrete next steps, not just motivation.→ Apply here: https://www.joshkosnick.com/mastermindSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
What if the constant thoughts about food you deal with every day aren't a lack of discipline… but your body trying to tell you something important? In this episode, we'll break down what “food noise” actually is and why it's become such a common struggle for women who feel like they're always thinking about their next meal. While the current conversation often points to quick fixes or appetite-suppressing solutions, we'll take a different approach. One rooted in understanding the body, not silencing it. Food noise isn't random, and it's not just mental. It's deeply connected to your metabolism, hormones, and nervous system. We'll walk through the three core drivers behind food noise: restriction, highly processed foods, and deeper biological dysregulation. From there, we'll zoom in on what's happening inside your body when those signals get louder covering blood sugar instability, chronic stress and cortisol, hormone imbalances, gut dysfunction, and inflammation. You'll start to see how things like cravings, urgency around food, and feeling out of control aren't personality flaws—they're physiological responses. We'll also explain why intuitive eating can feel impossible when your internal signals are dysregulated, and why simply “trying harder” often makes things worse. Most importantly, we give you practical, actionable ways to start calming the noise by supporting your body without extremes or all-or-nothing thinking. If you've ever felt like you're constantly negotiating with yourself around food, this conversation will connect the dots in a way that finally makes sense. Because the goal isn't to fight your body. It's to understand it. And when you do, the noise doesn't need to be forced quiet… it naturally starts to fade. Time Stamps: (1:15) Maturity Photos (5:27) Food Noise (9:12) Three Types of Food Noise (13:02) The Body When Food Noise Is High (17:40) Cortisol Dysregulation (20:50) Hormone Imbalances (22:07) Gut Dysfunction (25:50) Inflammation (29:20) Action Steps --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
How do elite athletes stay composed when the game is on the line? In this episode, we sit down with Vera Jo Bustos, better known as Coach VJ—a former professional basketball player, Hall of Famer, and renowned mental performance coach. We dive deep into the "Mental Arena" to discuss how basketball players and leaders can handle adversity, navigate high-pressure conflict, and build unshakeable confidence. Check out A Quick Timeout newsletter Sign up for A Quick Timeout newsletter This episode is sponsored by the Dr. Dish Basketball Shooting Machine. Mention "Quick Timeout" and receive $300 off on the Dr. Dish Rebel, All-Star, and CT models. Get $100 off the IC3 Basketball Shot Trainer with the code TONYMILLER (or click this link). If you're already using tools like FastDraw, FastScout, or FastRecruit—you know how essential they are to your workflows. And now that they're fully part of the Hudl ecosystem, they're more powerful than ever. From film and play diagrams to scouting reports and custom recruiting boards, everything flows together. One system. Built for high-performance programs. Learn more at hudl.com/aquicktimeout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if all the “random” symptoms you've been dealing with… aren't random at all? In this episode, we unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of stubborn weight gain, hormone issues, and chronic inflammation: immune dysfunction. If you've ever felt like your body is working against you despite eating well, exercising, and doing everything “right”, this conversation will start connecting the dots. Because the truth is, your metabolism doesn't operate in isolation. It's deeply influenced by your gut, hormones, thyroid, nervous system, and especially your immune system. We walk through why so many women are given multiple diagnoses like Hashimoto's, IBS, or SIBO and told to treat them as separate issues, when in reality they may all stem from the same underlying pattern. When your immune system is constantly activated, your body shifts into survival mode, making fat loss, digestion, and hormone balance significantly harder. You'll also learn how chronic stress, whether from under-eating, overtraining, poor sleep, or emotional pressure, can keep your immune system stuck in overdrive. This isn't about “just reducing stress,” it's about understanding what's actually happening inside your body when it perceives threat. We also break down why quick fixes like medications or supplements often fall short when the root cause isn't addressed. While tools like Ozempic or antibiotics can have their place, they're not a substitute for true healing. Finally, we share the framework we use at Vital Spark Coaching to help women move from dysfunction to real results starting with foundations, then restoring the body, and only then focusing on fat loss and performance. The most important takeaway? Your body isn't broken. It's adapting. And when you understand what it's responding to, everything starts to change. Time Stamps: (1:47) Coming Back From Mexico (6:17) An Overactive Immune System (14:22) Resetting The System (22:57) When Our Clients Start Flourishing (24:32) Applying For Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
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Most women don't realize they're stuck until they've already tried everything that was "supposed" to fix them. In this episode, we unpack one of the most frustrating experiences women face: going beyond conventional medicine, investing in functional medicine, and still feeling stuck. I introduce the two common paths women take: traditional healthcare and functional medicine and explain why both can fail in different ways. You'll hear exactly why being told “everything is normal” leaves so many women without answers, and why even advanced testing and supplement protocols don't always lead to real results. I break down the critical difference between the idea of functional medicine and how it's often delivered in practice. I explain how poor sequencing, incomplete strategies, and lack of real-time support can actually make symptoms worse even when you're following the plan perfectly. If you've ever felt like your body just isn't responding despite your effort, this conversation will hit home. You'll also learn why supplements alone are rarely the solution, and how missing foundational pieces like nutrition, lifestyle, and stress regulation can stall progress completely. I have a powerful “flower and soil” analogy to explain why your body needs the right environment before it can actually heal. Most importantly, this episode reframes the narrative so many women internalize that they are the problem. If you've tried both conventional and functional approaches and still don't feel like yourself, this isn't a failure of your body. It's a gap in the process. By the end, you'll understand exactly what's been missing—and what a truly effective, personalized approach to healing actually requires. Time Stamps: (1:17) Two Types of Women Come To Us (3:27) Recent Client Call (8:57) The Premise and Execution of Functional Health (9:34) Doctor Bob Example (10:50) Recent Vital Spark Google Review (12:09) Functional Health Dr. Joe (14:42) The Sequencing Issue (27:47) Working with Vital Spark --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Zach Brandon—performance and leadership coach, former Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and founder of MVP Mindset Consulting—to explore what it really takes to thrive at a high level without sacrificing wellbeing. Drawing from his experience working with elite athletes, coaches, and leaders, Zach shares a powerful perspective: high performance isn't just about winning more—it's also about living better. He challenges the idea that success and wellbeing are mutually exclusive and instead offers a framework for pursuing both with intention. Throughout the conversation, Zach breaks down what separates great coaches and leaders from the rest—especially when it comes to building belief, confidence, and trust within teams. He explains how the best performers respond under pressure, why identity plays a critical role in performance, and what it truly means to "lead yourself first." You'll also hear practical tools from his "Coach's Playbook," including strategies to reset after mistakes, quiet the inner critic, and help individuals move through plateaus. Zach emphasizes that growth starts with awareness—and that small, intentional shifts in mindset can create powerful momentum. This episode is a reminder that sustainable success is built from the inside out. When you strengthen how you think, lead, and respond, you don't just perform better—you live better, too. You'll Learn: • What drives high performance at the elite level • How great coaches build belief and confidence in others • What separates those who rise under pressure from those who shrink • A practical tool to improve how you show up immediately • How to reset after mistakes and manage your inner critic • Why leading yourself first is essential for leading others • How identity shapes performance—and how to intentionally build it Zach is also a featured speaker at the upcoming Mental Performance Summit, where he'll share more in his session: "The Coach's Playbook: Strategies for Winning More and Living Well."
