Episodios

  • Motherhood as Discipleship: Stephanie Joy Lasota on Parenting, Fitness, and Wholeness
    Oct 9 2025
    Episode Summary
    In this heartfelt conversation, Coach Alex sits down with Stephanie Joy Lasota—Certified Revelation Wellness Instructor, wife, and mom of two—to explore how motherhood, discipleship, and fitness intersect in the Christian life.

    Stephanie shares her journey from wandering in New Age spirituality to being born again during a yoga retreat, and how God has transformed her perspective on the body, worship, and daily discipleship.

    Together, they discuss why motherhood is the most relentless and rewarding form of discipleship, how parents can model emotional regulation for their children, and why the church must reclaim the truth that the body is not a burden but a temple of the Holy Spirit.

    Whether you’re raising kids, wrestling with feelings of being “too broken,” or longing to see your health as worship, this conversation will encourage you to see your body as a gift, your parenting as a ministry, and your daily life as a place of discipleship.

    “Motherhood is the best form of discipleship — there’s no escape.” – Stephanie Joy Lasota Main

    Discussion Themes
    -Motherhood as the primary ministry and deepest form of discipleship.
    -Teaching and modeling emotional regulation for children.
    -Stephanie’s testimony: from New Age searching to a Christ-centered life.
    -Why Gnosticism still distorts how Christians think about the body.
    -Fitness as worship: moving from brokenness to wholeness.
    -Stewardship over vanity: the body as God’s temple.
    -Reaching the church and community with Revelation Wellness.

    Timestamped Outline
    00:00 – Pre-show banter, introductions, and setting the conversation outline.
    07:00 – Parenthood as discipleship — “Motherhood is the best form of discipleship.”
    12:30 – Emotional regulation: teaching kids to process and channel emotions.
    20:00 – The importance of parents filling their own cup (Sabbath, rest, recharge).
    24:30 – Stephanie’s testimony — leaving New Age spirituality, encountering Christ at a yoga retreat. 33:30 – Why the church must reclaim the body and reject modern Gnosticism.
    41:30 – The body as temple, fitness as worship, and the call to stewardship.
    52:00 – Science affirms Scripture: belief, mindset, and the slow transformation of the body.
    01:01:00 – Revelation Wellness, children’s classes, and expanding the ministry beyond the church. 01:08:00 – Closing encouragement, Isaiah 40, and prayer.

    Strong shorts/reels moments:
    07:00 – “Motherhood is the best form of discipleship — there’s no escape.”
    33:30 – Gnosticism and why the church must care about the body.
    41:30 – “Your body isn’t a burden to escape. It’s a temple to steward.”

    Move Forward Today!
    Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast on your favorite platform.

    Grab my devotional: Faithful Fitness – A 40 Day Devotional for Christian Health and Stewardship → https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com

    Join the Better Daily Community → https://betterdaily.live/invite Share this episode with a mom, dad, or church leader who needs encouragement to see health as worship.

    Featured Guest Resources Revelation Wellness – https://www.revelationwellness.org

    Stephanie Joy Lasota – find her classes and resources via Revelation Wellness Instructor Directory.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Fasting Like Jesus: How to Align Your Body and Spirit for God’s Glory
    Oct 2 2025
    Episode Summary
    In this solo teaching, Coach Alex VanHouten dives deep into the spiritual and physical discipline of fasting. Too often misunderstood as either a diet trend or a hunger strike, fasting is neither—it is a God-given practice that draws us closer to His heart while transforming our health.

    Pulling from Scripture, modern science, and decades of coaching experience, Alex explains why Jesus said “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” You’ll learn what fasting truly is, how it benefits your body and soul, and practical pro tips to start fasting well.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond the hype, fad diets, or misconceptions about fasting, this episode will help you embrace it as a lifelong spiritual discipline—done with joy, intention, and wisdom.

    Main Discussion Themes
    -Why Christians Fast: Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 and examples from Moses, Daniel, and Jesus Himself.
    -Spiritual Purpose: Hungering for righteousness, not striking against God or earning “holy points.”
    -Physical Benefits: Insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism, autophagy, mental clarity, reduced inflammation, and longevity.
    -Psychological Benefits: Self-control, resilience, and agency over bodily drives.
    -Psychological Benefits: Self-control, resilience, and agency over bodily drives.
    -Beginner to Advanced Fasting: From time-restricted eating to 24–72 hour extended fasts.
    -Pro Tips: Setting intention, starting small, hydration, breaking the fast well, and fasting in community.
    -Who Shouldn’t Fast: Safety notes for children, pregnant/breastfeeding women, and medical cases.

