Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, & Mindset for People Who Don't Want Life to Suck

Peptides are everywhere right now. From social media influencers and wellness clinics to fitness circles and longevity enthusiasts, they're being marketed as the next big thing for recovery, muscle growth, anti-aging, and optimization. But what does the science actually say?In this episode, we sit down with Leigh Baxt, PhD, with nearly two decades of experience in translational science and drug development, to unpack the growing peptide trend. We discuss how drugs are actually developed, why most therapeutic ideas fail, the difference between FDA-approved peptide medications and unregulated compounds, and how marketing often outpaces evidence. If you've ever wondered whether peptides like BPC-157 or TB-500 are worth the hype, this conversation will help you separate science from salesmanship."If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."- Leigh Baxt, PhD“When you do science, the experiments you design are the ones to try to poke a hole in your hypothesis."- Leigh Baxt, PhDThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Why more than 99% of potential drug therapies never make it to marketWhat translational science is and how new therapies are developedThe difference between FDA-approved peptide drugs and unregulated peptidesWhy peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 raise concerns among scientistsThe role of human clinical trials in determining safety and effectivenessHow marketing language can make products appear more evidence-based than they areWhy women in midlife may be especially vulnerable to peptide marketing claimsHow to evaluate health claims critically and find trustworthy scientific information Connect with Leigh Baxt, PhD: Leigh Baxt, PhD on Instagram - sciencemomscicommThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

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 serve your goals. We dive into what’s truly helpful and what might be a shiny distraction, and this episode will help you separate fact from fluff."There are no metabolism boosters except for eating your protein and lifting your weights.”- Amy Rudolph“Just because it’s a prettier prison doesn’t mean it’s not a prison.”- MeriThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Why mini cuts are often misunderstood and misused (and who they’re actually for)The truth about cold plunges and whether they really boost fat loss or mental toughnessA look at supplements marketed for alcohol reduction and what to consider insteadWhy InBody scans might do more harm than good to your motivation and mindsetThe pros and cons of rucking and who it might (or might not) benefitSpin classes - great cardio or overhyped for muscle building?Vegan muscle building: can it be done, and is it superior?When supersets are helpful - and when they might be getting in the way of real progressConnect with Us:Meri on InstagramIris Deadlifts on InstagramAmy Rudolph on InstagramEnhancing Your Diet with Plant-Based Proteins & Mindful Eating with @nomeatmacrosNet Carbs, Creatine Gummies & Vibration Plates: Sorting the HypeThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, we sat down with Dr. Sarah Court and Laurel Beversdorf from Movement Logic to chat about the explosion of wellness misinformation online, how social media rewards extreme messaging, most importantly… how to spot a grifter.We also dug into the rise of the “doctor brand” phenomenon - when evidence-based professionals slowly shift from nuanced education into rigid, marketable protocols designed to sell supplements, programs, and fear. From lifting heavy for bone density to cortisol fearmongering to the obsession with “hacks,” this conversation breaks down what the research actually says, how to spot red flags online, and why consistency with the boring basics still matters more than any quick fix.“If you're behaving like a scientist or a clinician or a doctor, when the evidence changes, which it does because science is always changing, you also update your message.”- Dr. Sarah Court“Doctor brands will cherry pick one study from thousands of others.”- Laurel BeversdorfThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:How to recognize when a doctor or expert has become a “brand”Why wellness misinformation spreads so quickly onlineThe problem with fear-based fitness and hormone messagingWhat “lifting heavy” actually means in strength trainingWhy moderate weights can still build muscle and bone densityHow social media fuels perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinkingThe emotional appeal of quick fixes, protocols, and “secret” solutionsWhy the boring basics of fitness and nutrition still work best Connect with Movement Logic: Movement Logic on InstagramThe Movement Logic WebsiteMovement Logic Podcast on SpotifyMovement Logic Podcast on Apple PodcastsThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, Anne