What if the most frustrating message in your health journey isn't wrong… it's just incomplete? In this episode, we unpack the moment so many women know all too well. Finally getting the courage to ask for help, only to be told “everything looks normal.” I share why this experience is far more common than it should be, and why it often leaves women feeling more confused, dismissed, and alone than before. We break down what standard lab testing is actually designed to detect and why it frequently misses the deeper dysfunction driving symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, bloating, and brain fog. You'll learn the critical difference between disease and dysfunction, and why you can feel terrible even when nothing shows up as “wrong” on paper. We also dive into the truth about reference ranges, and why “normal” often just means average, not optimal. I'll walk through real examples, including how thyroid and hormone imbalances can exist within normal ranges yet still disrupt how you feel every day. We explore what standard testing doesn't look at at all, from gut health to full hormone patterns, and why those gaps matter more than most people realize. This episode also highlights how cortisol, stress, and the nervous system play a role in keeping the body stuck, even when basic labs appear fine. Most importantly, we talk about the emotional impact of being told you're “fine” when you know you're not, and how that message can slowly shift the way you see yourself. There's a powerful validation that comes from finally understanding what your body has been trying to tell you all along. If you've ever felt like your body isn't responding despite doing everything right, this conversation will give you clarity, language, and a completely new perspective. You are not the problem and this episode will help you understand why. Time Stamps: (1:32) Sharing A Recent Message (3:52) Why This Is Happening (16:22) Reference Ranges (21:17) Detoxication Pathways (24:42) Gut Testing (29:20) Key Things To Remember --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
When volleyball is your dream, your outlet, and almost your entire world, how do you keep your identity and faith bigger than the game?Welcome to Oak Performance Radio, which explores what high-level performance actually demands. The show looks at training, preparation, and decision-making through the lens of real athletes, real coaches, and real environments on the field and beyond it.Episode HighlightsIn today's episode, host Adam Lane sits down with Clemson volleyball outside hitter Maddie Anspaugh to talk about what it really takes to jump from a small high school program into ACC volleyball. Maddie shares how she graduated early, moved to Clemson, and now manages a demanding schedule filled with lifting, practice, class, and study hall. She also talks about leadership and followership on a Power 5 team, working through perfectionism and pressure, and keeping her faith and identity bigger than volleyball.Episode OutlineFrom Rockford Christian to Clemson.Spring Volleyball in the ACC.Inside the Weight RoomDaily Life of a Clemson Volleyball Player.Leadership, Followership, and Team Culture.Mindset, Perfectionism, and Mental Performance.Finding Joy and Identity Beyond Volleyball.Character, Conflict, and Owning Your Mistakes.Goals, Future, and What's Next.Role Models and Giving Back.Episode Chapters00:00 Intro & Maddie's Clemson move01:43 Spring volleyball & ACC pace03:59 Serving, passing & speed of the game05:42 Weight room training & conditioning tools07:40 Daily schedule & academic demands10:42 Sleep, habits & sports psychology12:47 Leadership, followership & team culture16:16 Mindset, perfectionism & faith19:59 Identity beyond volleyball & Tim Tebow lesson33:09 Character, conflict & apologizing to teammates40:14 Physical toll of volleyball & future goals43:21 Spring matches, pro dreams & closingAction TakenMaddie has joined Clemson early and is:Lifting four days a week and training in volleyball 2–3 hours daily.Attending leadership and followership sessions with Iron Leaders.Working regularly with a mental performance coach.Using Clemson's ARC recovery center and support resources. Preparing for: First spring match vs. FurmanSpring tournament vs. Georgia and UNC Asheville.Longer-term commitmentsTargeting graduation around May 2029Exploring an MBA while still competingKeeping the door open for pro indoor or beach volleyball.ConclusionMaddie's story shows what Division I volleyball actually looks like day to day early mornings, heavy training, and high expectations in the gym and in the classroom. It also shows how much the right mindset, teammates, coaches, and faith can shape that experience. For anyone wondering what it really takes to compete at a high level and still enjoy the game, Maddie gives a clear, honest look at the trade-offs, the rewards, and the kind of person you have to become along the way.Call To ActionFollow Oak Performance Radio to keep up with more real conversations about what high performance truly demands.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakperformancelabInstagram: @oakperformanceConnect with Maddie;@manspaugh7Thank you for listening and for caring about what it really takes behind the scenes—not just the highlights on game day. Keep chasing big goals with the same honesty, work ethic, and perspective Maddie shared in this conversation.
