Episodios

  • 29. Season 2 Finale: Reflecting on Purpose, Mission, and Your WHY

    29. Season 2 Finale: Reflecting on Purpose, Mission, and Your WHY
    Jul 22 2024

    Reflections and Future Aspirations: Wrapping Up Season 2 Hosted by Melyssa Allen, a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach, this episode marks the conclusion of Season 2 of the 'Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck' podcast. Melyssa discusses her impromptu topic pivot, upcoming extended break to work on the audiobook of her book, and reflections on her journey through 2024, including transformational experiences from two business retreats. The episode also touches on her application for a grant, a personal mission statement activity, and her aspirations for creating a healthier future. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected to their purpose and share their own mission statements on social media.

    WORK WITH MELYSSA

    • Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!
      • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
      • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
      • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
      • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
      • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
      • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to the Healthy Living Podcast
    00:36 Season Two Wrap-Up and Future Plans
    03:04 Reflecting on 2024 and Key Takeaways
    03:37 Business Retreats and Personal Growth
    07:53 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
    12:13 Reconnecting with Your Purpose
    14:19 Creating a Healthier Future
    18:52 Mission Statement Activity
    25:52 Season Three Teasers and Final Thoughts
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    31 m
  • 28. Zamzam Wellness - A Lifestyle Medicine Direct Primary Care Practice with Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo

    28. Zamzam Wellness - A Lifestyle Medicine Direct Primary Care Practice with Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo
    Jul 15 2024

    In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK podcast, host Melyssa Allen is joined by Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo, a triple board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. They discuss the importance of incorporating mindset and behavior changes for lasting health, the benefits of a plant-based diet, and Dr. DiLorenzo's unique membership-based primary care practice, Zamzam Wellness. Listeners will gain insight into practical tips for healthier living and the role of regular medical check-ups!

    CONNECT WITH DR. DILORENZO

    • Website: https://www.zamzamwellness.com/
    • Membership: https://www.zamzamwellness.com/pricing
    • Instagram: ZamZamWellness_DPC

    • Sign up for our upcoming Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!
      • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
      • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
      • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
      • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
      • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
      • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:34 Meet Dr. DiLorenzo
    02:18 Dr. DiLorenzo's Practice Model
    06:12 Healthy Living Insights
    15:02 Empowerment and Small Changes
    19:14 Prioritizing Health and Annual Checkups
    23:29 Getting Started with Healthier Living
    28:19 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
    32:19 Closing Remarks and Freebie
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    33 m
  • 27. Movement, Body Image, and Mental Health with Ashantis Jones

    27. Movement, Body Image, and Mental Health with Ashantis Jones
    Jun 20 2024


    In this episode, Melyssa welcomes guest Ashantis Jones, a therapist, mental health coach, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. They discuss the importance of integrating mental health and physical fitness, dismantling societal and marketing-imposed fitness stigmas, and embracing personalized, enjoyable approaches to movement and wellness. Ashantis shares her journey in encouraging people to strengthen their bodies for everyday life rather than just focusing on aesthetics and weight loss. Tune in for actionable tips on finding a fitness regime that works for you, recognizing the mental health benefits of physical activity, and unlearning unhealthy beliefs about exercise and body image!

    MEET OUR GUEST

    Ashantis Jones (she/they) is a Therapist, Mental Health Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor that focuses on the mind and body - both of which are equally important to one’s health. By using an intersectional approach, self-love becomes the tool that heals and educates. She started teaching group fitness in 2012, became a Personal Trainer in 2021, and has her Masters of Education in Counseling. They are passionate about helping people reach their life's purpose because everyone deserves to fully enjoy their life! She has previously worked for [solidcore], Barry's, and was nominated for Best Personal Trainer on Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago 2023 list.

