Shows
Tough Cookie TalksIs This Actually Healthy?! Navigating Weight Gain + Intuitive Eating with Naomi Katz (Best of Season 2 Replay)Today we're talking all about Intuitive Eating! Something that I'm a big fan of and allude to a lot, but I haven't shared an episode about it yet. Today is the day! Many of my clients and listeners are kind of on board with it (you too?) but haven't completely gone all in or mastered it yet. Or maybe you have, but you gained weight and now you're wondering "how can this be healthy?" If yes, this episode is for you!
Naomi Katz (she/her/hers) is a Certified Intuitive Eating Lay Facilitator, body image coach, and...2024-01-2349 minTough Cookie TalksWhen You're a Badass but You're Tired: The Conversation We Almost Cancelled with Holly Myers (Best of Season 2 Replay)This week I'm talking Holly Myers--again! If you're on Instagram, you might know her as the barbell pistol squatting queen, and half of the strength coaching duo @liftwithhollyandarryn. Our first episode together, "Balancing Strength, Softness, and Silliness" was one of my most downloaded ever, and today she's back. Over the past few years I've gotten to know her as a client and as a friend and today we're talking about training & life in a more friendly kinda way!
Holly is an ambitious, creative, multifaceted lady. Aside from heavy kettlebell ballistics, she enjoys writing, photographing on film, and bein...2024-01-161h 17Tough Cookie TalksWhat Does Fitness Without Diet Culture Look Like for YOU? With Ashantis Jones (Best of Season 2 Replay)This week I am thrilled to be interviewing Ashantis Jones, who is not only a kick ass HAES aligned personal trainer, but my social media assistant! This interview was inspired by an old IG post that she suggested I re-share that blew up and sparked the question "What does fitness without diet culture look like for YOU?"
Ashantis Jones is a trained Master’s level Counselor, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Coach that focuses on both the mind and body - both of which are equally important to one’s health. By using an inter...2024-01-091h 09Tough Cookie TalksWhen You're Over the "New Year New Me" BS but Staying the Same Feels Blah (Season 2 Finale!)Welcome to the Season 2 Finale!!
On this episode we talk about:
My reflections on the this year on the podcast and in my life which can be summed up by this Florence + the Machine Lyric: And I am freaking out in the middle of the streetWith the complete conviction of someone who'sNever had anything actually really bad happen to them
What you can expect from Season 3.
Journaling prompts to use when you're over the "new year new me" BS, but are bored by the idea of staying stagnant.
2024-01-0117 minTough Cookie TalksThe Birthday Episode with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode)Christina and I are back talking all about our birthdays that are happening this month! This is a super fun episode where we talk about how we're celebrating our birthdays, how we view getting older, plus a whole bunch of other random stuff. Like the movie Home Alone, friendship, and more.
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Follow and tag Christina on Instagram2023-12-1957 minTough Cookie TalksNavigating Conflicting Thoughts About Working Out, Weight Loss, & Diet Culture: Internal Family Systems with My Client StephToday my longtime client Steph is back with something new to share with us! She originally joined me on season 1, episode 15, and after some of the conversations we've been having in our 1:1 sessions lately, I knew I needed to invite her back to talk about Internal Family Systems. This is something that's been growing in popularity in mental health and coaching spaces, and I think a LOT of it applies to the topics we cover on this podcast.
Steph is a long-term client and previous podcast guest who is a new mental health professional. While she went b...2023-12-121h 05Tough Cookie TalksCatching Up, Slowing Down, and WTF??? with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode)Weeee'reeee baaacckkkk. After a short hiatus due to life being lifey, Christina and I finally recorded another episode together. If you missed the memo, Christina and I are each releasing these crossovers on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
Today we're catching up, talking about slowing down, WTF is going on...2023-12-0557 minTough Cookie TalksYou're NOT Going Insane. Regulating Your Nervous System & Perimenopause with Diana MayThis conversation with Diana May left me feeling seen and understood in ways I didn't even realize I needed. I recently re-connected with Diana on Instagram as a result of my quest to clear out a lot of the noise on my feed. I unfollowed a LOT of big accounts and the result was me getting to see content from people in my real life who I had lost touch with. One of them being Diana--who was one for my first and favorite yoga teachers. After discovering that we were both talking about similar concepts in different contexts (same...2023-12-0154 minTough Cookie TalksStop Looking For Motivation. Finding Momentum When the World Is a Dumpster Fire.This week's episode is brought to you by. . .the fucking world. And also what my clients seem to need right now in terms of fitness. Here's one thing I've been telling almost everyone lately:
If you don’t feel like working out because everything feels pointless right now, stop looking for motivation. You won’t find it. Instead see where you can find momentum to get yourself to do literally any kind of movement. I bet it’ll make you feel better.
On this episode we talk about:
How current world events have been affect...2023-11-1424 minTough Cookie TalksWhy I Coach Like Weird BarbieThis episode is airing on Halloween and I decided to do something silly and fun. Because the world is a dumpster fire and while I posted something very heartfelt on Instagram, I decided to lean into something more trivial on here.
On this episode we talk about Weird Barbie and all the reasons why I feel like I'm the Weird Barbie of coaches! And of course how that applies to you and your fitness because we all know I'm all about the analogies.
Work with me-Kettlebell Social FAQ
Work with me 1:1
F...2023-11-1322 minTough Cookie TalksEating Disorder Recovery, Religious Trauma, and Reclaiming Your Power with Angel CasasToday I have my first ever male guest on the podcast! I vet my podcast guests carefully, and I know you're gonna love our conversation today. Angel and I originally connected over an Instagram post, and when I realized there was another anti-diet personal trainer in the Chicago area, we immediately decided we needed to meet up in real life. After hearing about his very unique story and having some really great conversations this summer, I knew he was a voice that I needed to share with you here.
Angel Casas is a weight inclusive personal trainer a...2023-10-181h 01Tough Cookie TalksCrying In the BathroomIn real life, I have had at least 5 sobbing meltdowns since last Friday. And I decided to share it with you not because I want a pity party, but because I have a really hard time being inauthentic.