Let us know what you think!Doc Springer joins the show for a conversation about suicide prevention, trauma recovery, warrior healing, and why connection is critical for survival.In this episode, we cover:False beliefs about suicide prevention Warrior healing and peer support Innovative biological treatments Mental performance and readiness Building trust in healing relationships Advocating for yourself in mental health care The importance of connection and community Doc Springer's new book, Fallout Resources Mentioned:Fallout Thin Line Advisory Magnus One Task Force Dagger Stella Mental Health Treatments Chapters:00:00 Why Authentic Healing Conversations Matter 03:02 The Importance of Connection in Warrior Healing 05:58 Doc Springer's Journey into Supporting Warriors 09:00 Why Warriors Need Mental Warfare Preparation 11:55 The Challenges of Transitioning from Combat 15:10 Innovative Treatments for Warrior Mental Health 17:54 Mental Performance and Warrior Readiness 20:49 Breaking Down Barriers to Healing 24:01 A Holistic Approach to Mental Health and Wellness 26:57 Walking Alongside Warriors Through Recovery 32:33 Empowerment, Guidance, and Personal Responsibility 36:11 Recognizing Red Flags in Healing Relationships 39:44 The Journey to Recovery and Long-Term Healing 43:11 How to Advocate for Yourself in Mental Health Care 46:19 Building Trust in Public Safety and Military Communities 48:22 Why We Need More Healers for Warriors 53:16 Doc Springer's Book Fallout and Its Mission 01:01:20 Why Connection and Community Save LivesGET DOCs NEW BOOK! - https://drshaunaspringer.com/books Sponsored by: TranscendUse my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapyhttp://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballeroDr. Mark Gordon & Millennium Health Centers Get the book Peptides for Health Vol.1 Medical Edition today. Use code Phase2P for 10% off Millennium products Available only at MillenniumHealthStore.comPRECISION WELLNESS GROUP Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ Security Halt Mediahttps://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ Instagram: @securityhaltX: @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.podLinkedIn: Deny Caballero Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/Support the showProduced by Security Halt Media
In this episode, Dr. Gabby Caviedes sits down with Ashley McFeeley, a Mental Health Counselor, to explore the realities of working in sport psychology. From engaging youth athletes and navigating parental involvement to supporting collegiate athletes at the highest level, Ashley shares how mental performance and mental health intersect. They unpack the importance of presence, relationship-building, and continuous learning, revealing that success in this field isn't about having all the answers, but a genuine passion for helping athletes grow on and off the field.
Welcome to the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast! In today's episode, we're talking about how to increase your mental performance through athletic mental training.Emily Heird spent ten years inside the mental health profession before recognizing a gap that wellness culture wasn't filling: high-performing professionals who weren't struggling clinically, but weren't performing at their ceiling either. They were sharp, driven, and quietly running on fumes — with no framework for what to do about it.That gap became Vantage View Coaching.Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Mental Performance Mastery Coach, and the creator of the Cognitive Athlete Protocol — a methodology that applies the mental training, recovery, and periodization principles of elite sport directly to professionals whose primary performance instrument is their mind. Her clients are attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and leaders across industries: people for whom mental output isn't a soft skill, it's the job.Her own experience with burnout in 2019 — while founding and growing a multi-site clinical practice — is less a personal story than a proof of concept. She didn't find her way back through therapy or wellness practices. She rebuilt using a performance model, and that experience is foundational to everything she now teaches.Emily hosts the Mental Performance Unleashed podcast and regularly writes on performance and professional life for publications. She works with individuals through structured 1:1 coaching engagements and brings her methodology into organizations through workplace training and keynote speaking.She doesn't work with people who just want to feel better. She works with people who want to perform better without sacrificing what matters most — health, family, relationships, and peace of mind — and who are ready to train for it.Connect with Emily Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-heird/https://www.instagram.com/emilyheirdhttps://www.facebook.com/vantageviewcoachinghttps://www.pinterest.com/vantageviewcoaching/https://www.pinterest.com/vantageviewcoaching/https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyheirdwww.vantageviewcoaching.comGrab the freebie here: https://emily-heird.kit.com/9c89e29b64===================================If you enjoyed this episode, remember to hit the like button and subscribe. Then share this episode with your friends.Thanks for watching the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast. This podcast is part of the Digital Trailblazer family of podcasts. To learn more about Digital Trailblazer and what we do to help entrepreneurs, go to DigitalTrailblazer.com.Are you a coach, consultant, expert, or online course creator? Then we'd love to invite you to our FREE Facebook Group where you can learn the best strategies to land more high-ticket clients and customers. QUICK LINKS: APPLY TO BE FEATURED: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/podcast-guest-applicationDIGITAL TRAILBLAZER: https://digitaltrailblazer.com/
In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with Dr. Tere Linzey, licensed educational psychologist and founder of BrainMatterZ, to discuss how brain optimization can improve executive functioning, attention, processing speed, and learning at any age. Drawing from decades of experience and global research, Dr. Linzey explains how the brain works like a muscle, and why many struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, memory, and focus may come down to underdeveloped foundational skills rather than permanent limitations. You'll learn practical, science-backed strategies to strengthen cognitive function, improve attention span, and support both children and adults in a world full of distractions. If you or your child struggle with focus, overwhelm, or mental fatigue, this episode will give you simple tools to start rewiring the brain for better performance and resilience. Key Topics: - What “brain optimization” actually means - Neuroplasticity: why your brain can change at any age - Root causes of focus, memory, and attention struggles - Executive functioning explained simply - How auditory and visual processing impact learning - Brain training vs. traditional academic interventions - Simple exercises to improve processing speed and attention - The impact of screens, multitasking, and AI on the brain - Practical ways to engage kids with executive function challenges - Why movement and coordination build cognitive strength Links Mentioned: https://www.brainmatterz.com/ Join Erin's monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Order Erin's new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
Seth Pepper is a former #1 Ranked Swimmer in the World, a USA National Champion and an American Record Holder. With his swimming career behind him, Seth is now a Motivational and Keynote Speaker, and a Performance Coach. He works with athletes of all sporting codes, including golfers to "Unlimit Their Potential." He joins #OntheMark to help you to think like a pro as he dives into elements of Kobe Bryant's "Mamba Mentality." Seth maps out stories and anecdotes into a simple, applied performance playbook that translates cleanly to golf and high-pressure execution: The Kobe Archetype — A student of the game. Unconditional love from his family whether he scored he succeeded or failed, and how that freed Kob to fail and grow. Internal Drive — Bryant's “kill list” as personal motivation, and how the responsibility for obsession always lives with the athlete. The Mamba Mentality as a tool — How to create a performance persona. And the dsicipline of studying acting and characters to access different mind states on demand. Seeking Separation and the Continuous Accumulation of Advantages — “Just keep getting better.” The compound effect of incremental gains over time. Kobe's philosophy wasn't about a single "big break"; it was about the relentless accumulation of small advantages that eventually make him untouchable. Deliberate Practice — A trait that Kobe and Tiger Woods shared. The art of living by “Don't get Bored with the Bbasics.” The Reset Weapon — Accepting the moment on its own terms to return to flow and presence. Kobe's process for getting into The Flow State / The Zone. Prepare like a Scientist, Perform like an Artist — Separating analysis from execution. Playing with joy. Love and Greatness — At the highest level it is not about trophies, money, or fame. It is about honing your craft and studying what you love. This is Seth Pepper's second appearance on the #OntheMark podcast and just like the first time, he delves into his extensive experience and research to help you to perform at your best under pressure. This podcast is also available as a vodcast on YouTube - to watch, search and subscribe to Mark Immelman.
