Andrea dives into the realities of burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm with guest Michelle Grosser, a nervous system expert, attorney, pastor, and host of The Calm Mom podcast. Michelle breaks down the difference between a regulated and dysregulated nervous system, offering practical, science-backed strategies to reduce stress, avoid burnout, and feel more present in daily life. She shares powerful movement-based techniques, breathwork practices, and the importance of play and stillness in maintaini...
Feb 05, 2025•59 min•Ep 223•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea sits down with Dr. Carolyn Stone, a naturopathic doctor specializing in thyroid health, to unpack everything you need to know about thyroid imbalances. From understanding the vital role the thyroid plays in your overall health to spotting the signs of a potential issue, Dr. Stone provides actionable insights and expert advice. She dives into holistic approaches, testing, medication options, and everyday habits that can support thyroid health. If you’ve ever felt fatigued, foggy, or just “...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr•Ep 222•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea shares her deeply personal journey of struggling with hormone imbalances, including issues with cortisol, thyroid, and overall energy, in this heartfelt episode. With raw honesty, she opens up about the challenges she faced in 2024, from navigating extreme fatigue and brain fog to learning how to listen to her body and find the right support. Andrea provides hope and encouragement for anyone dealing with similar struggles, offering a glimpse into her ongoing healing process and sharing th...
Jan 22, 2025•41 min•Ep 221•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into the world of creatine, breaking down the science, benefits, and misconceptions surrounding this powerhouse supplement. She discusses how creatine supports muscle growth, recovery, and cognitive function, making it valuable for both fitness enthusiasts and those simply aiming to stay strong and energized as they age. Andrea also addresses common myths, such as creatine being "just for men" or causing weight gain, and highlights its potential benefits for women, particu...
Jan 15, 2025•25 min•Ep 220•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea kicks off the new year by sharing practical and motivating tips to help listeners maintain a consistent workout routine. Building on a previous episode about the true meaning of consistency, she breaks down the importance of realistic goals, having a clear plan, and avoiding comparisons with others. Andrea emphasizes the value of making small, incremental improvements and adjusting when life gets in the way. She also highlights the significance of finding joy in the journ...
Jan 08, 2025•26 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of MakeFitSimple , Andrea kicks off the new year with an eye-opening discussion about ultra-processed foods and their surprising impact on overeating and weight gain. Inspired by a groundbreaking study from the National Institutes of Health, Andrea dives into the science of how these foods influence hunger hormones, appetite, and eating behaviors, even when calories and nutrients are matched with minimally processed foods. With practical tips on grocery shopping, meal prep, and b...
Jan 01, 2025•23 min•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into a relatable topic: bloating. She shares quick, simple tips to prevent and reduce bloating, from hydration and gut-friendly foods to surprising strategies like abdominal massage, yoga, and mindful eating habits. Andrea also discusses the impact of gut health, hormones, and core strength on bloating, offering actionable advice for anyone dealing with this common issue. With her signature humor and practical approach, she equips listeners with tools to feel their best during the b...
Dec 18, 2024•19 min•Ep 217•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into the vital role of strength training during perimenopause and beyond, breaking down how building muscle supports metabolic health, hormone regulation, and bone density. She explains why adding muscle is about more than aesthetics—it’s about improving quality of life and easing the transition into menopause. With practical tips, personal stories, and insights from research, Andrea empowers listeners to start or elevate their strength training journey, no matter their age. Plus, s...
Dec 11, 2024•30 min•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea dives deep into the often-overlooked signs of core health issues and how they impact the body, from ab gripping and rib flare to foot alignment and "booty clenching." She explains how these subtle imbalances can lead to back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and even difficulty building strength or losing fat. With practical tips, breathing techniques, and mobility exercises, Andrea guides listeners through steps to address these challenges and improve core stabil...
Dec 04, 2024•28 min•Ep 215•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into a common fitness concern in this episode: "Do I have to do squats to build muscle or see changes in my legs?" Drawing on her own journey with hip and knee issues, Andrea explores alternative exercises for building strong, toned legs without the need for traditional weighted squats. She provides practical, effective movements for those dealing with pain or mobility limitations and shares insightful tips for improving form and mobility. Packed with encouragement, Andrea...
