In today’s episode, we’re joined by longtime listener Amy McCall Carlin! She’s an introverted music teacher, podcast host, and self-guided fitness enthusiast, who shares her refreshingly honest journey toward food freedom, strength, and sustainable habits. Amy never had a formal coach, yet through listening, learning, and trying things out bit by bit, she completely transformed her approach to nutrition, movement, and mindset. Her story proves that you don’t need perfection or a personal trainer...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In today's episode, we dig into the real talk around eating out: how often, how much, and whether it’s sabotaging your goals. We’ll challenge you to stop hiding behind “this is just what we do,” and share personal stories, practical strategies, and the mindset shifts required to strike the balance between real life and real progress. From budgeting and convenience to cravings and connection, this conversation covers the full plate. If you’ve ever wondered whether dining out is slowing your progr...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In today’s episode, we welcome back Susan Niebergall - someone who has deeply shaped our journeys and brought us all together in the first place! In this raw and wide-ranging conversation, Susan shares what it’s been like to transform her life in her fifties and sixties, how strength training prepared her for a wildly successful hip replacement recovery, and the mindset shifts that come with aging. From fad diets and Jenny Craig trays to postmenopausal HRT and machine-based workouts, we cover th...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down one of the most overcomplicated - and misunderstood - ideas in nutrition and fitness: reverse dieting and the transition to maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered when to raise your calories, how to navigate the fear of weight gain, or whether you need to track during maintenance, this episode clears the confusion with real talk and real strategies. We explain why eating more doesn’t mean automatic fat gain, and give you a blueprint for approaching maintenan...
Jun 23, 2025•53 min
In today’s episode, Dr. Allan Bacon joins us for an unfiltered and evidence-based dive into the confusing (and very often manipulative) world of health and fitness content on major podcasts and social media. We get real about why misinformation spreads so easily, how podcast hosts become accomplices to pseudoscience, and the responsibility we all have to demand better sources and explanations. We also unpack hot-button issues around menopause, cortisol, and hormone replacement therapy - with an ...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 38 min
In today's episode, we dive into the fundamentals of fat loss. We explain the difference between fat loss and weight loss, we break down why fad diets “work,” explain what research has shown to be necessary for fat loss, and teach you how to find the ballpark estimation of your calorie deficit, protein, and fiber goals. We discuss what it means to “eat more and lose weight,” and debunk a few weight loss myths floating around the internet. We share some practical methods to manage hunger while in...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In today’s episode, coach and friend Kim Schlag joins us for a raw, relatable, and inspiring conversation about midlife, motherhood, and making space for yourself. Kim shares her journey from struggling with obesity in her thirties to becoming a strength coach who helps women in midlife feel strong and confident in their skin. We talk about what it really means to practice self-care - not just when life is smooth, but especially when it’s not. From perimenopause and divorce to building a busines...
Jun 02, 2025•57 min
In today's episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood concepts in the health and fitness world: what it really means to have a healthy relationship with food. This isn’t just about ditching the “good food vs. bad food” mindset - it’s about what happens when real life hits: travel, birthdays, brunches, and baseball games. If you’ve ever spiraled into a shame-fueled overindulgence after a cupcake or felt like every meal out needed to be “worth it,” or even felt like you can’t enjoy f...
May 26, 2025•51 min
In today’s episode, Chris McMahon joins us! He shares his journey from being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10 to coaching hundreds of clients through sustainable behavior change - while raising a family and working toward becoming a registered dietitian. This conversation digs into the truth about blood sugar, why no one is actually addicted to cookies, and how to stop chasing extremes and start building the messy, human middle. We also unpack the emotional side of food, the limits of ma...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In today's episode, we chat all about navigating the busy summer season filled with vacations, grad parties, and spontaneous weekends away while keeping our goals on track. We share our insights on how to stay focused and resilient, even when life gets a bit chaotic. We walk you through a flexible mindset and a few go-to plans for eating events, parties, vacations, and those unexpected curveballs that summer often throws our way, as well as a “Vacation Re-Entry Plan” into your fitness and nutrit...