This week I cried because: My husband criticized my parking. Then because my toddler wouldn't poop. Also because he wouldn't nap. And again because the restaurant put dressing on my take-out salad and I didn't realize it til the next day when I wanted to eat it and it was soggy, but the reason I didn't eat it until a day later was...2023-10-0320 minTough Cookie TalksCan We Stop Saying "Tone" "Sculpt" "Shape" & "Lift"? Busting Through Barre BS with Maya BryantToday I'm so excited to be talking with Maya Bryant! I originally connected with her on Instagram because as a fellow dancer, I LOVED the way she called out the bullshit in the barre industry. One of my biggest pet peeves as a personal trainer with a dance background is seeing barre instructors online selling lies in the form of "the 4 best exercises for a thigh gap", because that's not how any of this works. Maya has the best way of calling it out without coming off as mean and in this episode, she brings light to the fact...2023-09-1942 minTough Cookie TalksHow Following Arbitrary Fitness Rules Is Keeping You StuckLast Friday I woke up SO dead tired and was trying to rally and get myself to go lift. But then I was like, why?! Knowing that the whole reason that I work out is to feel better and move about my life with more ease. Forcing myself to lift when I was every possible kind of tired would have pushed me farther away from that feeling on Friday. So I skipped it.
So many of us work out for mental health or physical health or to live just live our damn lives but then turn around...2023-09-1230 minTough Cookie TalksSelf-Trust, Joy, Ease, and Unapologetic Queer Shit with Shohreh DavoodiToday's episode is such a fun and mind blowing conversation with my friend Shohreh Davoodi. Seriously. The original plan was to talk about self-trust in fitness but we went in so many interesting directions (as two people with ADHD would). I had so many lightbulb moments when talking to her. Shohreh and I originally connected several years ago as two of the only HAES personal trainers in Facebook group full of non-diet dietitians and therapists. Over the years it's been awesome to watch her work (and life) shift and grow and I'm excited to let her share some of...2023-09-051h 07Tough Cookie Talks11+ Reasons To Incorporate Kettlebells Into Your WorkoutsI decided to record an episode that is essentially a love letter to kettlebells. But first I wanna share a bit of my backstory around them. Kettlebells were my intro to strength training. My friend Ashleigh taught me how to use them (see Season 1 Episode 44 "Toning Is For Printers" An Unfiltered Convo With Ashleigh Brodhead (the Friend Who Taught Me To Lift Heavy Shit)" They were my gateway to a new way to see exercise. For the first time ever, the point wasn't to burn calories, or to get toned. The point was to master new skills, to play, an...2023-08-2926 minTough Cookie TalksWhen You're a Badass but You're Tired: The Conversation We Almost Cancelled with Holly MyersThis week I'm talking Holly Myers--again! If you're on Instagram, you might know her as the barbell pistol squatting queen, and half of the strength coaching duo @liftwithhollyandarryn. Our first episode together, "Balancing Strength, Softness, and Silliness" was one of my most downloaded ever, and today she's back. Over the past few years I've gotten to know her as a client and as a friend and today we're talking about training & life in a more friendly kinda way!
Holly is an ambitious, creative, multifaceted lady. Aside from heavy kettlebell ballistics, she enjoys writing, photographing on film, and being a...2023-08-151h 17Tough Cookie TalksShiny Happy People with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)This is another bonus crossover/collab episode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! If you missed the memo, Christina and I are each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
Content warning/listen with care--this episode gets into some pretty heavy topics such as...2023-08-1549 min
Satisfaction Factor#74 - Unpacking Diet Culture in the Dance World with Jenna JozefowskiThis week, we’re talking to Jenna Jozefowski about diet culture in dance spaces... and so much more!Jenna Jozefowski helps active women learn to lift and get strong with equal parts challenge and compassion. She is a certified personal trainer & kettlebell instructor, Trauma Informed Weightlifting coach, dance teacher, yoga teacher, and semi-retired professional dancer. After years of living and working in industries full of diet-culture, she got sick and tired of watching people (including herself) running themselves into the ground trying to uphold the narrow-minded image of what our culture sees as “healthy” and “fit”. But instead of...2023-08-091h 01Tough Cookie TalksThe Ted Lasso Episode with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)Today we have another bonus crossover/collab epsiode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! I'm gonna keep these show notes short & sweet because we're all about making these bonus episodes easy and fun. We're each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
Today we are talking about...2023-08-0154 minTough Cookie TalksWorking Out While Injured: Red Flag? Or Self-Care?Is it bad to work out when you're injured? I've been seeing this floating around as a red flag for a "bad" or "disordered" relationship with exercise and we need to talk about it. Long story short: don't think it is, depending on the context. Long story long: listen to the episode. There are ways to do it well and not so much...
On this episode I talk about:
Why nuance and context matter, and why we need to stop internalizing advice from an IG post that wasn't meant for us.
The problem with all-or-nothing thinking...2023-07-2527 minTough Cookie TalksAre You "Getting Old"? Or Is Diet Culture To Blame? (Part 2) Breaking Cycles & Busting Stereotypes with My Client DebiA few months ago I recorded a podcast episode with one of my clients about my half baked theory that training from a diet culture mindset is making us feel "old". (That was Season 1, Episode 39) . We talked about this from the perspective of our own lived experiences as millennial and Gen X women. The idea was that of COURSE you're gonna feel like you're "too old" to do certain things if you've been beating yourself into the ground for years. I had to imagine that years of over-training and not eating to support that can wreck your body in...2023-07-111h 01Tough Cookie TalksFood Is Political with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)Today we have another bonus crossover/collab epsiode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! I'm gonna keep these show notes short & sweet because we're all about making these bonus episodes easy and fun. We're each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
On this...2023-07-0453 minTough Cookie TalksPelvic Floor PT: It's Not Just For Pregnant/Postpartum People with Dr. Melissa CioffiToday's episode is a guest interview with my good friend and physical therapist, Dr. Melissa Cioffi! I have mentioned this before, but people like Dr. Mel, as I call her, are half the reason I decided to start a podcast. I wanted to share the expertise of providers like her who do things that are not in my own scope of practice as a personal trainer, but still very much relate to what we do in the gym. Last year, I had her on the podcast and we talked a lot about physical therapy in general. Today we're getting...2023-06-2750 minTough Cookie TalksShould You Take Time Off From Working Out? Thoughts From a Deload Week That Lasted Longer Than Planned. . .I took almost 2 weeks off from lifting by choice. At least that was the plan. I was feeling better and ready to go. I was even gonna record a podcast episode about it. But then life got life-y and I was forced to take more time off. First I re-injured my shoulder/pec moving boxes. Then I got sick. And then I fell down the stairs. Then I got sick again. It's just a season of beginning again and again and again over here and that's ok. I'm sharing this not because I want a pity party, but because...2023-06-1332 minTough Cookie TalksLiving With Men with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)Today we have another bonus crossover/collab epsiode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! I'm gonna keep these show notes short & sweet because we're all about making these bonus episodes easy and fun. We're each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
On this...2023-06-061h 02Tough Cookie TalksIs This Actually Healthy?! Navigating Weight Gain + Intuitive Eating with Naomi KatzToday we're talking all about Intuitive Eating! Something that I'm a big fan of and allude to a lot, but I haven't shared an episode about it yet. Today is the day! Many of my clients and listeners are kind of on board with it (you too?) but haven't completely gone all in or mastered it yet. Or maybe you have, but you gained weight and now you're wondering "how can this be healthy?" If yes, this episode is for you!