Marton joins us for an honest conversation about the mental side of fitness, fat loss, and aging as women. We talk about the toxic messaging so many women grew up with around body image, dieting, and shrinking themselves, and how those beliefs often follow us into motherhood, perimenopause, and midlife. Anne shares how her background in psychology shaped her coaching approach, why mindset work matters just as much as macros, and why so many women struggle to trust themselves around food and the scale.We also get into metabolic adaptation, chronic under-eating, body composition vs. scale weight, people-pleasing, boundaries, and the importance of building habits that support you through hard seasons of life instead of abandoning yourself the second life gets messy.“The number one trait of successful people is the ability to move forward fast.”- Anne Marton“You cannot expect to feel optimal if you’re always under eating and struggling in terms of your nutrition.”- Anne MartonThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Why body image struggles are often generational and deeply ingrainedThe difference between fat loss, maintenance, and chronic dietingHow under-eating impacts hormones, mood, energy, and metabolismWhy scale weight is a poor indicator of progress and healthThe psychology behind “all-or-nothing” thinking in fitnessHow to model healthy behaviors around food and exercise for your kidsBuilding habits that act as anchors during stressful seasons of lifeLearning to “fail fast” and move forward instead of spiraling after setbacks Connect with Anne: Anne Fitlab on InstagramThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, we sit down with coach and educator Danny Matranga to talk about what actually moves the needle in health, fat loss, and long-term wellness. We dig into his origin story - from small-town athlete to gym owner - and how his experiences shaped the way he coaches today. This conversation goes beyond macros and workouts and into the often-overlooked drivers of health like community, emotional well-being, and the power of simply showing up for people.We also have an honest, evidence-based conversation about alcohol—why reducing it might be the highest ROI change you can make for your health, body composition, sleep, and longevity. From practical strategies to reduce intake to the cultural norms that make it hard to address, this episode challenges the “it’s not that bad” mindset and replaces it with perspective, data, and real-life impact. We close with a powerful reflection on not taking your physical abilities for granted and what it truly means to honor your health.“If you bring your drinking down fifty percent every human on Earth is like substantially healthier, assuming they drink.”- Danny Matranga“It’s very eye opening to see what it is like to not be able to go to the bathroom without help. To not be able to stand up. To not be able to walk. To not be able to eat because food falls out of your hands.”- Danny MatrangaThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Danny’s journey into coaching and how personal hardship shaped his missionWhy community and connection are underrated pillars of healthWhy reducing alcohol has a bigger impact than cutting any single foodWhat a “unit” of alcohol actually looks like (and why most people underestimate it)How alcohol affects fat loss, sleep quality, hunger, and decision-makingPractical strategies to reduce alcohol without feeling restrictedA powerful perspective shift on gratitude, aging, and not taking your health for granted Connect with Danny Matranga: Danny Matranga on InstagramThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, Women’s Strength and Nutrition Coach Candace Smith joins us to share her own relatable fitness journey, and to discuss how shifting from exclusively cardio based activities and fitness classes to intentional strength training will transform your fitness routine and body, and give you long-lasting results. Candace emphasizes the importance of mindset, nutrition, and intelligent training techniques to help women achieve their goals, and emphasizes the importance of performance goals, explaining why heavy lifting and proper nutrition, including fruit and carbs, are essential for achieving the toned look many women desire.With a focus on debunking myths and empowering women, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation to help you reach your fitness and physique goals."Tone is muscle. You can't have one without the other.”- Candace Smith, Beauty of Strength“If you train like you mean it and pursue performance goals, it becomes less boring. Let your lifting be lifting and find your entertainment outside the gym.”- Candace Smith, Beauty of StrengthThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:What it actually means to be “toned.”Why transitioning from cardio to strength training is essential for achieving a toned physique.Misconceptions about carbs and muscle gain hinder women’s fitness progress.Why carbs and balanced nutrition are crucial for building muscle and overall health.Why group fitness classes may not provide the necessary stimulus for muscle growth.The importance of lifting heavier weights and structured, intentional programming for results.The benefits of having performance goals.How to blend structured workouts with enjoyable activities for a balanced fitness routine.Connect with Candace R Smith, Beauty of Strength:Candace, Beauty of Strength on Instagramcandacersmith.comThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian nutritionist and obesity specialist Summer Kessel to have an honest, nuanced conversation about GLP-1 medications, weight management, and the biology behind food noise. Summer brings both professional expertise and lived experience as someone who has struggled with weight most of her life and now uses a GLP-1 medication herself. We talk about the difference between diet culture narratives and the actual medical use of these medications for chronic obesity and metabolic health.Together, we unpack the reality that GLP-1 medications don’t replace lifestyle habits - they actually make them easier for millions to practice. Summer shares how quieting food noise changed her relationship with eating, why so many people misunderstand these medications, and how dangerous the “quick fix” culture around them has become. From insurance hurdles and shady telehealth companies to the importance of medical support and coaching, this conversation is a grounded look at what responsible, evidence-based GLP-1 care really looks like.“I felt like I was banging my head against the wall - putting in so much effort for such little return. GLP-1s didn’t replace the boring basics… they finally made them possible.”- Summer Kessel, summerthedietitian“All I wanted was relief from the food noise. When it finally quieted down, I could actually focus on living my life instead of thinking about food all day.”- Summer Kessel, summerthedietitianThis week on Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:How GLP-1 medications can help support health and fitness habitsThe difference between overweight vs. obesity and why obesity is considered a chronic, progressive diseaseWhat “food noise” really feels like and how it impacts long-term weight managementThe growing problem of unregulated peptide companies and influencer-driven medication salesWhy medical supervision, coaching, and dietitian support are essential for success on these medicationsHow insurance approvals and prior authorizations actually work for GLP-1 prescriptionsWhy many people may need long-term treatment or maintenance strategies to manageobesity effectivelyConnect with Summer Kessel: Summer Kessel on InstagramJoin VineyardSummer Kessel WebsiteThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, the one and only Coach Frizzle of Fitness, Rusty Meier, joins us for a conversation that goes way beyond sets, reps, and macros. We talked about what it really means to pursue health without turning discipline into punishment, how to build a better relationship with food, and why giving yourself real grace might be the most powerful habit you can develop.Rusty shares her personal journey from struggling with binge eating and body image to rediscovering movement in a way that actually feels joyful and sustainable. We dive into the concept of “food noise,” the difference between intentionality and balance, and why so many people unknowingly confuse self-abuse with dedication in fitness and life.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the all-or-nothing cycle, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.“Effort doesn’t require abuse. Discipline doesn’t require abuse.”- Rusty Meier, Coach Frizzle“Grace isn’t a hall pass. Your action is 100% effort - grace is the response.”- Rusty Meier, Coach FrizzleThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Why so many people mistake discipline for self-punishment in health and fitnessWhat “food noise” can mean - and how to use it as a self-awareness toolWhy tracking food can be more empowering than rigid meal plansThe powerful shift from chasing “balance” to practicing intentionalityHow life seasons change your priorities (and why your habits should too)The stovetop analogy for priorities and how to keep health on the burner without burnoutWhy giving yourself grace as a response - not an excuse - creates long-term success Connect with Coach Frizzle: Coach Frizzle on InstagramCoach Frizzle on TikTokCoach Frizzle on YouTubeCoach Frizzle on FacebookThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, we sat down with Shannon Collins (aka The Gym Nurse) for an unfiltered conversation about injury, ego, seasonal slumps, and what it actually looks like to play the long game in fitness. Shannon shares her ongoing two-year battle with shoulder impingement, the frustration of chronic pain, and the mental shift from chasing progress to prioritizing recovery. For someone whose identity and career are rooted in strength training, this season has required humility, patience, and a whole lot of perspective.We go beyond rehab and into the mindset work that keeps women consistent when life doesn’t go according to plan. We talk about modifying training without quitting, adjusting nutrition when activity drops, navigating seasonal depression, and the difference between giving yourself grace and avoiding accountability. This is a conversation about honoring the season you’re in - without turning the dial all the way off.