I want to tell you about a woman who was doing everything right. Eating clean, working out consistently, tracking everything, taking all the supplements. She'd been doing this for two years. And in those two years her weight had gone up, her energy had gotten worse, and she'd started waking up every morning with this low-grade dread about her body that she just couldn't shake. She went to her doctor. Labs came back normal. She went to a functional medicine doctor. Got a supplement list. Came back six months later feeling exactly the same. And at some point she started to quietly believe that maybe she was just the problem. She wasn't. And if any part of that sounds familiar, stay with us because that's exactly what today's episode is about. We are going to break down exactly why smart, disciplined women are doing everything right and getting worse results, why the medical system keeps missing it, and what's actually going on in the gut, hormones, and metabolism that standard testing never finds. Time Stamps: (1:22) A Story About A Women Doing “Everything” Right (7:12) Does This Sound Like You? (16:07) Everything Looks “Normal” (19:47) Your Gut and Immune System --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Ceci Craft has worked inside two of the most demanding performance cultures in the world — Army Special Operations and Major League Baseball. She's currently the Philadelphia Phillies' Director of Mental Performance, Life Skills, and Education, leading a staff of seven coaches across their MLB affiliates and the organization's academy in the Dominican Republic.When she made the move from working with Operators to working in baseball, she thought she had her bearings -- "No one's being shot at, and no one's died, so I'm fine." -- It took her a while to recalibrate her perspective from the special ops world and to recognize that losses in the athletic world are different kinds of losses, but still real ones.Preston and Ceci dig into the gap between how mental performance practitioners are trained and what the job actually requires — the ethical conundrums no ethics course prepares you for, the difference between a clinical model built on client readiness and a performance context that operates on its own timeline, and why "coach, don't profess" is harder to practice than it sounds.They use imagery as a case study — exploring habituation, audience fit, and how to teach live skills more effectively. They examine what Ceci calls "healthy versus junk food confidence": the difference between confidence that holds up versus confidence that collapses under real pressure. And they close with one of the more honest conversations about identity and transition: what it actually costs to walk out of a high-performance tribe, and what helps.If this conversation is useful, the best way to support our work is to subscribe and leave a rating or review. It helps us reach the people who need these discussions.
What if the reason your hormones feel “off”… has nothing to do with supplements, diets, or doing more and everything to do with what you're not doing daily? In this episode, we break down the five simple but powerful habits that can dramatically improve your hormone health in as little as 90 days. These aren't trendy hacks or complicated protocols. They're foundational lifestyle shifts that most women overlook while chasing faster, flashier solutions. We dive into how your morning routine, movement, and evening habits directly influence cortisol, energy, metabolism, and overall balance. You'll learn why something as simple as morning light exposure can reset your internal clock and why daily movement doesn't have to mean intense workouts to be effective. We also unpack one of the most overlooked disruptors of hormone health: your nighttime routine. From screen exposure to late-night eating, these small habits may be quietly working against your body more than you realize. This episode challenges the idea that you need to do more and instead shows you how to do what actually matters. Because when your lifestyle supports your body, everything starts to work with you instead of against you. If you've been feeling stuck, exhausted, or like your body just isn't responding the way it should, this conversation will give you a clear, practical path forward. Start with one habit, stay consistent, and watch what changes. Because your body isn't broken. It's just waiting for the right inputs. Time Stamps: (3:37) Changes In Hormone Health (4:47) #1: Morning Light Exposure (9:17) #2: 20 Minutes of Daily Exercise (14:49) #3: Screens Off 60 Minutes Before Bed (16:58) #4: A Calming Wind Down Routine (20:02) #5: Eating Your Last Meal 4 Hours Before Bed --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
What if the reason your body isn't responding… isn't because you're doing something wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Vital Spark coach Lindsey Newman to unpack the story behind her journey from “doing everything right” to realizing her body was breaking down beneath the surface. Coach Lindsey shares what it looked like to chase the “fit mom” identity of training harder, eating less, and trying to prove something both to herself and to the world around her. Despite eating as little as 1200 calories, lifting six days a week, and adding in cardio, her body was gaining weight, her energy was crashing, and her hormones were spiraling. What followed was a season of deep exhaustion, chronic pain, anxiety, and the terrifying feeling that her body was no longer her own. She opens up about the emotional toll of that time, the frustration of being told she was “fine,” and the moment she finally felt seen after receiving a PCOS diagnosis. But even then, she knew there had to be more to the story. That search led her to functional health, where everything began to click. Lindsey shares how uncovering deeper root causes like POTS, gut dysfunction, and thyroid issues completely changed the way she understood her body and ultimately how she healed it. We talk about why “calories in, calories out” isn't the full picture, how systems in the body are deeply interconnected, and what most women are missing when they try to fix their health. This conversation is for the woman who feels exhausted, frustrated, and stuck despite doing everything she's been told should work. Because your body isn't broken and there is a way forward when you finally start looking at the full picture. Time Stamps: (1:22) Coach Lindsey (3:27) Having Babies Early and Staying “Fit” (9:54) The Calories In Calories Out Conversation (13:02) Finding Functional Health (17:20) Finding The True Answers (23:09) POTS Syndrome (30:14) Coaching Women Through Experience (34:58) Where To Find Coach Lindsey --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Your thyroid controls your energy, your metabolism, your testosterone, your mood, and your ability to think clearly. Most doctors are testing it wrong and treating it wrong, and this episode tells you exactly what to do instead. -Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with McCall McPherson, a physician associate, TEDx speaker, and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, Modern Weight Loss, and the advocacy platform Thyroid Nation. McPherson has been honored on the 2024 and 2025 Inc. 5000 lists and named a 2025 Top 500 Inc. Female Founder. She hosts the Modern Thyroid and Wellness podcast and built her entire practice around thyroid care after being failed by conventional medicine while managing her own hypothyroidism. She treats patients nationwide via telemedicine and has become one of the most trusted voices in functional medicine thyroid care. Dave and McCall expose why standard TSH-only testing catches just 1 to 2 percent of actual thyroid variation, why the medication most doctors prescribe (Synthroid/levothyroxine) fails a massive percentage of patients, and why T3 is the active hormone that mainstream medicine has been trained to fear without good reason. They also get into how fluoride in tap water, bromine in American wheat, mold exposure, dairy, gluten, and oxalates directly suppress thyroid function and drive autoimmunity. If you want to optimize your metabolism, protect your mitochondria, support brain optimization, and stop leaving your longevity on the table, thyroid is the first domino. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, human performance, anti-aging, functional medicine, supplements, sleep optimization, and using smarter not harder strategies to take control of your biology. You'll Learn: Why testing TSH alone misses thyroid dysfunction in the vast majority of people What a full thyroid panel actually includes and the optimal ranges for T4, T3, and reverse T3 Why T4-only medications like Synthroid fail and what works better How low thyroid directly tanks testosterone and libido in both men and women The environmental triggers destroying your thyroid, including fluoride, bromine, mold, and inflammatory foods How Hashimoto's connects to broader autoimmune risk and what drives it into remission Why kids are being misdiagnosed with ADHD when the real issue is hypothyroidism The supplements and cofactors (selenium, zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha, tyrosine) that support thyroid activation How thyroid optimization connects to metabolism, dementia prevention, cardiovascular health, and economic outcomes When to use T3 only vs. a T3/T4 combination, and how to know if your dose is off Thank you to our sponsors! TRU KAVA | Head to trukava.com and use code DAVE10 for 10% off. BEYOND Biohacking Conference 2026 | Register with code DAVE300 for $300 off https://beyondconference.com Our Place | Stop cooking with toxic cookware and upgrade to Our Place today. With a 100-day risk-free trial, plus free shipping and returns, you can experience this game-changing cookware with zero risk. Visit: fromourplace.com/DAVE Use code: DAVE for 10% off sitewide Puori | Go to Puori.com/DAVE or use code DAVE at checkout to get 32% off your Puori Fish Oil subscription. You save more than $18. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: McCall McPherson, Modern Thyroid Clinic, thyroid testing wrong, full thyroid panel, free T3, reverse T3, Synthroid failure, T3 vs T4, Hashimoto's remission, fluoride suppresses thyroid, thyroid low testosterone, thyroid ADHD, thyroid depression, hypothyroidism misdiagnosis, thyroid and metabolism, thyroid hair loss, functional medicine thyroid Resources: • Learn More About McCall's Work At: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/ • Get McCall's Thyroid Guide: https://gift.modernthyroidclinic.com/ • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Trailer 01:05 – Intro & Guest Background 02:26 – Dave & McCall's Thyroid Stories 05:26 – How Thyroid Hormones Work 12:51 – Why T4-Only Meds Fall Short 23:05 – Why Thyroid Dysfunction Is So Common 23:59 – Fluoride, Bromine & Environmental Triggers 26:39 – Thyroid & Low Testosterone 27:31 – Optimal Lab Ranges for TSH, T4 & T3 36:58 – Mold, Hashimoto's & Autoimmunity 44:44 – Thyroid, ADHD & Mental Performance 49:38 – Supplements for Thyroid Support 51:52 – Vitamin D & Circadian Rhythms 56:30 – T3 Safety Myths & Medical Misinformation 1:00:16 – Key Takeaways & Where to Get Help See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Three sports moms share what actually changed when their daughters got mental training tools. Learn more about the program they used here → https://trainhergame.com/mom These aren't polished testimonials. These are raw, honest conversations from moms who were exactly where you might be right now - watching their daughter struggle and having no idea what to say without making it worse. In this video you'll hear from:
What if the very habits you believe are making you healthier are actually breaking your body down? In this episode, I sit down with functional health coach Lacey Iskra in our new home and podcast studio (hehe) to unpack the powerful and complicated journey that led her from bodybuilding and extreme dieting to true root-cause healing. Lacey shares how years of intense training, restrictive nutrition, and pushing through stress eventually left her with hormonal dysfunction, autoimmune symptoms, and a body that felt completely out of balance. Like many women in the fitness space, she was doing everything “right” on paper but still watching her health decline. Her story reveals how early gut health issues, birth control, chronic dieting, and years without a menstrual cycle quietly compounded into bigger problems later in life. After stepping away from bodybuilding, Lacey began searching for answers and eventually discovered the world of functional health and root-cause healing. Through gut testing, lifestyle changes, and deeper emotional and mindset work, she was able to completely reverse her psoriasis and rebuild her health from the inside out. Throughout the conversation, Lacey and I break down the biggest mistakes women make when trying to fix their health and why fat loss alone is rarely the real solution. We also talk about the missing link most health protocols overlook: addressing the physical, mental, and emotional pieces together. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but your body still isn't responding, this episode will help you understand why. And more importantly, it will show you that healing is possible when you finally start addressing the real root of the problem. Time Stamps: (2:19) Who Is Lacey Iskra? (5:39) Before Functional Health (8:00) Birth Control (10:04) Bodybuilding Prep (14:52) Becoming an Online Coach (18:04) Finding Functional Health (34:35) There's A Reason For Everything You're Feeling (35:16) Where To Find Lacey --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Tammy Barlette Former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and instructor with experience flying the A-10 Warthog, MQ-1 Predator, and MQ-9 Reaper. She now teaches mental performance training specifically designed for aviators through her company Crosscheck Mental Performance. Tammy combines lessons from aviation, elite athletics, and performance psychology to help pilots improve focus, confidence, and decision-making under pressure. Key Topics Discussed Mental Performance Training for Pilots Why many pilots struggle with performance rather than knowledge How stress affects access to information in high-pressure situations Techniques used by elite athletes that translate directly to aviation Perfectionism in Aviation Why perfectionism can hurt pilot performance Learning to use mistakes as feedback instead of defining moments Confidence and Internal Dialogue How self-talk influences pilot performance Why confidence must be intentionally built—not assumed Process vs Outcome Goals Why focusing only on checkrides or certificates can hurt motivation Using process-based goals to build long-term success in flight training Practical Techniques The “What now?” reset technique to stay present in flight Building confidence through small wins and self-recognition Staying mentally focused during checkride preparation Resources Tammy Shared Crosscheck Online Communityhttps://www.skool.com/crosscheck/ Crosscheck Mental Performance Websitehttps://www.crosscheckmentalperformance.com/ Tammy Barlette on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tammybarlette/
Most women will research every stroller, bottle, and sleep schedule for their baby but spend almost no time thinking about how to support their own body during pregnancy. In this episode, I'm sharing a “half baked” pregnancy update and pulling back the curtain on what I've actually been doing to support my body while growing this baby. The reality is that most prenatal care is focused on monitoring the baby, not optimizing the mother's health. And while that makes sense medically, it also leaves a huge gap in how women care for themselves during one of the most physically demanding seasons of life. Pregnancy is often treated like a time to pause your health goals, but I see it more like a sport that requires intentional preparation and support. In this episode, I walk through the team I've built around me including a functional practitioner, doula, midwife, pelvic floor physical therapist, chiropractor, and massage therapist and why I chose to outsource as many decisions as possible during this season. I share what the first trimester actually looked like for me, from fatigue and nausea to the unexpected mental challenge of body image changes. We also talk about the simple systems I'm using moving into the second and third trimesters, including strength training, daily movement, blood sugar stability, and pelvic floor work. I explain how I'm thinking about nutrition not just for myself, but for my baby's long-term health and taste development. We'll also talk honestly about the physical discomforts of pregnancy and the moments that can make you question whether something is wrong. Finally, I share how researching birth options shifted my mindset from nervousness to genuine excitement, and why I ultimately decided on a home birth with a midwife and doula while still working with my OB for imaging. If you're pregnant, planning to be, or just curious about a different approach to supporting your body through pregnancy, this episode offers a real, honest look behind the scenes. Time Stamps: (2:54) The Anatomy Scan (11:02) What I'm Doing/Will Do During Pregnancy (14:02) Midwife vs Traditional OBGYN Care (19:43) Letting Experts Help Me (28:24) Choosing A Home Birth --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Welcome to episode 238 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Dr. Alicia Naser, mental performance coach and founder of the Naser Institute for Behavioral Sport Psychology. She works with professional athletes in the NHL, ATP Tour and PGA, helping them optimize performance through behavioral science and mental training. In this episode, we spoke about: How behavioral science helps athletes perform at their best The biggest mental roadblocks for professional athletes How players handle pressure, social media and performance slumps Why identity and life after sport is crucial for athletes Timestamps 0:00 Mental Performance in Elite Sport 1:18 Dr. Alicia Naser Introduction 3:11 The Most Important Behavior for Athletes 5:21 Team vs Individual Sports Psychology 8:52 Control and Performance Mindset 10:11 Roger Federer & Performance Perspective 11:20 Djokovic on Emotional Recovery 12:56 Superstitions in Professional Sport 14:50 Henrik Lundqvist's Routine 16:15 Assessing Underperformance 17:51 Biggest Mental Roadblocks 20:05 Social Media Pressure on Athletes 23:30 Building a Personal Brand Online 28:34 How She Started Working in Hockey 34:04 From Autism Research to Elite Sport SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com
Nutritional Support for Brain Health: Lifestyle, Curcumin, Magnesium, and Key Nootropics: Nutrition educator/formulator Neil Levin from Protocol for Life Balance details nutritional support for brain health amid skepticism about “brain-boosting” supplements, citing a preprint randomized controlled trial using a multifaceted lifestyle plan (diet, exercise, sleep) plus targeted supplementation that reportedly improved and even reversed symptoms in people with mild cognitive impairment. They contrast lifestyle strategies with costly, side-effect-prone injectable “plaque-buster” Alzheimer's drugs and notes debate about whether amyloid is a root cause or byproduct. The conversation highlights inflammation and oxidation as major aging-related brain threats and reviews supplements including a brain-targeted curcumin (discussing bioavailability, delivery methods, blood–brain barrier crossing, and claims of lowering beta-amyloid protein), magnesium L-threonate for CNS delivery, phosphatidylserine and acetylcholine support (including huperzine), ginkgo and gotu kola, glutamine/GABA pathways, creatine, omega-3s (DHA/EPA and algae sources), B vitamins, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and cocoa flavanols, plus concerns about supplement industry enforcement.
Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, the Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance.
