Be It Till You See It

In this week’s Fuck Yeah Friday, Lesley Logan highlights a powerful Māori perspective on autism that celebrates individuality and timing, shares community member Katie Donnelly’s inspiring website launch, and reflects on her own win of carving out intentional time with a best friend amidst a packed travel schedule. Tune in to be reminded that wins, big or small, deserve to be celebrated and that honoring your unique pace creates room for joy.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] .

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Māori perspective on autism as honoring individuality.
• Shifting focus to strengths instead of limitations.
• Katie Donnelly’s inspiring launch of her new website.
• Celebrating intentional scheduling for friendships.
• Wins as reminders that progress happens at every pace.

Episode References/Links:

• Autism in the Māori Culture - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKFvUjjOyJt
• Katie Donnelly Website - https://thepilatesdoula.com
• Ep. 424: Nadine Hanafi - https://beitpod.com/ep424
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions
• Nadine Hanafi Website Templates - https://nadinehanafi.com

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSI

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper’s Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Be in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlist

Be It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-survey

Be a part of Lesley’s Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/

FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/

Resources:

• Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Lesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/
• Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQ
• Profitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/

Follow Us on Social Media:

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/
• The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilates
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/
• The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses

Episode Transcript:

Lesley Logan 0:00  

It's Fuck Yeah Friday.

Brad Crowell 0:01  

Fuck yeah.

Lesley Logan 0:02  

Get ready for some wins. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.

Lesley Logan 0:48  

Hi, Be It babe. Happy Friday. We're here. It's the end of September. You made it. We are on the precipice of the last quarter, and that can make you freak out. Feel a sense of urgency, feel like you're behind and you're not. You're exactly where you're supposed to be. You're here listening to a Fuck Yeah Friday episode, because you need some inspiration. You need to know that, like, there's good things that are happening out there, and you could be sharing that you can send your wins or your questions into the Be It Pod at beitpod.com/questions there'll be a tab put your questions in, we answer those on Thursdays, and a tab put your wins in, so we can share them here with everybody. And no win is too small to share. 

Lesley Logan 1:21  

So, okay, this inspired me on the internet. It says, in Maori culture, autism is known as, I'm gonna say it crazy, takiwātanga, meaning in their own time and space, in their own time and space. And this powerful word reflects a worldview that honors neurodiversity, seeing each person's way of being as valid, dignified and deserving of respect, rather than focus on deficits. Takiwātanga, if you're a New Zealand person, if you can help me translate that, I'm happy to learn it, encourages inclusion, understanding and the belief that everyone experiences life at their own pace and in their own unique way. Let's embrace perspectives rather than respect mana (inherent dignity) and whanaungatanga (relationships). I learned so many words there. I'll put the link in the show notes so you can read this for yourself, but this is really beautiful to me, because I think there's a lot of talk about autism. There's a lot of more information that we have on it. There's a great podcast about autism and different people, like nonverbal autistic. And I just want to say, like, there are so many people who are saying things about people who are autistic, autistic in a way that makes it sound like we're focusing on, like, what they can't do. And guess what? I'm gonna tell you right now, while I'm not autistic, there's a lot of things I can't do, and we don't have a name for that for me, right? There's not a name for that for you, for the things you can't do. And so what if we actually had names for things that celebrated the positives and what they can do? You know, I think about, like, how I named this podcast. I named this podcast Be It Till You See It, so it focuses on the positive things you could do. Not like, it's gonna suck along the way, but keep going. You know, I named eLevate, our program for teachers who are, you know, diving into teaching at another level, because I want them to elevate their practice. I that's how I choose things, Agency, I want to remind our agency members that they actually have agency to do the things that they want to do. So I share this with you always just to say, like, what if we focus on what makes us unique and celebrated that versus like all the things that someone can't do, right? 

Lesley Logan 3:26  

Now, take this as you will, but I hope that inspires you. And also, I just saw this, and I thought this is the most beautiful thing in the whole world, in their own space and time. We should all be allowed to be in our own space and time. Okay? So that is something that inspired me. There's a link in the show notes to go there and check it out. 

Lesley Logan 3:45  

And we have Katie Donnelly. Okay, I've quietly slipped this onto the internet. I don't have the blog link up yet, and I still need a couple new pictures here, but there it is, LL, says, who says done is better than perfect, thepilatesdoula.com. This was made with Nadine and Digital Brand Kit's website template, and I would recommend it. So, Katie D, thank you for feeling that you can share it with the Be It Pod, your amazing win which is done is better than perfect and your website use a website template to get this done and put up there. And I know by the time that this is airing that it's even more done and even more in the process. But also like, watching you, over these last several years, take one step at a time towards who you want to help, and helping those people has been so beautiful. And you are a perfect example of like we are not on a race. You know you can have the life you want to have and help the people you want to have without overworking, and you really are doing that with grace. And so, thepilatesdoula.com, thank you so much. I'm so glad we got to share that with the world, and can't wait to see what you do next with it. Also, Nadine, y'all, she was on the Be It Pod, we'll put her link to her show in the show notes. And she has, if you want to make a website, she does have a template. She's got some great stuff. Make sure that you use our fabulous links so that they know that you were sent by us, and they give you the special treatment, of course. 

Lesley Logan 5:08  

Okay, now a win of mine. So my win is the since July, I haven't been home for more than two weeks at a time, not at all. And that usually makes me feel like, oh my god, I have to cram all this stuff in. I have to do all these things that I think I've told you guys this, we've, I said, and I've been planning over a year in advance on how to make sure we stay ahead of the game so that I'm not behind. And during those two weeks, I'm not actually cramming to get things in because I want to be sick. And so not only am I not behind on things, I'm actually ahead of everything. Two, I am spending this weekend with my best friend. I'm spending this weekend with her, and I am only home for two weeks, barely, barely two weeks before we're off to Chicago and then off to Cambodia. We'll be gone for 21 days. And of course, I could have been like, no, this is, there's not the right time. She also could have said it's not the right time, it's actually a joint win with us, because she actually is leaving the same day. I'm leaving for Chicago. She's leaving to visit family in Arkansas. Like life is busy, but we are intentional about getting together almost every year. It kind of ends up being every other year, but we do do something together, and so intentionality is important, and celebrating the win that we did it, we did the thing so we can make this happen. We could spend time with each other and just take some time to be with our friends. So when if you say yes to a friend for coffee, and you actually go do it, can you do me a favor, pat yourself on the back and celebrate that win that you did that? You have so many things you could doing, but you spent time with your friend, had a coffee, those coffee dates add up. They're important, all right? So again, an episode to remind you that wins happen in all shapes and sizes and all kinds of different things. Give me a win, and my win is I'm having a great time with a girlfriend in my own hometown, you know, during the during the busy chaos of our travels, because, because friendships are important and we need that. So anyways, if you need tips on how to plan ahead and how to do your schedule and how to do those things, I'm happy to answer them. Let me know if we need to bring guests on. We can make it a series, but just know that, like you can have a lot of what you want, we just have to actually make sure it fits in the schedule and it it's hard to cram things in, and you'll feel like you you you can't say yes to things if you're procrastinating all the time on yourself, right? So do the hard things earlier, and you can say yes to all the fun things. That's enough to say, but we need an affirmation. 

Lesley Logan 7:34  

All right, here we go. The affirmation is I make time to experience grief and sadness when necessary. I make time to experience grief and sadness when necessary. I make time to experience grief and sadness when necessary. Love is feeling your feelings. It's so important. It really is, it really is, and then letting them go. All right now, until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Lesley Logan 8:03  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 8:46  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell. 

Lesley Logan 8:51  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 8:55  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi. 

Lesley Logan 9:02  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals. 

Brad Crowell 9:05  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Lesley and Brad reflect on their conversation with author and podcast host Wendy Valentine, whose story of rebuilding after divorce and debt inspires bold self-discovery. In this recap, they unpack her perspective on authenticity, why growth requires discomfort, and how carving away what isn’t you can reveal your true self. Plus, they connect Wendy’s wisdom to practical ways you can face fear and step into the life you really want.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why letting go of what doesn’t belong reveals your authentic self.
• How your comfort zones keep you stuck in fear and familiarity.
• Why courage grows only when you take action.
• How to reframe your fear as a signal for possibility.

Episode References/Links:

• P.O.T. Chicago 2025 - https://pilates.com/pilates-on-tour-chicagoland
• Cambodia October 2025 Retreat Waitlist - https://crowsnestretreats.com
• Winter Tour Waitlist - https://opc.me/events
• Pilates Journal Expo - https://www.pilatesjournalexpo.com/los-angeles-pilates-expo
• Contrology Pilates Conference - https://www.korneliamulak.com/contrology-pilates-conference
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions
• The Midlife Makeover Show - https://wendyvalentine.com/podcast
• Book: Women Waking Up by Wendy Valentine - https://wendyvalentine.com/womenwakingup
• Ep. 316: Jessica Papineau - https://beitpod.com/jessicapapineau
• Ep. 400: Gay Hendricks - https://beitpod.com/gayhendricks
• Pilates Journal Expo - https://www.pilatesjournalexpo.com/los-angeles-pilates-expo12

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSI

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper’s Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Be in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlist

Be It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-survey

Be a part of Lesley’s Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/

FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/

Resources:

• Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Lesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/
• Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQ
• Profitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/

Follow Us on Social Media:

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/
• The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilates
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/
• The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses

Episode Transcript:

Lesley Logan 0:00  

We all have a little bit of fear when we step outside our comfort zone, but you got to do it if you want to have the life that you want to have. It just doesn't happen in the way. If it was going to happen in the life you're having now, you'd have it already. 

Lesley Logan 0:13  

Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.

Lesley Logan 0:55  

Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap.

Brad Crowell 1:02  

I feel caught any of the shit talking that happened before we started. No, you don't even know. You don't even know. Take it away. 

Lesley Logan 1:12  

Brad am I just gonna keep going. I'll just keep going. Brad and I are going to dig into the refreshingly genuine convo I had with Wendy Valentine in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, feel free to pause this now and go back and listen to that one, then come back and join us. You can listen to it twice if you're like Brad, maybe remember, just saying, love you so much. 

Lesley Logan 1:35  

So today is September 25th 2025 and it is One-Hit Wonder Day. One-Hit Wonder Day takes place every year on September 25th.

Brad Crowell 1:48  

Yeah, I put that stuff in there just so that you have to repeat literally the same.

Lesley Logan 1:52  

Well, sometimes it's every third Thursday, so it's not exactly the same but, but the day is the perfect excuse to listen to songs that have been in your head since they first aired. So that doesn't make sense. If it's a one-hit wonder, it should just be the day to be honoring other one-hit wonder they flubbed it anyways. I think you should go listen to only one-hit wonders, and I have some good ones for you. So buckle up and get ready to remember all the artists whose names have have been lost to time, but whose works have stayed behind in our minds and hearts. Here's everything you need to know about one-hit wonders and the people who made them. Brad has a list.

Brad Crowell 2:26  

Well, I don't have a list of everything you need to know about them, but I do have a list of one-hit wonders. So (inaudible) I'm just gonna pick one from each decade. 

Lesley Logan 2:35  

Okay, that's fine. But then can I share my favorite one-hit wonder of the 90s?

Brad Crowell 2:38  

Okay, when we get to the 90s. All right, so the 1970s, My Sharona. 

Lesley Logan 2:46  

That was a one hit wonder? 

Brad Crowell 2:47  

By The Knack. Yeah, ever heard of The Knack? 

Lesley Logan 2:50  

No, but I heard My Sharona.

Brad Crowell 2:55  

Okay, from the 80s, all right, we've got, let's see, this is one of my favorite songs of all times, all time, the times, Take On Me by A-ha. 

Lesley Logan 3:12  

A-ha. Take On Me.

Brad Crowell 3:14  

Take on me.

Lesley Logan 3:15  

You don't love that because it's you can't actually, that is hurting people's ears, (inaudible) but that's a hard song to sing. It's kind of like Africa. You can't like you like, A-ha, because it's like, Toto like, it's really hard to sing. Take like, like, he changes.

Brad Crowell 3:32  

Yes, he does, yes he does. It's a very it's like crazy range. 1990s. 

Lesley Logan 3:38  

Hey. Well, why don't you say, well, let's just see if you picked the one I pick.

Brad Crowell 3:41  

All right. Well, so there's a bunch. 

Brad Crowell 3:44  

There's so many. (inaudible)

Lesley Logan 3:45  

It also really spans a whole decade, because, like, one of the songs I was like, that was the 90s, I remember being like, in the sixth grade, and the one I picked, I remember, like, knowing in high school. So anyways, clearly, that's what I did in the 90s, was go to school. What do you got?

Brad Crowell 3:58  

All right. All right. So obviously, Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.

Lesley Logan 4:03  

Oh, of course, I wouldn't pick that, but yes, Tubthumping was great. But they're not really a one-hit wonder because they had another hit. 

Brad Crowell 4:09  

No, they didn't. 

Lesley Logan 4:10  

Oh, they didn't? 

Brad Crowell 4:10  

I don't think they had another hit. 

Lesley Logan 4:11  

They had another song that, like, made it to my radio in Lodi. It wasn't as good, you're right. 

Brad Crowell 4:19  

I mean, if they did, oh yeah, you know what, I get knocked down. 

Lesley Logan 4:25  

Yeah, that's not Tubthumping? 

Brad Crowell 4:27  

I think it is Tubthumping. How come it's oh, they released it different titles. 

Lesley Logan 4:31  

Okay. 

Brad Crowell 4:32  

No, I think it's the same. So, yeah, I basically, I think that's their song. 

Lesley Logan 4:35  

Okay, all right. 

Brad Crowell 4:36  

That is the only one that I actually know. 

Lesley Logan 4:38  

Okay, so okay, how do you how are you going to pick between Sex and Candy and Closing Time? 

Brad Crowell 4:43  

Oh, Sex and Candy is great. 

Lesley Logan 4:45  

Because did you even listen to Sex and Candy when you were in the 90s? 

Brad Crowell 4:47  

No, on the school bus. 

Lesley Logan 4:49  

Okay. 

Brad Crowell 4:49  

I love sex and candy. Yeah, so, but, but also, listen like there's so many others. 

Lesley Logan 4:55  

Yeah, it's a lot deeper. 

Brad Crowell 4:57  

How about Macarena?

Lesley Logan 4:58  

Well, no, can't even start with that one. That's not good. It's gonna get in your head. 

Brad Crowell 5:02  

How about Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something? 

Lesley Logan 5:05  

Is Chumbawamba and Tubthumping the same song or different song?

Brad Crowell 5:08  

Chumbawamba is the band. 

Lesley Logan 5:10  

Oh, I see, I see, I see. Okay. 

Brad Crowell 5:11  

Yeah. How about Semisonic?

Lesley Logan 5:14  

Well, yeah, that's exactly what I was saying. Closing Time. That's the best song. 

Brad Crowell 5:19  

It's a great song. 

Lesley Logan 5:20  

Did you know? And I think Bitter Sweet Symphony was a one-hit because they, I think they got in trouble with the music. 

Brad Crowell 5:25  

Oh yeah, yeah. 

Lesley Logan 5:26  

Which is such a bummer, because it's such a good song. 

Brad Crowell 5:28  

Um, okay, 2000s. 

Lesley Logan 5:30  

Oh yeah, I guess we have to get out of the 90s. 