May 12, 2025•51 min
In today’s episode, we sit down with coach, mom, and cycle-breaker Carmie Hawkins to talk about what it really means and takes to raise your standards - whether you’re navigating parenthood, cultural expectations, or your own self-sabotaging patterns. Carmie shares her raw, honest journey to reclaiming her life and rewriting the blueprint she’s passing on to her daughters. This is a conversation about agency, boundaries, and the power of small, consistent actions, especially when you and no one ...
May 05, 2025•56 min
In today's episode, we break down everything you need to know about navigating gym spaces with confidence. Beyond etiquette, we dive into the common fears people have about stepping into a gym, the mental roadblocks that keep people stuck, and why most gym-goers aren’t paying nearly as much attention to you as you think. We also discuss the importance of having a plan, why filming your workouts can be a game-changer, and how to handle unsolicited advice with grace and confidence. This is your ul...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Dr. Krystle Zuniga, PhD, RD, CSO, LD, is a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition with over 14 years of experience encompassing research, higher education, and clinical practice. As the owner of Cancer Nutrition HQ, she is dedicated to providing evidence-based nutritional support to cancer survivors, aiming to enhance their health and quality of life. In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Krystle to bust myths and break down what the science actually says about cancer prevention, su...
Apr 21, 2025•58 min
In today's episode, we’re switching things up with an "Overrated/Underrated" style breakdown of popular fitness, nutrition, and mindset trends. From mini cuts to cold plunges to those supplements that claim to help with alcohol cravings, we’re giving you our honest, unfiltered takes (as ever) - with plenty of laughs and truth bombs along the way. Whether you’re curious about rucking, spin classes, or InBody scans, we’re cutting through the noise to help you make informed choices that actually se...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 12 min
In today’s episode, Pelvic Floor Specialist and PT Veronica Lane joins us to break down why pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms like incontinence are common but NOT NORMAL. If you are a human, you have a pelvic floor, and this episode is for you. From understanding the anatomy of the pelvic floor to practical techniques for improving function, Veronica shares invaluable insights to help you regain control and confidence. We dive into the myths surrounding pelvic health, why Kegels aren’t always th...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Ever been confused by net carbs on food labels? Wondering if creatine gummies are worth the hype? Or maybe you’ve seen vibration plates making a comeback and thought, do those actually do anything? In this episode, we’re breaking down some of the latest fitness and nutrition buzzwords floating around the internet, drawing on Amy’s experience and expertise as a certified lymphedema therapist. From misleading marketing claims to sneaky calorie counts, we’ll help you cut through the noise and focus...
Mar 31, 2025•58 min
In today’s episode, we welcome back Barbie Boules, RDN. Also known as The Cognition Dietitian, Barbie specializes in women’s brain and metabolic health, and today she’s here to shed light on who these drugs are designed for, the potential benefits, the risks, and the reality of long-term use. We discuss the science, history, and impact of GLP-1 medications - for weight loss and other outcomes. We also tackle the stigma surrounding weight loss drugs, the concept of “food noise,” and the vital rol...
Mar 24, 2025•52 min
In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the concept of mindset progress. Unlike weight loss or other measurable goals, mindset growth isn't always quantifiable with numbers. Yet, it's the quiet, consistent wins - the shifts in perspective and approach - that drive lasting change in health, fitness, and life. From redefining fixed and growth mindsets to celebrating those subtle "aha" moments, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement for embracing a growth-oriented ...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In today's episode, we sit down with Ocean Trail (Iris’s personal 1x1 coach), to talk about the realities of postpartum fitness, body recomposition, and what it really takes to feel strong again after bringing a new life into the world. From the highs of motherhood to the struggles of finding balance, Ocean gets real about the mindset shifts, the challenges of societal pressure, and why she’s taking a two-year approach to body recomposition instead of jumping straight into fat loss. We also dive...