Naomi Katz (she/her/hers) is a Certified Intuitive Eating Lay Facilitator, body image coach, and...2023-05-3049 minTough Cookie TalksSurprising Things About Our Former Selves That Aren't So Surprising with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)Today we have another bonus crossover/collab epsiode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! I'm gonna keep these show notes short & sweet because we're all about making these bonus episodes easy and fun. We're each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
On this...2023-05-2330 minTough Cookie TalksThe Conversation You Didn't Know You Needed To Hear--Navigating Tough Transitions and Making a Comeback with Laura JawadToday's podcast episode is the conversation you didn't realize you needed to hear. It was absolutely cathartic to record this, and I know so many of you are going to feel a sense of hope after listening. Especially if you're going through some shit. Today I'm talking to Laura Jawad all about what it means to make a comeback, and also navigating life's tough transitions. She has certainly been through quite a few in recent years and has a TON of wisdom to share.
As a pregnancy and postpartum personal trainer and birth doula, L...2023-05-1656 minTough Cookie TalksFriendships Gone Awry with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)Today we have another bonus crossover/collab epsiode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! I'm gonna keep these show notes short & sweet because we're all about making these bonus episodes easy and fun. We're each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
On this...2023-05-0949 minTough Cookie TalksBody Image Beyond the Basics with Summer InnanenI'm so excited for today's podcast guest, Summer Innanen! Her work was absolutely instrumental to my own journey in letting go of diet culture. Without her help in dealing with my own body image shit and her encouragement to start doing my own thing online, I would probably still be trying to make nacho cheese out of sweet potatoes and sending Jillian Michaels quotes to the people in my 6am bootcamp. I first heard her on a paleo podcast back in the day, believe it or not. LOL. Now you get to hear her on mine!
Summer I...2023-05-0249 minTough Cookie TalksAdulthood + Friendships with Christina Montalvo (Crossover/Collab Bonus Episode!)Today we're trying something new. A bonus crossover/collab epsiode with my friend, business mentor, and fellow likeminded coach, Christina Montalvo! I'm gonna keep these show notes short & sweet because we're all about making these bonus episodes easy and fun. We're each releasing them on our own podcasts on the same day and will continue to do it for as long as we feel like it and whenever we feel like it. We've got all sorts of things to talk about that aren't related to our work, but hopefully feel relatable to you and your life anyway.
...2023-04-251h 00Tough Cookie TalksMaybe Cardio Isn't So Bad After All. . .Running Without Running Yourself Into the Ground with Liz BrinkmoellerThis week's episode is inspired by MANY conversations I've been having with clients lately. It seems that improving cardiovascular endurance is a common goal for a lot of us. And there are so many questions surrounding how to do that. Especially if you've previously had a complicated relationship with cardio. My friend Liz Brinkmoeller seemed like the perfect person to have this conversation.
After being a track athlete in high school, Liz went through college and had a traditional desk job for about 6 years. After finding her way back to fitness and running, she became certified in gr...2023-04-1852 minTough Cookie TalksYour Science Means Nothing Without Empathy (An Open Letter To the Instagram Gym Bros)I get so tired of reading posts from Instagram gym bros who can tell you all about what the science says but have no concept of how that applies to the actual human beings they work with. Especially women. I've wanted to comment on their posts so many times, but I know they don't give AF. So I decided to record a podcast episode about it.
On this episode we talk about:
Why listening to your client's lived experience is just as important (if not more so) than understanding what the science says.
Why we need...2023-04-0425 minTough Cookie TalksWhat Does Fitness Without Diet Culture Look Like for YOU? With Ashantis JonesThis week I am thrilled to be interviewing Ashantis Jones, who is not only a kick ass HAES aligned personal trainer, but my social media assistant! This interview was inspired by an old IG post that she suggested I re-share that blew up and sparked the question "What does fitness without diet culture look like for YOU?"
Ashantis Jones is a trained Master’s level Counselor, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Coach that focuses on both the mind and body - both of which are equally important to one’s health. By using an inter...2023-03-211h 09Tough Cookie TalksWhen Your Family Ditches Diet Culture With You: A Candid & Delightful Convo With My Sister KristiThis week we have a VERY special guest. My ever so delightful little sister Kristi! I'm really lucky to have her in my life and talking to us this week, because I am one of the few people who is able to share similar views about diet culture with a family member. And we commiserate and banter OFTEN. So often that I decided that one of our text conversations needed to become a podcast episode ASAP. It wasn't always this way though. As kids I was often jealous of her for being "the skinny one" and notoriously slapped her i...2023-03-0754 minTough Cookie TalksStrength Training Is Boring AF (+ Why That's a Good Thing)Good strength training is sometimes boring AF. Yes, even when you're "advanced". This might come as a surprise to you, but hopefully this episode will make you feel encouraged about where you're at right now. And also, gives you some validation if lifting doesn't always feel like the most fun workout to you. Basic movement patterns (squat, hinge, push, pull, carry, rotate, etc.) will pretty much never go away no matter how much experience you get. Good strength training can get boring sometimes. That's ok, and usually means you're doing it right.
On this episode we talk...2023-02-2111 minTough Cookie TalksSpace, Season 2 & Shit SandwichesWelcome to Season 2 of Tough Cookie Talks! I am back from a bit of a hiatus and did I ever need it. Not gonna lie, I have a really hard time slowing down. And as much as I love being in your ear every week, I realized that I needed to take a minute to come up for air after 50 episodes and a very busy 2022.
On this episode we talk about:
What I've been up to since the last episode.
The magic of sending your child to daycare + the un-sexy parts of running your own business.