Brad Crowell 5:31  

We're moving on. 2000s, there's a couple, but I think my famous, my favorite.

Lesley Logan 5:38  

Hold on, I have to go back. Save Tonight. That's another one-hit wonder. 

Brad Crowell 5:43  

Yeah. Eagle-Eye Cherry, I would never have been able to tell you the name of the band.

Lesley Logan 5:48  

Yeah. Okay. Anyways, go ahead. 2000 

Brad Crowell 5:49  

All right. 2000s. 

Lesley Logan 5:50  

A great time for fashion. 

Brad Crowell 5:52  

Yeah. Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus. 

Lesley Logan 5:56  

Oh, that. I need. 

Brad Crowell 5:57  

I'm just a teenage dirtbag baby.

Lesley Logan 6:00  

Dirt bag, baby. Oh, my god.

Brad Crowell 6:03  

Or Somebody That I Used to Know by Gautier. 

Lesley Logan 6:07  

Oh, yeah. 

Brad Crowell 6:08  

You're just somebody that I used to know. Gnarls Barkley, I don't know if he's really a one-hit wonder, because he has a career and but, but he's also part of another group, all the things.

Lesley Logan 6:20  

Is this I Wasn't Me? 

Brad Crowell 6:21  

No, crazy.

Lesley Logan 6:23  

Oh, okay, but isn't he the same person who Wasn't Me? 

Brad Crowell 6:26  

Wasn't me. I don't think so. 

Lesley Logan 6:29  

Okay, this is exactly what people want to hear. They're yelling at us in their videos. I want you, if you're yelling at as right now, tell us who.

Lesley Logan 6:36  

2010's Psy. 

Lesley Logan 6:38  

Psy. 

Brad Crowell 6:39  

Yeah. Gangnam Style.

Lesley Logan 6:41  

Oh, that. That's an annoying that's like the Macarena. It makes me mad.

Brad Crowell 6:45  

I think it became like the most watched YouTube video in history, or something like that. I can't remember. And then here we go. Now we've got other notables. Vanessa Carlton, 1000 Miles. Oh, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The impression I Get, yeah, that's the 90s. 1000 Miles is 2002. Anyway, if you have a favorite one-hit wonder that we did not cover here, you have to make sure you let us know. 

Lesley Logan 7:18  

I guess, when do we find out it's a one-hit wonder? Because, like, is there any one-hit wonders that are recent, you know, or is it like we don't it doesn't happen because, like, the labels don't even make any, you know, risks, take any risks anymore. You know what? I have a one-hit wonder for everyone. It's not happened yet, but I believe in it. There is a great turkey song that you can all go listen to our dear friend, Geoffro. This is going to be a definite one-hit wonder. He is not a one hit wonder. He is a Grammy Award winning writer, but he has a gobble song that we can all, as a Be It group, make a one-hit wonder, if you go to Spotify right now and listen to this. 

Brad Crowell 8:00  

Really hilarious turkey song. 

Lesley Logan 8:01  

Hilarious Thanksgiving song in September.

Brad Crowell 8:06  

Geoffro is G-E-O-F-F-R-O. If you're really curious about this, ping us and I'll send you a link. So I looked it up at what time after a band is out, do we decide that it's a one-hit wonder band? There's no official rule, but there is an understood 10-year rule. The music industry observers often consider an artist a one-hit wonder if they fail to produce another significant chart topping hit within 10 years of their initial success.

Lesley Logan 8:30  

10 you've 10 years to have another hit. You guys, did you hear that?

Brad Crowell 8:34  

Chart-topping. So that's like getting drafted to the NBA twice.

Lesley Logan 8:39  

Okay. Regardless, uh, that means, everyone, you are allowed to have two amazing goals happen in 10 years and still be considered ridiculously amazing. And so don't like, don't worry about how long the valley is in between, because you too could have another hit. 

Brad Crowell 8:57  

Ain't no valley. 

Lesley Logan 8:58  

Oh, but that's not a one-hit wonder. That, in fact, is a wonderful song, which we're not going to sing right now because we got to move on. 

Lesley Logan 9:05  

You guys, next week we're going to be in Chicago, P.O.T. Chicago at Burr Ridge. We're going to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. I'm gonna teach at Joe gyms, Joe's gyms. You gotta check it out. I don't think there's any spots left, but if, you should always come by.

Brad Crowell 9:19  

Yeah, come hang at the booth. Just come say hello, you know.

Lesley Logan 9:22  

I should always just check because sometimes people can't make it and someone's trying to sell a ticket, so go check it out. Also in October, which is next week. So we're gonna go to Cambodia. We're gonna fly from Chicago to Cambodia. Yeah, I'm shipping clothes home. This is not I'm shipping clothes to somewhere, and I don't even understand the weather that we are doing in this world. 

Brad Crowell 9:41  

Yeah, maybe I'll ship clothes home too. That's not a bad idea. 

Lesley Logan 9:44  

Yeah because, like, what? What are we going to do with Chicago clothes in Cambodia? Yeah. Also, we kind of just stay indoors the whole time so, but whatever, still gonna send some clothes home. You can go to crowesnestretreats.com to sign up for next year's Cambodia retreat. There's an amazing waitlist you can get on. 

Brad Crowell 10:03  

Yeah, get on the waitlist because in January, we're going to be making a big announcement about the dates and all the things and doing the early bird, so.

Lesley Logan 10:10  

People on the wait list, get the best early bird. 

Brad Crowell 10:12  

People on the waitlist get the early bird. 

Lesley Logan 10:14  

And if it sells on the early bird, well, then that's all. Then we're going to go to, on our way home from Cambodia, we're gonna hit Singapore. We have a long layover. We're going to do a little bit Botanical Garden viewing, but we're also gonna teach some Pilates there. So I'm super, super excited about that. I don't even know if you can go, but I'll be there. 

Brad Crowell 10:29  

No, it's a closed event. 

Lesley Logan 10:30  

It's closed event. But Brad, so Brad just wants to make sure, you know, we're gonna be in Singapore. 

Brad Crowell 10:33  

That's where we're gonna be. 

Lesley Logan 10:34  

And you can't come. 

Brad Crowell 10:35  

No, sorry. 

Lesley Logan 10:36  

Sorry. In December, we're also going to be on winter tour, and we're actually announcing that next week. Opc.me/events, October 1st. 

Brad Crowell 10:46  

October 1st y'all. Get ready.

Lesley Logan 10:47  

We have people who are like, when is it announcing? When is it announcing? You better be on opc.me/events, because they're gonna get a special email, then our list gets email, then it does get posted on the socials. But you know the algorithm, so you're gonna want to make sure this is gonna be the coolest event, and I want to see you at several locations. I'm just saying, I'm demanding that. So before we get into the amazing. 

Lesley Logan 11:08  

I mean, this past tour, this past summer tour, we had multiple people at multiple events.

Lesley Logan 11:12  

I think I also just want to announce, can I? I'm going to add two more things, because it's now officially announced, we could talk about it. So January, we're going to be at the Pilates Expo, so that you want to be the Pilates Journal Expo will be there with a booth, and I'll be teaching. And then. 

Brad Crowell 11:26  

Where is that? 

Lesley Logan 11:28  

It's in Huntington Beach. But there it says L.A. so it's L.A. adjacent. It's in Huntington Beach, (inaudible) in January is stunning, wonderful. And we're going to be there. The dates, I don't remember, but they're, they're kind of like that right after we're done with winter tour, we're like, just going to keep the tour bus, going to be completely honest, and then we are going to go, we'll be home for a little bit. Then in March, I'm going to be in Poland at the Contrology conference in Poland, with Karen Frischman, and then Karen, Brad and I are going to do a little backpacking around the lovely Europe for a couple days, and we're going to land in Belgium, and I can officially announce we are teaching in Brussels at Elle's studio. Pillow Tells, and we're having a really wonderful conference with Elle's and Karen and I. So I don't have a link for that in the moment we're recording, but I promise you, if you go, if you just Google.

Brad Crowell 12:23  

I just want to make a clarification. It's not the Pilates Expo, it's the Pilates Journal Expo. 

Lesley Logan 12:29  

Yeah, I said that. 

Brad Crowell 12:30  

Okay. Pilates Journal Expo, yeah. So search for the Pilates journal Expo 2026, and you'll find the one that Lesley is at. They are tickets are open. I think for that now.

Brad Crowell 12:42  

Yeah they're open. 

Lesley Logan 12:43  

So yeah, definitely check it out. Yep, and then, and then Poland, and then Brussels, so that takes you all the way into end of March. So Europe, it's not technically a tour, but we got two places, so you better come. You better come I'm telling you, don't even know what 2027 has in store. Barely can keep up with what's going on right now. Just saying. So anyways, okay, now, before we get with Wendy, we have to answer one of the wonderful questions that came in. 

Lesley Logan 13:13  

We sure do. All right, betterdaypilates is asking, hey, I'm not a foot this isn't a footwork question per se, per se, but footwork related, what are your thoughts on an unpadded foot bar? 

Lesley Logan 13:27  

Love it. 

Brad Crowell 13:28  

Betterdaypilates, I can already tell you the answer is, better than a padded foot bar. Why? Feedback. Oh, shoot. Because also safety. Oh, shoot. Brad, jumping in for the win here, okay, you can take over. 

Lesley Logan 13:42  

Yeah, I think some people would argue that the padded bars are less slippery, so they'll there's a, here's a deal on. 

Brad Crowell 13:48  

If your feet are like, crusty or slimy, then sure you're gonna slide, but. 

Lesley Logan 13:54  

Some people have sweaty palms. 

Brad Crowell 13:56  

I mean, I guess so. I personally would just have chalk in the studio for that. I think it would make it stickier, though it's metal. 

Brad Crowell 14:02  

You would, one would think, but I think it depends on the person. But anyway, I agree with you on all of that, just because you can have a better grip on the foot bar with an unpadded bar, you can feel it. It is. We are. We need to teach grip strength. Grip strength does not come from hanging out in wrist. So I love an unpadded foot bar so when your hands are on, you can actually get your forearms on. I love it on the feet. I know people were. 

Brad Crowell 14:25  

You were thinking about with your hands. Of course, I was thinking about it with my feet. 

Lesley Logan 14:29  

Yeah, yeah. So with feet, I love it because you're right feedback, um, a football, a foot pad, a foot bar. It's really easy for you not to notice that your foot is pushing harder on one side than the other. Also, those who think it's gonna be painful. The actual reality is, if you're doing footwork correctly, unless you have a like, like, a literal foot condition, like some sometimes diabetics, or some people with like, neuropathy, you actually are not feeling the metal on your foot because you're not pushing from the knee. You're pushing from the whole center. And so if you're doing it, if you're doing footwork correctly, even on four springs, I do not feel pain. And I used to have, like, like, I kind of don't have any fat on the bottom of my big toe ball of my foot, but it doesn't, I don't feel it as painful I thought I would. I truly did. I remember, I remember the studio when they're like, oh, we're gonna take the pads off the foot bars. I'm like, I just, I just was like, oh my god. I literally thought to myself, they're gonna lose all their business. Like, that's what I thought. I fucking love it. I love it. Take the pad off. I promise you'll love it. If you have an if you've a question and you want to answer to a question, any kind of question, you can go to beitpod.questions and submit your questions, or your win, beitpod.com/question?

Brad Crowell 15:41  

Yes.

Lesley Logan 15:41  

Yeah, that's what I said. 

Brad Crowell 15:43  

Say it again. 

Lesley Logan 15:45  

BeItPod.com/questions, yes.

Lesley Logan 15:47  

Or you can text us at 310-905-5534.

Brad Crowell 15:51  

310-905-5534

Lesley Logan 15:56  

We still haven't, see, it's really easy see, we still haven't purchased like, 310 be it pod.

Brad Crowell 16:03  

We're not gonna do that. 

Lesley Logan 16:05  

Why? I think it's so much more easy to remember. Don't you remember like, the oh, you know, like 805, called, got junk. Like, yeah. All right, let's talk about Wendy Valentine. 

Brad Crowell 16:19  

Stick around. We'll be right back.

Brad Crowell 16:21  

All right. Welcome back. Let's talk about Wendy Valentine. Wendy is an author and the host of the midlife makeover show, and is often described as a magical beam of light, known for her energy and constant evolving.

Lesley Logan 16:36  

Please add something like that to my bio. She's often talked about as a magical beam of light, I would like it added to my bio.

Brad Crowell 16:44  

You're just a red-headed magical beam of light. 

Lesley Logan 16:46  

Yeah. 

Brad Crowell 16:47  

At 45 Wendy overcame divorce, chronic illness and $150,000 of debt, pivoting from unemployment. Pivoting is I hate that word. She figured out a way to get out of unemployment. And then had corporate success, and then she quit her corporate success and to follow her passions, which is pretty (inaudible).

Lesley Logan 17:09  

Yeah, she like, got in and out and, like, really, yeah, within a couple of years, I think we hate pivot guys, because we are tired of being the pivoters. Like, we're so good at pivoting and like, I can't fucking pivot one more time before I'm turned back the way I started. I'm just gonna say it right now. 

Brad Crowell 17:22  

Well, Wendy pivoted into authoring Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for PassionPurpose and Play. She's providing guidance through her robust framework for individuals seeking to make significant shifts in their lives, especially during pivotal periods like midlife. 

Lesley Logan 17:40  

That's a better pivotal. 

Brad Crowell 17:41  

That's a better pivotal, that's a pivotal, that's a real pivotal.

Lesley Logan 17:45  

I don't know why we just started critiquing a bio. Alright. 

Brad Crowell 17:48  

It's a bio we wrote. 

Lesley Logan 17:49  

Yeah, it's a bio we wrote. 

Brad Crowell 17:51  

We wrote it. 

Lesley Logan 17:51  

So that's not how we treat our guests. We wrote that one.

Brad Crowell 17:55  

Wendy kicks ass and takes names. And it's amazing. You know, it's always, it's always fascinating to me to meet someone who is divorced, because if they're out and about and they're putting their their best foot forward, you're meeting them and you're like, This person is so cool. How could they have been in a relationship that didn't go well, right? And.

Brad Crowell 18:21  

I agree I understand what you mean, because you. 

Brad Crowell 18:22  

Do you know what I mean. Like, we meet them and we're like, wow, I love this person. How did, how did it, how did it all break down and, and I, I want to say that her bio kind of, I feel like her bio is something that we often overlook in that assumption, and that she pivoted. She made major changes from where who she was and where she was and what she wanted and all the things to who she is today. So now that we're meeting her, she's had this massive life experience that forced change, forced self- reflection, and she's come out the other side a magical beam of light.

Lesley Logan 19:05  

Yeah, exactly, exactly. And I think, like, you know, especially if you get divorced in your 40s, right? Like she had a kid, like she had a whole life, and, you know, life turned out differently than she expected. And it does when you're when you're into your 20s, like, this is how my life's gonna be. And then you get to your 30s, like, thank fucking god, it didn't turn out like that. But some people got married in there and so.

Brad Crowell 19:29  

Well, I feel like that, like, and the reason that I, I am reflecting on that is because I feel like that happened for me too in in that. 

Lesley Logan 19:36  

Oh, were you hoping I say how did you get divorced? How could anyone let you go?