Mar 10, 2025•55 min
In today's episode, we discuss the topic of maintenance: what, why, when, how. Maintenance isn't just the absence of dieting; it’s a lifestyle shift that focuses on sustainability and balance. We explore what maintenance really means, why it’s vital for both physical and mental health, and why it’s often unknown and misunderstood. If you’ve ever struggled with yo-yo dieting or wondered how to maintain progress without the constant stress of calorie deficits, this episode will provide clarity, ac...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In today’s episode, we sit down with our friend Justin Barnes, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, traumatic brain injury survivor, and co-worker on Beth Feraco’s Team BFF. Justin brings a unique blend of no-nonsense education and deep empathy, offering insight into navigating health, fitness, and life’s toughest challenges. From supporting his wife through a chronic autoimmune condition to reshaping his own approach to wellness and health in the role of the main caregiver, Justin sha...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In today's episode, we tackle more of your questions about fitness, nutrition, and mindset. From body composition explained, to the truth about the anabolic window, weight set point theory, and even how to balance hosting dinners with your goals, this Q&A session is packed with actionable advice and candid conversations. As you know, we don’t shy away from addressing the nuance, context, and what matters most: sustainable habits over perfection. We’ve got some laughs, some hard truths, and p...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Parenting is a journey filled with unexpected conversations, and body image is one of those topics that can catch you off guard. In this episode, Heather Adams, Strength and Nutrition coach and mom of 6, returns to dive deeper into raising kids with a balanced, healthy relationship with their bodies, food, and movement. With her own children and years of experience coaching others, she shares invaluable insights on guiding children through the ups and downs of self-perception while keeping our o...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In today’s episode, we chat all about the "magic macronutrient," protein, and its equally important partner, fiber. These two nutritional powerhouses can revolutionize how you feel, perform, and thrive. We explore why protein is vital beyond the RDA's bare minimum and share practical tips to meet your optimal intake for muscle health, energy, and satiety. Meanwhile, fiber takes the spotlight as an unsung hero in digestive health, heart health, and even weight management. We break down the types ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In today’s episode, we welcome Renee Bellinger, a behavior change coach specializing in menopause and emotional eating. From her beginnings as an educator working with adolescents to becoming a health coach, Renee shares her unique journey and how she found her passion for guiding others through compassionate, evidence-based practices. We dive into the mindset shifts and practical skills needed to make meaningful, lasting changes - whether it's managing emotional eating, navigating menopause, or...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In today's episode, we talk about bits and pieces of our own transformative journeys, and reassess some previously held beliefs about fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Each story highlights a shift from a restrictive perspective to a more informed, balanced understanding of health and wellness. “We wanna have more nutrient density in our diet, but heck… We gotta have some pop tarts, donuts, and pizza to live life and still be able to meet our goals.” - Amy Rudolph “If you’re successful in a way t...
Jan 20, 2025•43 min
Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD is committed to combatting gut health BS, bridging the gap between current scientific research and its practical application, and helping individuals make informed decisions about their health and fitness. She holds a PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and a BS in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education, as well as a decade of experience in both academia, research, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, speaking, and communicating. In today’s episode, Dr. Fundaro joi...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In today's episode, we discuss how mindset, stress management, SLEEP, and intentional practice play critical roles in achieving health and fitness goals. We discuss the negative impact that inconsistent sleep has on your hunger, hormones, and brain function, and share practical strategies and actionable insights that will teach you to pivot through life’s curveballs and prioritize yourself. We also explore the psychology behind stress and how self-imposed expectations often create unnecessary pr...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What an incredible year it has been! We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who has joined us on this journey. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just recently discovered us, your presence, feedback, and support mean the world to us. This platform has been an incredible space to explore, grow, and share not only as individuals but as a team. We’ve all brought our unique perspectives to the table, and it’s...
Dec 30, 2024•10 min
In today’s episode, we welcome back Coach Brandy from Team BFF for a deep dive into evidence-based coaching, critical thinking, and the nuanced world of fitness and nutrition. We chat about navigating the overwhelming noise in the health and fitness industry and how to separate anecdotal advice from actionable, evidence-backed strategies, and how to gather EVIDENCE of your own success that will propel you forward. We also explore the mental and physical adjustments required when facing challenge...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min