You are not failing because you lack discipline. You're struggling because you're trying to live like a machine. In this episode, I'm breaking down why most systems fall apart the moment life gets hard and how to rebuild yours so it actually works for a human nervous system. We're taught to design routines assuming endless energy, focus, and motivation, but real life doesn't operate that way. You have limited time, attention, and willpower, and your systems need to reflect that reality. I explain why the most effective systems are the ones that require the least amount of thinking and decision-making. When stress hits, you don't rise to the occasion. You default to your systems. If your routine only works on your best days, it's not a system, it's a wish. I walk you through how to design structures that hold you steady when you're tired, overwhelmed, or distracted. We'll talk about simplifying your priorities so consistency becomes automatic instead of exhausting. I introduce the Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C framework to help you escape the all-or-nothing cycle. Plan A is for high-energy days, Plan B supports you when things feel harder, and Plan C keeps you moving forward on your worst days. Success doesn't need to look the same every day, especially in different seasons of life. This episode will help you build systems that meet you where you are, so you can stay consistent without burning yourself out. Time Stamps: (2:32) Moving Updates (6:22) The Fresh Start Effect (8:54) Different Levels To Our Goals (14:29) Beware Of The Comparison Trap (16:28) Vanessa's Plan A --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
What if the thing holding you back isn't effort, talent, or discipline, but what's happening inside your mind and body? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with high-performance coach and author Brandon Epstein to unpack the hidden inner work behind elite performance. Brandon shares his journey from riding the bench as a college football player to mastering meditation, breathwork, and mental training that transformed his results and his life. Together, they explore why success doesn't always bring fulfillment, how subconscious beliefs quietly drive behavior, and why self-trust, presence, and emotional regulation are the real foundations of sustainable greatness. This is a powerful conversation for high achievers who've “won” on the outside but know there's something deeper calling. In this episode, Darius and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction (01:29) Brandon's Origin Story (05:40) The Power of Mental Performance (10:35) The Mind-Body Connection in Sports (16:31) The Journey of Self-Discovery (19:28) Closing the Gap to Fulfillment (23:26) The Importance of Inner Value (27:21) The Journey of Passion and Process (30:10) Auditing Life for True Satisfaction (33:49) Seasons of Life: Wandering and Execution (36:49) Understanding Sovereignty and Self-Trust (39:10) Overcoming Subconscious Barriers to Greatness Brandon Epstein is a high-performance coach who helps elite athletes and entrepreneurs transform inner resistance into inner power for career-best performance. With over 17 years of experience, his clients span millionaire entrepreneurs, creative artists, and professional athletes across the NFL, NHL, MLB, Pro Boxing, and Pro MMA. An accomplished entrepreneur, Brandon has built businesses and educational platforms that have empowered millions worldwide to be their best selves. He is a devoted husband and father, and a humble seeker of truth on the ongoing path of personal awakening. Connect with Brandon: Website: https://thebrandonepstein.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonepstein Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonepstein_/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many managers believe pressure drives performance. Others focus heavily on support. But high-performing teams don't choose one or the other. They operate with both.When expectations are high, but support is low, people become defensive, stressed, and disengaged. When support is high but expectations are low, performance suffers. The real challenge for managers is learning how to balance intensity with kindness so teams feel both challenged and supported.Fortunately, this week's guest shares a practical and grounded approach to building this balance. Evan Marks, a mental performance coach who has worked in high-stakes environments, explains why people don't rise to the occasion but fall to their level of training. He also shares how structure, emotional regulation, and clear communication help teams perform under pressure.In this conversation, we explore how to create psychological safety without lowering standards, how to shift from feedback to “feedforward,” and why leaders must model ownership and emotional control if they want their teams to do the same.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week's episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!
In this episode we dive deep into the "middle space" between athletic coaching, mental performance, and clinical therapy. Guest Neal Palles is a psychotherapist, certified mental performance consultant, and ultra-running coach. He shares his unique perspective on the "many hats" he wears supporting athletesWe explore the dangerous glorification of suffering in endurance sports and how "grit" can often transform into "rigidity." Neal breaks down the critical differences between performance coaching (skills and strategy) and therapy (core beliefs and identity).We also chat more about:Athlete identityBurnout, overtraining, and resilience in endurance sport athletesMental health for athletesThe "suck it up" mentality in sportViewing injury from a mental health perspectiveADHD in athletesAnd so much more!Stay connected:Check out Neal's website hereFollow Neal on Instagram @nealpallesFollow Stevie on Instagram: @stevielynlynJoin Stevie's newsletter: Stevie Lyn Nutrition newsletter
If you've ever felt like your body is fighting you no matter how “perfect” your nutrition or workouts are, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Today, I'm sitting down with Soraya Rufener, one of our coaches at Vital Spark, to share the story behind the safety, trust, and results her clients feel from day one. Soraya isn't just highly credentialed as a registered nurse and functional health coach. She's lived through chronic dieting, body distrust, and the exhausting pressure to always “do more.” She started dieting at 13, spent years stuck in restriction cycles, and did everything diet culture promised would work. And yet, nothing was actually healing.In this conversation, we unpack why willpower wasn't the problem, how postpartum healing changed everything, and what rebuilding a body really requires physically, mentally, and emotionally. Soraya shares the moment she stopped punishing her body and learned how to support it instead. We talk about why healing is layered, why consistency matters more than intensity, and how nervous system safety changes outcomes. She also opens up about how her lived experience reshaped the way she coaches postpartum moms and high-achieving women today. Most importantly, we explore what she refuses to repeat from diet culture—and why coaching women differently matters. If you're exhausted, frustrated, or quietly wondering why nothing seems to work anymore, this episode will remind you that you're not broken.You're unsupported. Time Stamps: (1:17) Our Incredible Coach Soraya (6:02) Early Teen Soraya (9:17) Finding Bodybuilding (15:02) The Food Noise (17:09) Shifting To The Healing Phase (19:55) The Mental Side of Healing (22:47) 3 Kids In 4 Years and The Postpartum Journey (31:23) Our Bodies Aren't The Enemy (34:15) Where To Find Soraya---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement Motivation10X Mental Performance with Salim Ismail Success StrategiesDiscover exponential performance and innovation tactics on Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik. Learn how to scale focus, creativity, and productivity fast.Get AudioBooks for FreeWe Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Get AudioBooks for Free Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We wanted to bring back one of our favorite interview episodes this week! Justin Su'a is a mental performance coach for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and host of our daily favorite podcast, Increase Your Impact. He has worked with top NFL, PGA, MLB, and NCAA athletes, as well as top corporate leaders to improve their mental performance game. In this episode, we cover the importance of mental performance, the power of self-reflection, doing things by design instead of by default, how to figure out your WHY, and so much more! Topics Covered: - What Is Mental Performance and Why It Matters- How to Train Your Mindset- The Power of Self-Reflection- How to Identify Your “Why”- Doing Things by Design, Not by Default- Using Your Mindset to Regulate Negative Thoughts and Achieve Goals- Your Mind Has Limited Capacity: Why Negativity Crowds Out Growth- The Hidden Habit of Elite Athletes and Top Organizations- Getting Consistent With Nutrition and Trusting the Process- Embracing the Boredom of Consistency- The Law of the Bamboo Tree and Your Fitness Journey- Stop Beating Yourself Up for Starting Late — Start Now---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Success and happiness are often treated as goals to chase—but what if they actually begin with the health of your brain?