Brad Crowell 19:40  

Yes, this was really just a long fishing excursion for you to compliment me. You're lucky to catch me, babe. No, I even it personally, in my own self-love, who I was before, I thought I knew who I was and I felt confident, sort of, but after that experience, then I actually was like, I had spent the better part of a year just working on me, just thinking about me, thinking about my actions, my thoughts, the things that I was doing, and making decisions on those instead of spending like coasting through or floating through or just not really being attuned to any of that stuff, like we often get into these, these grooves, these ruts, and that don't realize, because you're forced into this, this period of self-reflection and introspection, I feel like you come out the other side feeling better, you know, hopefully, yeah. 

Lesley Logan 20:46  

Yeah. I think so. I think also, anytime something literally changes your life, like you're lit where you wake up, who you wake up with, where you wake up, all that, all that stuff you it has to change you, and if it doesn't, you get to do it again. That's how life goes. Here's I liked. She said she critiques the often big advice, like, be your authentic self. Love her. 

Brad Crowell 21:10  

Be authentic. 

Lesley Logan 21:11  

My god, when we first saw this podcast, you remember like we had so many people whose be it action was like, get to know yourself. Be authentic. And I was like, so we're gonna need to understand, how do you do that? 

Brad Crowell 21:22  

How? 

Lesley Logan 21:23  

How do you do that? 

Brad Crowell 21:23  

How does one get to know themselves? 

Lesley Logan 21:26  

She said, she clarified, it's not learning who you are to become. It's learning who you are not. I love that, because I think a lot of people start with what they want or who they want to be, but you certainly know who you don't want to be. You certainly know what you don't like and what you don't want to be. I think that sometimes it's easier to start with, like, I don't want to be that, so I want to be that. Then what changes do I have to make? If I don't want to be person who who mopes around all the time, well then what are you gonna do? You know? So I really, I really liked that. And she said, oh, she, she, she used an analogy of Michelangelo's carving, David, where he just, is it Michelangelo or David? 

Brad Crowell 22:08  

Michelangelo's carving of David. 

Lesley Logan 22:09  

Of David. Clearly, I'm not. Hello, guys, my family was a was poor.

Brad Crowell 22:13  

Our history 17 over there. 

Lesley Logan 22:15  

Well, okay, let me just tell you, there was no art history in my schooling. I was a poor girl at public school known art history, and my family doesn't have art because that's expensive stuff. So I am not educated. So Michelangelo's carving of the David, where he just carved everything away that was not him.

Brad Crowell 22:35  

Yep. 

Lesley Logan 22:36  

You don't like the word of the David. 

Brad Crowell 22:37  

It's not the David. 

Lesley Logan 22:38  

It's just David. 

Lesley Logan 22:39  

It's just David carving dvid, carving of David. Yeah, is this David?

Lesley Logan 22:45  

Somebody? Where is it? When the one from the Bible? Is it just a random David?

Brad Crowell 22:49  

I'm pretty sure it's David from the Bible. Let me find out now, because (inaudible).

Lesley Logan 22:52  

Like David of David and Goliath,

Brad Crowell 22:55  

they say Michelangelo's David because it's called the statue is called David. But who is David? Michael and David? No one. 

Lesley Logan 23:10  

GDavid is, come on chat GPT. Come on right. Be faster. People are waiting.

Lesley Logan 23:18  

They're yelling at us. They already know.

Lesley Logan 23:20  

Doesn't actually say, oh, so we don't it could be any David. 

Brad Crowell 23:22  

No, I don't think so. She was somebody. 

Lesley Logan 23:22  

Like from Schitt's Creek. It's David from Schitt's Creek. 

Brad Crowell 23:22  

No, it's, okay, so, it is from the biblical story of David, the tale of a young shepherd boy who served the Israelites. So David and Goliath. David, pretty sure it's that David.

Lesley Logan 23:38  

Okay, that David, um, I think we like that. David, all right. Anyways, she advised. 

Brad Crowell 23:43  

Did some good things, did some not so good things. 

Lesley Logan 23:45  

Right, I'm pretty sure later in life. 

Brad Crowell 23:47  

He's human. 

Lesley Logan 23:48  

Yeah, um, we're all allowed to be a little human. Uh, she advised, so he caught so Michelangelo essentially carved everything was not him. And I kind of like that, like, you're just chiseling away at what's not you. Like, it's like when you clean out your closet, like, Jessica Papineau's episode, right? You got to get rid of the clothes that no longer represent who you are.

Brad Crowell 24:07  

I love that. And I think that's, that's a great comparison. Actually, I love that. 

Lesley Logan 24:11  

Well, it's something we can actually apply to ourselves, since none of us are going on carving statues. I mean, maybe three listeners are. But like, I'm certain.

Brad Crowell 24:18  

We did end up at a sculptor's studio here in Vegas. And I was, like, intrigued, because she's been doing it for something like 50 or so years. And it was like, Wow. What a it's she made it way more hobby. She turned it into a business. 

Lesley Logan 24:31  

It's called Romancing the Stone. 

Brad Crowell 24:33  

Yes, it is. That's what it's called. That's impressive.

Lesley Logan 24:37  

Well, it's because I, like, thought about the movie, but I was never like, I just remember sitting in that place going, he's gonna want to take a class here. And I this is a skill set, I can tell you right now don't have, I don't have the patience to carve away what's not this rock. So anyways, she also explained that sometimes we know the things that are not us because we still cling to it for comfort. That's why people stick around to people that treat 'em like shit or a job they hate, because it's comfortable. It's not uncomfortable enough. 

Brad Crowell 25:11  

Yeah, I think it's also fear, you know, fear of the unknown. I think that comfort and fear kind of go hand in hand. Believe it or not, you feel comfortable, but you're actually afraid to make change. Yeah, so you're unwilling to, like, take a risk?

Lesley Logan 25:26  

What is it? Like, the, the the villain you know, or the, what is it? What's the saying? Like. 

Brad Crowell 25:31  

The devil you know is a. 

Lesley Logan 25:32  

The devil you know it's the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know. But, like, so negative, because, like, you're assuming there's always a double out there. Anyways, there's a story about a dog that. 

Brad Crowell 25:44  

Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't. 

Lesley Logan 25:47  

Yeah. That's, you know what that is, you guys, the patriarchy trying to keep you small. That's what that is. It's like the penny saved is a penny earned bullshit. All those things are bullshit.

Brad Crowell 25:57  

That's a Malarkey, right there. 

Lesley Logan 25:59  

Yeah. So, um, but, uh, but I also I just think, like, I go, we can go back to Gay Hendrickson. We all have a little bit of fear when we step outside our comfort zone. But you got to do it if you want to have the life that you want to have. It just doesn't happen in the way. If it was going to happen in the life you're having now, you'd have it already, right? Brad Bizjack is going to have an episode coming out really soon in October. Stay tuned. But the other day, he mentioned something like, you know, what got you here won't take you there. 

Brad Crowell 26:28  

Yeah, yeah. I think it's good to clarify that, because if it was going to happen in the life you have right now, meaning, if the thing that you want was going to happen, why wouldn't have it have already happened today, right? Like, why wouldn't it have happened to date?

Lesley Logan 26:43  

Doing doing the exact same things over and over again, expecting a different result is insanity.

Brad Crowell 26:48  

So, I mean, that's not, that's yes, but yes, it is not a you have to change in order to get attain, or grow, or any of those things.

Lesley Logan 26:58  

If you hate your job, but you never look for another job, the likelihood of a job landing in your lap isn't going to happen unless you're telling people, I want a new job.

Brad Crowell 27:07  

Yeah, yeah. I mean, and putting that out there allows people to start, you know, responding to you, responding to that, thinking about you. You are constantly thinking about that. You know, it's you gotta, you gotta take action. Y'all take action. 

Lesley Logan 27:27  

What do you like? 

Brad Crowell 27:27  

My favorite thing was, when she was talking about comfort zone, we were just kind of covering it. But the comfort zone, it is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there, and I'm not and like, it's just another way to talk about, like, what we were just saying that I've never really thought about, I don't know, like we have these goals and what's going to happen, like, we want to get to this place or or build this thing, or have a house, or I don't buy a car, or whatever it is, like, whatever the goal is, Right? And then when we get it, you know, I think, I think that there's a time to we can allow ourselves to enjoy the thing, and we should. It's important to celebrate, right? But that shouldn't be the end of the story, right? We're not going to celebrate forever. We're not going to enjoy it forever. There's, I think, like there. This is where this idea of balance, like there's, there's a, imagine, if you're, let's think about about, like a work week. Imagine if the work week, you take the weekend to enjoy the fishing boat that you bought, because you use it, you go out and you use it. But then during the week, you're doing what you're moving the ball forward with life with, you know, there's you're creating growth. And this idea that the comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there, you know, unless you're trying to become a pro fishermen you know, or woman, you're not going out on the fishing boat to practice. You're going out in the fishing boat to enjoy. It's a comfort. It's a comfort, but, but nothing's growing there, you know, except maybe your beer belly, right? Because you're just throwing them back. 

Lesley Logan 29:09  

It's an interesting analogy. I can follow it, I think so.

Brad Crowell 29:15  

She quoted Marianne Williamson. She said, our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I don't know. I'm like, she's I think she's an interesting lady, yet she's very influential. But I think that, I don't think that people are afraid that they're powerful. I think that's a that's like, that's an interesting, intriguing thing to say, but I don't think anybody thinks about themselves being powerful and being afraid of that, unless maybe, if they're a parent, maybe then they're like, oh my god, I'm in I have I'm responsible for somebody's life. There's power there.

Lesley Logan 29:53  

I certainly hope every parent thinks that. I really wonder. 

Brad Crowell 29:56  

I really hope so. But. 

Lesley Logan 29:58  

Our listeners, who are parents, do. So I hear you. I don't, because I don't go wrong. I'm so powerful. I'm going to, like, I don't. I often think, like, oh my god, I'm not good enough for this, but I understand the sentiment. And so if we just put a different person's name on there, I think you probably wouldn't doubt it so much. Brad is just showing his true colors on Marianne Williamson, I actually think that is I, I actually think I can explain that sentence too. So many people's goals actually scare them. You don't think of a goal in life that you want to do. Nothing comes to your mind of something that you desire to do unless you had the power to do it right. And so I think their goals are exciting, and then scare the fuck out of them. And so I think that that's what the deepest fear is (inaudible) because they're what they what everybody here believe, like, someday I'm going to be doing X, but then they go, then they have to, like, take the next step, and it's like, oh, how am I going to do that? You know, like, and so I actually think that that's where the line is, but.

Brad Crowell 31:03  

I just, I just went to a rally where somebody made an announcement that they were going to run for a political office, and and I immediately felt scared for them, of like, oh my god, this is like a really tall order, like, this is a this is a huge this felt intimidating, and it created this fear. And it was really weird, because it was a relatively intimate setting. And she, she jokingly said, Does anybody think I'm crazy? And I raised my hand, and she said, Oh, you have a question? And I said, no, I think you're crazy to the whole crowd. I said, But crazy in a good way. I said, this. This creates a lot of fear in me, but it's the kind of fear that makes you want to go do the thing. It's not like the fear of that, like, incapacitating fear, but it's that, like, it's like, if anybody's ever done skydiving, there's that moment where you're leaning out of the plane and you're like, holy shit, I'm about to do this, right? And, yeah, so, you know, I think, you know, there's something to that, like, that's, that's kind of fear, that is, like, it is motivating, yeah, you know what I mean.

Lesley Logan 32:28  

Yeah, I do. I think it's really great. I think that, like, I really just like what Wendy said, let's go back to when quoting Wendy, yeah, which is the comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. Like, a comfort zone is like laying on your couch every night watching binge watching Netflix, but wishing you had a friend or a partner. Nothing's growing on that fucking couch. Nothing so you know, what else?

Brad Crowell 32:52  

Yeah. Well, that just made me think of your coffee for two things. I thought, I think it's I just really think it's cool that you were very intentional about how you were building your life so that you weren't just sitting on the couch, or weren't just working yourself to death. You know, in the middle of working hard.

Lesley Logan 33:09  

I also saved every Thursday night for a date night. Would not let a fry, would not hang out with a friend if nothing had nothing, no one asked. I just went home on a Thursday night. I saved that night and I saved Christmas for a partner. Look what I got.

Brad Crowell 33:25  

That's right, you're lucky to have me. 

Lesley Logan 33:26  

I got a divorcee who would ever let him go.

Brad Crowell 33:32  

Wendy said when you get to the other side of that comfort that is more beautiful, and yes, you will then grow. So comfort, I feel like has its place, but it's also it can be like a sticking point. So, yeah, I think it's great. I think, you know, there's a time for it, but there's also a time to keep moving. Yeah. 

Brad Crowell 33:57  

Well, stick around. We, by the way, I don't know if we said this yet, except for the very beginning, but Wendy is a fireball of energy.

Lesley Logan 34:08  

Oh, if you haven't listened, you need to go, she's like a cold shower in a good way, you know. 

Brad Crowell 34:13  

Yeah, it's such a fun conversation. 

Lesley Logan 34:16  

If you're having a funky day, you gotta go listen to it. You'll have an unfunky day. 

Brad Crowell 34:20  

Yes, love it. 

Lesley Logan 34:21  

I'm pretty sure that this recap is one of the weirdest you've ever listened to, so.

Brad Crowell 34:24  

Well, stick around. We'll be right back, because we're going to cover those epic Be It Action Items that we got from Wendy, that she made up on the treadmill right before while she's doing her workout, right before your interview. So we'll be right back. 

Brad Crowell 34:38  

All right, so finally, all right, so finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items. Say it with me, what bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo with Wendy Valentine? 

Lesley Logan 34:52  

Well, why don't you start? 

Brad Crowell 34:53  

Yeah, so she made up her own Be It framework, and she said, B become your own BFF. She really is focused on self-love, I think that was one of the things that she learned after going through her midlife crisis. She said you've got to stop that ticker tape of thoughts, the negative thoughts, and replace it with something really good, friendly thoughts. E, envision, envision who you want to become, not just the what, who you want to become, not just the what. Right? I is invite her in, act as if, literally say every single day, act like the woman or person you want to become, right? So invite her in. And then T she said take it. 

Lesley Logan 35:37  

Take action. 

Brad Crowell 35:38  

Take it. She asked how do you get courage? By taking action. Leap and then network will appear, right? So I love it. I think that's a great spin on, you know, bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted.

Lesley Logan 35:51  

And she gave more. But also I feel like we should like save this, because this is a great way to describe what being it till you see it is. From the beam of light of Wendy Valentine. She defined it for us. She also said she heard Deepak Deepak Chopra say, feel your way through life. Feel your way through life. And so she advised, no matter what we were doing, to ask ourselves, how does it feel, and more importantly, how does it feel to who you are becoming and the life you're creating? Does it does it lie? Does it align? That's, that's not a one-hit wonder, but it's a great song. She also said stop overthinking. Just feel your way through life. I, actually, I know that can scare people, because they're like, I they're like, holding a tight grip on life, because, if they like, let go, chaos is gonna happen. It's gonna fucking happen anyways. That's life. I tell you right now, on one of these days, we'll tell you about how hot the house got and how we had to move a workshop.

Brad Crowell 36:48  

Oh that was so fun. 

Lesley Logan 36:49  

You know, like, it doesn't matter how planned out your life is, how well you thought about all the things, how many reminders you sent things, the AC can still blow because it's not like it has a warning symbol. So I'm just telling you all, explode. So stop overthinking and feel your way through. Because I promise you, if you can take that like, just feel your way through and then your tight grip on reality, I think you're gonna land right there in the middle. So.

Brad Crowell 37:16  

It's a win.

Lesley Logan 37:17  

I'm Lesley Logan. 

Brad Crowell 37:18  

And I'm Brad Crowell. 

Lesley Logan 37:19  

Thank you so much for listening to our amazing episode, I have to say, let us know if you like how the wheels fell off today, and if you think it was great, or if you want us to go back to how we've done it before. Until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Brad Crowell 37:33  

Bye for now. 

Lesley Logan 37:35  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 38:18  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 38:23  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 38:27  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 38:34  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 38:37  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Lesley sits down with coach, author, and podcast host Wendy Valentine to explore radical self-transformation in midlife. Wendy shares how to shed limiting identities, align with your true self, and treat “energy” as a constant evolution. You will hear practical steps to envision who you’re becoming, invite her in, and take bold action without waiting for perfect timing.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Chiseling away identities that are not you to reveal your authentic self.
• Comfort zones vs. growth: why familiar isn’t the same as aligned.
• Wendy’s midlife pivot from breakdown to purpose-driven rebuilding.
• Her BE IT method: Become, Envision, Invite, Take action.
• Feeling your way through life instead of overthinking every move.

Episode References/Links:

• Wendy Valentine Website - https://wendyvalentine.com
• Wendy Valentine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_
• Free Access to FREEDOM Meditations - https://beitpod.com/freedommeditations
• The Midlife Makeover Show - https://wendyvalentine.com/podcast
• Book: Women Waking Up by Wendy Valentine - https://wendyvalentine.com/womenwakingup
• Ep. 400: Gay Hendricks - https://beitpod.com/gayhendricks
• Stephanie Gass on Cathy Heller's Podcast - https://beitpod.com/stephaniegass

Guest Bio:

Wendy Valentine is a speaker, certified professional life coach, and author of Women Waking Up—a midlife rebel with a mission to help women reignite their spark and embrace the magic of midlife. As the host of The Midlife Makeover Show podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally and #1 in midlife on iTunes and Spotify, Wendy inspires her listeners to embrace the magic of midlife and live with passion and purpose. Through her transformative group coaching program, F.R.E.E.D.O.M. at Midlife, and her in-person retreats, Wendy helps women kick fear to the curb, reclaim their joy, and live life on their terms. Whether she’s soaking up the beauty of Madeira, Portugal, or cruising across the USA in her trusty motorhome, Felicia, Wendy lives for adventure and believes that life only gets better with age.

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Resources:

• Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
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Episode Transcript:

Wendy Valentine 0:00  

So if you think about it, you should always have that chisel in your hand in the nicest of ways, but constantly and consciously be chiseling away at the things that are not you. And we, deep down, know what those things are, but sometimes we still cling to those things that we are not, right, because it feels comfortable.

Lesley Logan 0:20  

Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. 

Lesley Logan 0:59  

All right, Be It babe. I'm so obsessed. I'm so obsessed with today's guest. Like, there's times I'm like, oh, I love all these people. And then there's times I'm like, okay, this guest, I want to be friends with. I want to have coffee with. I want to have a weekly date with. When I enter her, I'd say, like, she is like, this beam of light. And I'm telling you, she's a beam of light, and she really, really, really creates this amazing space for you to step up into the woman that you are wanting to be it till you see it. So Wendy Valentine's, our guest, super, super fun. She's the host of the Midlife Makeover Show, and I was on her show. So if you want to go check out that show to get to know her more. And you know, that's a good episode to start with, because obviously you trust me, so there's that. And then you can, like, go through all of her catalog. She's just so amazing. So I'm gonna let us get into this episode so you can get all the good stuff coming from Wendy Valentine. 

Lesley Logan 1:45  

All right, Be It babe, today's guest and I are already having too much fun. She's only in Sedona right now, so she's not too far off, but I feel like we should be hanging out in real life. Wendy Valentine, you're just, tell everyone why you're just such the magical like beam of light that we all want to be around and be your best friend.

Wendy Valentine 2:16  

How much time do we have?

Lesley Logan 2:21  

I mean at least 30 minutes of you telling us why you're so amazing.

Wendy Valentine 2:27  

There is one word that I hear all the time. It's a word that's used to describe me the most. No, it's not crazy. I do get that sometimes, but it's energy, energy, energy, energy. And I was thinking about this this morning, because, as we know, like, energy cannot be created or destroyed. Yeah, it's only transformed into something else, right? You had an ice cube on the pan back there in the RV, and then it melts into water, and then eventually it goes into steam. And I think that's like, I feel like, for myself right now in my life, like I am becoming that steam and moving into the universe. That sounds all so voodoo, but it's like that constant evolving, which I think is so magnificent, and just moving into the energy of it all.

Lesley Logan 3:18  

Yeah, I think that's so cool. So how did you become someone who is, like, known for energy? Like, how did this like, have like, were you born this way? Was this your job when you were in your 20s? Did this just happen?

Wendy Valentine 3:30  

Well, you know, I mean, good question. I mean, as you know, we're all energy, but I think it's when I really started to own, to own it, to own who I am and to create who I wanted to be, not to family and friends and society and all that other crap wanted me to be. It's when I finally stepped into my true self and my true calling. And I think you know what? Like that whole like, be your authentic self, be your true self, that's all like being thrown around a lot these days. We're like, what does that mean? What does it mean, really?

Lesley Logan 4:04  

I know, but tell me how, but tell me how. Because I was born like I was raised in like, follow these instructions. Do this work. If you do all these things, then everything works out, which is bullshit and so and then people go and then be your authentic self. And I'm like, okay, but how? Because I don't think I've ever been, I was never taught to be authentic. I was taught to follow the rules. 

Wendy Valentine 4:23  

Yeah, you know what though? It's more about it's not learning who you are to become. It's learning who you are not. And I love the analogy of Michelangelo and the beautiful statue of David. Let's all picture him for a moment. Oh yes. But when they when they asked Michelangelo, how did you carve the statue of David? He's like, oh, that was easy. I just carved away everything that was not him. So if you think about it, you should always have that chisel in your hand in the nicest of ways, but constantly and consciously be chiseling away the things that are not you. And we, deep down, know what those things are, but sometimes we still cling to those things that we are not, right, because it feels comfortable. Even though it's uncomfortable, it's comfortable, it's like, but this is who I am. This is my identity, yeah.

Lesley Logan 5:14  

Well, and I think, like, I think a lot of people, you said it's my identity, it's their identity, to be always going through drama, to be always like, to always have a shit day at work. Like, can you believe it? Can you believe this happened? Like those, it's that's some people's identity. And, like, I get so annoyed with myself when I, like, hear myself repeating the same negative, bad thing that happened, and I'm like, is this becoming something that has, like, a growth on my shoulder, or like, like, is this becoming part of the of like, of the not the costume, but like, what is Lesley? Because it's like, I don't want to hear this anymore, so I definitely don't want to stick around. So I love the idea of a, I go a visual, physical chisel going no, no, no.

Wendy Valentine 5:58  

Part of you know that is not you. There's that quote from Marianne Williamson, it is my fave, and it's got me through the toughest of times, or gotten me to where I'm at now. And she says, our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us, because you think about it, if you were to step fully into your light, what does that mean? Like what does that look like? Right? Because that would require, possibly, just like myself, it would require maybe a divorce, maybe quitting a job you hate, maybe moving, maybe buying an RV like I did. Maybe, I mean, it's going to require you to actually move and do some shit in your life if you truly stepped into your light, but, or you could just stay right there in the dark because it's more comfortable, because it's predictable. The darkness is predictable, the the uncomfortable comfort zone is predictable, predictable, right? Yeah.

Lesley Logan 7:03  

Yeah, I mean, I don't know who said it, but, like, there is, like, that story of, like, why does a dog, like, not move off of sitting on that rock? It's like, well, the rock isn't uncomfortable enough, you know, and so a lot of people wait to, wait so long, and so they're so uncomfortable, and then they shed it all, and then they step into this light. And that, it can be scary. Like we interviewed Gay Hendricks on this podcast, and he is the, I know, I fucking love him, he's such a sweet man. He's just, he, like, every time I go to Cambodia, he's like, did you get some milk fruit? Like, he's just, he's like, it's the best fruit. And he is right. It is the best fruit. And it's only available half of the time, so I'm never there, but I got to have it. But at any rate, he talks about your big leap is, like, because, like, when you are in your comfort zone, you can even, like, he even called like, your your like, zone of genius, and you're like, okay, well, that's a good spot to be in. Like, that's like, amazing, but it's or zone of excellence, excuse me. Like, of course I would like to be there. Like, that sounds really good, but like, that's actually still uncomfortable, but like it's comfortable, like it's actually not where your light is, that you're talking about, it's like, it's like, there's another layer, there's an outer ring, there's that ring of light around Saturn, and you're supposed to be there. 

Wendy Valentine 7:03  

That's just like, dipping your toe in the water. 

Lesley Logan 7:13  

Yeah, but then he and he talks about, like, how, well, when you get to that zone of genius, when you get to that outer ring, you get to your light, then there's, like, a few things that we do to just fuck it all up and bring us back to that comfortable discomfort, you know, like that self-deprivation.

Lesley Logan 7:13  

And a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.

Lesley Logan 8:38  

Oh, Wendy Valentine, say it one more time.

Wendy Valentine 8:44  

Soak it up. Soak it up. A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. So if you want to grow, I know y'all do, you have got to get out of that damn comfort zone. You know, I want to say though, I was on the treadmill this morning, and I was thinking. 

Lesley Logan 8:58  

Do you have a treadmill in your RV or do you go the gym? 

Wendy Valentine 9:04  

No, I'm actually at this nice resort. I mean, RVing has come a long way, y'all, thank God.

Lesley Logan 9:09  

I mean, we live in our van like it's it's not so bad. Sometimes it's better than the hotel.

Wendy Valentine 9:12  

We got, we got hot tubs, we got swimming pools, we got food trucks. I mean, we don't mess around over here. But yeah, I was at the gym this morning and I was walking on the treadmill, and I was thinking, I love the name I have since the moment when I met you and I heard about your podcast. I love the name of your podcast. Be It Till You See It. And I got choked, people were probably like, why is that lady over there balling on the treadmill? And you know, right now, I'm reaping the benefits of what I sowed years ago and getting outside of my damn comfort zone. But you know, what's so cool? I might cry right now. I did not put on waterproof mascara, but I am seeing it in my life, all those seeds I planted years ago, and that amount of time. I watered and watered those damn seeds. It's like, I'm seeing it. It's like, it's so freaking cool when you get to that other side, and yes, you will, is so it is beautiful. It's much more beautiful. And, and yes, you will grow when you get to the other side of it. If you want, I can take y'all back to my breakdown to breakthrough. 

Lesley Logan 10:22  

I was just gonna say, I think we need to go back to the seed planting days, or at least, like, the days before the RV, the day before the book, the days before the podcast. Like, what, what? Like, who were you? How did because we love you now. But like, we loved you then. But like, what? What was the reason for all what was the reason for all this, you know, seed reaping? 

Wendy Valentine 10:43  

And we all love a good breakdown and a breakthrough story. 

Lesley Logan 10:46  

Yeah, we do. 

Wendy Valentine 10:47  

But make sure everyone grab your violin, (inaudible) sad song right now. So let's see. For about 45 years old, here I was. I was living in Virginia, going through a divorce, empty nest. I had chronic illness, black mold toxicity, Lyme disease. We'll toss in a little menopause, just, for fun.

Lesley Logan 11:10  

Yeah. I mean, for sure, probably, yeah.

Wendy Valentine 11:13  

Yeah, yeah. I was at least 150 grand in debt, unemployed. Let's see what else. Oh, within a six week period, I had to watch my dog die, my cat die, and my brother die. And then from all of that, I started experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, and needless to say, I went into a massive, deep, dark, awful depression. So here I was, 45 years old, and I was like, shit, now what? And, I mean, I kept thinking, I was like, I only turned 50. That's like, like, that, that halfway mark, if you're that lucky that it's an halfway mark, right? And I don't know if anything could have gotten worse for me in that moment. And let's, let's just all imagine the scene. I literally was laying on my bathroom floor, like laying there, bawling my eyes out, feeling sorry for myself, I'll admit, and I was thinking, What the hell am I going to do? And all of a sudden, like, and it was part of me like this, this vision popped in my head, and it was, it was a little bit of an escape, I'll admit, but it was a beautiful escape. And I was like, wouldn't be nice to just get the fuck out of here? You know, like, I just want to escape my my life that I was in. And I was like, I want to drive an RV across the country. And then I'm like, man. And then, of course, that nagging voice in my head was like, yeah, you're broke, you don't have a job. How that? How are you going to do that? And but then I was like, you know, I just want to sit here and think about this dream. It was the only thing that gave me hope. And so I thought, you know what? What the hell like my life. I was already down here. The only way was going up, right? I was like, let's just go for it. What's the worst that could happen? I'm gonna fucking go for it. So I got up and I started applying for jobs all the way across the country, like I was, I was so desperate. I was like, I'll take anything. Okay, I'll sell popsicles in Mexico. I don't care, whatever. So then I get a job offer a week later, selling, you'll probably, you're probably familiar with his name, Pulte, Pulte Del Webb, I got a job offer with Pulte to sell new construction homes in Chicago. And I was like, Chicago. Never been there. I didn't know how to sell homes, but what the hell. I pack off the U-Haul. I drive from Virginia to Chicago. I start my job on Monday. About a year later, I went from making $0 to a half a million dollars. Obviously, paid off all my debt, bought this RV that I'm sitting in right now. Now, mind you, okay, I love Pulte, and it was a great, beautiful company. But I am not a corporate girl. I am not. Like, that's a chisel where I was like, girl listen here, you're not you, you know. And I will have to say, that's a lesson in itself, right there. Don't be afraid to try something. That does not mean if you try something, you can't pivot, okay?

Lesley Logan 14:33  

Right and also, like, can I just, like, say, like, I mean, clearly, Pulte was, like, quite the bridge to show you what you're capable of, and it get was a one, the fact that in one year, you can make that much money, going from zero to that much money, and not become someone who doesn't like, take your dreams the next level. You actually like, used it to launch yourself. I think it's like, I think it's so cool. 

Wendy Valentine 14:57  

Yes and how easy would it have been for me to stay there. 

Lesley Logan 15:00  

Oh, yeah and so. 

Wendy Valentine 15:01  

Everyone was like, why are you gonna leave this job that you're you're killing it, killing it. I was like, yeah, but this is not for me. The chisel.

Lesley Logan 15:09  

Well and also, yeah, the chisel, I love that. And also, like, we had a lot of people that are like, I want to do this thing. I'm just gonna go all in. And I'm like, honey, if you can't pay for your bills, you can't pay your food, you are going to put pressure on this dream you have. Go get a job at Starbucks, make sure your bills are paid, have health insurance, all the things, and then use every other minute to make this thing happen. So I actually think it's really cool that not only you did it in a year, but that you, at a year, were able to, like, evaluate and go, I gotta chisel this off, because this isn't me, and not listen to the family who's like, you should just stay and make all that money. 

Wendy Valentine 15:46  

Yes and remind yourself, if you are in a job you don't love, you're you're in a relationship you don't love, you're living in a place you don't love, remind yourself this is temporary. Everything is temporary, right? I mean, all in all, everything is temporary. Just remind yourself like this is just for now. This is just for now. Like, every day when I'd be, like, driving in the snow in Chicago, heading to this job to, like, talk about granite countertops. I was like, It's okay. I can do this. I cant do this. But then, yeah, I was like, all right, well, what am I going to do? I don't want to work for corporate. I and I was like, you know, I've always, I want to be a writer. I always knew I would become a writer. I was like, I want to be a writer. How am I? How am I going to become a writer? And I always wanted to have my own show. So I was like, how am I going to do this? And I had to be able to work remotely. Obviously, because traveling in an RV, I had to be able to work remotely, right? So I was listening to Cathy Heller's podcast and she was interviewing Stephanie Gass. And something, you know, it's like, if you get that funny feeling in your tummy, that gut instinct of like, I need to move on this. I don't know what it is, just do not question it. Just go for it. I hired Stephanie Gass, and within 30 minutes, I knew exactly what my niche was going to be and what my podcast was going to be called. And I was like, that's it. I had I had it. I was like, I'm going to talk about midlife. I'm going to talk about not even just midlife, but transforming your life. Because I did it, like, I was the guinea pig, right? I'm like, I did, I know how to do it. So I kept my day job, and then at night, I started working on my dream business. I started working on the website and then the photography and the the podcast, all, all the stuff, you know, right? Started doing my research and just little by little, and then eventually, the RV, finally, I ordered it like eight months before, finally arrived and it was go time to quit my job and take off into the Sedona sunset.

Lesley Logan 17:51  

Okay but also, like, I think it's so, I wanted to say, like, I think sometimes we, like, underestimate what we can do in a short period of time, because you just celebrated 50. Am I correct?

Wendy Valentine 18:01  

Yeah, yeah. So it took me, well, actually, I'm 52. It took me from the moment, like when I moved to Chicago, to taking off in the RV, it took me approximately two and a half years, and then I've been on the road for three so, yes, it takes time. And is it easy? Hell no. Is it worth it? Hell yes.

Lesley Logan 18:23  

Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, there's, you know, like, I think things happen faster than we think, and some things are a little slower than we expected. Like, the time, we never get the timeline exactly right. But also, like, it would have been so like, could you imagine on the bathroom floor being like, well, it's gonna take a long time. I don't know. Like, I bet, you know what I mean, I think we just take, we talk ourselves out of things so and we also think, well, I'm at this age. I should be already. Like, I should be doing this program. I should have this already. I mean, like, I kind of think it's really cool that you were the guinea pig and you can actually, like, guide so many women who, for sure, are, I said, someone on the podcast, she's like, I'm a bird launcher. I'm not an empty nester. Like, I want I like, I launched some birds. And she's, you know, but you can take the.

Wendy Valentine 18:24  

That's what I did. I was like, shoo, shoo. Get out. 

Lesley Logan 19:05  

Yeah, get out of the nest. It's mine now. But like, I think that there's a ton of people who work, not given the opportunity or encouraged when they were moms and wives and partners to be selfish and do their thing like I do believe that there's a ton of women who did and so, so if you're listening, yay for you, but I think a lot of people were not, and they had to wait, and then they waited, and then they're like, well, I don't even know who I am, and everyone says to be authentic. And so I feel like you asked to be you to help people so you're right and then you have this amazing podcast, which, I got to be honest, is amazing. And it's like, but it's mid it's called Midlife Makeover. Correct? 

Wendy Valentine 19:51  

Yep, The Midlife Makeover Show.

Lesley Logan 19:53  

Yes. Okay, so let's talk about like, do you feel like you do what you do? Do you feel like you'll ever run out of topics to talk about when it comes to midlife? Like, what are you and then, and then also turn it into a book. So let's go into, like, how you've, like, really made this whole thing happen.

Wendy Valentine 20:10  

You know, what I love about my niche is that there's so much going on in midlife. I mean, like, if I had to talk about one topic every day, oh, my God, I could not stand it. I mean, yesterday I interviewed a lady where, like, it was about grief. She lost her daughter. Daughter was 17 years old when she died. The day before, I got to talk about hormones and menopause, and then the day before that, I got to talk about divorce, like there's so, because there is so much going on. And I love, I love being the catalyst to help other people make their dreams come true. I love that I can provide that hope, whether it's with me or with a guest, or whether it's just simply, I mean, right, the best way we can teach others is by example. Like I don't, I don't fluff anything like you, what you see is what you get. Like, I didn't just say I did it or say that I'm gonna do it. Like, here you go, you know. And you know, I, what was I going to tell you? Oh, I did create the acronym for you. I have four little lessons to teach you today.

Lesley Logan 21:16  

Do you want to teach us now or do you want to put in the Be It Action Items?

Wendy Valentine 21:20  

I'm gonna teach it to you really quick. 

Lesley Logan 21:21  

Okay, let's do it. 

Wendy Valentine 21:22  

It's, it's the Be It, right? And this is what I just told you, that story, these are four little guide posts that you can follow so that you, too, can actually, no matter if it's a little tweak in your life or a big tweak, a big change, you can make it happen. So the B in Be It is become your own BFF like you have got to be so nice to yourself, and you have got to listen to that ticker tape of thoughts running across in your mind. And you've got to stop that ticker tape of thoughts and replace it with some really good, friendly thoughts. Because this right here, I'm pointing to my head with my large head of hair, this will either be your best friend or your worst critic, and you are the one that decides, not Instagram, not your mom, not your dad, not your partner, not your kids, it's you like that is the one thing that you have, not one, but one of the many things you have control over. And actually starting there, it's a ripple effect of everything else in your life. If you can get that under control, and yes, you can, you change your thoughts, you change your beliefs. We've all heard it before, but do we really apply it and really try it? So, yes, become your own BFF, just love the shit out of yourself. The E is envision. You've got to envision who you want to become, not the what it's great to, to, like, dream about things and RVs and (inaudible) right, but who do you want to become? Journal about it. Think about it. Take a walk and just imagine the woman that you would want to become and without limitation, right? The I is invite her in. You have got to literally, every single day, and this is exactly what I did, because my Aunt Annie said to me, when I was like in the down, down in the dumps, in depression, and I'm sitting on the couch when she goes, darling, you have always wanted to be an actress, so why don't you just start acting like the woman you want to become? And I was like, oh, I can do that. And I thought about that, right? Like we're all we're all brainwashed. We're all brainwashed into whoever we are, but we can brainwash ourselves into becoming whoever the hell we want to be. 

Lesley Logan 23:39  

Yes, yes. 

Wendy Valentine 23:41  

Yep. So I did. I was like, you know what? How, like you, imagine a drone flying over your head and observing you all day long. How is this woman, this powerful, amazing, gorgeous woman? How does she walk? How does she walk into a room? How does she talk? How does she eat? How does she sleep? How does she, what did she do when she first gets out of bed? Like, is she like, oh my god, I think I'm so grateful I'm alive. Thank you. Thank you. Observe her like and and be her like, literally when you put your shoes on, you put your slippers on or whatever, imagine that those are her shoes and that, and literally act like her, even if someone else is like, why she acting so funny? Just keep doing it.

Wendy Valentine 24:26  

Yeah, no. I mean, let them, let them wonder why you're acting so funny. 

Wendy Valentine 24:27  

Yes, yes, exactly. 

Lesley Logan 24:28  

They'll just wonder. They get to wonder. And if you want to go talk about it to people like, I thank God for my time in L.A., where I learned, like, all publicity is good. Like, there's no such thing as bad, you know. Let them talk on how weird you are.

Wendy Valentine 24:45  

(inaudible) Yeah. Finally, T is take action. I think you even say that in your intro about taking action, right? You have to, like, how do you get courage? By taking action. Like if you, if you had a jar, an empty jar, and I have an empty jar, how do you fill up your jar of courage? And how do I fill up mine? We each have to do that on our own. I cannot hand courage. It would be great, right? If like, here, here you go, Lesley, let me give you some courage. You have to do that your own. And you do that by taking action, even if you fall on your face, even if you fall on your face. I didn't know how to even drive an RV. I was like, oh my god. So you figure shit out, right? Like, leap of the net will appear. Like, leap you will figure this stuff out. And that's how you become so resilient and strong. And then it's the tiniest of things I don't know about you, it's like the tiniest of little accomplishments. You're like, that's right. I did that. Like, that's right. I just actually figured out how to dump the dumper on the survey (inaudible) things. I'm like, I did that. (inaudible) So don't forget to celebrate yourself.

Lesley Logan 25:53  

I believe, all of a sudden, I think like, that is where confidence comes in. Like, people think like confidence comes like, you have to wait for you, once you're confident, then you can do the thing. It's like, no, actually, you get confident by doing the thing. Like, I remember we bought our van, which is not even as big as an RV, we don't need a special license for it. It actually fits in parking spaces. I mean, it's the it's the longest and the tallest of the vehicles that you don't need another license for. And the first time we took it on we took we drove it. I had no problems driving out of the gas station. I had no problems. Like, once we were like, pointing the right direction, like, I'm like, I got this. But one time we were needing to go, and Brad was asleep, and I'm like, I have to hit reverse. There's no rear view mirror. Like, I gotta do this with this tall vehicle. I'm super long. I got a white like, I and it has a camera. It's like, just follow the camera. I'm like, I can't even it's like, this big, just the camera? What, I'm like, I'm like, I'm like, I hope it beeps. If someone's wrong, I like, what if there's a pole, you know, like one of the, so I like, literally, get out of the car, got out of the car and I do a walk around. I'm like, okay, there's no poles. So the worst thing that happens is that someone or something drives behind me while I'm doing this, and it's supposed to beep, and I'm gonna trust that, and now I come back anytime I want, like, but you I had to, I could not, Brad's telling me you can do this. Like you used to drive jeeps, like, you know what you're doing. Like, he's like, you can none of that confidence and courage being told at me helped me get the confidence, like actually reversing the car and doing it myself.

Wendy Valentine 27:32  

And sometimes it's the tiniest of things that just gives you a little boost. It's a little reminder that, yes, you can do this and keep going and keep going. Yeah, yeah.

Lesley Logan 27:41  

Okay, you published a book. Now, can we talk about it? I mean, it says, Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. Women waking up. Also, I love the colors. It's like every beautiful shade of pink lipstick, like, yes, yes, yes.

Wendy Valentine 28:00  

I know, isn't she? It's my little baby. This is actually, like, this is the advanced copy. So it's not even a real copy. But yes, I know. It just went into preorder this week. 

Lesley Logan 28:10  

When is it publishing for reals? 

Wendy Valentine 28:12  

Um, it publishes, it comes out on 9-9. 

Lesley Logan 28:15  

Okay. 

Wendy Valentine 28:16  

9-9 is the time, but and you know what? Before I got into writing books and things like that, I didn't know, I was like, why is everyone why don't they do the preorder? Why? Because I don't get the book. I'll give you $500 worth of reasons (inaudible). Literally, right now, pre-order the book. Because here's the thing, you could if you wanted to, you can literally start making changes today, just with the bonuses that you get with the book. Let me tell you what the bonuses are. 

Lesley Logan 28:44  

Tell us, tell us because this is going to come out before 9-9 so you all can take advantage of this. 

Wendy Valentine 28:48  

Oh yeah. You get the Women Waking Up Playbook. It's like 100 plus pages. You can download them. They are cute, colorful and cute and wonderful. You get the Freedom At Midlife Meditations that go along with the book, just to elevate your mind and help you become your own best friend, right? You get the Map At Your Midlife Dream Workshop, your customizable digital vision board. Thank you very much. I love that thing. Love it. I love it. Love it. What else? A $200 voucher to my Freedom At Midlife Program, and my fave, the Women Waking Up Spotify playlist. Yeah, so that's it. You literally get all of that. 

Lesley Logan 29:30  

Before I even read the book. I can change my life before. And then when I read it, I mean, like, reminding me all these amazing other things. 

Wendy Valentine 29:37  

Yeah, I know. And by the time the book arrives, then you'll get to read the rest of the story and then be like, Yeah, I already did that. Check, check, check. 

Lesley Logan 29:44  

Yeah. So you're just putting all these little drops of confidence into your bucket as you read it, and then you get more, oh, I love this. Wendy, we need more time with you. I need, we need to hang out. I'm not, I'm not kidding. Like, is your RV heading my way before it's too hot? Like, I would just like to know.

Wendy Valentine 30:01  

You know what? I was gonna go to Nevada, because I'm starting this book tour now, but now I'm going up towards Denver. (inaudible) Maybe when I come back.

Lesley Logan 30:07  

On the way back, on your way back, you can do it. There's a great book shop called Writer's Block. There's some really cute bookstores in Vegas that are, like, great for doing some sort of tour of some kind, I agree, yes. Or you can go to one of my friends' amazing shops, and they'll, they'll host you. So just let me know, because I'll help make it happen. Because there's women here who need you. Oh, my God, we have to take a brief break, and then we'll get all your links and how we can, like, totally like, stalk you and like, the kids call you, stan you, you know, like stalker fan in one, one moment. 

Lesley Logan 30:34  

All right, Wendy Valentine, favorite place to hang out on the internet, where's the links to pre-order the book, like, where, where's give us everything.

Wendy Valentine 30:53  

Do all the things. Okay. Instagram, it's got to be my fav. And I do share some cool, fun stuff, right? 

Lesley Logan 30:57  

You do. I love watching your life. You carry a dog with in a bag. 

Wendy Valentine 30:58  

I have some valuable content, with fun stuff too. So yes, Wendy Valentine on Instagram, and probably the best hub is wendyvalentine.com and from there, I know a lot of people have freebies, but my freebies really are awesome. 

Lesley Logan 31:16  

Yeah there's 100 page freebie. I'm just gonna tell you right now, you, above and beyond, lady. 

Wendy Valentine 31:22  

Yeah, yeah. So click, there's a freebies tab. You can even take a superhero quiz on there. That's my fav. There's a book tab on there that is where you can get all of your bonuses when you pre-order the book. And the book is everywhere, Women Waking Up, it's Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target. It's everywhere. And what else? Yeah, that's, that's it. And then, The Midlife Makeover Show, that's everywhere, where you listen to podcasts, even on YouTube, you can even watch the, you know, the playback of of me interviewing people in an RV.

Lesley Logan 31:52  

Yeah, yeah. You can listen. You can also watch the Be It Pod, you guys, we're on YouTube as well. You know, it's, I know, it's this fun thing. You do this thing for audio, and then people want the visual. So you we gotta do it all. 

Wendy Valentine 32:01  

Give them the visual. Give them the visual. 

Lesley Logan 32:01  

Okay, I love your acronym. So if you want that to be your Be It Action Item, we can replay that, that is totally fine. But if there's anything else we have to give these women that helps them ditch perfection, take that messy action, what bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps should they take, what else?

Wendy Valentine 32:23  

I would have to say, this is, I'm adopting this from Deepak Chopra, because I used to go to a lot of his retreats. And there was one thing he said to me, it's in his cute little accent, and he goes, you have to feel your way through life. I was like, what does that mean? I was like, feel my way through life, and we're so used to thinking everything through and probably overthinking, right? But ask yourself, no matter what it is that you're doing or thinking about doing, how does it feel to you? And most importantly, how does it feel to this new person, this new woman that you are creating in your life. How will it feel? Does that align with her? Does she like that? Does she not like it? And just enjoy. I mean, this, you get this tiny little we're like little blip of time on eternity in eternity, right? Like, just live it up in this little space and print in these parentheses. Just live it up and enjoy and stop overthinking. Just feel your way through life. 

Lesley Logan 33:25  

I love that. And I actually really love him. He, I listened to him, remember, Oprah would actually release like, interviews on her like, podcast channel? And I listened to him talk about this time when he would go be a monk, right? Like his like, you know, go for like, I don't know, 30 days or something like that. And he the monk, his like, monk guide, was like, Oh, how was it walking through the jungle? And he's like, well, it hurt my feet. You know, it hurt my feet. And he and the guy goes, oh, well, when your foot is not on the ground, does it hurt? And he goes, No, I don't think so. He's like, well, then think about the other foot, right? Anyways, my husband is gonna love it. I have remembered that. Out of everything he said, I have remembered that so much because whenever my husband's like, oh, my knee hurts, I'm like, maybe you should think about your other knee. And I'm sure he's like.

Wendy Valentine 33:26  

Yeah or yeah, my arm hurts when I move it, like this, well stop moving it. 

Lesley Logan 33:35  

What is your other arm, like, he like, heard something and I like, hit the other arm, and he's like, what are you do doing? I'm like, distracting you. It's from Dee it's from Deepak, fill the other one.

Wendy Valentine 34:29  

Refocusing, refocusing. You know? 

Lesley Logan 34:31  

But I do agree. I think, like, you know, I know, I know the listeners, and I one of the reasons I want to have you on the show after I met you, is like, I know the women here will love listening to you, because we all came from this like time of overdoing overthinking. Have to map it all out. Has to has to feel like the right time, but not feel because we're not listening to our feelings, we're thinking our feelings and and so thank you for that. Be it actually, because I think we. Actually have to get into the feeling more, the actual feeling more, not the brain thinking feeling more. 

Wendy Valentine 35:04  

Yeah, exactly. And especially since RVing, like, I'm on the no plan, plan like I don't. I used to plan everything in detail, and if I did not have that plan in place, I would not make a move. Now I'm like, I mean, 90 days is probably as much as I can plan, even though I like to dream and envision and things like that. Planning out too much does not leave room for miracles and spontaneity and the fun stuff. So don't forget to have fun and just enjoy, yeah.

Lesley Logan 35:31  

Yeah. Uh, I adore you. We'll have to run in, we'll run into each other someday, because I also love to get to we're gonna, we're gonna head down on our Summer Tour into Arizona, so maybe if you're still there, you know it's it's a little more than 90 days. So I'll ask you when it's closer, but you know, Wendy, thank you so much. Thank you for being you. Y'all go listen to her podcast. Go pre-order her book. Let us know. Tag Wendy. Tag the Be It Pod. Let us know what your favorite takeaway was. And by the way, I can't think of another episode you could send to like any woman over 40 right now that she will love. So do that, support the pod and until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Lesley Logan 36:13  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 36:56  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 37:01  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 37:05  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 37:12  

 Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 37:16  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Lesley Logan shares seven thought-shifting quotes that stop you in your tracks and invite deeper reflection. Alongside Nancy’s inspiring community win and the graduation of eLevate’s fifth round, this FYF episode is a celebration of growth, connection, and honoring the moments that shape us.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How celebrating wins shifts focus from fear to progress.
• The seven quotes that sparked fresh perspective for Lesley.
• Nancy Lawrence’s inspiring trip and community connections through eLevate.
• Reflections on graduating the fifth round of eLevate.
• A grounding affirmation to step into tomorrow with openness.

Episode References/Links:

• Seven Quotes - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKR5bSlOeBc/
• Ep. 400: Gay Hendricks - https://beitpod.com/gayhendricks
• Ep. 53: Launa Jae McClung - https://beitpod.com/launajae
• Ep. 532: Launa Jae McClung - https://beitpod.com/launajae2
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSI

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Resources:

• Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Lesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/
• Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/
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Episode Transcript:

Lesley Logan 0:00  

It's Fuck Yeah Friday. 

Brad Crowell 0:01  

Fuck yeah.

Lesley Logan 0:02  

Get ready for some wins. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. 

Lesley Logan 0:48  

Hi, Happy Friday. Happy Fuck Yeah Friday. It's September 19th. It's episode 579. How did we get here? Holy moly. I am so excited. I actually just got back from my trips to the U.K. and it's just like it's good to be home. We're only home for a little bit, but it's good to be home. And so I just want to say, thanks for being here. Thanks for listening. Thanks for checking in on these episodes. They're short, they're sweet, they're full of things to think about, things you didn't know to think about, wins from other people that are supposed to, that I hope, that I intend, for them to remind you of wins that you're having in your life all the time. Because we're all having wins in our life, right? All the time. Like, yes, there's a lot going on in the stuff that's like, not good. Like, it feels really scary. I really know for a fact that it has to do with our lives or brains, like, looking for things that are not going well to make us like, to make sure we're like, not gonna die, so that we like, go, oh, that's like, I can't, I gotta avoid that. So bad things have, leave more of an impression than good things. But that is why, here at the Be It Pod, we celebrate wins, especially on Fridays. I'd love for you to have a gratitude journal of some kind, but if it's only on Fridays, that's also fine. It's okay. We're not here and we're not after perfection in this room, right? 

Lesley Logan 1:53  

So okay, start off with a little inspiration. This is seven quotes that altered my brain chemistry all over again. So I really appreciated some of these. I'm gonna read them to you. The link, if you want them will be in the show notes. This is from Bruce Lee. Pain will leave you when it's done teaching you. Wow, should I read it again? Pain will leave you when it's done teaching you. And this therapist who posted this wrote, which is why it pays to listen to its messages and not avoid them. So then this is from Joe Hudson. Joy is the matriarch of emotions, and she won't visit you until all of her children have been welcomed. And so the therapist wrote, all the noise in my brain just stopped. All the motions in my heart just felt wildly, gorgeously protected. The third thing, this is from Perry Nickelston, @stopchasingpain. Every time you feel alive, you're being shown your medicine. And the therapist wrote, because flow is more powerful than any drug, and if you felt it, you design the rest of your life, creating space for it to show up again and again. If you need more of that, listen to Episode 400 Gay Hendricks. Okay, number four. This is from Rumi. Our task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. Oh, that is so deep. So the therapist wrote, because I firmly believe that we don't have a hard time finding love. We have a hard time letting it in. Number five, this is from Vex King. You're telling me that every time you thought you couldn't do you couldn't get through something difficult, you did, and now you're back here thinking you won't succeed. Trust your track record, my friend. Yeah, you can't argue with that. Like, yeah, trust your track record like you have survived every fail. I think Launa, Launa Jae, said that on the first interview we ever had with her, like you've survived every failure you've ever had. So you can do this. You can get through it. The sixth one, this is an unknown quote. Healing happens in circles, not line. You'll return to old places with new eyes. I like that. Healing happens in circles, not lines. You'll return to old places with new eyes. So if your faced, this is what the therapist wrote, if you're facing the same test again that you faced before, it's not that you failed, it's that you've been given another opportunity to succeed, this time with more armor. Number seven, this is from Gary Vaynerchuk, so Gary Vee and he's not always my favorite, but he's not not my favorite, like he always has, he says something direct all the time, right? Do your thing, because I'm telling you, when you're 90, you're going to be sad if you didn't do the thing that's in your stomach. So I agree with that. Like when I was in Brazil, I was like, I should I go doing this thing? And I said, well, when I'm older, and I tell people about my trip to Brazil, I'm gonna regret that I didn't do this thing. Am I gonna say, well, I didn't do that thing, and I had the money to do it, I had the time to do it, so I did it, right? Okay, so that that, my friends, is some things for you to think about. Now, let's share one, I would love to know if you like these things, by the way, just tell me if you hate it. You know, that's also information. I don't know that I'll quit it, but you know, it's always good to have the constructive feedback. 

Lesley Logan 5:07  

Okay, so our win today is from Nancy Lawrence. Happy FYF eve. My win this week is that my eLevate besties Ainsley and Jennifer Mason and my daughter, Miranda, also in eLevate, just booked a trip to San Francisco in September. We will spend five glorious days together, touring the city, and we plan on visiting the Balanced Body factory in Sacramento. Along the way, we plan on reaching out to other eLevate members and visit them as well, if possible, the Beauty of Pilates, the eLevate program and yours, Lesley Logan, far surpasses borders and frontiers for me. Through eLevate, I've gained a new family, a set of sisters I never dreamed I would find, not to mention a beautiful, close relationship with my own daughter, who is now becoming an exceptional Pilates instructor. So her daughter is in eLevate this year. Actually, graduates this week, which is really cool. And it sounds like as I read this, they are in they're in San Francisco. So anyways, ladies, have the best time. I love that city. It's so amazing. I I truly love that people can let other people in and then have their lives changed and shared experiences are the things you can never take away from someone. So it's great to text a friend, it's great to call a friend, but you also got to do the things with friends. You got to do them. And I know it takes money, and I know it takes time, and sometimes you don't have those things, but if the person lives in your in your city, then it can be free to just go for a walk in the park. You've, the shared experiences matter. So ladies, thank you for sharing this, Nancy, especially, because not only are you inspiring us at like dedication and investing yourself as is a win, but also, like so as a win, of just planning a five day trip with your friends, right? And, like going places together, that's a win. Planning a trip is a win. So anyways, thank you for that. 

Lesley Logan 6:51  

Okay, my win. We are wrapping up our fifth round of eLevate. This is the first, it's not the first year we've had two rounds. It's the first year we've graduated two rounds at the same time, and because I did a year where they overlapped, and that just doesn't work with my schedule, but it was, you know, The win was that we tried it and we figured out what we liked and we didn't like about it. And this year, we ran two rounds at the same time. I'm going to do that one more time next year, and then we're, we are using next year to kind of change the program a little bit so that we can accept the people that want to be in it and make sure they get the same they get the best results. But my win in celebrating the closure of eLevate round five and graduating all these amazing people is that, like, they taught me as much as I taught them, I hope. You know, even though I'm the expert, their coming to invest in their Pilates teaching and their education and to become a more amazing teacher, it is so incredibly rewarding for me to sit there and reflect on the questions that they're asking and the things that they're being challenged by, and really understand like, okay, how how can I help them? But how can they help themselves? And this group is just so fabulous and so amazing, and they're from all over the world. I mean, they're, every group is, every every group is. We had people from 20 years old to in their late 60s. We had people who are brand new to teaching to people who are getting close to retirement. And every single one of them added something to to this experience, and the win is just that, like we got to take it all in in a non-overwhelming way. And I want to celebrate my team at this point, because I cannot ever do eLevate alone. I want to celebrate the eLevate grads who supported this, and we had so many eLevate grads help me with the weekends auditing to assist me so that I can provide this information and have a great experience for each of these people and celebrate all the people on my team and also my husband and my family out here. Because people come out to our house, and we often need help, you know. So I had friends who loaned me equipment so that I could do this. So I just, I just think that, like, their graduation isn't much a win for them as it is a win for me and my team, because we get to be part of this. And Nancy's win just really inspired me celebrating this in this moment, because Nancy and Ainsley and Jennifer graduated a year ago, and just seeing how they've connected continuously after they graduated, and what they've done with their training just reminds me of why this exists, and I think we have to celebrate the things we do, even if, though, even if it's really the win is theirs. Because, you know, if you're holding space for people to evolve and change and become more of themselves, like, you got to take care of you, and I so did. My team made sure that I was fueled and fulfilled, and my cup was filled, and I had time off before and after, so that I could really take all this in and be present and to celebrate a win of nine months of putting this together and making it so magical that I want to do it again, and I can't wait, we'll do it in January. So anyways, that's my win. You can have, there's just so many different wins you could have in this world. So thank you for that, ladies. And you can send your wins in to beitpod.com/questions. 

Lesley Logan 10:08  

And finally, your affirmation to repeat with me is, I look forward to tomorrow and the opportunities that await me. I look forward to tomorrow and the opportunities that await me. I look forward to tomorrow and the opportunities that await me. I look forward to that for you, too, and for me. Until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Lesley Logan 10:29  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 11:11  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 11:16  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 11:21  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 11:27  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 11:31  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Your health isn’t a number on the scale—it’s how you treat your body every single day. In this recap, Lesley and Brad dive into the wisdom of Amber Romaniuk, an emotional eating, digestive, and hormone expert with over a decade of experience and host of The No Sugarcoating Podcast. This conversation challenges the myths we’ve been sold about health and inspires you to listen to your body, trust your instincts, and finally put yourself first.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] .

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why Pilates footwork is a full-body exercise, not just about the feet
• Why BMI is outdated and misleading as a health measure.
• Why we get stuck in suffering because it feels familiar.
• Daily habits that support hormones and digestion.
• How to advocate for yourself with providers.

Episode References/Links:

• Follow Amber on IG https://www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk
• Amber Romaniuk Website - https://www.amberapproved.ca
• No Sugarcoating Podcast - https://amberapproved.ca/podcast
• P.O.T. Chicago 2025 - https://pilates.com/pilates-on-tour-chicagoland
• Cambodia October 2025 Waitlist - https://crowsnestretreats.com
• Winter Tour Waitlist - https://opc.me/events
• Pilates Expo Journal - https://www.pilatesjournalexpo.com/los-angeles-pilates-expo
• The Aligner from Balanced Body - https://opc.me/aligner
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions
• The Aligner from Balanced Body - https://opc.me/aligner 
• Camp Shame - https://beitpod.com/campshame
• Ep. 400: Gay Hendricks - https://beitpod.com/gayhendricks
• Ep. 177: Lindsay Moore - https://beitpod.com/ep177
• Ep. 39: Jessica Valant - https://beitpod.com/ep39
• Ep. 41: Dr. Kelly Bender - https://beitpod.com/ep41
• Ep. 183: Dr. Kelly Bender - https://beitpod.com/ep183
• FemGevity - https://beitpod.com/femgevity

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSI

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper’s Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Be in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlist

Be It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-survey

Be a part of Lesley’s Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/

FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/

Resources:

• Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Lesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/
• Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQ
• Profitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/

Follow Us on Social Media:

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/
• The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilates
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/
• The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses

Episode Transcript:

Lesley Logan 0:00  

If you're feeling overwhelmed by what's going on in the world, because you've got stuff in your own life going on, it is your number one priority to heal yourself, to go figure out, like, what people, what services, what you need to heal so that you can go out there in the world and be this amazing, evolved human who helps and supports and inspires other people. 

Brad Crowell 0:19  

Yeah. 

Lesley Logan 0:20  

Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. 

Lesley Logan 0:59  

Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the beneficial convo I had with Amber Romaniuk in our last episode. Nailed it. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, feel free to pause this now. Go back and listen to that one, and then come back and join us. You guys, I also think last week, I don't even think I said Jon's last name correctly, like I, I gotta you guys.

Brad Crowell 1:22  

You got close. It's okay. We. 

Lesley Logan 1:23  

Okay, I think it's really important you know, I went to speech therapy, okay, as a child, I had a stutter. I had a lisp. I do think I'm slightly dyslexic. I, I'm doing the best I can here. 

Brad Crowell 1:37  

You're doing great, babe. 

Lesley Logan 1:39  

Today is September 18th 2025 and it's World Water Monitoring Day. And I got some fucking neighbors I'm monitoring. Anyways, every year, around 150 countries come together to honor World Water Monitoring Day. It just rolls off the tongue, don't you think? 

Brad Crowell 1:55  

Yeah. 

Lesley Logan 1:55  

Water, as we've been learning since a young age, is an extremely important source for keeping all living beings alive and well, you can go without food for a long period of time, about three weeks, but your body will most likely start showing signs of shutting down if you haven't had enough water intake for even a short period of time, about three to four days. I can't even go fucking three to four hours without some water. So I just so you know, if I'm ever kidnapped and tortured, I don't think I'm gonna make it three days. I'm gonna I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna drown. I'm gonna die. The human body is, after all, made of 60 to 70% of water. We're like cucumbers, everyone. Water is so important. I have, are cucumbers more than 60% water? Brad, will look it up. Water is so important that much of the space exploration budget is solely dedicated to finding water sources on other planets. A huge chunk of the earth's ecosystem.

Brad Crowell 2:47  

Cucumbers are 90, 95 to 96% water.

Lesley Logan 2:50  

Okay, so we're not like a cucumber, but we should act like we're, be it till you see it as a cucumber, guys. A huge chunk of the earth's ecosystem is also made of water, with countless organisms dependent on it, yet things like water pollution and climate change are threatening our water sources, which is why it has become more important now than ever to regularly monitor the water bodies around us. I kept interrupting myself, but I just want to say, like I did do a whole thing, you can drown yourself if you drink too much water, you can it's called hyponatremia,neutramia, nitremia, hyponatremia, nutremia, anyways, it's the opposite, and so.

Brad Crowell 3:26  

Hyponatremia.

Lesley Logan 3:28  

Natremia. So here's the deal. You do want to. 

Brad Crowell 3:35  

The sodium levels in your blood become abnormally low because you're (inaudible). 

Lesley Logan 3:36  

If you look at, like, cyclists or marathon runners, they're not just drinking water. They have electrolytes in it, you A.K.A., there's salt. So make sure that you be it till you see it like a cucumber, but put some salt in your water. Okay? Also, you know, while we're at it, research the companies who are putting salt in your water, because some of them are dick heads. Some of them don't believe in science, which is pretty fucked up, considering that they're fucking scientific. They're supposed to be scientific in what they're doing. 

Brad Crowell 3:59  

I think we can call one out. 

Lesley Logan 4:01  

Yeah, LMNT apparently supports MAHA. And I'm pretty pissed off.

Brad Crowell 4:04  

The two founders are, like, lockstep with RFK doing, you know, like de-science-sizing our science.

Lesley Logan 4:14  

So anyways, I'm pissed off because I really liked it. However, the great thing about being cookied and like algorithms following us is, I use Brad's phone several times to research different companies that are not LMNT, that don't have stevia or sugar, and not only do we come up with a few because of, like, a chat bot of Brad's, but now he's getting ads for some and I think one of the ads you got is brilliant, and I'm really excited about it, so. 

Brad Crowell 4:38  

Yeah, it's a shame, because I really like their product. It was actually really great. 

Lesley Logan 4:38  

It was really great, but, you know what. 

Brad Crowell 4:38  

It still is great. I disagree with their. 

Lesley Logan 4:38  

Clearly, since they don't believe in science. 

Brad Crowell 4:39  

Well, I disagree with their opinions. 

Lesley Logan 4:43  

But also, since they don't believe in science, there's probably a better scientific electrolytes out there. So we're gonna find those, and once we do, you'll know, because I'll just make us an affiliate, and we'll shout it up from the rooftops. But my fucking goodness, protect your water. Make sure, like, look, make sure that even if you live in a place where the water is abundant, we were, I could not believe how much water is in Idaho. I could not believe the amount of water in Idaho. I'm like, no one. California is like, just wasting water. There's no water. Like, when you live in the southwest, when you live on the west, like it's not exactly like, abundant. 

Brad Crowell 5:20  

It's a desert, hello. 

Lesley Logan 5:21  

Yes, I know. So anyways, it happened in Vegas. We found out that, like, when we use water out of our faucets and our sinks and our showers, like 98% of that, or something like that, is actually able to be reused, like cleaned and all that stuff. So, like, that's really nice.

Brad Crowell 5:35  

I don't know what the percentage is, but. 

Lesley Logan 5:36  

It was over, it was over 90. 

Brad Crowell 5:37  

Yeah, they're very intense in Nevada about water conservation and reuse. 

Lesley Logan 5:42  

We're doing a great job in Nevada, because, we have. 

Brad Crowell 5:44  

Specifically in Las Vegas. 

Lesley Logan 5:46  

Yes, because our population has increased ridiculous amounts, and we've decreased our water consumption. And you know, the fact that people are fighting for their fucking green lawns pisses me off, because unless you live where it rains all the time, then by all means, like, lawn away, but like, if you don't, you know, lawns don't even capture water. Like, that was the shocking news to me. 

Brad Crowell 6:08  

No. The only thing that grass does is look pretty. 

Lesley Logan 6:10  

Looks pretty. 

Brad Crowell 6:12  

That's it.

Lesley Logan 6:12  

So clearly, I'm against golf courses. But look, if water is natural where you are, and it rains and it can keep grasses green, then have them. But why are we doing the grass in the desert? It piss, like, those kinds of things are stupid. They don't make sense. It, just going with our you know, talk about believe in science. Anyways, at Be It Till You See It, we believe in science. We just got back from the U.K., literally two days ago. We are home, are catching up on work. We're filming stuff for OPC. We're recording stuff for this podcast, and then we're going to, this is our tour, we're gonna go to Chicago. I will be at POT for balanced body in Chicagoland in Burr Ridge. We're gonna celebrate our anniversary together, 10 fucking years married. Holy moly, can you believe that?

Brad Crowell 7:00  

That's insane. 

Lesley Logan 7:01  

Yeah. I was like, are you still here? 

Brad Crowell 7:03  

Yeah. 

Lesley Logan 7:04  

So, 10 years married, and then from Chicago, we're gonna go to Cambodia, and we're gonna run our retreat in Cambodia. I'm so excited for the epic humans we're gonna hang out with in Cambodia. It's gonna be so (inaudible) and then we're gonna head up to Singapore on our way home. I'm teaching a workshop there. Go to crowsnestretreats.com for our retreat info. 

Brad Crowell 7:21  

Yeah and if you're if this one is too close, because it literally is a couple weeks away, no problem. Get on the waitlist. 

Lesley Logan 7:24  

You're not spontaneous, but they can't be spontaneous. 

Brad Crowell 7:31  

No, you're allowed to be spontaneous. I get it. But also, like doing an international trip within a month can be challenging. So I understand that, I recognize that, if.

Lesley Logan 7:39  

My mom's friend did it in two weeks. 

Brad Crowell 7:41  

She did. You're 100% right and you should do that, too. Drop your life and come join us. If that's not an option, then come join us next year, we are going to be doing this again in October of next year. We'll be announcing all the dates in January. So go to the website. Go to the website and get yourself on the waitlist. Go to crowsnestretreats.com.

Lesley Logan 8:00  

Then, on you on our way home, go to Singapore, and then we come home, we hang out for a month. Brad's parents are finally visiting. It's only been 10 years. Don't throw them under the bus. They're lovely people. Anyways, we love them very much. And I just, I just love this 10-year vacation that we're on. Every 10 years. But anyways, we'll announce the winter tour deets on October 1st, actually. So the winter tour is going to release before you leave for for Chicago. So you want to be on the waitlist. opc.me/events to make sure you get that link. Also, 2026 is literally around the corner. We come home from winter tour. I teach at a Pilates Expo Journal. 

Brad Crowell 8:35  

That's in L.A. 

Lesley Logan 8:36  

That's in L.A. adjacent. I just as an Angeleno, I have a really hard time saying that something is in L.A. when it's not in L.A., because I just feel like it's not in L.A., and then we'll be in Poland. So if you are wanting information about that, check out my Instagram account. I'll put that stuff up there. We'll get the links up here in an upcoming episode. Before we get into Amber's amazing takeaways, what is our question this time, babe?

Brad Crowell 9:00  

etaine.pilates, yeah, is asking legs in parallel, hip distance apart, legs together, zipped midline, either or both? And this is. 

Lesley Logan 9:01  

A footwork question. 

Brad Crowell 9:05  

A footwork question.

Lesley Logan 9:06  

We got so many footwork questions. I was like, I'll just and some of them are longer than I can type a character count of Instagram. So here is the deal, footwork from Joe, if you're doing it Joe's way, on the Reformer or on the Wunda Chair or on a Cadillac or anywhere footwork is, you start with heels together, toes slightly apart. 

Brad Crowell 9:33  

But if you're doing it Brad's way, you just put your feet completely 180. 

Lesley Logan 9:37  

Yeah, he does his own way. 

Brad Crowell 9:38  

But don't do that. 

Lesley Logan 9:39  

So don't do that. So slightly apart. Like, people like to say Pilates V Pilates V is not first position. So don't get them confused. There's actually no. 

Brad Crowell 9:39  

First position, meaning dancing. 

Lesley Logan 9:40  

Dancing. It's a little that's a little too externally rotated, so it's a slightly apart. The other thing is, it's like, actually your neutral position of your femurs, like, when the body is in neutral, your femurs are slightly turned out, like, that's what footwork toes is. So that's heels, the other toes apart. Then when you move to arches and heels, ideally, you are zipped, zipping the midline together. However, bodies are interesting shapes. We have some people have bony ankles. Some people have large calves. You know, some people have thigh abundance. Some people are Knock Kneed. So here's the deal, if you cannot zip your legs together and get everything to touch so ankles, you know, knees, thighs, what you can do is. 

Brad Crowell 10:29  

Oh, the zip starts all the way down there? 

Lesley Logan 10:31  

Oh, ideally. Doesn't your zipper start at the bottom of your coat? 

Brad Crowell 10:34  

I don't know, whenever I hear that term, I think it's like zipping from my core, so like from my my belly button up, zipping my ribs and, you know, or. 

Lesley Logan 10:43  

Yeah, you could think that, it's fine. 

Brad Crowell 10:45  

But I didn't think about it all the way down to the heels.

Lesley Logan 10:48  

Sorry, from the bottom, now we're here, babe. So gotta start from the from the feet up. We are talking about footwork, yes, but if you can't, because of your body shape, Balanced Body makes a really cool thing called the Aligner. You can put that between your ankles or your thighs. They have two different ways you can use it. It's really, really cool. We have an affiliate link for that. We'll toss that in the notes, and then, if that's but if that's more than you need because it is a little bit bigger, just roll up a towel, um, or get a little squishy ball and or get a yoga block. Or, like, get a get the dog's toy, put it between your the place in your body that has a hard time, like that's touching, like you don't like when your ankles touch, or your knees knock, put up between something close the chain, so your inner thighs activate. It's really, really important that the inner thighs activate so that you're not just using quads in your footwork. We want the inner thighs, want the hamstrings, want the glutes to work. So it's a full body exercise. So it's all the things you asked Heather, all of them. 

Brad Crowell 11:41  

It's all the things. 

Lesley Logan 11:42  

If you want to dive in deep to footwork, one, I think I'm teaching a workshop. I taught a workshop in the U.K., so that's passed, missed out on it, but we have free tutorials on our YouTube channel, on any place you can do footwork, and it's in our flashcards, and you'll can hear why I'm obsessed with it. If you have a question, go to you can text us at 310-905-5534, we're plus one country code, I guess, so, +1-310-905-5534, or go to beitpod.com/questions, you can submit a win or a question. I want to shout your wins out. That's what makes a Friday episode fun, is your wins. 

Brad Crowell 12:17  

That is what does it and you should definitely be doing that, so. 

Lesley Logan 12:20  

You should be. If you're not doing that, you're doing life wrong.

Brad Crowell 12:22  

I mean, y'all, we should have so many wins that we don't, we have to pick between them. So, let's go, step it up. Go to beitpod.com/questions.

Lesley Logan 12:30  

Here's what people, my win's not very big or I don't want to take up space. You want to know something? That's what the fucking patriarch wants. They want you to not take up space. Because if you're quiet and you're humble and you think your win isn't anything, then you then they get have an easier time controlling you in your life. So take up space. Celebrate your wins. You're inspiring other people to see what they can do, and it makes the world a fucking better place to live in. Ladies, take up some fucking space.

Brad Crowell 12:54  

Take up some space. 

Lesley Logan 12:55  

Share a win. 

Brad Crowell 12:59  

By the way, the link for the Aligner is opc.me/aligner. 

Lesley Logan 13:04  

Aligner. Good luck spelling that there is a silent G. 

Brad Crowell 13:07  

A-L-I-G-N-E-R 

Lesley Logan 13:08  

What's that comedian who, like, does a whole thing on like this, saying the silent letters in the U.S. and like, the English language, we call it aligner.

Brad Crowell 13:15  

Oh yeah. I don't know the name of the comedian, but that's hilarious. Yeah, go check it out. All right. Stick around. We'll be right back. 

Brad Crowell 13:22  

Welcome back. Let's talk about Amber Romaniuk. Amber is an emotional, eating, digestive and hormone expert with over 11 years of experience and the host of The No Sugar Coating Podcast, which boasts 1.9 million downloads over 500 episodes and is listened to in over 88 countries. Her mission is to help guide women worldwide towards food and body freedom, a state where they understand and address their physical, hormonal, digestive and blood sugar issues, alongside the habits and mindsets that hinder their healing. Her backstory is very involved with her mission today. Her passion for helping women stem from her own profound struggles, which began at a very young age, and some of it was learned from family. Some of it was due to bullying. She shares a little bit about that on the interview. So if you haven't had a chance to go listen to that interview, definitely go, you know, hit pause. Go back. Listen to that. It's worth a listen. When she was a child, she developed an unconscious emotional connection to food, and it revolved around sugar and processed foods, and it led to full, full blown food addiction. And that's part of the story she shares. It's a bit shocking. And it's also, you know, I actually think it's something that is very relatable. And it's not just women who deal with this stuff, you know as well, food can become an addiction, just like cigarettes, like drugs, like whatever working out can be an addiction. For her, food became an addiction.

Lesley Logan 14:47  

Yeah, I just it's really interesting, because I, while we were on our tour, I listened to like, every podcast I could, and I actually ran out of episodes to listen to. I can tell we're on tour like I ran out of episodes I found this podcast. Podcast was about a camp that, like, heavyweights was based off of actually. And podcast series is really, really cool. It's called Camp Shame. You want to listen to it. And they did a really great job explaining, like, how, just how, historically, then this became associated with, like, healthiness and how, especially in the US, but in most Western cultures, we have really fucked people up by, including our medical world, by thinking that you just have to lose weight and that has created these food addictions and these other and these other ways of eating disorder addictions. And I think it's just.

Brad Crowell 15:41  

I think losing weight certainly can be the solution, but how could it possibly always be the solution?

Lesley Logan 15:47  

Oh, and that's exactly it. Because, like a lot of people who do have, do have a little bit more weight on them, doctors are always like, oh, go lose some weight first, before they even, like, listen to their fucking symptoms. And so then their issues get worse. Anyways, all this to say, I really enjoy that I really like when people are willing to share their stories of healing and then how they're going, because I think it's so important to normalize these conversations so that people can realize that, first of all, your weight often has zero to do with width of your health. And we know that now we have a lot of more information now than we did before, because, actually, of science and people studying these things and. 