Nov 27, 2024•36 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast Today Andrea is addressing the frustration of working out hard but not seeing results, offering practical insights to help listeners break through plateaus and achieve body composition goals. Building on last week’s discussion on consistency, she explores six key factors—ranging from NEAT activity and workout progression to hormones, sleep, rest, and diet—while sharing relatable anecdotes and actionable tips. SALE! The Make Fit Simple App is ON SALE now for a limited time only Try the app for 30...
Nov 19, 2024•35 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea discusses the often misunderstood topic of consistency, joined by her husband, Paul, for a candid conversation on their different approaches to maintaining it. They tackle the common misconception that consistency equals perfection and explain how true consistency is about showing up, making progress, and embracing small shifts rather than expecting flawless execution. Together, they share relatable stories, tips for tracking progress, and advice on building habits without relying on flee...
Nov 13, 2024•35 min•Ep 212•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into the timely topic of food shaming, especially as the holiday season approaches. She discusses how food shaming, whether directed at others or at ourselves, can impact mental and emotional well-being, particularly in family and social gatherings. Andrea shares personal experiences and offers practical tips to recognize, avoid, and respond to food-shaming behaviors with compassion and self-assurance. She reminds listeners that food choices are personal, and everyone deserves to en...
Nov 06, 2024•32 min•Ep 211•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea welcomes Sneha Jain, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, to discuss the critical connection between insulin resistance and conditions like PCOS, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Sneha shares practical insights into recognizing early signs of insulin issues, the role of hormones, and debunks myths about carbs. Listeners will also learn about lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition and the importance of exercise, that ...
Oct 30, 2024•38 min•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea delves into the complexities of anxiety in the second part of a two-part interview. She breaks down the nine types of anxiety, helping listeners identify how each might manifest in their lives, and offers tangible ways to improve them. Alongside guest Dr. Nicole Cain, they provide practical examples and strategies to manage anxiety, including a four-step "panic-proof plan" to help regain control during anxious moments. With actionable insights and a compassionate tone, Andrea em...
Oct 23, 2024•54 min•Ep 209•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives deep into anxiety and panic in this two-part episode with Dr. Nicole Cain, a pioneer in integrative mental health. In part one, they explore the roots of anxiety, how it manifests in different ways, and how to approach healing beyond just managing symptoms. Dr. Cain shares her expertise on the nine types of anxiety and explains why anxiety isn't simply a chemical imbalance. Andrea openly reflects on her personal experiences with anxiety, offering a relatable take on the challen...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 208•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea dives deep into one of the most crucial components of building muscle and overall health—protein, and its relationship with amino acids. Joined by special guest Angelo Keely, the co-founder and CEO of Kion, Andrea explores why protein is key not only for muscle growth but also for metabolism, fat loss, and longevity. Angelo shares insights on the science behind protein and amino acids, how they work in the body, and why they are vital for maintaining muscle, especially as...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 207•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea dives into how to keep your immune system strong during the fall and winter months when sickness tends to strike. She shares simple habits and effective supplements to help boost immunity, drawing from research to back her recommendations. From vitamin D3 and K2 to elderberry and zinc, Andrea explains how these supplements work to prevent illness and support overall health. With practical tips for staying healthy and energized, this episode is a must-listen for anyone loo...
Oct 03, 2024•19 min•Ep 206•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea reflects on a recent podcast mishap, using it as a springboard to discuss how mistakes and setbacks are a normal part of life, especially when it comes to fitness and nutrition goals. She shares three practical tips on how to manage these moments with grace, from avoiding negative self-talk to learning to laugh at yourself. Andrea reminds listeners that perfection isn’t the goal and that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how we handle them that truly matters. Make it Simple is sponsored b...
Sep 25, 2024•17 min•Ep 205•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea sits down with Dr. Thais Gibson, a counselor, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Personal Development School, to dive into the topic of self-sabotage. With nearly a decade of experience and expertise in subconscious reprogramming, Thais breaks down why we often find ourselves stuck in patterns that prevent growth, despite our best intentions. Together, they explore practical steps to rewire limiting beliefs and offer tools to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors. If ...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr•Ep 204•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea is resharing one of her most-listened to episodes with guest Dr. Ashurina Ream, a licensed clinical psychologist, who is the owner of "Psyched Mommy", which offers online mental health resources for mothers. Dr. Ream and Andrea sit down for a conversation about the reality of the struggles of motherhood and navigating guilt, shame, burn out, identity crisis, depression, and much more. Andrea & Ashurina discuss openly how you are not alone in your experiences. This is an inte...
