Ep. 31 - Your Health, Your Way: Building a Healthy Lifestyle That Works for You | A Convo with Kate Erwin

Ep. 31 - Your Health, Your Way: Building a Healthy Lifestyle That Works for You | A Convo with Kate Erwin

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Erwin, who also happens to be my very first podcast guest from over two years ago. It was really special to reconnect and hear what’s changed since then, because a lot has. Kate shares her experience of losing more than 60 pounds in the past year, but more importantly, how she’s done it in a way that actually feels sustainable for her. And that’s what this conversation is really about. We talk about what it looks like to step away from rigid rules and instead create a way of eating, moving, and living that reflects your personality, your values, and your real life. Kate is very honest about what works for her and what doesn’t. From tracking her habits in spreadsheets, to finding movement she actually enjoys, to navigating her relationship with food and alcohol, this is a conversation about learning yourself instead of trying to force yourself. We also talk about her experience working with a health coach, and how surprised she was by the level of empathy, personalization, and acceptance she received. That piece alone is something I think a lot of people don’t expect but it can make all the difference. A few things we explore in this episode: *  Why sustainable change has to fit you *  The role of joy in building habits that last  *  How understanding your “why” changes everything  *  What support can look like when it’s collaborative instead of prescriptive  *  Kate’s experience with GLP-1 medications, and how she’s approached them in a measured, intentional way  *  How celebrating wins helps cement changes into new habits What stood out most to me in this conversation is how much of this comes back to self-trust. When you stop trying to follow someone else’s plan and start paying attention to what actually works for you, everything shifts. Connect with Kate: Kate shares bits of her journey on social. You can find her on: *  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateerwin] *  TikTok: @notthatnewyork [https://www.tiktok.com/@notthatnewyork]  *  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/StraightUpKate] (where she’s active in GLP-1 communities)  Want to connect with Wellness in a Chaotic World? Join the free, private Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/668460928673648] Website: https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com] Instagram: @wellnessinachaoticworld [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinachaoticworld/] Facebook: @wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast] Sign Up for Wellness Insights and Podcast Updates Click here to sign up [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/617159/166153620205602080/share] for episode alerts, reflections, and more. Get Your Free Guide to Rooted, Sustainable Wellness Want simple ways to plant seeds of wellness in your daily life? Grab your free guide here: Planting Seeds of Well-Being [https://tinyurl.com/plantingseedsofwellbeing]. Defy the Chaos. Reclaim Your Well-Being. Thrive on Your Terms. Ready to go deeper? My 1:1 health coaching gives you personalized guidance, accountability, and space to grow habits that actually last. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that fits your life—not someone else’s rules. Apply here to get started: Apply for Coaching [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfClDOY9TkyOxRNTYUrdVoM5LZy1pwxF40FLBwG-qjLT_U6zw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113833888175945469391].

Ep. 30 - Weeding Out Wellness Myths: “Change Is Linear”

In this episode, I’m exploring the myth that change is linear — and why believing it can keep us stuck in shame and self-criticism. I share my own story of emotional eating, what the science says about how change really happens, and how to work with the natural rhythms of growth instead of fighting them. You’ll learn practical ways to navigate the ups and downs of change — like reframing setbacks, tracking patterns instead of perfection, planning for disruptions, and celebrating every return to your healthy habits. Want to connect with Wellness in a Chaotic World? Join the free, private Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/668460928673648] Website: https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com] Instagram: @wellnessinachaoticworld [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinachaoticworld/] Facebook: @wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast] Sign Up for Wellness Insights and Podcast Updates Click here to sign up [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/617159/166153620205602080/share] for episode alerts, reflections, and more. Get Your Free Guide to Rooted, Sustainable Wellness Want simple ways to plant seeds of wellness in your daily life? Grab your free guide here: Planting Seeds of Well-Being [https://tinyurl.com/plantingseedsofwellbeing]. Defy the Chaos. Reclaim Your Well-Being. Thrive on Your Terms. Ready to go deeper? My 1:1 health coaching gives you personalized guidance, accountability, and space to grow habits that actually last. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that fits your life—not someone else’s rules. Apply here to get started: Apply for Coaching [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfClDOY9TkyOxRNTYUrdVoM5LZy1pwxF40FLBwG-qjLT_U6zw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113833888175945469391].

Ep. 29 - Weeding Out Wellness Myths: “If I Want It, I Should Just Do It”

Have you ever told yourself, “If I really wanted to change, I should just be able to do it” only to end up feeling stuck, frustrated, or even ashamed when you don't follow through? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m busting the myth that willpower and commitment are all it takes to make lasting change. I share why unconscious ambivalence is a completely normal part of the process, how our environment shapes our habits more than we realize, and why shame cycles can hold us back instead of helping us move forward. I’ll also tell a personal story about how giving up dairy wasn’t as simple as I thought it would be, and the lessons I learned along the way. You’ll walk away with practical strategies that can help you actually do the things you say you want to do. Want to connect with Wellness in a Chaotic World? Join the free, private Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/668460928673648] Website: https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com] Instagram: @wellnessinachaoticworld [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinachaoticworld/] Facebook: @wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast] Sign Up for Wellness Insights and Podcast Updates Click here to sign up [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/617159/166153620205602080/share] for episode alerts, reflections, and more. Get Your Free Guide to Rooted, Sustainable Wellness Want simple ways to plant seeds of wellness in your daily life? Grab your free guide here: Planting Seeds of Well-Being [https://tinyurl.com/plantingseedsofwellbeing]. Defy the Chaos. Reclaim Your Well-Being. Thrive on Your Terms. Ready to go deeper? My 1:1 health coaching gives you personalized guidance, accountability, and space to grow habits that actually last. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that fits your life—not someone else’s rules. Apply here to get started: Apply for Coaching [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfClDOY9TkyOxRNTYUrdVoM5LZy1pwxF40FLBwG-qjLT_U6zw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113833888175945469391].