M...2023-02-0715 minTough Cookie TalksHow We Show Up Outside the Gym Matters! Recovery For the Other 23 Hours of Your Day with Julie Shiller (Best of Season 1 Replay)This week's episode with my friend Julie Shiller is one we all need to hear. Especially if you have a hard time slowing down. Or if you find yourself asking what you even need to "recover" from. I often hear her advice echoing in my head as I remind myself to slow down, take a walk to calm my nervous system, drink a glass of water, eat a nourishing meal, or put my ass to bed early. I especially think of her every time I put on my jorts--and if you follow her on IG or listen to this episode...2023-01-3156 minTough Cookie TalksEating To Support Your Health: Everything You Were Afraid To Admit To Your Anti-Diet Friends with Kaitlin Brazil (Best of Season 1 Replay)This episode with my friend Kaitlin Brazil started out as a conversation in the Instagram DM's, and quickly turned into "THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW". I've known Kaitlin for years, and she always has a beautiful way of bringing me back to seeing the humanity in people. Especially people on the internet who piss me off. Our DM convo started with a few of us going off about people who promote an all meat diet. And quickly evolved into Kaitlin sharing a bit about her personal health journey. Let's just say by the end of the conversation, I had so much m...2023-01-241h 21Tough Cookie TalksFitspo, Freak Shows & Storytelling with Dr. Kate Browne (Best of Season 1 Replay)This is probably the most interesting podcast episode & conversation I've recorded to date. I originally met Kate through Body Positive Fitness Alliance, and I remember being impressed not only by her speaking skills, but also how well researched she was when it came to talking about all things related to diet culture. I was sold on her story once I listened to her TED Talk about the connections between fitspo and the freak show. Yes. The freak show as in the side shows that you'd often find at the circus back in the day.
Kate Browne teaches people...2023-01-171h 07Tough Cookie TalksEverything You Think You Know About Pain & Injuries Is Wrong. The Tea On PT With Dr. Melissa Cioffi (Best of Season 1 Replay)Today's episode is a guest interview with my good friend and physical therapist, Dr. Melissa Cioffi! Truthfully, people like Dr. Mel, as I call her, are half the reason I decided to start a podcast. I wanted to share the expertise of providers like her who do things that are not in my own scope of practice as a personal trainer, but still very much relate to what we do in the gym. Dr. Mel is the person I call whenever my clients ask me questions about pain and injuries that I can't answer and she's helped me learn a LOT ov...2023-01-101h 08Tough Cookie TalksWorking Out After A Break? 7 Ways To Set Yourself Up For Success & Make It Suck Less (Best of Season 1 Replay)It seems like a lot of people I know (myself included) have had to take a break from working out recently. I know I'm not alone right? Maybe you’ve been sick? Or you're just dealing with the weight of the damn WORLD? Chances are you’re also concerned about how this whole situation has affected your body and your fitness?
Whether you’ve gained weight, lost muscle & strength, or just feel out of practice with your usual activities (all totally normal and ok!), it’s important to set yourself up for success as you begin to return to “norma...2023-01-0325 minTough Cookie TalksThe WHOLE Truth: My Experience With Elimination Diets (Best of Season 1 Replay)Elimination diets are not for everyone and definitely NOT for me. It took me awhile to even share my “elimination diet failure” story with anyone. I was embarrassed. I thought it was my fault that it didn’t work. I think that’s probably the reason that most people don’t share their diet failure stories more often. Today, I’m sharing the WHOLE TRUTH. My very ugly experience with a popular elimination diet. (Hint: It rhymes with Shmole Shmirty.)
In this episode we talk about:
Why programs that call themselves "not a diet" actually are.
How I gave up dairy...2022-12-2731 minTough Cookie TalksBadassery As A Core Value--A Conversation With My Longtime Client Steph (Best of Season 1 Replay)Today is my first EVER guest interview on the podcast! And who better to bring on but one of my first ever personal training clients--or at least one of the first people who ever decided they wanted to work with me specifically because of my unconventional approach to fitness. Grab a cup of coffee (and your headphones LOL) and join Steph and I we reminisce about our journey working together on a more personal level. My hope is that you'll see yourself reflected in Steph's story, feel a little less alone, and excited for what could be possible for you too...2022-12-2058 minTough Cookie TalksRedefining "Consistency": Why Strength Is Like A Savings Account (Best of Season 1 Replay)Introducing the concept of the "strength savings account" as a way to approach the idea of consistency when it comes to working out.
In this episode we talk about:
How to not "lose all your fitness" when you take time off.
How lowering your expectations of yourself in some circumstances may actually lead to exceeding your expectations at other times.
Why approaching strength training with an all-or-nothing mindset is sort of like winning the lottery and then blowing it all on shit you don't need then wondering where your money went.
How to connect with me:2022-12-1335 minTough Cookie Talks10 Mistakes To Avoid When You're Trying To Do Fitness Without Diet Culture (Best of Season 1 Replay)Navigating fitness when you’ve just started to realize why diet culture is harmful is HARD.
Many of us spent so much of our past lives drinking the wellness kool-aid (green juice? bulletproof coffee??) without question that when we finally came around to something different, we went all in with it. Failing to realize that we were falling into the same trap that got us into trouble the first time.
And because I spent FAR too many years accepting what was told to me without question (from both sides), I’d like to share with you...2022-12-0634 minTough Cookie TalksThe Fitness Industry Has It A$$ Backwards (+ Other Unconventional Ideas) (Best of Season 1 Replay!)Most people don't know what to make of my philosophy on fitness. One minute I’m posting a video of me swinging kettlebells. The next minute I’m telling you to take a rest day. First I’m calling BS on all the ways the fitness industry is making you feel like crap. Then I’m talking about the mental health benefits of working out. But just like everything I do, there’s a method to my madness. My fitness philosophy is unlike that of most others. And I’m not sorry about it.
In this episode we talk abou...2022-11-2930 minTough Cookie TalksThe Season Finale! How It Started, How It's Going, Where It's Going!It's EPISODE 50! And all I can say is:
"I'M 50@! I KIICCCCCKKKKK. STREEEEETCCHHHHH. AND KICK!"
IYKYK.
Anyway, on this solo episode, I take some time to reflect on my biggest takeaways from first year of podcasting and let you know what's coming next.
Work With Me!
Follow & tag me on Instagram2022-11-1714 minTough Cookie TalksMy Unfiltered Gym Reviews--I Tried Them All So You Don't Have To!This is an episode I've been working on for a couple of months now. Back in August I decided to be a "secret shopper" of 5 different commercial gyms. Why? Because I found that many of my clients are either A: hesitant to join a gym because of a previous bad experience. B. Don't wanna go through all the trouble of trying different gyms to find a good fit. C. Don't know what to look for when joining a gym so they pick a random one only to find that it's not a good fit.
So I decided t...2022-11-0131 minTough Cookie TalksAre Your Weights Too Light For You? For Most Of You, Probably Yes. Here's How To Know For Sure.Ohhhhh I've been sitting on this topic for a long time. I didn't say it because I didn't wanna piss people off. So I'm just gonna go ahead and say it: If you're only ever using 5-10lb weights when you lift, you're only tapping into a fraction of your potential. Before you get mad at me . . .give this episode a listen and let's give it a little context. . .
On this episode we talk about:
Why you're selling yourself short if you've been lifting the same weights forever.