Sep 11, 2024•56 min•Ep 203•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea sits down with Brittany Carpenter , a functional medicine dietitian and gut health expert, to explore the importance of gut health and its connection to overall well-being. Brittany shares her unique approach to gut health, focusing on what to add to your diet rather than what to eliminate. They discuss the impact of stress on digestion, the importance of variety in the diet, and practical tips for improving gut health without overwhelming restrictions. Brittany's in...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 202•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the MakeFitSimple podcast, Andrea welcomes back Dr. Caroline Packard, a women's pelvic floor physical therapist with a deep passion for helping women overcome pelvic floor dysfunction. They dive into the complexities of rib flare and ab gripping, exploring how these issues affect breathing, pelvic floor health, and overall movement. Caroline, who also contributed extensively to the MakeFitSimple app, shares practical tips on identifying and addressing these common issues,...
Aug 26, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Make It Simple is celebrating the 200th episode!! On this milestone Andrea dives into her number one tip for staying consistent with an exercise routine: finding joy in movement. Today she encourages listeners to discover their "soulmate workout"—the exercise that genuinely makes them happy—and then blend it with what their body needs to achieve fitness goals. Andrea shares practical advice on creating a sustainable, enjoyable workout routine that prioritizes happiness and consistency....
Aug 21, 2024•17 min•Ep 200•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea tackles a common concern many have after starting a strength training routine: feeling bigger or puffier after lifting weights. She breaks down the science behind this sensation, explaining how factors like water retention, increased blood flow, and muscle inflammation contribute to these feelings. Andrea will reassure you that this puffiness is a temporary and normal part of the muscle-building process and encourages them to stay consistent with their workouts for long-t...
Aug 14, 2024•14 min•Ep 199•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Andrea tackles the common struggle of feeling overwhelmed by lofty goals and the pressure to achieve perfection. She emphasizes that you can still achieve meaningful results by doing less, as long as you maintain consistency over time. Drawing from her own experiences and those of her clients, Andrea breaks down the importance of letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality and embracing the power of small, consistent actions. She provides practical examples and mindset shifts to ...
Aug 07, 2024•27 min•Ep 198•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea is discussing all things electrolytes! From muscle contractions to hydration and brain function, and why in the heck you need them! She covers it all. With practical tips on how to incorporate electrolytes through foods like watermelon and spinach, and handy supplements for those on-the-go moments, Andrea ensures you are well-equipped to stay balanced and healthy. Plus, she shares her favorite flavors from Just Ingredients' electrolyte range, making it easy to boost your intake. Stay...
Jul 31, 2024•16 min•Ep 197•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into an enlightening conversation with Betsy Johnson from Mama Made Strong, a seasoned physical therapist with 20 years of experience and a mom of triplets. Betsy shares her journey from traditional orthopedic clinics to specializing in the often overlooked connection between orthopedic issues and the pelvic floor. She sheds light on the surprising ways our feet, hips, and posture intertwine, explaining why some common core and hip exercises may not be working for you. Andrea and Be...
Jul 24, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea dives into the heartwarming and challenging topic of fitting in workouts with small kids at home. As a mom who’s been there, Andrea shares her personal journey and top eight tips for making a workout routine work amidst the chaos. From setting tiny, achievable goals to getting creative with time and making workouts fun for the little ones, Andrea’s advice is practical and encouraging. Plus, she reminds us all to embrace the fleeting moments of motherhood, no matter how hectic they seem. T...
Jul 17, 2024•25 min•Ep 195•Transcript available on Metacast Andrea enthusiastically shares a simple yet powerful tip to boost your health and improve your sleep: morning sunlight! She breaks down the science behind why getting sunlight within the first hour of waking up can set your circadian rhythm, boost your mood, and increase productivity. Andrea's practical advice makes it easy to incorporate this habit into your daily routine, whether it's while enjoying your morning coffee, meditating, or taking a walk. Tune in to discover how just 15 mi...
Jul 10, 2024•16 min•Ep 194•Transcript available on Metacast 