    Timestamped Outline
    00:00:00 Introduction to Fasting
    00:03:00 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
    00:09:00 Physical Benefits of Fasting
    00:15:00 Practical Tips for Fasting
    00:21:00 Common Misconceptions and Safety

    Move Forward Today
    -Take Your First Step: Start small with a 12–16 hour fast and set a clear prayerful intention.
    -Feast on Scripture: Replace mealtimes with time in God’s Word or prayer.
    -Join a Community: Don’t fast alone—connect with believers in the Better Daily app here: https://BetterDaily.live/invite
    Practice Stewardship: See fasting not as deprivation but as an act of worship and stewardship of the body God gave you.

    Featured Resources
    📖 Faithful Fitness Devotional: 40 Days of Strength and Stewardship for Christians https://faithfulfitnessdevo.com
    📱 Join the Better Daily App for community fasts, coaching, and daily encouragement https//:faithfulfitnessdevo.com
    🎧 Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    26 m
  • Freedom From Depression Starts With God's Truth with Dr. Chigozie Nwosu
    Sep 25 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Coach Alex sits down with Dr. Chigozie Nwosu—physician, author, and founder of Brave Minds Hub—to explore how faith, courage, and purpose intersect in the fight against depression.

    From her early medical career in Nigeria to founding two life-changing organizations, Dr. Nwosu’s journey is marked by bold stands against injustice, compassionate outreach to underserved communities, and an unwavering commitment to helping others live fulfilled, God-centered lives.

    Her book Overcoming Depression blends medical insight with biblical truth, challenging the idea that depression can only be managed, and offering a Christ-centered path to lasting freedom. Together, they discuss why treating symptoms isn’t enough, how hidden grief and unaddressed trauma fuel mental and physical illness, and why caring for your body is essential to walking in your God-given calling.

    Whether you’re battling depression, seeking clarity in your purpose, or simply hungry for a faith-based perspective on holistic health, this episode will encourage you to move forward with courage and hope. “You can’t cancel out what needs to be cast out.” – Dr. Chigozie Nwosu

    Main Discussion Themes
    -Finding purpose beyond professional success.
    -The hidden roots of depression—and why symptom management isn’t enough.
    -Integrating medical science with biblical truth for lasting healing.
    -How unresolved trauma impacts physical and mental health.
    -Fitness as stewardship of the body for kingdom purpose.
    -Courageously addressing injustice and difficult topics.
    -The role of Brave Minds Hub in guiding people toward fulfillment.

    Timestamped Outline
    00:00 – Intro & lighthearted pre-show banter.
    07:00 – The meaning of Dr. Nwosu’s name: God bless me.
    10:40 – Her journey from Nigerian doctor to Canadian coach and speaker.
    15:00 – Confronting sexual abuse in schools and founding Nikita Hope Foundation.
    20:45 – Rural healthcare outreach as a ministry.
    23:10 – A divine appointment in a hospital chapel and the spark for Overcoming Depression.
    25:30 – Why medical treatment alone can’t break the cycle of depression.
    29:50 – Launching Brave Minds Hub: addressing what people say—and don’t say.
    39:05 – Identifying root causes behind insomnia, anxiety, and fear.
    44:20 – Helping professionals and immigrants find fulfillment.
    49:00 – Biblical truths for those feeling trapped or purposeless.
    55:20 – How fitness supports your God-given mission.
    58:30 – Self-care as an act of stewardship.
    1:00:00 – Guest resources and closing prayer. (Strong shorts/reels moments: 25:30 “You can’t cancel out what needs to be cast out.”; 55:20 fitness-purpose connection; 49:00 Joseph & Job examples.)

    Move Forward Today!
    Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast on your favorite platform.

    -Grab my devotional: Faithful Fitness – A 40 Day Devotional for Christian
    -Health and Stewardship – https//:faithfulfitnessdevo.com
    -Join the Better Daily Community at https://BetterDaily.live/invite

    Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their mental health and faith journey.

    Featured Guest Resources
    -Overcoming Depression – Order the book - https://bravemindshub.com/book-for-sale
    -Purpose & Clarity Guide – Free resource via Brave Minds Hub - https://bravemindshub.com/free-resource
    -Beauty in Chaos – Encouragement resource for finding God’s hand in life’s mess - https://bravemindshub.com/beauty-in-chaos-page

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    53 m
  • When Your Body Says Something’s Wrong: Faith, Hormones, and Healing with Heidi Cooper
    Sep 18 2025
    🌟 Episode Summary

    Many believers know the frustration of “doing everything right”—clean eating, consistent exercise, even regular doctor visits—yet still feeling exhausted, foggy, or unwell. Why does this happen? And what can you do about it?