    CONNECT WITH ASHANTIS

    • Ashantis' Website: www.ashantisjones.com
    • Upcoming Events with Ashantis: https://www.ashantisjones.com/group-fitness-and-events
    • Instagram: @iamashantis
    • TikTok: @iamashantis

    UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:

      • Friday, June 28th at 12pm EST, De-Stress and Rebalance: A Hormone Health Workshop for Women featuring special guest, Rachel Lee
      • Sunday, June 30th at 11am EST, Mid-Year 2024 Resolution Reset

    • Sign up for our upcoming Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!
      • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
      • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
      • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
      • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
      • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
      • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:38 Exciting Announcements & Updates
    01:43 Conversation with Ashantis Jones Begins
    03:33 Ashantis Jones: Background and Expertise
    06:11 Integrating Mental Health and Fitness
    08:47 Empowerment Through Movement
    18:55 Unlearning and Relearning Healthy Habits
    21:37 Practical Steps to Start Your Fitness Journey
    27:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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    31 m
  • 26. Tools in Your Healthy Living Toolbox: MetKon, KPOW, and More with Kamela Niskach, DPT

    26. Tools in Your Healthy Living Toolbox: MetKon, KPOW, and More with Kamela Niskach, DPT
    Jun 3 2024
    In this episode Melyssa is joined by Kam Niskach, the creator of MetKon RX and owner of K-POW Nutrition. Kam dives into her own fitness journey from her work as a former master trainer for Beachbody Live's P90X to creating MetKon RX. Kam shares her journey and discusses the importance of mindset, behavior changes, and the role of supplements as "tools in the toolbox." Kam offers valuable insights on starting small, lifting weights, tracking progress, and the importance of finding joy and community in the fitness journey. This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and inspiration to help you on your path to healthy living! UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS: Friday, June 28th at 12pm EST, De-Stress and Rebalance: A Hormone Health Workshop for Women featuring special guest, Rachel LeeSunday, June 30th at 11am EST, Mid-Year 2024 Resolution Reset Early bird tickets available through June 11th for only $22! MEET OUR GUEST: Kam Niskach is an experienced and respected fitness trainer and business owner. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Kam leverages her extensive background in exercise and rehab to inspire individuals of all ages to achieve their health, strength, and fitness goals. As a presenter and educator, Kam has certified thousands of instructors to teach fitness classes and was named Master Trainer of the Year in 2017 for one of the industry's most recognized fitness companies. In 2020, she created MetKon Rx, a globally taught functional strength and conditioning program. Kam is also the owner of K-POW Nutrition, a supplement company founded from her desire to provide high-quality supplements that support a holistic and lifestyle approach to health, wellness, and performance goals. A small-town girl from Weirton, West Virginia, Kam’s love for sports has shaped her career path and active lifestyle. In her local community in Pittsburgh, she serves as the strength and conditioning coach for a high school soccer team. In addition to all things health and fitness, Kam prioritizes her family and loves her primary role as a soccer and softball mom to her preteen daughter. CONNECT WITH KAM: KPOW Nutrition: kpowsupplements.com Use our Discount Code CHANGEMAKER to save 10% on your order! Join a Class with Kam: somble.com/kamKam's Website: kamjamz.com/Instagram: @kamjamz WORK WITH MELYSSA: Try a MetKon class with Melyssa and take advantage of our Buy 2, Get 1 Free Intro Offer!Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!Sign up for our upcoming Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program! Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuckEmail Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.comVisit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to the Healthy Living Podcast 00:34 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events 02:17 Introducing Special Guest: Kam Nisketch 02:52 Kam's Journey in Fitness and Nutrition 10:06 Empowering Tips for Healthy Living 21:20 Kam's Personal Health Journey 35:23 Practical Steps to Start Your Healthy Lifestyle 36:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell 40:11 Special Offers and Closing Remarks
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    42 m
  • 25. Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024: The Impact of Lifestyle Medicine on Mental Health

    25. Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024: The Impact of Lifestyle Medicine on Mental Health
    May 20 2024

    In this solo episode, Melyssa focuses on the significant impact of lifestyle medicine on mental health. Coinciding with Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024 and Mental Health Awareness Month, Melyssa shares her insights on how lifestyle behaviors can serve as therapeutic interventions. She elaborates on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—physical activity, plant-predominant eating patterns, effective stress management, healthy sleep, positive social connections, and avoidance of risky substances. Melyssa also reflects on her personal experiences, including the emotional challenges of losing her dog, Buddy, and emphasizes the importance of taking small, manageable steps to improve well-being. Tune in for practical advice, heart-to-heart discussions, and an invitation to her upcoming presentation on Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health taking place May 30th, 2024 at 6pm EST! Register at heatlhylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/events

    WORK WITH MELYSSA

    **Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!

    **Sign up for the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!

    • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
    • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
    • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
    • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
    • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
    • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    Please remember to Follow/Subscribe, Rate & Review our show to help us reach more Change Makers!