Why you shouldn't be using the same weights fo...2022-10-2532 minTough Cookie TalksSurprising Benefits To Following A Strength Training Program (They're Not Just For Professional Athletes and Fitness Models)In the anti-diet world, it seems that things like going to the gym and following a training program often get a bad rap. I get it. There are a lot of problems with the way the fitness industry promotes its services. When you’ve had a compensatory or punishing relationship with exercise in the past, the advice is often to rest & take a break from working out altogether. Or to trade structured exercise for "joyful movement". To be clear, I agree with this. . .to an extent. Sometimes you do need a clean break in order to see clearly what’s re...2022-10-1819 minTough Cookie Talks3 Things I Hope All My Clients AccomplishThis podcast episode is a solo one. . .3 things I hope every client of mine accomplishes. Would you believe that NONE of them are related to anything you can physically do with a weight??
This is what they are:
Letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset
Developing more autonomy within their workouts
Discovering their true strength
The best way to accomplish each of these things??
Having a growth mindset, and when applicable, opening yourself up to being coached. I've mentioned this before, but there's a big difference between teaching and coaching. When I choose a...2022-10-1122 minTough Cookie Talks"Toning Is For Printers" An Unfiltered Convo With Ashleigh Brodhead (the Friend Who Taught Me To Lift Heavy Shit)This episode is one that I've been waiting to record for way too long. It's very unfiltered. It's everything I ever wanted my podcast to be--to feel like you're hanging out with me and my friends shooting the shit. Today we're doing that with one of my very best friends, Ashleigh Brodhead--live in my she-shed. She's the person who got me into kettlebells. The person who first put a barbell into my hand. I don't think she had any idea how much having her in my life shaped the work I'm doing today, but we're gonna talk all about...2022-10-041h 07Tough Cookie TalksBirthday Bonus! Tough Love Strength Club FAQTough Love Strength Club (My Online Group Coaching Program) is 3 years told today! This is a Birthday bonus episode that covers all the most common FAQ about this program.
On this episode we talk about:
The answers to the most frequently asked questions about TLSC!
Tough Love Strength Club: Get On The Waitlist!
Work With Me! Tough Love Strength Club Info & FAQ
Follow & tag me on Instagram2022-09-3018 minTough Cookie TalksBirthday Bonus! WTF is Tough Love Strength Club?Tough Love Strength Club (My Online Group Coaching Program) is 3 years told today! This is a Birthday bonus episode that's here to tell you everything you ever wanted to know about this program.
On this episode we talk about:
How TLSC is different than other online fitness programs.
What sorts of things it will help you accomplish in and out of the gym.
What you get when you join.
Who it's for.
And all sorts of other things about what might make this program a good fit for someone.
Tough Love Strength Club: Get On The W...2022-09-3026 minTough Cookie TalksIs Personal Training Only For Rich Housewives? + Tough Love Strength Club Is 3 Years Old!This week, my online group coaching program, Tough Love Strength Club is turning 3! In light of that, this episode is a trip down memory lane. Celebrating how TLSC came to be what it is today, why I wanted to create it, how it's grown, and so much more. Come take a behind the scenes look at what goes on over here!
On this episode we talk about:
Why personal training in the traditional sense always felt like it was for rich housewives.
Why I started Tough Love Strength Club as an alternative for the rest of u...2022-09-2726 minTough Cookie TalksHow We Show Up Outside the Gym Matters! Recovery For the Other 23 Hours of Your Day with Julie ShillerThis week's episode with my friend Julie Shiller is one we all need to hear. Especially if you have a hard time slowing down. Or if you find yourself asking what you even need to "recover" from. I often hear her advice echoing in my head as I remind myself to slow down, take a walk to calm my nervous system, drink a glass of water, eat a nourishing meal, or put my ass to bed early. I especially think of her every time I put on my jorts--and if you follow her on IG or listen to this...2022-09-2056 minTough Cookie TalksAre You "Getting Old"? Or Is Diet Culture To Blame? A Candid Convo with My Client JessI have this half baked theory that training from a diet culture mindset is making us feel "old". In so many ways. But mostly the idea that of COURSE you're gonna feel like you're "too old" to do certain things if you've been beating yourself into the ground for years. I have to imagine that years of over-training and not eating to support that can wreck your body in a worse way than age can. And when I got to chatting with my client Jess about it, I realized that she had so much value to add, so I...2022-09-1357 minTough Cookie TalksBeyond "Getting Your Body Back": Busting Through BS In Pregnancy & Postpartum Fitness with Jessie MundellI always talk about how my podcast exists so I can share all the cool people I know with you, and today's guest holds a special place in my journey. As many of you know, I recently had a baby. . .ok he's pretty much a toddler now. But I don't know what I would have done without Jessie's expertise and online community during my pregnancy and postpartum. Truly, she helped me keep my sanity and build a strong foundation of strength as I returned to lifting after my son was born.
In her own words:
I...2022-09-0654 minTough Cookie Talks"Be Curious, Not Judgmental": How a Ted Lasso Quote Can Make Your Workouts (& Life?) Feel Less Like Hot GarbageToday's solo episode was brought to you by my anxiety and overwhelm. LOL. But seriously. A few weeks ago I was on the verge of a meltdown and couldn't put my finger on why. When I decided to dig a little deeper, I realized that there were actually really good reasons as to why I felt this way. We could all stand to be a bit more curious about ourselves. Especially when it comes to questions like: "Why do my workouts feel so HARD lately?" "Why am I so unmotivated?" Why am I not getting any stronger?" "Why am...2022-08-3027 minTough Cookie TalksEating To Support Your Health: Everything You Were Afraid To Admit To Your Anti-Diet Friends with Kaitlin BrazilThis episode with my friend Kaitlin Brazil started out as a conversation in the Instagram DM's, and quickly turned into "THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW". I've known Kaitlin for years, and she always has a beautiful way of bringing me back to seeing the humanity in people. Especially people on the internet who piss me off. Our DM convo started with a few of us going off about people who promote an all meat diet. And quickly evolved into Kaitlin sharing a bit about her personal health journey. Let's just say by the end of the conversation, I had s...2022-08-231h 21Tough Cookie TalksWe Are Stronger Together: Building Community and Finding Connection with Allison TenneyToday I am thrilled to bring the one and only Allison Tenney on the podcast! She was one of the first likeminded fitness professionals I connected with online back when my online business was nothing more than a blog and a vision. In 2019 I attended a live event (called Ignited Womxn's Summit at the time) she hosted in Seattle that literally ignited me into the work I'm doing today! When I think of Allison, I think of leadership, integrity, and someone who brings the best people together. In addition to being an incredible strength & conditioning coach she's also an...2022-08-161h 22Tough Cookie TalksA Manicure As a Metaphor: What Getting Fake Nails Taught Me About Fat Loss GoalsA few weeks ago I became obsessed with the idea of getting long, claw shaped fake nails. Fun colors? Ombre? Glitter? Pointy AF? Yes please! I was feeling pretty fired up about the world and decided I wanted my nails to express the way I felt on the inside. Mostly love and light and a little go fuck yourself. LOL. I don't normally get my nails done so I took to my Instagram stories to ask what I needed to know, what to ask for at the salon, how much they'd cost, etc. etc. I've NEVER gotten so much e...2022-08-0935 minTough Cookie TalksFitspo, Freak Shows & Storytelling with Dr. Kate BrowneThis is probably the most interesting podcast episode & conversation I've recorded to date. I originally met Kate through Body Positive Fitness Alliance, and I remember being impressed not only by her speaking skills, but also how well researched she was when it came to talking about all things related to diet culture. I was sold on her story once I listened to her TED Talk about the connections between fitspo and the freak show. Yes. The freak show as in the side shows that you'd often find at the circus back in the day.