    In this episode, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Functional Medicine Practitioner Heidi Cooper, co-founder of Cooper Health Solutions, to uncover why conventional medicine often misses the root of the problem and how God designed our bodies to heal when we steward them well. Heidi shares her personal testimony of battling autoimmune thyroid disease, chronic fatigue, and weight gain—while being dismissed by traditional doctors.

    Her journey of suffering not only drew her closer to Christ but also ignited her mission to help others overcome hormone imbalances, brain fog, and energy crashes.

    Together, Alex and Heidi explore:
    -Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean you’re healthy
    -The crucial differences between conventional (branches) and functional (roots) medicine
    -How toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices influence epigenetics and chronic illness
    -The spiritual cost of poor health—and how it keeps believers from fully living their calling
    -Practical steps to restore energy, balance hormones, and walk in freedom
    -Whether you’re discouraged by your own health struggles or curious how faith and functional medicine intersect, this conversation offers both hope and a roadmap forward.

    👉 Be sure to grab Heidi’s Brain and Hormone Optimization Guide (link in the show notes) for your next steps.

    🕑 Episode Timestamps
    0:00 – Welcome & prayer
    5:40 – Meet Heidi Cooper – Her background & mission
    13:30 – Heidi’s valley & testimony – From Hashimoto’s to healing
    21:00 – Why you still feel crummy when “labs are fine”
    28:15 – Pain to purpose – How suffering deepened her walk with God
    33:00 – Stewardship, bondage, and health in the church
    40:20 – Brain & Hormone Optimization Guide – Practical tools for listeners
    43:30 – Starting with Cooper Health Solutions – Assessments & labs
    49:40 – Conventional vs. functional medicine – Alex’s “tree” metaphor
    57:10 – Stewardship costs & investments – Eggs vs. Lucky Charms lesson
    1:01:30 – Living differently from the world – Joshua’s declaration applied to health
    1:03:20 – Speaking to the discouraged listener – Heidi’s heartfelt encouragement
    1:04:30 – Virtual coaching & resources – How to connect with Heidi 1:05:20 – Closing prayer & blessing

    Show Resources:
     Visit https//:BetterDaily.live/devo to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional
    👥 Join our Better Daily community: https://betterdaily.live/invite
     Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitness

    🙌 Connect with Heidi
    Free Resource: https://get.cooperhealthsolutions.com/brain-and-hormone-ebook
    Cooper Health Solutions: https://cooperhealthsolutions.com/
    Follow Heidi on social media: https://www.instagram.com/skinsideout_heidicooper/

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    56 m
  • “Mindset Is a Lifeline: DK Kang on Faith, Grit, and Growth”
    Sep 11 2025
    Episode Summary:
    When life hits harder than you ever imagined, how do you keep moving forward?

    In this powerful conversation, Coach Alex Van Houten sits down with martial artist, author, and fellow believer DK Kang — a man who has walked through job loss, financial strain, and his wife’s battle with cancer, yet discovered how mindset became his lifeline.

    Drawing from his book Mindset Metamorphosis, DK unpacks what it means to shift from a fixed mindset (“I’ll never be good enough”) to a growth mindset rooted in God’s truth and daily choices.

    Together, Alex and DK explore:
    -How reframing negative self-talk can transform despair into hope.
    -Why saying no creates space for stewardship, health, and family.
    -The biblical foundation of mindset renewal in Romans 12 and Philippians
    -Martial arts lessons, Spartan race grit, and even Dragon Ball Z wisdom.

    By the end, you’ll see why mindset isn’t just psychology or motivation — it’s spiritual stewardship. Whether you’re fighting battles in your health, relationships, or faith, DK’s story will inspire you to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep trusting God with your next step.

    Key Themes & Timestamps:
    [0:00] Mindset as martial arts training for the soul
    [6:30] Dragon Ball Z, Jackie Chan, and the fight scenes that shaped DK
    [10:50] Why mindset became DK’s lifeline through cancer and job loss
    [15:00] Fixed vs. growth mindset — the biblical perspective
    [20:00] Reframing negative self-talk through journaling and faith
    [33:00] How “die trying” became a breakthrough moment
    [39:00] Spartan races, grit, and the power of repetition
    [43:00] Lessons from Job and encountering God in suffering
    [51:00] Why saying no is essential to stewardship
    [58:00] Why Vegeta (not Goku) is DK’s favorite character — and what that reveals about redemption [1:05:00] Final encouragement: start small, pray harder, and keep growing

    Show Resources:
     Visit https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional
     Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitness
     Take a look at Mindset-Metamorphosis here: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Metamorphosis-practical-transformative-mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJC1W8H3

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Why The Church Must Reclaim The Body For God's Glory
    Sep 4 2025
    📖 Episode Summary
    What does it mean to steward your body as a temple when you're also shepherding a congregation? In this powerful conversation, Pastor and Revelation Wellness instructor Wes Scheu (pronounced "Shoy") joins Coach Alex VanHouten to explore the deep intersection of faith and fitness—and why the Church cannot afford to stay silent about it.