Marco Lopez is an author, speaker, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the field of mental performance. He holds a Humanities degree from Brigham Young University with minors in Business and Music and was personally mentored by legendary thought leader Bob Proctor.Catalyzed by a traumatic family experience that prompted him to reevaluate the direction of his life and return to his core purpose, Marco transitioned from a tech executive into a human-potential expert. Driven by a desire to help people better access their God-given potential—and recognizing that the business world often prioritizes systems and processes over its greatest resource, the productive power of people—he embarked on an intensive journey of study and real-world application focused on human potential and the power of the mind.Over time, Marco synthesized his own work with the insights of leading philosophers, scientists, and visionary thinkers, including his father's in-depth research, into a practical, proven system that helps people better understand themselves, quiet mental noise, and operate with greater clarity and purpose.An international singer and mental performance expert, Marco uniquely blends principles from music, business, and psychology to help people bypass mental resistance and access their highest human capacity—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This rare integration allows him to serve as a conduit for deep “flow,” enabling others to perform and lead at their best. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Marco has traveled to more than 12 countries sharing his message of human potential and inner mastery, and has shared the stage with business leaders such as Bob Kittell, Rey Perez, and Loral Langemeier. When not working with entrepreneurs and leadership teams, he enjoys being outdoors and traveling with his wife and five children, living the same principles of presence, purpose, and creativity that he teaches.Learn more: http://marcolopez360.comInfluential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-marco-lopez-mental-performance-expert-for-visionaries
If fat loss feels harder than it should and healing seems slow no matter what you try, the problem may not be your discipline. It may be your nervous system. In this conversation, I explain why a chronically dysregulated nervous system can block healing, fat loss, and hormone balance no matter how perfect your protocols look on paper. Your body is always choosing survival first, and when it perceives constant stress, it will not prioritize digestion, repair, or metabolic efficiency. I walk you through how your brain interprets everyday stress the same way it would a life-or-death threat, keeping you stuck in fight or flight. This is why cortisol stays elevated, inflammation lingers, and progress feels frustratingly slow. I break down why this isn't a mindset issue or a lack of discipline, but a physiological response rooted in your nervous system. We dive into the role of the vagus nerve and how it connects your brain, gut, hormones, and stress response. I explain what vagal tone is and why improving it creates the conditions your body needs to feel safe enough to heal. You'll learn simple, practical vagus nerve–supporting practices you can use daily without adding more overwhelm. We also talk about why these tools are supportive, not magical fixes, and how they enhance everything you're already doing. If you're dealing with stubborn fat loss, gut issues, thyroid challenges, or chronic stress, this episode lays the foundation you may be missing. Nervous system regulation isn't optional or fluffy. It's essential. When your body feels safe, healing becomes possible. Time Stamps: (1:19) Lots of Things Going On(4:54) Getting Out Of Survival Mode(7:52) The Vagus Nerve(13:55) Strategies For Improving Your Nervous System---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
Struggling with motivation lately? You're not broken and you're definitely not lazy. In this episode, I share a real-time reflection on why motivation feels shaky during seasons of massive identity transition, especially when life, work, and motherhood are all evolving at once. When our identity is clear, action feels easy but when we're questioning who we are becoming, everything can feel heavy and confusing. I break down why motivation is an unreliable driver and why waiting to “feel ready” keeps you stuck. We dive into the three things that actually create follow-through: commitment, identity, and systems. I'll challenge how you think about commitment (with a comparison that might sting a little), and explain why saying you're committed isn't the same as acting like it. We'll talk about how anchoring your actions to who you want to be, not just what you want to achieve, changes everything. I'll also walk through practical ways to reduce friction by building systems that support you on low-energy days. If you're in a season of transition, questioning your next chapter, or frustrated with your lack of consistency, this episode will help you reframe motivation and rebuild alignment. Stop waiting to feel motivated and start building something that works even when motivation is gone. Time Stamps: (2:02) Moving, Second Trimester, and The Swings of Motivation(4:17) Forcing Myself To Show Up This Month(8:17) Feel Motivated After The Action(10:41) Commitment, Identity, and Systems(10:52) What is Commitment?(17:36) Identity and Who You're Becoming(23:52) Systems(26:22) Tangible Steps You Can Take This Week(29:57) Giving You What You Need---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Krista Moreland, one of our incredible functional health coaches here at Vital Spark, to share her story, her breaking point, and the moment that changed everything. Krista joined our team in early 2025 with over a decade of coaching experience, but her journey goes far deeper than credentials. Before motherhood, she was a two-sport college athlete whose identity was built on discipline, performance, and mental toughness. Then she became a mom, and everything she thought she knew about herself began to shift.Krista opens up about navigating early motherhood while caring for a medically complex baby, including her son's heart surgery at just four months old. She shares the shame, fear, and invisible stress she carried, and how food became her unexpected escape during that season. As a former athlete who had never used food emotionally, this struggle left her feeling confused and lost inside her own body. We talk about the identity shock no one prepares women for, especially high-achieving moms who are used to holding it all together.Krista takes us into the quiet breaking point that happened in her bathtub, where she realized no one was coming to rescue her. That moment wasn't about weight loss, but about choosing herself again. We explore how healing her relationship with food and her body changed the way she showed up as a mom, partner, and woman. This conversation is for any woman who feels like she used to know who she was and is ready to find her way back. Time Stamps: (3:08) Before Motherhood and College Days (6:54) Identity Shift to Motherhood (18:32) Leadership In The Home (23:22) Managing The Mind and Emotions (33:02) Where Coach Krista Is In Her Journey Right Now (37:10) You Are Not Broken (40:02) Where To Find Coach Krista---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!
David Hitz is the founder of NeuroPro, where he helps athletes and high performers strengthen mental performance through neuroscience-backed tools and training. In this episode, we talk about the turning point that changed David's life, losing his older brother, and how that experience pushed him to take his health seriously in every area. We break down practical strategies that support the nervous system and improve performance, including breathwork, cold therapy (cold plunging), and the science of how the brain and body work together under pressure. If you are an athlete, coach, or parent of an athlete who has ever wondered why mental performance doesn't match physical ability, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. Topics include: Neuroscience fundamentals for better performance Breathwork and nervous system regulation Cold exposure and mental resilience Performance under stress and building consistency NeuroPro Mini-Course ($39): https://goneuropro.com/ Related interview with David (Athlete Narrative): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btoupoRUVaI Follow The Gametime Guru: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larson-4b591944/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru