Project Weight Loss
Project Weight Loss is a podcast hosted by Fina Perez that focuses on personal transformation through weight loss. Listeners learn practical tools and skills to address what is holding them back and improve their overall quality of life. The show frames weight loss as a life project that can positively affect every area of your life. Additional resources and coaching opportunities are available through the podcast's website.
Episodes
You've Got Another Think Coming
Send us Fan MailDid you know the saying is actually "you've got another think coming," not "another thing"? I didn't either, until I heard one of my Maesters, Ryan Holiday, explain it, and it blew my mind. It really just means think again, and this week I'm talking off the cuff about why that little phrase points right back to what we talk about here all the time
The Healthy Soul Maester: Socrates
Send us Fan MailThis week I'm going waaay back, 2,400 years to ancient Athens, to hang out with one of the fathers of Western philosophy and, in my book, the original life coach: Socrates. I share a quick bio of this fascinating Maester, from his days walking barefoot on ice as a soldier to calling himself a "midwife of ideas." Then we dig into his idea of a healthy soul. My hope is
Practice Being a Super Ager
Send us Fan MailHi my dears! This week I'm diving into one of my favorite topics: how to strive to have a great and long life. These are the amazing folks in their 80s and beyond whose memory is as sharp as someone 20 or 30 years younger. I share what researchers at Northwestern University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and beyond have discovered about how super agers keep their brains youn
Heard - Not Agreed With
Send us Fan MailEver notice the people who make you feel closest to you aren't necessarily the ones who agree with everything you say — they're the ones who actually hear you? This week I'm talking about what it really means to feel heard instead of just agreed with, why a little friction in a relationship isn't something to avoid, and how the "do to me, I do to you"
5 Truths to Lift us Up
Send us Fan MailHey friends, welcome!What if the weight we're really carrying isn't on our bodies at all? I walk through five things I've watched show up again and again in every real transformation I've witnessed — in my own life, with my coaching clients, and on the teams, I led over 31 years in public service — honesty, acceptance, commitment, humility, and love. And how eac
Eyes on Your Plate, Eyes on Your Lane
Send us Fan MailThis week I want to talk about something I've been sitting with: eyes on your plate, eyes on your lane. I was actually writing these notes when I found out Dolly Parton had passed away, and it sent me into a whole reflection on boundaries — how easy it is to want to fix people, to give unsolicited advice about their food, their choices, their life, even when we mean well. I&ap
The No-Willpower Guide to Ending Night Eating
Send us Fan MailProject Weight Loss, LLC · @fina.projectweightloss · projectweightloss.org Ever finish dinner, close the kitchen, and somehow still end up back at the fridge an hour later? In this episode, we get honest about night eating — starting with a surprisingly personal family story about where this habit actually began, before digging into five gentle, research-backed strategies (pull
Fear-Less: Braver Than the Fear
Send us Fan MailI've stood in front of a thousand people on a livestream and thought, what were you thinking, Fi? Sit yourself down. If you've ever felt that same drop in your stomach — before a flight, a hard conversation, a moment in the spotlight — you know exactly the feeling I mean. Your brain convinces you the worst is about to happen, and no amount of logic seems to shut it up. Th
Temperance: Homer Figured Out Self-Control 3,000 Years Before We Did
Send us Fan MailThe One Virtue That Makes All the Others WorkDid you catch The Odyssey in theaters? I went with my daughter and my honey a couple weeks ago, and Christopher Nolan's version got me thinking about one scene in particular — Odysseus, tied to the mast of his own ship, choosing to hear the Sirens' song without letting it destroy him. That single choice is one of the oldest sto
The #1 Predictor of Whether Your Relationship Survives
Send us Fan MailThere's one small habit — noticed decades ago by researchers watching married couples through a one-way mirror — that predicts, with startling accuracy, whether a relationship lasts or falls apart. It's not about how often you fight. It's not about compatibility. It's about a handful of tiny, easy-to-miss moments every single day — and whether you show up for th
Strength Maester: Cheryl Strayed
Send us Fan MailShe hiked over a thousand miles alone with a backpack too heavy for her body, no real experience, and a grief she didn't know what else to do with — and somehow, that walk became one of the most honest books ever written about coming back to yourself. This week I'm talking about Maester Cheryl Strayed: author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things, the voice behind the anonymo
Maester Athletes — What Messi, Mbappé, and Yamal Can Teach Us
Send us Fan MailThis week I'm breaking format for a special Maester Athletes episode, built around this year's World Cup 2026 of soccer. I tell the story behind the photo that went viral right before the match — Lionel Messi bathing a baby at a charity event almost two decades ago, a baby who grew up to be Lamine Yamal, the very player who faced him on the pitch. I dig into why I never d
Updated: The World Cup, and a Thousand and One Places to See
Send us Fan MailThis week, with the World Cup finals in full swing and my last team, France, still standing, I'm taking my podcast audience on a trip through 101 "so to speak" places I've loved and a few I'm still chasing — from watching monarch butterflies blanket the forests of Michoacán by the millions, to the light-and-shadow "descending serpent" that slides
The 24-Hour Body Clock That Controls Your Weight, Sleep & Energy
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I am offering something that has genuinely changed the way I think about my body — the circadian rhythm. I share what this 24-hour internal clock actually is, why researchers say it runs everything from your metabolism and hormones to your sleep and immunity, and how understanding it gave me a whole new perspective on the ongoing conversation around meal timing and
Finding Fun - A Life Well Lived
Send us Fan MailWhat if the fun you're chasing is actually working against you? This week I'm digging into why some fun fades the second it's over, while other fun sticks with you for years — and it comes down to a couple of things researchers can actually explain.I'm also giving you my go-to system, VERITAS, for building fun into your life on purpose — even when things are har
Real People: Why "Ordinary" vs. "Powerful" Is a Lie
Send us Fan MailWe've all used the phrase "real people" — meaning the regular folks, the everyday ones, as opposed to the famous, the wealthy, the powerful. But what if that whole distinction is a lie? This week, I'm pulling apart the binary between "ordinary" and "extraordinary" — sharing a story from my own childhood, a lesson from my years writing public
This Unsexy Food Might Be the Secret to a Longer Life
Send us Fan MailThe Quiet Power of Legumes.What if the secret to a longer, healthier life isn’t trendy, expensive, or Instagram-worthy — it’s sitting in a can in your pantry right now? Today, I break down why legumes show up again and again in the diets of the world’s longest-living people, and how to add them to your plate without overhauling your life.Calls to Action• Rate and subscribe to
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction — Or Can I?
Send us Fan MailThe Capacity to Have and Live “Whole” - ContentmentWhat if the word you’ve been underestimating your whole life is the very key to what you’ve been reaching for? In this episode, we explore contentment — not as a lesser version of happiness, but as the deep, stabilizing foundation from which real growth, goals, and real quality of life are built.We’ll walk through the “Goal Sandwic
The Missing Piece That Makes Exercise Actually Stick (Exercise Part 2)
Send us Fan MailI have been in your shoes — starting strong, riding the wave of motivation, and then one day, without warning, just... stopping. In this episode, I dig into why that happens, and I promise you, it is not a willpower problem. It is an experience problem — and once you understand the difference, everything changes. I am sharing research-backed strategies that are so simple, so doable
Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated: The Exercise System That Actually Works
Send us Fan MailHave you been "about to start exercising" for longer than you'd like to admit? You're not lazy — you're human. And that's exactly the problem this episode solves.In Part 1 of this two-part series, we're ditching the motivation myth and replacing it with something that actually works: a simple, research-backed system that takes the decision-making
Living Free from Food Obsession
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I'm sitting with something that has weighed on so many of us for far too long — the relentless mental noise around food, what I call food chatter, and what it actually takes to quiet it for good. I'm not talking about another meal plan or a new set of rules. I'm talking about what is happening in your brain when the spiral starts, and the two science
Maester Dr. Judson Brewer — Breaking the Habit Loop
Send us Fan MailWhat if everything you thought you knew about breaking a bad habit was wrong? In this episode of Project Weight Loss, we sit down — well, metaphorically — with one of the most brilliant scientific minds in the field of habit change and mindfulness: Dr. Judson Brewer, affectionately known as Dr. Jud. With over 20 years of NIH-funded research, a TED Talk viewed millions of times, and
The Gift of Curiosity — And the Place That's Been Giving It Away for Free
Send us Fan Mail Curiosity, Habit Loops & the Hidden Treasure of Your Local LibraryWhat if the reason you can't stop eating had nothing to do with willpower — and everything to do with your brain running on autopilot?This week I'm exploring just that – the autopilot trap. We are exploring behavior change research AND in the fabric of our communities: curiosity. If you work in welln
The Astonishing Light of Your Own Being
Send us Fan MailLife has a way of getting lifely — and this episode was born right in the middle of mine. In Episode 208, I get personal about a season that brought me to stillness, to my car, to my breath — and ultimately, to a word that changed everything for me this year. If you have ever found yourself waiting for the perfect moment to start again, or wondering if the hard thing you are going
The Space Between Impulse and Action
Send us Fan MailEpisode 207The Practice of Not ReactingThis week, I’m sharing something that has been quietly shaping my life for years—and I don’t think we talk about it enough in a practical way.We spend so much time trying to “fix” our habits… but what if the real shift happens before the action even begins?I’m talking about meditation and equanimity.Not meditation in a rigid or intimidating wa
The Honest Money Conversation We All Need
Send us Fan MailEpisode 206Sorry I am late today -love yaThis week, I’m opening up a conversation that many of us avoid—but all of us feel.Money.Not the polished, curated version we see online… but the real, behind-the-scenes truth about what’s coming in, what’s going out, and the quiet stress it can carry.If things feel tight right now… if you’ve been avoiding your numbers… if you’ve ever wondere
GLP-1: Curiosity - Without the Hype
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m taking a curious, watch-and-see approach to GLP-1 medications—things like semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy. We’ll cover the research-backed potential benefits, the side effects, what happens after stopping, and why the conversation is about much more than just weight. No judgment, no pressure, just information, reflection, and a reminder that your choices are personal an
Day One Starts Now: Stop Waiting, Start Living
Send us Fan MailDay One Starts Now: The Simple Reset That Finally Makes Weight Loss Stick I caught myself the other day.In the middle of everything going on… I stopped doing the one thing that always helps me.Planning.Not because I don’t believe in it—but because life got heavy, real, and honestly… a little overwhelming.And that’s when it hit me.This is exactly when I need a Day One.Not Monday.Not
Rerelease: Our Brains and Why We Overeat
Send us Fan MailLife has a way of moving quickly, and instead of skipping an episode, I wanted to bring back one that truly matters.This is one of my favorite OG episodesIf you’ve ever felt like your eating habits don’t match your goals, this episode will remind you—you’re not broken. There’s real brain science behind why we overeat, and understanding it can completely change how you approach your
The Science of Feeling Full: 7 Foods That Change Everything
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m sharing 7 simple foods that can help make weight loss feel easier—no extremes, no restriction, just small shifts that actually support you. I talk about why some foods work with your body instead of against it, how to stay full longer without overthinking it, and the one simple formula that can change how you approach eating altogether. If you’ve ever felt tired of s
The Mud, & the Lotus: Finding Strength in Difficult Times | A Conversation on Mindfulness and Resilience
Send us Fan MailWhat If the Hardest Parts of Life Are Actually the Beginning of Something Beautiful? Life isn’t only the beautiful bloom — sometimes it’s the mud beneath it. In this conversation, we explore resilience, mindfulness, and how struggle can shape personal growth.Some conversations stay with you long after they happen. In this episode, I sit down with someone who knows my story deeply—m
The 200th Episode Gift: Your Wellness Strategy
Send us Fan MailWellness is a word we hear all the time—but what does it actually mean when life is complicated, busy, and sometimes overwhelming? In this milestone 200th episode, I explore the idea that living well isn’t about perfection or rigid routines, but about the small choices we make every day that quietly shape our health, our relationships, and the direction of our lives. I invite you t
The Art of Calm
Send us Fan MailWhat if calm isn’t something you find after life settles… but something you practice while everything still feels loud, uncertain, and full? In this episode, I invite you into a deeply real reflection on stress, emotional weight, and the quiet moments of beauty that often go unnoticed in our busiest seasons. From stormy mornings by the water to the science of nervous system regulat
Our Bodies Signals’-Emotions & Rest
Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode is a very real one for me. I share a life update, the emotional rollercoaster I’ve been quietly riding, and how I stayed grounded in my program even when my heart and mind were all over the place. If you’ve been holding it together lately, this episode may feel like a deep exhale. This one is honest, and grounding, especially for those of us managing full lives
Love Re-Release: Why Not Chose Love
Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode is not what I originally planned. I’m sharing this from the ER, and moments like this have a way of clarifying everything. When health feels uncertain and life narrows to what truly matters, the noise falls away. So instead of a new episode, I’m re-releasing my very first one as a reminder to ground ourselves in what actually works. In seasons of striving, track
Longevity & Relationships
Send us Fan MailThere are moments in life when you realize — very clearly — who and what is holding you up. This week, I found myself thinking deeply about the people who show up quietly, consistently, and without needing anything in return. And it made me reflect on how much of what weighs us down isn’t physical at all — it’s emotional, and relational.This episode is an invitation to look at rela
Allergens, Intuition, & Listening to the Body
Send us Fan MailThis week we’re heading into week three of the challenge, and I want to talk about something subtle that can quietly make everything feel harder—your energy, your focus, your patience, even your progress. I’ve been thinking a lot about how often we push through discomfort without ever stopping to ask why it’s there. And how, as women who manage full lives and full calendars, we’re
Think Again — The VERITAS System
Send us Fan MailWhat if the reason things feel harder than they should isn’t because you’re undisciplined, unmotivated, or doing it wrong—but because the system you’re using was never designed for the life you’re actually living? In this episode, I invite you to pause the self-judgment and take a gentler, more curious look at what’s really driving your follow-through (or lack of it). If you’ve eve
30-Day Challenge: Hitting the Goal
Send us Fan MailWhat if the next 30 days weren’t about fixing everything… but about proving something to yourself? In this episode, I invite you into a challenge that’s intentionally simple, quietly powerful, and very different from the usual “do more, be more” approach. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goals, burned out by resets, or frustrated that motivation fades faster than you expected—thi
Trust Reset
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m inviting you into a quieter, more intimate conversation—one that doesn’t point outward, but inward. It’s about the kind of trust that lives beneath our goals, our decisions, and our follow-through. The kind that gets shaken not by one big moment, but by a thousand small ones. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to try again, unsure whether to believe yourself, or tired of n
The Ultimate Tradeoffs: Opportunity Costs
Send us Fan MailAs we move into a new year, I found myself sitting with a question I don’t hear talked about very often—at least not in a way that feels honest or useful. We spend a lot of time planning what we want more of, what we’re willing to work for, and what we think things will “cost” us. But this week, I wanted to slow that conversation down and look at what quietly gets traded away in th
The Focused Life — Maester Cal Newport
Send us Fan MailIf you’re listening in real time, Merry Christmas, my dear friends.I’m sending you so much love, safety, and calm this season. This week, I introduce you to a Maester who has profoundly shaped how I think about attention, discipline, peace, and the body: Cal Newport. This is not fluffy productivity advice.This is about unfinished tasks, hidden stress, and how scattered attention qu
Boundaries – Knowing & Setting Them
Send us Fan MailThis week, we are talking about boundaries — not the kind that build walls, but the kind that help us stay loving, honest, and grounded… especially during the holidays. In this episode, I slow it down. We talk about what boundaries actually are, where the word even comes from, and why boundaries usually show up right when life feels stressful, overwhelming, or just a little too mu
Why Changing Everything Doesn’t Change Anything: Get Unstuck
Send us Fan MailThis week on Project Weight Loss, I’m talking about something so many of us quietly struggle with — that strange feeling of “I’m doing everything… and yet, I still feel stuck.”Whether it’s with food, with our routines, or with parts of life that feel a little stagnant, this feeling shows up for all of us. And today, I’m sharing why it happens, what it really means, and how giving o
Top 3 Things - to Lose 1-2 Pounds a Week
Send us Fan MailHey friends — this week, with the holidays in full swing, I wanted to bring you three research-backed strategies you can use to feel lighter — emotionally, mentally, and yes, physically — without rigidity, pressure, or perfection.This episode is all about top researched strategies, that coupled with awareness, and choosing yourself in the ways that truly matter and make a differenc
Just Service
Send us Fan MailHey there, my friends — this week I’m coming to you with something simple… and something human.No outline.No strategy.Just us.I’m sharing a couple of stories —and reflecting on what service really means during this season. Not the big, heroic kind. The small, human, everyday kind. The kind that steadies us emotionally and reminds us who we want to be.We talk about dignity, compassi
3 Simple Steps for a Great Holiday
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m inviting you into a conversation that’s all about wisdom — not the big, lofty kind, but the kind you can actually live. The kind that helps you walk into the holiday season feeling grounded, intentional, and connected to what matters most.I’m sharing the two principles from Maester T. Colin Campbell that changed the way I think about food and life — and how those sam
Positivity — The Quiet Confidence That Goodness Still Exists
Send us Fan MailHey friends — this week, I’m talking about something close to my heart: positivity — not the fake-it-till-you-make-it kind, but the quiet confidence that goodness still exists, even when life feels heavy and out of balance. I’ll share stories from my week — like seeing my daughter and her foster kittens (Solstice and Equinox) and how a walk around Silver Lake reminded me that we ca
The H Factor – Who’s Your Lifeline
Send us Fan MailThis week we are talking about our life lines. I ask you to consider — who’s your lifeline?Not the metaphorical one, but the real, human connection that keeps you afloat when life gets heavy.We’ll dig into the interesting history of the word “lifeline,” what research says about how connection affects our health and habits, and how you can create your own H-Factor system of support.
How to Ground Yourself: 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, I share the simple yet powerful 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique — a mindfulness tool to help you reconnect with your senses, reduce stress, and live with presence. Learn how this practice supports your Project Weight Loss, helps busy professionals, and has been embraced by public figures from Oprah Winfrey to LeBron James.Quote of the Week:“The present moment
When Laughter Becomes Strategy
Send us Fan MailThis week on Project Weight Loss, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get nearly enough credit — fun. Not the kind that just happens when everything’s perfect, but the kind you can choose, plan for, and use as strategy.In this episode, I talk about why laughter, joy, and connection aren’t distractions from your goals — they’re essential to reaching them. From a weekend in San
The Autophagy Maester - Yoshinori Ohsumi: The Science of Self-Renewal
Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered what happens inside your body when you don’t eat for a while — when you give yourself space between meals? In this week’s episode of Project Weight Loss, we explore that quiet magic with the story of Nobel Laureate Maester Yoshinori Ohsumi, whose discovery of autophagy — the body’s natural process of self-cleaning and renewal — changed how we understand healt
Better Than Cash: The Compliment Effect
Send us Fan MailHey there my friends,Ever notice how one small compliment can change your whole mood? This week, we’re diving into the light, fun, and surprisingly powerful world of genuine acknowledgment — from “Your dog thinks you’re the coolest human on Earth” to “You make coffee look like an art form.” We’ll talk about what science says happens in your brain when you give or receive a complime
Tea-At the Top of the Hill
Send us Fan MailINTRO – GREETING & THESISThis week we take a deep dive into the history and meaning of tea. We will explore the science and why it matters to our project weight loss goals and it matters more than you think!! Quote of the week:"Ive had this shop for thirty years...if we serve tea in the crystal, the shop is going to expand, and then I'll have to change my way of life.
On Acceptance
Send us Fan MailThis week on Project Weight Loss, we’re talking about the powerful practice of acceptance — not as resignation, but as a way to stop fighting yourself and create space for real change. I’ll share how acceptance can help you break free from perfectionism, find peace with where you are, and take values-driven action toward your goals. Plus, we’ll look at research from Forman & Bu
Touch Grass
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m talking about screens, social media, AI — and what it means to live well in a world that’s always online. I share stories about raising my kids, my own walks and speed walks this week, and a moving conversation with a young man who stepped away from the online rabbit hole and found peace.We’ll look at research on how too much time online can lead to anxiety, depressi
Flour Spiral
Send us Fan MailThis week we’re tackling a food we all know and love: flour. But is it really as harmless as it seems? Join me as I break down the surprising science of refined flour, cravings, and hormones—plus how a few small shifts can help you take back control of your weight loss journey.We’ll talk about why flour is classified as an ultra-processed food, how it hijacks hunger signals, and wh
Habit Stacking
Send us Fan MailThis week on Project Weight Loss, we’re talking about habit stacking — the easier way to create change without relying on willpower. From Franklin to BJ Fogg to James Clear, the wisdom is the same: small steps, stacked on what you already do, become powerful routines. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” This week’s quote:
New Dawn
Send us Fan MailHello my dear friends,Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of our Pacific Crest Trail adventure — how we planned it, what gear made the cut, what we actually used, and the lessons I brought back home for Project Weight Loss.Because what happens on the trail is a lot like what happens in life: we plan, we adapt, we struggle, and we discover. And sometimes, it’s the little things —
Grandpa Tree & the PCT
Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode is a shorty, my friends, but one that’s close to my heart. 🌿 I’m sharing a glimpse of our recent Pacific Crest Trail hike—through my eyes and my honey’s. From the beauty of wildflowers to the stark art of burned trees and lava rock, this journey reminded me that nature speaks in contrasts.Come walk with me for a few minutes, and see the trail not just for the mi
Fail Better
Send us Fan MailThis week, we’re talking about a word that gets a bad rap — failure. If you’ve ever been on your wellness journey and found yourself saying, “I’ve blown it” or “I can’t do this,” this episode is for you. I’m sharing stories that have inspired me — from an ancient philosopher who lost it all, to a bestselling author who almost quit — along with my own story of one last try that chan
The Running Maester – Coach Chris Bennett
Send us Fan MailSo, I have a question for you — what if running wasn’t really about running? What if it was about something deeper… something you need to hold on to right now? In this week’s episode, I’m talking about someone who’s become kind of a running philosopher for me — Coach Chris Bennett, Nike’s Global Head Coach. If you’ve ever needed a little push, a little grace, or a little space to j
Money, Bricks & Heart: My Real Estate Lessons (Part 3)
Send us Fan MailHey my beautiful friends! This week, we’re taking a bit of a different trail on the Project Weight Loss path—same concept of losing the things weighing you down. And money, has a way of triggering us, but it can also be something that helps us and others. So, we are hiking not just a money trail, a brick-and-mortar trail; rather, a heart-led journey through real estate and finances
Best Practices of Life, Part 2
Send us Fan MailHello, my beautiful friends!This week, I’m coming to you with part two of our series on The Best Practices of Life—a conversation close to my heart and rooted in both the trail and the truth.As I hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail-through pines and reflections, and thinking about what it means to live a life guided by systems of love, clarity, and commitment.In this episode,
Lessons Learned: A Note from the PCT-Trail
Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode is deeply personal. As I walk through the Pacific Crest Trail, I’m reflecting on some of the most important lessons life has taught me. Before I left, I created a cover letter for my will, trust, and medical directives—that process sparked a beautiful request from my family: to share the wisdom I’ve gained, not just about weight loss or project management, but a
Bold Steps
Send us Fan MailHey my beautiful friends!This week, I laced up my sneakers and ran a 5K… and let me tell you, it was not as easy as I thought it would be. Even with all the hiking I’ve been doing, jogging reminded me that growth doesn’t always feel graceful. But that’s the thing—it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I’m diving into the power of boldness—what it means, how we can cultivate it gently
Hope Can Be Stronger Than Fear
Send us Fan MailThis one is close to my heart. I’ve been hiking through Oregon, taking in the beauty of the Sisters Wilderness—yes, those Three Sisters: Faith, Hope, and Charity. And with the International Day of Hope coming up on July 12th, I felt like the universe was nudging me to pause and really reflect. So, this week, I’m inviting you into that space with me. We talk about hope—not the fluff
Running Light, Running Right
Send us Fan MailI’ve trained for endurance in all kinds of ways—some smart, some not-so-much. This week, I’m sharing how I built a jogging routine that actually works with my life, not against it. Whether I’m prepping for a thru-hike or squeezing in a jog before the day takes over, I’ve learned that movement can be reshaped to meet you exactly where you are.If you’ve ever wanted to jog but felt to
Don’t Tell Me What I Can’t Eat — Help Me with What I Can Eat
Send us Fan MailHey my beautiful friends –This week’s conversation was sparked by a funny little tech discovery and a box I mailed — both of which got me thinking about food in a new way. You know how people are always quick to tell you what not to eat? Well, this week we flip the script. I’m sharing thoughts from my own journey and a coach that made me laugh and think — and you’ll hear why his wo
The Food No One Sees
Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode touches something very real for us the quiet, hidden moments with food. You know the ones I mean. This week we unpack truth-telling, and the honest reflections that came up as I sat in nature, hat feather and all. If you’ve ever felt the urge to eat in secret, or noticed that tug-of-war between freedom and fear, this one’s for you. Quote of the Week: “You eith
How to Be More Courageous
Send us Fan MailHello, my beautiful friends—this week, we go deep. Not just into the roots of fear, but into the bold, often quiet heartbeat of courage. Inspired by Memorial Day and those I call the Maesters of bravery—from Grandma Gatewood’s canvas shoes on the Appalachian Trail to my own personal moments of standing in fear and choosing love—we explore how real courage doesn’t mean the fear disa
The Habits Maester: James Clear
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m sharing some reflections on habits, a sweet moment with someone dear to my heart, and diving into the work of a true Maester of habits—someone whose insights have deeply shaped the way I approach change, consistency, and results. Whether you're navigating your health journey, a big life project, or simply trying to find a rhythm that works, this episode is pack
When Panic Strikes
Send us Fan MailWhen panic strikes, it hits before thought has a chance to catch up. In this episode, I get real about fear — not the idea of it, but the full-body experience. We’ll talk about how panic hijacks the brain, how to self-soothe, and what I learned on the trail when things got intense. A grounded, honest look at fear, and how to walk through it. Quote of the Week:“You gain strength, co
The Balance Within: Work & Life
Send us Fan MailWhat if the most radical thing you could do for your weight loss and your life was to love yourself exactly as you are—today, not ten pounds from now? In this episode, I explore the powerful paradox that self-acceptance and unlocking real, lasting change. We'll dive into what it means to love yourself while still wanting more, and how this balance fuels the habits that lead to
The Easy Way to Stop Overeating — Inspired by Allen Carr
Send us Fan MailThis week, I'm unpacking the helpful and surprising connection between Allen Carr’s method for quitting smoking and breaking free from overeating. What does lighting a cigarette have in common with late-night snacking or emotional eating? More than you think. I share the stats, the mindset shift that changes everything, and how we can use Maester Carr’s wisdom to step into mor
The Real Deal: Empathy Despite Frustration
Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m speaking to something that we all perceive: this idea of “frustrating people”. You know the ones. The co-worker who replies with “per my last email,” the family member who pokes your last nerve, or even that little voice inside your own head that won’t quit. In this episode, I talk about how empathy isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s a real tool for reducing stress, em
Coffee Talk
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we’re diving into one of our favorite daily rituals—coffee. But don’t worry, this isn’t an anti-coffee episode. I’m not taking your cup away! Instead, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of coffee from a Project Weight Loss lens, and we’ll look at whether this beloved brew is helping or hindering your goals. Here’s what we’ll cover:· The science-backed ben
How to Have Your Own Back
Send us Fan MailThis week, I laced up and hit Chabot Park again, training for the Oregon stretch of the PCT—even on the days I didn’t feel like it. Why? Because there’s power in showing up for ourselves, especially when the world feels overwhelming. In this episode, I share what it means to have your own back and why it’s one of the most loving things we can do—not just for ourselves, but for ever
News, Nerves, and Stress Eating
Send us Fan MailEver find yourself eating when you're not really hungry? You might be surprised by what’s actually triggering it. In this episode, we take a closer look at the sneaky ways stress shows up—especially when the news cycle won’t quit—and how it can quietly derail your health goals. If you’ve ever felt caught in a cycle of overwhelm, distraction, and fog eating, this one’s for you.
Creating Bonds That Last: Intimacy & the 36 Questions
Send us Fan MailHave you ever had a conversation that made you feel truly seen, understood, and connected? This week, we’re unpacking the art of connection, exploring Arthur Aron’s 36 Questions. References:Harvard Study of Adult Development, 2017Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2010Mehl et al., Eavesdropping on Happiness, Psychological Science, 2010Aron e