Kate Browne teaches p...2022-08-021h 07Tough Cookie TalksTrue Confessions of a Personal TrainerSo many personal trainers (and people who think they are) act like this fitness thing is SO easy. That anyone who doesn’t meet their definition of “in good shape” is lazy or undisciplined.
They lead us to believe that if we all just work out like they do and eat like they do that we’ll all have 6 pack abs and perfect butts and a thigh gap? I don’t even know what body parts are trendy anymore. I don’t care. All I know is that I need to shine a light on some of the bullshit...2022-07-2622 minTough Cookie TalksFlexibility for Your Mind & Getting Unstuck with Dr. Paula FreedmanThis week we're talking to one of my very best friends, Dr. Paula Freedman. If you ever hear me talking about the conversations I have with "my one friend who is a HAES aligned therapist", this is her! I'm SO pumped to let you into our world, because this convo basically a recorded version of what it's like to be eavesdropping on our conversation during a night out. Our convos can go all over the place, but this one really ties together ACT (a tool she uses in therapy) and many of the mindset tools I use to help...2022-07-191h 08Tough Cookie TalksWorking Out After A Break? 7 Ways To Set Yourself Up For Success & Make It Suck LessIt seems like a lot of people I know (myself included) have had to take a break from working out recently. I know I'm not alone right? Maybe you’ve been sick? Or you're just dealing with the weight of the damn WORLD? Chances are you’re also concerned about how this whole situation has affected your body and your fitness?
Whether you’ve gained weight, lost muscle & strength, or just feel out of practice with your usual activities (all totally normal and ok!), it’s important to set yourself up for success as you begin to return t...2022-07-1225 min
Tough Cookie TalksCultivating Anti-Racism In Your Fitness Community With Simone SamuelsThis week I have a very important and very timely guest on the podcast! Simone Samuels is here to share all her knowledge about cultivating anti-racism in your fitness community and why this matters. I originally met Simone through Body Positive Fitness Alliance, and now she's on their board of directors and has created an online course for them as well!
Simone Samuels is multi-passionate fitness professional, writer, and vlogger based in Toronto. In addition to being a group and aqua fitness instructor and personal trainer, she is also offers consulting and education around anti-racism and diversity, eq...2022-07-051h 23Tough Cookie TalksLessons From Lifting We Can Apply To ActivismHow can I talk about fitness after Roe v. Wade being overturned? I can't. Not today. But being that diet culture and what just happened here are two different flavors of the same shit sandwich, I do wanna take the time to talk about some parallels. Before we get into any of this, I need to make one thing perfectly clear. I don't actually know WTF I'm doing here. I'm learning right along with you. I have always used my platform as a way to make sense of things that I’m working through in my own life and it...2022-06-2834 minTough Cookie TalksBeyond "Health At Every Size": Must-Read Books To Deepen Your Body Acceptance Journey With Jenn RadkeOn today's episode I have a very special guest! Jenn Radke whose podcast I was actually on last year! If you aren't already aware, there was a bit of a situation that went down a few months ago that led me to reconsider some of the books I was recommending to my clients and followers. And so when I was searching for new books related to concepts like Health At Every Size, I knew that Jenn was the person to bring on to talk about it. Her podcast is LITERALLY about reading all the books!
Jennifer Radke i...2022-06-141h 17Tough Cookie TalksWhy I'm Reconsidering My Use Of the Label "Body Positive"This episode is meant to serve as a bit of a primer for an upcoming guest episode that I recorded about books I'm recommending other than Health At Every Size. More on that in a bit. While this might feel like a no-brainer for some of my listeners, I know plenty of you are newer to some of the concepts I talk about around her. So let's lay the groundwork for why I'm reconsidering my use of the words "body positive".
On this episode we talk about:
The original intentions behind "body positivity" and how that t...2022-06-0721 minTough Cookie TalksBalancing Strength, Softness, and Silliness With Holly MyersThis week I'm talking to none other than Holly Myers! If you're on Instagram, you might know her as the barbell pistol squatting queen, and half of the strength coaching duo @liftwithhollyandarryn. I originally met her through having done the same kettlebell certification (more on that in the episode) and later became a part of her online barbell program Funfetti Squat Club.
Holly is an ambitious, creative, multifaceted lady. Aside from heavy kettlebell ballistics, she enjoys writing, photographing on film, and being a genuinely curious person. She is notably obsessed with pastries, and used to make ice...2022-05-311h 09Tough Cookie TalksCan You Get Stronger Doing Group Fitness Classes?This short but sweet episode was inspired by a question a friend asked me at dinner the other night. She was telling me about how she had started doing some group fitness classes with weights, and wanted to know if I thought it would be a good way to help her get stronger. Sometimes I give the impression that I think don't like group fitness classes, and that's absolutely NOT the case. And also, they might not be the best way to build strength when used alone.
On this episode we talk about:
Why it's important t...2022-05-2414 minTough Cookie TalksConfessions Of a Former MLM "Coach" With Jen BorrusoToday's guest is one that I've been wanting to share for a LONG time. My friend and fellow anti-diet culture personal trainer Jen Borruso is sharing all the dirt on what it was actually like for her to be involved in a very diet culture-y MLM (hint, it rhymes with peach hotty ;). At the time, Jen lost a TON of weight and showcased that online in an attempt to sell shakes and workouts and recruit people to join her "team". What was going on behind the scenes was actually much darker and more disordered than you might expect. Proving...2022-05-171h 04Tough Cookie TalksWhen "Joyful Movement" Feels Unrealistic--Can We Make "Rageful Movement" A Thing??I've been wanting to record an episode on "joyful movement" for awhile now, and I decided that this week would be a good week to share my unconventional ideas about it. Are you surprised I have those? LOL. Full disclaimer, I say the "F" word a LOT on this one. In fact, I go off the rails a bit about my very pro-choice views on abortion rights. Sorry not sorry. The recent Supreme Court leak filled me with rage and inspired a much needed angry lifting session last Tuesday. It reminded me that sometimes you need to use your...2022-05-1036 minTough Cookie TalksEverything You Think You Know About Pain & Injuries Is Wrong. The Tea On PT With Dr. Melissa CioffiToday's episode is a guest interview with my good friend and physical therapist, Dr. Melissa Cioffi! Truthfully, people like Dr. Mel, as I call her, are half the reason I decided to start a podcast. I wanted to share the expertise of providers like her who do things that are not in my own scope of practice as a personal trainer, but still very much relate to what we do in the gym. Dr. Mel is the person I call whenever my clients ask me questions about pain and injuries that I can't answer and she's helped me learn...2022-05-031h 08Tough Cookie TalksWhen You're On the Verge Of Burnout. Pause. Listen To This.Oooof. This episode was inspired by the way I think a LOT of us are feeling lately. On the verge of burnout. Literally everyone I talk to lately seems to be overworked, overstressed, tired, unmotivated, and uninspired. Last week I was feeling overwhelmed and took a moment to pause by cancelling all of my in-person clients in favor of taking the morning to sit at a coffee shop alone. On of my clients actually THANKED me because she was also feeling the same. I think we all need permission to pause a bit more often.
On this e...2022-04-2624 minTough Cookie TalksYou Are Your Own Biggest Problem AND Your Own Biggest Solution: Conversations On Coaching With Christina MontalvoIf you like my podcast, you can thank today's guest: Christina Montalvo! She was truly a big influence in encouraging me to get it off the ground. Christina is a strength and conditioning coach liberating active women from diets, ellipticals, and rigid fitness rules. In addition to being a peer and good friend of mine in the fitness industry, she also happens to be my business coach. I wanted to bring her on because of our unique relationship and also because I wanted to let you in on some of the good stuff from our very unfiltered conversations.
2022-04-1951 minTough Cookie TalksIs Body Positive/Weight Inclusive/Anti-Diet Fitness Too Easy?Short answer: No.
Long answer: When it comes to fitness, an "anti-diet" or "weight neutral" or "body positive" approach does not necessarily mean "too easy". But I get how you might get that impression.
On this podcast we're gonna talk about:
Why I don't fully identify with any of these labels as a personal trainer.
The reason why you DO see a lot of body positive/weight inclusive/anti-diet personal trainers promoting the idea of rest and "easier" exercise variations.
The importance of inclusivity and meeting people where they are, and how that looks a lit...2022-04-1239 minTough Cookie TalksHow To Stop Wasting $$$ On Online Fitness Programs You Don't UseWhen an online fitness program isn’t a good fit for you, it’s no fun for anyone. You’re not gonna get anywhere as a client, and your coach will probably be equally frustrated worrying that you’re not enjoying it either. There are A LOT of online fitness programs to choose from. And it can be easy to latch on to the first one you see because it seems like it might be good enough.
But the last thing you want to do is waste your time and money. So how to you know if this is...2022-04-0539 minTough Cookie TalksWhat Breaking Arbitrary Rules, Strength Training Programs, & Spring Break Have In CommonWe spend far too much time following arbitrary rules that don't apply to our lives and goals. Many of us do this with fitness. And I have definitely been doing this as an online business owner. Another flavor of the same shit sandwich, as I would say. So I decided not to release this week's episode on Tuesday like I usually do on purpose. To prove a point: that sometimes we can break the rules and nothing bad happens. Plus I was too busy trying to enjoy my spring break. Truthfully, this episode was supposed to be all about...2022-03-3141 minTough Cookie TalksBadassery As A Core Value--A Conversation With My Longtime Client StephToday is my first EVER guest interview on the podcast! And who better to bring on but one of my first ever personal training clients--or at least one of the first people who ever decided they wanted to work with me specifically because of my unconventional approach to fitness. Grab a cup of coffee (and your headphones LOL) and join Steph and I we reminisce about our journey working together on a more personal level. My hope is that you'll see yourself reflected in Steph's story, feel a little less alone, and excited for what could be possible for...2022-03-2258 minTough Cookie TalksHow To Measure Your Fitness Progress Without Using Your Weight/Measurements/Progress PhotosGiving up the pursuit of shrinking yourself does NOT mean letting yourself go. It does mean letting go of some habits that weren’t as healthy as you might have thought. So how the heck do you measure your progress if you're not using things like your weight, measurements, or before/after photos? Or maybe the more important question: Do you even need to be tracking your fitness progress at all? I'm covering this from both angles today!
On this episode we talk about:
The pendulum swing that so many of us go through when it co...2022-03-1537 minTough Cookie TalksWhat You Need To Know Before You Try To DIY Strength TrainingAre personal trainers a waste of $$$?
My answer: Maybe. And also maybe not.
Depending on where you're coming from, it could either be the best investment you ever make or the most expensive/unnecessary way to do fitness. Truly. But yanno what's worse than spending an astronomical of money on fitness related products and services? Spending a small amount of money on fitness related things that don't actually help you get where you wanna go. Over and over again.
Here's the most important thing I want you to know:
If you’ve...2022-03-0826 minTough Cookie TalksMy Take On Tough LoveMy brand of "tough love" is not the fitspo-gym-bro kind of tough love.
But sometimes these words get a bad rap. Especially in the anti-diet/body positive/HAES community. I’ll never forget the time I was listening to a podcast episode with a non-diet dietitian I respect, who proceeded to bash the very words that were plastered all over my website. Ooops. Guess she won’t be interviewing me on her podcast anytime soon? Good thing I have my own now. LOL.
I get it though. Those words might rub you the wrong way. Espec...2022-03-0123 minTough Cookie TalksThe Problem With Aesthetic Fitness Goals & What To Do InsteadI'm pretty vocal about the fact that I don't coach intentional fat loss. And yet, not a day goes by in my work work that I don’t hear someone make mention of:
1. Their “goal weight”.
2. Trying to get “toned”.
3. Wanting to get rid of “this” (insert “problem” body part).
4. The fact that they feel like they can’t wear a bikini, sports bra, tank top, or some other article of clothing.
5. How “bad” they are for eating XXX food.
My thoughts on this? OF COURSE YOU FEEL THIS WAY!
T...2022-02-2228 minTough Cookie TalksHow To Know If You're In a Bad Relationship (With Exercise)Some of us are in a baaaaddddd relationship with exercise, except it can be hard to see it that way in the moment. Working out is often seen as a virtue and many of us can take something that's supposed to be good for us and take it to a really unhealthy place. That’s just what fitness is right? It’s #noexcuses, before/after photos, and meal plans that always find a way to blame you if you don’t lose weight. It’s personal trainers who can’t possibly imagine that anyone would have a goal other than fat l...2022-02-1446 minTough Cookie Talks13 Surprising Ways Strength Training Changed My LifeStrength training can be a HUGE game changer for comes to changing your relationship with exercise. This might come as a surprise, but for me, it was less about the movement itself, all about the change in mindset it brought about. Strength training changed the way I looked at working out and helped me see that it was ok to be more rather than less. Plus a whole lot of other things I didn't expect!
In this episode we talk about 13 of the most surprising ways strength training changed my life, including but not limited to:
H...2022-02-0827 minTough Cookie Talks10 Mistakes To Avoid When You're Trying To Do Fitness Without Diet CultureNavigating fitness when you’ve just started to realize why diet culture is harmful is HARD.
Many of us spent so much of our past lives drinking the wellness kool-aid (green juice? bulletproof coffee??) without question that when we finally came around to something different, we went all in with it. Failing to realize that we were falling into the same trap that got us into trouble the first time.
And because I spent FAR too many years accepting what was told to me without question (from both sides), I’d like to share with you...2022-02-0134 minTough Cookie TalksRedefining "Consistency": Why Strength Is Like A Savings AccountIntroducing the concept of the "strength savings account" as a way to approach the idea of consistency when it comes to working out.
In this episode we talk about:
How to not "lose all your fitness" when you take time off.
How lowering your expectations of yourself in some circumstances may actually lead to exceeding your expectations at other times.
Why approaching strength training with an all-or-nothing mindset is sort of like winning the lottery and then blowing it all on shit you don't need then wondering where your money went.
How to connect with me:2022-01-2535 minTough Cookie TalksHow To Fit Fitness Into Your Life When Life Is A ShitshowSo life is a shitshow right now. Can we all just agree on that? It’s easy to lose motivation to work out when everything feels hard. If you’re feeling like this thing that “used to be easy” or you “should be able to do” is now a struggle, you’re not alone. I have some ideas as to why this might be the case, and what you can do about it.
In this episode we talk about:
Some of the common roadblocks that might be showing up for you and what to do about it.
Why you...2022-01-1834 minTough Cookie TalksWhy You Work Out All The Time But Aren't Getting Any Stronger“Why do I work out all the time, feel like I’m running in circles and running myself into the ground but seemingly getting nowhere?”
I get this question often. Maybe you can relate? I have a few ideas as to why this may be the case for you. So let’s break it down.
In this episode we talk about:
Why the answer to getting stronger might actually be to work out less.
Why group fitness classes can only take you so far.
The truth about lifting heavy weights and building muscle.
How to make sur...2022-01-1122 minTough Cookie TalksThe WHOLE Truth: My Experience With Elimination DietsElimination diets are not for everyone and definitely NOT for me. It took me awhile to even share my “elimination diet failure” story with anyone. I was embarrassed. I thought it was my fault that it didn’t work. I think that’s probably the reason that most people don’t share their diet failure stories more often. Today, I’m sharing the WHOLE TRUTH. My very ugly experience with a popular elimination diet. (Hint: It rhymes with Shmole Shmirty.)
In this episode we talk about:
Why programs that call themselves "not a diet" actually are.
How I gave up...2022-01-1131 minTough Cookie TalksThe Fitness Industry Has It A$$ Backwards (+ Other Unconventional Ideas)Most people don't know what to make of my philosophy on fitness. One minute I’m posting a video of me swinging kettlebells. The next minute I’m telling you to take a rest day. First I’m calling BS on all the ways the fitness industry is making you feel like crap. Then I’m talking about the mental health benefits of working out. But just like everything I do, there’s a method to my madness. My fitness philosophy is unlike that of most others. And I’m not sorry about it.
In this episode we talk abou...2022-01-1130 minTough Cookie TalksWhat Exactly Is "Diet Culture" & How Is It Harmful?What is diet culture and how is it harmful? I often talk about “diet culture” and how much I hate it. At the same time I don’t think a lot of people truly understand what I mean when I use this term. "Diet culture" is about more than just being on a diet. . .
In this episode we talk about:
All the sneaky ways diet culture shows up in the world and in our lives.
Why does this even matter?? How much is diet culture actually hurting you and those you care about?
Steps we...2022-01-1130 minTough Cookie TalksI Have A Podcast! My Backstory + How We Got HereSo. . .I have a podcast! This episode will set the stage and manage your expectations for all future episodes to come.
On this episode we'll talk about:
My origin story. How I came to be doing the work I do as an anti-diet culture fitness professional.
What you can expect from this show moving forward.
The big takeaways:
I want this podcast to feel like I'm hanging out drinking coffee with you while you fold your laundry, walk your dog, or drive to work. I will probably fumble over my words, say...2022-01-1123 min
Tough Cookie TalksTrailerWelcome to Tough Cookie Talks. Your new favorite podcast when it comes to exploring all the gray areas between fitness and anti-diet culture and everything in between. I'm your host, Jenna Jozefowski (but you can call me Jenna J), a semi-retired professional dancer, dance teacher, and yoga teacher, turned certified personal trainer & kettlebell instructor. After years of living and working in industries full of diet-culture, I got sick and tired of watching people (including myself) running themselves into the ground trying to uphold the narrow-minded image of what our culture sees as “healthy” and “fit”. When I started learning more about...2021-12-2702 min
Eat the Rules with Summer Innanen#211: Movement Series: Body Positive Strength Training with Jenna JozefowskiMovement Series: This is another instalment of the movement series where I’m with Jenna Jozefowski, certified personal trainer and kettlebell instructor, as well as yoga teacher, dance teacher, and semi-retired professional dancer. We talk about how to approach body positive strength training, why not all movement needs to be joyful, how to know what fitness advice is meant for you, and other red flags to look for when seeking out fitness support. Show notes: summerinnanen.com/211 In this episode, we talk about: - How Jenna helps people strength train without a side of diet-culture, - H...2021-12-1443 min
Finally Fearless with Dr. MelE48: Conversations With a Misfit Postpartum Woman Featuring Jenna JozefowskiHow do/did you honestly feel about being pregnant? About having kids in general? About your body changing during the process?
Did you ever feel guilty for not having the flashy reveal parties or the elaborate pregnancy photos? Did you ever feel guilty because you weren't riding a wave of elation throughout your pregnancy and post-partum journey despite what you're seeing on social media?
If you answered "yes" to any of these, you need to stick around for today's episode! Jenna Jozefowski is with us to share how she felt once she found out she...2021-10-2558 min