“Your health is not guaranteed. Take action right now, because who knows what's going to happen to you?”- Shannon Collins (The Gym Nurse)“Something is better than nothing.”- Shannon Collins (The Gym Nurse)This week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Shannon’s experience with shoulder injury - pain, imaging, injections, and preparing for possible surgeryWhy stopping all movement is often the worst thing you can do during injuryHow to train around pain by modifying range of motion, load, and expectationsThe role of ego, identity, and confidence when your body can’t perform like it used toWhy recovery seasons are about preservation, not progress - and why that’s okayAdjusting calories and nutrition when steps and overall output decreaseNavigating seasonal depression, low vitamin D, and rebuilding momentum with simple daily habitsThe difference between giving yourself grace and using it as an excuse, and how to align actions with goals Connect with The Gym Nurse:The Gym Nurse on InstagramThe Gym Nurse WebsiteThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, we sat down with Stefanie Michele for a deeply honest, compassionate conversation about binge eating, body image, nervous system regulation, and what it really means to heal from the inside out. Stefanie shares her personal journey through 25 years of disordered eating - restriction, bingeing, orthorexia, bulimia, and anorexia - and how she found true recovery at 40. Her story alone is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even when it feels unimaginable.We go far beyond food rules and willpower and into the nervous system, emotional regulation, trauma, and self-trust. We talk about why binge eating is rooted in scarcity (not lack of discipline), how physiology has to come before mindset work, and why shame keeps people stuck.This episode is for anyone who feels broken, out of control around food, or exhausted from fighting their body - and is ready for a more peaceful, sustainable way forward. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I do this?” or “What’s wrong with me?” - this conversation will help you see that nothing is wrong with you at all.“Binge eating is not a disorder of gluttony. It’s a disorder of scarcity.”- Stefanie Michele“When we don’t understand why we behave the way we do, we assume we’re broken.”- Stefanie MicheleThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Why binge eating feels like a “hijacking” of the body—and how it differs from overeatingHow chronic dieting, restriction, and food rules disregulate the nervous systemThe role of physiology (adequate food, carbs, movement) in emotional regulationWhy shame and self-criticism actually fuel binge–restrict cyclesHow emotional suppression (like unexpressed anger) can drive binge eatingWhat it really means to have a regulated nervous system (hint: it’s not being calm all the time)How social media imagery impacts body image - and why curating your feed mattersPractical examples of using somatic tools to feel emotions without getting stuck Connect with Stefanie Michele:I am Stefanie Michele WebsiteI am Stefanie Michele InstagramI am Stefanie Michele SubstackFull But Not Finished Podcast - SpotifyFull But Not Finished Podcast - Apple PodcastsThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s selects episode, Val Lusvardi joins us as we dive into the crucial aspects of fitness and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of dedication, discipline, and the power of habit formation. Val, a mom, wife, coach, and bikini pro athlete, shares her insights on the significance of sticking to her training schedule, and we move beyond training to include the broader scope of self-care, boundary setting, and the mental aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.We discuss the importance of time management and boundary setting for a healthy lifestyle, the necessity of habit building for lasting fitness and weight loss results, the empowerment that comes from understanding and practicing moderation, especially with foods previously considered off limits.And much more…“If It’s something you want to make a priority of, build a habit around, put it on the calendar and do your best to make it a non-negotiable.”- Val Lusvardi“It does require sacrifice. When it comes to habit setting and creating boundaries, oftentimes it’s that sacrifice that makes it hard for people. It’s not as fun, it’s kind of boring. But sometimes that’s what we need to do in order to move forward with our goals.”- Val LusvardiThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:The critical importance of scheduling and prioritizing workouts to ensure consistency.The importance of time management and boundary setting for a healthy lifestyle.Understanding hunger as a normal sensation, even in maintenance phases, and not an immediate cue to eat.The significance of mindful eating and enjoying the experience of meals to achieve satisfaction.The role of personalized nutrition plans and the flexibility within them to suit individual lifestyles and goals.The concept of self-improvement and confidence-building through fitness and nutrition practices.Resources Mentioned:Our First Episode with Val: “Feeling Fluffy & Finding Your People”Training Age Podcast with Val Lusvardi & Heather AdamsVal Lusvardi on InstagramVal Lusvardi WebsiteVal Lusvardi: Fluffy is a State of MindThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, Beth Feraco joins us again for an honest, unfiltered conversation about rapid weight loss, hair loss, and the very real consequences we’re seeing from extreme calorie deficits, GLP-1 misuse, and the explosion of unregulated microdosing. What started as a hairstylist’s concern turned into a much bigger discussion about under-fueling, nutrient deficiencies, muscle and bone loss, and the cultural pressure to be thin at all costs.We break down what peptides actually are, the critical difference between FDA-approved, responsibly prescribed GLP-1 medications and the research chemicals being sold online, and why “boring basics” like eating enough, lifting weights, sleeping, and managing stress still matter - no matter what medication you’re on.This is a grounded, science-forward conversation from coaches who work with real people and care deeply about long-term health, not shortcuts.“You shouldn’t receive a pharmaceutical in the mail, not know how to inject it, not know the dosage, and be DM’ing a random influencer for instructions.”- Beth Feraco“Losing hair is not a flex. That’s not something that should be happening, and you need to do something about it as soon as it starts.”- Beth FeracoThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Rapid weight loss from steep calorie deficits often shows up first as hair lossHair loss can be a warning sign of muscle loss, bone loss, and nutrient deficienciesGLP-1 medications can be life-saving when responsibly prescribed and monitoredMicrodosed peptides sold online are unregulated research chemicals, not medicationsInfluencer and MLM peptide marketing is driven by profit, not health or sciencePostpartum and breastfeeding women are often significantly under-fueledHabits, behaviors, and coping skills still matter - even with medicationLong-term health comes from consistency with the boring basics, not shortcutsConnect with Us:Iris Deadlifts on InstagramAmy Rudolph on InstagramWork with us at Beth Feraco FitnessThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

In today’s episode, Heather Adams, Strength and Nutrition coach and mom of 6, joins us to share her own fitness journey, from a shy, timid kid who was afraid to try anything new… to playing tackle football and qualifying to run the Boston Marathon and becoming a personal trainer and dedicated coach who is helping women achieve “peaceful striving” in their health, nutrition, and fitness goals.We chat all about the importance of approaching life with curiosity and kindness instead of frustration and anger. Heather shares powerful insights on the importance of understanding the "why" behind actions, the challenges of breaking old habits, how “constructive discomfort" can lead to significant personal growth, and the persistence in making small, consistent changes can help snowball into huge lifestyle shifts."I got brave. That's where all of the magic happens.”- Heather Adams“Embrace the power of maybe—maybe this could work, maybe this could be great. You can always make a choice and then make another choice.”- Heather AdamsThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:The impact of her older brother’s wrestling and dieting on Heather’s early views of fitnessHeather’s journey from being a timid, reclusive child to discovering her athletic sideHow little moments of bravery can help you achieve great thingsThe concept of “peaceful striving” and its importance in fitness and personal growthThe role of curiosity and kindness in personal growth and evolving identitiesThe importance of understanding the "why" behind actions and patterns to foster long-term changeConnect with Heather Adams:Heather Adams on InstagramTraining Age Podcast with Val Lusvardi and Heather AdamsIris on Training Age Podcast: Telling a New StoryThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.