    00:00 Welcome to Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck Podcast
    00:36 Celebrating Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024
    01:22 The Power of Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health
    02:45 Discovering Lifestyle Medicine: A Personal Journey
    03:36 The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
    05:23 Navigating Personal Struggles with Lifestyle Medicine
    18:38 Making Small, Positive Changes for Mental Health
    21:12 Join the Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health Presentation
    21:37 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Engage
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    23 m
  • 24. Grief is Fucking Hard: A Conversation About Attachment, Loss, and Mental Health with Dr. Annelise Cunningham

    24. Grief is Fucking Hard: A Conversation About Attachment, Loss, and Mental Health with Dr. Annelise Cunningham
    May 6 2024
    In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK, Melyssa explores the complexities of navigating grief and promoting mental health with Dr. Annelise Cunningham, author of Grief is Fucking Hard: Love Notes from a Trauma and Loss Psychologist. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the episode discusses breaking the stigma around mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of support systems and self-care during tough times. Special guest, clinical psychologist Dr. Annelise Cunningham, discusses her journey into specializing in infant mental health, trauma, attachment, and grief, highlighting the need for mental health support in unexpected scenarios like the NICU. They explore the concept of procedural memory in grief, the impact of attachment styles on emotional well-being, and the power of recognizing and tending to one's vulnerabilities. The conversation offers listeners reflective questions to explore their emotional narratives and attachment styles, encouraging active engagement with one's mental health. The episode wraps up with offering practical advice on finding personalized coping mechanisms, underlining the show's mission to make healthy living accessible, empowering, and interconnected with mental well-being. MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Cunningham is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in attachment, trauma, and loss. She has worked in community, inpatient, and outpatient settings providing both assessments and psychotherapy. Throughout her work, she developed an interest in the grief process; noticing stages, checklists, and a desire to "move on" did not work well for those grieving. With her background in attachment, Dr. Cunningham instead believes grief is a relationship that requires an honest and authentic communication style. In her relational approach to grieving, Dr. Cunningham places a focus on decreasing self-judgement and increasing self-compassion to build an understanding of the complicated thoughts and feelings about loss. Dr. Cunningham resides in Chicago where she has a private practice which offers telehealth services to residents of Colorado and Illinois. Purchase Dr. Cunningham's workbook on Amazon: Grief is Fucking HardVisit Dr. Cunningham's Website: https://www.amcthepractice.com/ WORK WITH MELYSSA **Join the Change Maker Collective coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals! **Sign up for the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program! **Get your first week of my Move with Melyssa virtual fitness studio FREE! Or to try a sample class, use code MOVEWITHMELYSSA to attend a livestream class for free, or use code MWMREPLAY to catch an on-demand class for free through my Move with Melyssa virtual fitness studio! Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuckEmail Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.comVisit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/ Please remember to Follow/Subscribe, Rate & Review our show to help us reach more Change Makers! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck Podcast 00:52 Kicking Off Mental Health Awareness Month 03:08 Deep Dive into Grief and Loss with Dr. Annelise Cunningham 12:37 Exploring the Complexities of Grief and Healthy Living 22:31 Embracing the Duality of Grief and Healing 23:36 Exploring the Power of Movement as Medicine 24:55 Embracing Self-Compassion and Grace 26:43 Understanding Attachment and Self-Esteem 28:05 Navigating Emotions and Vulnerability 30:31 Reflective Questions for Self-Discovery 33:07 Engaging with Attachment Styles and Self-Exploration 41:07 Concluding Thoughts on Healthy Living
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    45 m
  • 23. Toasting to Transformation: Tips to Live The Champagne Diet Lifestyle with Cara Alwill, Best-Selling Author and Master Life Coach