Ep. 28 - Rethinking Our Beliefs About Money with Women, Worth & Wellness Founder Nancy Griffin

What does money have to do with health and wellness? More than we often realize. In this episode of Wellness in a Chaotic World, I sit down with Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth & Wellness [https://womenworthwellness.com/], who works with women to explore the connection between money, self-worth, and well-being. Together, we dig into the hidden beliefs we carry about wealth and how those beliefs quietly shape the choices we make. Over the past few years, I’ve had my own realizations about money—like how I often unconsciously capped what I felt “allowed” to earn. Looking back, it seemed like a matter of career circumstances, but underneath was a story about safety and self-worth. This conversation with Nancy is another reminder of how powerful these hidden money stories can be, and how freeing it is when we begin to shift them. Some of the key takeaways? * Health and wealth are inseparable. Your financial wellbeing supports your health, and your health is the foundation for everything else. * It’s okay to ask for help. Just as we lean on trusted health professionals, we can also turn to trusted advisors to guide our finances. * Honesty is the cornerstone. With yourself, a partner, or an advisor, truthfulness is what opens the door to real solutions. * You are worthy. Seeking guidance, asking questions, and taking ownership of your resources is an act of self-worth. If you’ve ever felt tension around money—whether it’s shame, confusion, or uncertainty—you’re not alone. This episode is an invitation to look at your money beliefs with compassion and curiosity, and to consider what healthier truths you might begin to carry forward. Nancy shares practical insights and encouragement that make this conversation feel both grounding and liberating. Whether you’re navigating a financial transition, rethinking your relationship with work, or simply curious about how money intersects with health, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to your own journey. Connect with Nancy Griffin: Website: womenworthwellness.com/ [https://womenworthwellness.com/] Email: nancy@womenworthwellness.com [nancy@womenworthwellness.com] IG: @womenworthandwellness [https://www.instagram.com/womenworthandwellness/] Want to connect with Wellness in a Chaotic World? Join the free, private Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/668460928673648] Website: https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com] Instagram: @wellnessinachaoticworld [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinachaoticworld/] Facebook: @wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast] Sign Up for Wellness Insights and Podcast Updates Click here to sign up [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/617159/166153620205602080/share] for episode alerts, reflections, and more. Get Your Free Guide to Rooted, Sustainable Wellness Want simple ways to plant seeds of wellness in your daily life? Grab your free guide here: Planting Seeds of Well-Being [https://tinyurl.com/plantingseedsofwellbeing]. Defy the Chaos. Reclaim Your Well-Being. Thrive on Your Terms. Ready to go deeper? My 1:1 health coaching gives you personalized guidance, accountability, and space to grow habits that actually last. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that fits your life—not someone else’s rules. Apply here to get started: Apply for Coaching [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfClDOY9TkyOxRNTYUrdVoM5LZy1pwxF40FLBwG-qjLT_U6zw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113833888175945469391].

Ep. 27 - When Progress Feels Slow: Choosing Patience & Prioritizing Well-Being

In this episode, I’m talking about something that often comes up in personal growth and the pursuit of well-being: that quiet, frustrating space where change feels slow and progress isn’t easy to measure. Maybe you’re showing up for yourself, making intentional choices, and still wondering, why don’t I feel further along by now? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not off track. Today, I’m exploring what it means to trust the process, give ourselves credit for the small shifts, and care for ourselves deeply during the in-between seasons. I’m sharing a personal reflection, a practice I use with my coaching clients, and a few gentle questions to help you reconnect with your own path — even if it’s unfolding more slowly than you'd like. This isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about moving with care. If you’re craving permission to slow down and a reminder that meaningful change often happens beneath the surface, I hope this episode gives you what you need. *** Listen to the Guided Visualization episode [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com/2025/05/27/guided-visualization-walking-path-to-future-self/] mentioned today, or read the blog post that inspired today's episode [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com/2025/05/29/when-progress-feels-slow-choosing-patience-prioritizing-well-being/]. Want to connect with Wellness in a Chaotic World? Join the free, private Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/668460928673648] Website: https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com [https://wellnessinachaoticworld.com] Instagram: @wellnessinachaoticworld [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinachaoticworld/] Facebook: @wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinachaoticworldpodcast] Sign Up for Wellness Insights and Podcast Updates Click here to sign up [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/617159/166153620205602080/share] for episode alerts, reflections, and more. Get Your Free Guide to Rooted, Sustainable Wellness Want simple ways to plant seeds of wellness in your daily life? Grab your free guide here: Planting Seeds of Well-Being [https://tinyurl.com/plantingseedsofwellbeing]. Defy the Chaos. Reclaim Your Well-Being. Thrive on Your Terms. Ready to go deeper? My 1:1 health coaching gives you personalized guidance, accountability, and space to grow habits that actually last. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that fits your life—not someone else’s rules. Apply here to get started: Apply for Coaching [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfClDOY9TkyOxRNTYUrdVoM5LZy1pwxF40FLBwG-qjLT_U6zw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113833888175945469391].