    As a husband, father, and leader in both pastoral ministry and the health coaching world, Wes brings a rare blend of biblical wisdom, theological depth, and real-life practicality. Together, he and Alex discuss why physical stewardship isn’t about vanity, but availability—why God created us not just with bodies, but for embodied living in relationship with Him.

    They explore what it means to bear God's image, how the enemy attacks our view of the body, and why the Church must reclaim holistic discipleship that includes our physical health. This episode also gives listeners a glimpse into Alex’s new Faithful Fitness Devotional, including why healing your relationship with your body begins with Truth, not trends. Whether you’re a pastor wondering how to care for your flock without burning out—or a believer trying to align your health habits with your walk with Christ—this episode will challenge and equip you.

    🔍 Main Discussion Themes
    -Why most pastors neglect physical health—and what changes when they don’t
    -What it means to be made in God's image bodily, not just spiritually
    -How fitness becomes a tool for freedom, not self-focus
    -The role of movement in spiritual and emotional healing
    -Lies the enemy tells about the body—and how to fight them with truth
    -Insights from the Faithful Fitness Devotional on stewarding the temple
    -Practical encouragement for busy believers to prioritize health

    ⏱ Timestamped Outline
    00:00 – 03:32 – Intro & why Wes stands out as a pastor who embraces fitness
    03:33 – 09:15 – Wes’s testimony: how pastoral ministry led to coaching at Revelation Wellness 09:16 – 15:04 – Why the Church has to reclaim the body as part of discipleship
    15:05 – 20:42 – What “made in God’s image” really means for your physical body
    20:43 – 27:55 – Lies the enemy tells about health, shame, and body stewardship
    27:56 – 34:10 – Why movement is medicine—Wes’s definition of “fitness”
    34:11 – 40:05 – The cost of not stewarding your health in ministry or parenthood
    40:06 – 45:15 – Practical rhythms, real struggles, and Wes’s own habits of discipline
    45:16 – 49:47 – Sneak peek into the Faithful Fitness Devotional: healing starts with Truth
    49:48 – 54:10 – Final encouragement: you don’t need to be perfect to be faithful
    54:11 – END – Resources, prayer, and closing with “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”

    📣 Suggested Calls to Action
    🙏 Download your copy of the Faithful Fitness Devotional: https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com
    💪 Explore Revelation Wellness training and free tools: revelationwellness.org/resources
    🎧 Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for weekly conversations that blend science, Scripture, and sweat
    👥 Join our Better Daily community: https://betterdaily.live/invite

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Fighting for Kids, One Mile at a Time with The "Praying Ninja Warrior"
    Aug 28 2025
    Episode Summary:
    What if every mile you ran was a prayer for a sick child? In this deeply inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with ultra-endurance athlete and founder of the Praying Ninja Warrior Foundation, Nick Apicella.

    Together, they explore how prayer, suffering, and radical endurance can become powerful expressions of faith, love, and support for children facing life-threatening illness. Nick shares his recent completion of the grueling Tahoe 200—a 200-mile ultra-marathon run in honor of over 900 children battling cancer and rare diseases.

    But this isn’t about medals or personal records. It’s about sacrifice. It's about holding space for suffering. It's about carrying the weight of grief, hope, and intercession with every step. Listeners will hear raw stories of loss and healing, including families impacted by pediatric cancer, the miracle of a unified praying community, and how prayer itself can draw us into deeper dependence on God—even when the outcome isn't what we hoped.