    23. Toasting to Transformation: Tips to Live The Champagne Diet Lifestyle with Cara Alwill, Best-Selling Author and Master Life Coach
    Apr 8 2024
    In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Podcast, Melyssa is joined by one of her all-time favorite life and business coaches - Cara Alwill, creator of The Champagne Diet! They discuss the importance of embracing a healthy lifestyle without succumbing to societal pressures and restrictive norms. Cara shares her journey from a dissatisfying career and unhealthy relationship to finding joy and authenticity through living The Champagne Diet lifestyle - the only kind of diet Melyssa would ever recommend to her listeners! 😉 Their conversation covers topics such as the significance of mental well-being in overall health, embracing the impact of small daily habits, and the liberating power of giving yourself permission to enjoy life without guilt. Cara suggests that listeners prioritize feeling good over looking a certain way, remember that your size is the least interesting thing about yourself, and to draw inspiration from those around you without falling into the comparison trap so you can live your healthiest, happiest life! MEET OUR GUESTCara Alwill is a New York City based creative entrepreneur who encourages women to live their most effervescent lives, celebrate themselves every day, and make their happiness a priority. She is a best selling personal development author, mentor to women entrepreneurs, and creator of The Champagne Diet blog. Over 11 million listeners worldwide tune in to Cara’s podcast Style Your Mind each week for powerful conversations and a mega dose of inspiration. Cara is the author of 9 best selling books, including the worldwide sensation Girl Code, that have inspired women around the world to step into their power and fulfill their potential. Cara’s books have been translated into multiple languages like Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Mongolian, and Vietnamese. Her message continues to transcend cultures and break barriers for women across the globe. Check out Cara Alwill's Website! www.thechampagnediet.comFollow Cara on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thechampagnediet/Listen to Cara's Style Your Mind Podcast! https://styleyourmind.libsyn.com/ Episode referenced: Your Size is The Least Interesting Thing About You Join Cara's low-cost monthly membership, the Girl on Fire Collective! https://girlonfirecollective.com/Purchase Cara’s Best Selling Books! WORK WITH MELYSSA **Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals! **Sign up for the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program! **Use code MOVEWITHMELYSSA to attend a livestream class for free, or use code MWMREPLAY to catch an on-demand class for free through my Move with Melyssa virtual fitness studio! Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuckEmail Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.comVisit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/ Please remember to Follow/Subscribe, Rate & Review our show to help us reach more Change Makers!
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    25 m
  • 22. Workout with Mom (and MORE!) with Women's Fitness Specialist, Alayna Curry

    22. Workout with Mom (and MORE!) with Women's Fitness Specialist, Alayna Curry
    Apr 1 2024

    In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK, Melyssa welcomes her guest, Alayna Curry, a fitness instructor and mom to discuss the complexities of maintaining a healthy lifestyle among various life challenges. Alayna shares her journey from struggling with body image to embracing fitness as a celebration rather than punishment. They discuss tips for busy individuals, especially moms, to integrate fitness into their lives, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals, planning, and giving oneself grace. Alayna introduces her 'Workout with Mom' program, designed for accessibility and flexibility, catering to individuals with different needs and constraints. They conclude by addressing the misconception that health and enjoyment are mutually exclusive, advocating an approach to fitness and nutrition that's enjoyable and suited to individual lifestyles.

    MEET OUR GUEST
    Alayna Curry is a fitness instructor, public relations pro, wife and mom based in Central Florida. For nearly 15 years, she has taught group fitness classes -- both in person at local gyms and virtually through her Workout with Mom program. Alayna is a certified group fitness instructor, women's fitness specialist and licensed Zumba instructor. When she's not working out, she's working her full time job doing PR for the space industry and juggling life as a mom of two young boys.

    • Check out Alayna's website! http://workoutwithmom.com
    • Don't miss Alayna's Virtual Fitness Program!
    • Connect with Alayna on her socials!
      https://www.instagram.com/alaynajcurry
      https://www.tiktok.com/alaynajcurry
    • Contact Alayna at: alayna@workoutwithmom.com
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    48 m