    Main Discussion Themes:
     The spiritual and physical burden of running 200 miles in intercession
     Founding Praying Ninja Warrior Foundation to support families of sick children
     When prayer doesn’t “work” the way we want—and how faith still holds
     Biblical endurance: running with perseverance the race set before us (Hebrews 12)
     Why suffering isn’t the end of the story for those in Christ
     The September 20th race and how to join virtually or in person
     Carrying hope, grief, and God’s love through action

    ⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline

    00:00 – Intro & Nick’s 1 a.m. hill runs before a 3 a.m. shift
    06:00 – Running 100 miles in prayer: the birth of Praying Ninja Warrior
    11:00 – Stories from the field: prayers that changed lives—and saved them
    17:00 – The Tahoe 200: what it is, why it matters, how God led
    24:00 – Mentors, pacers, and divine encounters along the trail
    30:00 – Physical preparation meets spiritual warfare: pain, pacing, and provision
    36:00 – Losing children, loving families: grief and hope as intercession
    42:00 – Alex shares Izzy’s story and how grief led him to faith
    49:00 – What it means to walk in suffering with God
    54:00 – The September 20th 5K and Half Marathon: how to join and why it matters
    57:00 – Rapid fire: blisters, tacos, Tahoe lung, and divine recovery
    61:00 – Hebrews 12 and the “cloud of witnesses” who carried Nick through
    66:00 – Prayer, benediction, and a call to run with purpose

    Show Resources:
     Visit https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional
     Race Signup: September 20th (5K / Half Marathon / Virtual) - Praying Ninja Warrior Benefit Race  Can't make it in person? Register for the virtual race and run wherever you are!
     https://www.prayingninjawarrior.com/
     Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitness

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • How Keto & Carnivore Can Transform Your Health and Spirit| With Casey Ruff From Boundless Body Radio
    Aug 21 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Casey Ruff—longtime trainer, host of Boundless Body Radio, and outspoken advocate for low-carb, keto, and carnivore nutrition.

    From his early days in the corporate gym world to building his own business during the chaos of 2020, Casey shares how a crisis pushed him to rethink health, career, and the way he serves clients. Casey opens up about his journey into ketogenic and carnivore eating, the science and case studies that convinced him, and the surprising mental health benefits—what he calls “carnivore zen.”

    Together, Alex and Casey explore the deep connection between faith, discipline, and stewardship of the body, even when their traditions differ. This conversation goes beyond macros and reps. They discuss the “noob phase” of fitness, how to navigate the indoctrination of nutrition dogma, and the spiritual nature of helping others reclaim health.

    From client success stories to reflections on resilience, this episode challenges you to consider not just what you eat or how you train—but why. Whether you’re curious about carnivore, looking for encouragement on your own health journey, or seeking to connect your physical stewardship with a deeper purpose, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Main Discussion Themes:
    -The origin story of Boundless Body Radio and building a business during --COVID-19
    -Casey’s transition into keto and carnivore nutrition—and why it stuck
    -The “carnivore zen” effect and the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry
    -Why nutrition can feel like a belief system—and how to keep it client-focused
    -The parallels between starting a podcast and starting a fitness journey
    -The spiritual and relational depth of personal training and coaching
    -Faith as a driver for perseverance and purposeful health

    Timestamped Outline
    00:00 – Lighthearted opening, podcast swap banter
    01:18 – Episode trajectory and topics preview
    03:07 – Casey’s background and the launch of Boundless Body Radio
    05:39 – Leaving the corporate gym world during COVID
    07:46 – Starting a business and committing to consistent podcasting
    10:05 – The learning curve of podcasting and parallels to fitness growth
    17:03 – Casey’s “noob phase” in keto and carnivore nutrition
    20:57 – Discovering ketosis, client transformations, and mental health benefits
    23:23 – First carnivore experiment and experiencing “carnivore zen”
    25:42 – Metabolic psychiatry and reversing severe mental disorders
    27:04 – Nutrition as “indoctrination” and why belief systems form around diet
    31:36 – Human omnivory, nutrient density, and plant compound considerations
    36:11 – The long-term proof of a nutritional approach (“you will know them by their fruits”)
    38:34 – The real driver behind client coaching—agency and transformation
    43:08 – Removing the body as an obstacle to living fully
    45:09 – Spiritual depth in Casey’s work and ritual in coaching
    49:18 – Why AI won’t replace personal coaching
    50:48 – Guest resources and connecting with Casey
    52:55 – Casey’s reflections on the Christian faith
    55:19 – Closing encouragement and prayer

    If this resonated, you should:
    -Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast on your favorite platform
    -Check out the Faithful Fitness Devotional for deeper integration of faith and health – https//:Faithfulfitnessdevo.com
    -Join the Better Daily community app for coaching, resources, and accountability – https://betterdaily.live/inviteru

    Featured Guest Resources:
    -Website: myboundlessbody.com
    -Boundless Body Radio Podcast: Available on all major platforms
    -Free nutrition seminar resources: Available via the Boundless Body website
    -Complimentary 30-minute consultation: Book directly through the “Book Now” button on website

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.
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    56 m