Brad Crowell 16:09  

Can you explain that? Because that's not intuitive. How is it that your weight could be? I mean, your weight has to have something.

Lesley Logan 16:31  

So first of all, everybody thinks a BMI is like your insurance companies will use your BMI to determine if you're healthy or not, and what your insurance rate should be. Your BMI was actually never supposed to be used for what health is? The scientists who did it was for another reason, and it was only sitting on men. And BMI means your height to weight ratio. Well, a bodybuilder could have what would be considered obese BMI because the weight. 

Brad Crowell 16:53  

They could be short and huge, but they're intentionally huge. 

Lesley Logan 16:56  

But their their muscles and their body so their body fat percentage is quite low, right, versus somebody who's the same height and maybe even the same weight, but doesn't work out, right? But, but by the way, we're we're acting like that guy with muscles is healthier than the guy without muscles, because we have been conditioned to think that that is healthy. That person might be on steroids, they might be under eating, they might. 

Brad Crowell 17:19  

They could be starving themselves (inaudible) 

Lesley Logan 17:21  

Correct. Right. And then the other thing is, is that, like, you're, a lot of our health conditions are actually genetic versus, you know, a lot of things, and we are, different races have different body shapes. And so we're saying, oh, if you're not heroin chic, then there's something wrong with you. Because the best way to describe the way that the 90s thought health and wealth and beauty was like fucking stick pencil thin. Those girls were eating cotton balls soaked in orange juice. Literally, you can go watch documentaries on this like that is how they were staying the shape that they needed to be to make money. And then we're all chasing this dream when our bodies actually don't want to look like that. They don't. That's not healthy. And so, at any rate, health, signs of good health, your weight is like, truly not one of them, unless you are on the very, very, very ends of a spectrum, but in the middle, there is a wide range of health that could be and your outside appearance is rarely able to to significant like, the indicator of what your health is, we have to look at your sugar levels. We have to look at like, do you digest sugar? Are you digesting your food? Are you absorbing nutrition? Like your microbiome is a better signifier of health than your weight on the scale. And so it's really fascinating, because we have a humongous population of women and men who are raised to think that I just have to be thinner. And so there's a lot of people, a lot of people, a lo t of people listen to this podcast who probably struggle with, I was at the gym today, right? And this woman, she is so, so sweet. She looks so cute. And she's like, yeah. She's like, I'm carrying 30 pounds more because of an injury. And like, the fact that she felt like she had to tell me that because she's a Pilates instructor. And so she's like, yeah, I was like. I was like, who cares? Like, I listen to her. Who cares. You are having the most fun. You're rocking your Pilates practice. Who cares? So the point is, all this to say, like, we, this country is fucked up, in how it thinks of health, and so people are worrying about what the scale says, versus, like, going to their doctor, getting their lungs listened to getting their heart listened to getting their blood checked, and then researching, like, what is, what's in range, hormones, hormone health, that kind of stuff. But like, we're, we're so obsessed with what the scale says, versus like, what does your blood fucking say? What does your blood say? So anyways, back to Amber. She said, we get comfortable in our comfort zones of suffering. And I think this is really, really important. A lot of us are afraid of being on the other side of whatever our addiction or whatever our thing is, because suffering has become comfortable. We know it. We know what to expect. We like certainty. We'll hear more about certainty in a couple weeks with Brad Bizjack. But like we like knowing these things, but we have to we, our comfort zone of suffering is not uncomfortable enough for us to want to get out of it. She said, we continue to do what is familiar because it feels safe to your brain. You can listen to Gay Hendricks or read his book about like your brain, like wanting to be in this comfort zone we will sabotage right? She described being terrified of the unknown. This is, I am familiar with this, like you're so terrified of, like the unknown, like I'll just stick in my suffering, because the other side, the thing that I want, is actually scary, because I don't know what's it going to feel like and but she said the suffering became bigger than the fear of change, and that is so key. Like, sometimes we just have to figure out what that's going to be for us. And she said your healing is one of the most valuable journeys you can choose, is going to help you grow and evolve in ways you can't even imagine. And I think this is so important, like, whatever is going on in your life, if you're feeling overwhelmed by what's going on in the world, because you've got stuff in your own life going on, it is your number one priority to heal yourself, to go figure out, like, who, what, what people, what services, what you need to heal so that you can go out there in the world and be this amazing, evolved human who helps and supports and inspires other people. Right? Anyways, so many good things in there. What did you love?

Brad Crowell 21:32  

I was digging where she's talking about, your actual body is always trying to heal. Doesn't matter where you are in your life cycle. And what she was talking about, what I what she was referencing there was the different, like hormonal stages of a female body, specifically with the perimenopause, menopause, you know, post she said, however, we have to look at what is in the way of healing. And it's not, not even just those stages, but it, you know, your mindset is so much a part of this healing, right? And whether you're seeing doctors or not, that's what we can contribute to the fix that we may be getting from an expert, right? But our mindset and our habits, the behaviors that we have. She said, she also, you know, when it comes to age and certain ages, right? I know from just being around people who are older than me, they have this idea that they're set in their ways, and there's nothing that can be done about it. And that's not true, you know, like, it doesn't matter when how old you are, you can start to create change and the internal, the way that we internalize, the way that we think about ourselves and think about the change and the hope and the shift in our health, will contribute significantly to whatever actual like, you know, whether we change our sleep or our food or our workout or our, you know, supplements or whatever, any of that, but the way we think about it is going to change, is going to support that or it's going to make it effective, right?

Lesley Logan 23:15  

Well, we talked about those habits, right? We have a whole habit series coming out, by the way, in December, so I'll dive in more there. But like, if you shame yourself after doing making a mistake in a change you want to make, your main mindset will keep you from making those changes again. Like you will not be able to do it even though your body wants to do it, even though you say you want to do it, like how your mindset is absolutely a huge part of making the changes and allowing your body to heal. Because your body wants to do it, but you're, you're getting in the way.

Brad Crowell 23:43  

Yeah and also your mindset of your provider, right? The, it's hard to change a provider, but I, you know the response that you mentioned earlier, oh, just go lose some weight first, and then we will do X, Y and Z, you know, like, that's some bullshit. That's such a cop out. 

Lesley Logan 24:00  

Find a new provider. 

Brad Crowell 24:01  

Yeah, and like, if you're getting told something like that, you are, you absolutely can go get a second opinion. 

Lesley Logan 24:08  

You can also tell them, no, I've already have, like, there, in one of the FYFs, I think I actually brought up, like, things that you can say to a doctor. But like, and unfortunately, people who are in what's considered a larger body, you might have to say to the doctor, but I want you to know, come into this I've already lost X amount of weight. I have had this pain for this long. Unfortunately, no matter who you are, even if weight is not a thing, you're gonna have to say how long things happen. Because some people, some doctors, do not take some symptoms seriously until it's been a significant amount of time. 

Brad Crowell 24:45  

Well, let's, let's, let's think about this here, like from the perspective of a doctor, it's a puzzle, okay, you are a puzzle to them, and they like figuring out puzzles, and they've educated themselves in a crazy way over many, many, many, many years to understand all the variables that are involved so, but, they're still human, right? And they're going to do what brains do, which is the fastest, easiest way to find the answer, the solution. That's what their brain is doing for them. So they're gonna look at it and go, well, step one is, is it fucking plugged in, right? Just like any of the stupid customer service calls. So what are they gonna say? They say, well, you're clearly overweight, so go lose some weight, right? And that is the easy answer for them, but there's more to it than just that. But they can say, well, this is definitely something that has to be solved anyway, and it could be a very likely contributor to whatever the problem is that you have. So what are they going to do? They're going to go to the easiest answer first. Now there could be far more to it, or if you can give them a clearer picture of the puzzle, you can already say, this is how long this thing's been happening. I have already lost X amount of weight. I have already done these other things. I have already changed my eating, my sleeping, my this. Yet the problem persists. Now they have a clear picture of the puzzle, and they can go, hmm, the easy is it plugged in response doesn't work here. What's the next thing on my mental checklist of things? Right? So it's really important to be communicative. It's important to be paying attention to yourself. It's important to have those numbers and statistics and like, you know, things that you've already tried, and to share that information, because otherwise you're gonna get the is it plugged in answer.

Lesley Logan 24:53  

And they don't, and to their to also like to be on their a little on their side, they are, they have to see a ridiculous number of patients in a day. They have, they're given six minutes with you, and so the more you can have your thoughts organized. Listen to the episode with Lindsay Moore and also Jessica Valant on, like, advocating for yourself in healthcare, but like, have these notes, because it will help your healing process if that's the route you have to go. And if you're going a route of a therapist or something like that, find one like it might take a few different people. And I know that's annoying. I know like, when you're when you are suffering and you're finally ready to make a change, it can be fucking annoying to start over week after week after week with a different therapist until you find what you like. But you have, you owe it to your future self and you owe it to the people that you're going to change their life by being yourself. 

Brad Crowell 27:05  

Yeah, I mean, think about, think about it from the perspective of of a Pilates teacher or a fitness coach or whatever, like, if you are in the Pilates world, what we always coach our clients through Agency. We say not, you are not for everyone, and that's okay. The therapists are for everyone, and that's also okay. You're not going to connect the same way with this, with every person, but there is going to be one or more than one person that you're gonna be like, oh my gosh, I totally vibe with this person, and you'll be willing to connect with them in a in a better way. Doctors are the same way, right, like, so anyway, the Lindsay Moore episode is episode 177 and who else did you say? 

Lesley Logan 27:47  

Jessica Valant, her first episode. 

Brad Crowell 27:49  

Jessica Valant is episode 39 so go back and check out those interviews that both will be very helpful and supportive for this conversation as well. And yeah, the I think that you know, to sum this all up, if you're frustrated with the attention or lack of attention that you're getting from your provider, you are allowed to advocate for yourself. No one is going to advocate for you unless you hire someone to advocate for you or engage you know someone advocate for you, or maybe you have a family member who's willing to to play that role, but you can advocate for you, and it's also okay to go get a second opinion and to dig deeper. You know, you're allowed to do that, you know? So she, she said, we need to recondition ourselves, to normalize investing in our health. And what she's specifically talking about in that is that she's Canadian. They do have health care as a country. She said just because we get health care doesn't always mean that it's great health care, right? When she started having this, these deeper conversations with her doctors, she started cutting out some of the middleman and paying to go directly to the experts. Right, because she said, well, I couldn't get the referral, but I disagreed with them. I went to someone else. And just because the way the system was structured, it wasn't an option. So for me, I had to go straight to the expert, and that meant I had to pay out of pocket, and that sucks, because I did have access. I do have access to a healthcare system, however, that wasn't, that wasn't solving my problem and and I think in the United States, the irony is, we still have to fucking pay for things anyway, because our insurance system is so backwards. So, you know, I would say, you know, I agree with her that we need to recondition ourselves to normalize investing in our health, and that's that's exactly why we encourage people to go work out, too.

Lesley Logan 29:44  

And then, you know, call your fucking Congress person and tell them how much you would invest. Tell them what you want to see changes are. They work for us. And every country that you have some sort of voting system, the person who represents you is supposed to work for you whether you voted for them or not. So like be something in there, like be in their fucking bonnet about it, but first you have to heal yourself. And that does, unfortunately, there's like a statistic that it's like a ridiculous amount of money that women will spend on their health care versus men, because we are often getting second opinions because, unfortunately, they didn't study women's bodies. 

Brad Crowell 30:19  

I think women also live longer than men. So maybe there's something to it.

Lesley Logan 30:29  

Especially if you don't get married. There's, like, a lot, so there's a fuck ton of study. 

Brad Crowell 30:53  

Wait a minute. 

Lesley Logan 30:27  

Yes. So it says if you're basically, the science is, if you're a man, you need to be married because you'll live longer, but if you're a woman, you should not get married because you will live longer. And so it's just, like, really interesting thing that, like women actually provided we still get to have our credit cards and our bank accounts and vote. You know, we will live longer if we just live by our like, live on our own or live in a commune with each other. 

Brad Crowell 30:53  

Well, there's that. 

Lesley Logan 30:54  

Sorry, babe. I love you, but.

Brad Crowell 30:56  

I love me too, so, you know. 

Lesley Logan 30:57  

Okay. 

Brad Crowell 30:58  

All right, stick around. We'll be right back. We're going to dig into those action items. Those Be It Action Items that we got from Amber Romaniuk. 

Brad Crowell 31:05  

All right, so let's talk about those Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your conver conversation with Amber? She said, hey, the best habits for hormone and digestive health, start getting into a mindful eating practice and start having good sleep hygiene. And what she was specifically saying about mindful eating practice, this is really interesting, y'all, because we're glued to our phones, I'm just as guilty of this, like 100%, she said, for eating, put down your phone, sit and eat your food mindfully. Why? What does she actually mean by that? She said, Well, there's two elements to eating, and we're distracting ourselves from one of the two elements when we're not focused on eating. What are those two elements? There's the physical state of eating, and then there's the emotional state of eating. And if we are not paying attention to our food, there's very high chance that emotionally we won't even realize it, and we will just keep eating, because we don't emotionally think, feel, you know, that we're full, right? And also, there's still that, that element with the physical you know, you're not necessarily paying attention to your stomach, you're paying attention to your phone, right? So you could just keep going past the point of being full. So I just thought it was really interesting. It's not the first time we've heard this. In fact, I think Dr, Kelly Bender also mentioned eating and putting your phone away and just focusing on eating. Can't remember which interview that was, because she's been with us for a few, but. 

Lesley Logan 32:39  

Yes, but you can go listen to them. 

Brad Crowell 32:41  

Yeah, she, she was in episode 41 and 183 Dr. Kelly Bender, so we'll put those links in the show notes. But she, she mentions the same thing, like put your phone away while you're eating. And I never thought about it as as a mindful practice, but disconnect from that technology. And she said, same goes with sleeping. And of course, we've talked about this before.

Lesley Logan 33:00  

Mindfully sleep, put your phone away. You can actually sleep.

Brad Crowell 33:04  

Yeah, not mindfully sleeping, but like preparing for sleep, like actually preparing for sleep. And I know you went through a couple different extreme things where you would leave your phone in the other side of the house.

Lesley Logan 33:16  

I know I still want to do that. I just haven't figured out how to do that. 

Brad Crowell 33:21  

It's tough too, because their phones are our alarms all the things. But like, you know, disconnecting from tech, she said 15, 30 minutes before going to bed, you know. And then also, she said sleeping before 11pm especially for women, because optimal hormone balance occurs between 11pm and 1am I don't actually know how that statistic comes to be, I think every body is a little bit different. And so, you know, we all have our own sleeping patterns. So I think it's important to understand your own circadian rhythm, a tool that we use to help us find ours, has been a ring like the ring that monitors your heart, your health, your blood, you know, your blood, all that kind of stuff, your blood pressure, I mean. And then it actually can identify your natural rhythm.

Lesley Logan 34:05  

We'll have to, we'll have to find out where that is, because I do, there is information that our liver also does its own, like clean, like cleaning out thing around 2 to 4 a.m. and so that's why a lot of people get up at two in the morning having to pee. Like, it's actually, like, there are, there are some things that the body just does at a certain time. 

Brad Crowell 34:21  

But, but also, like 2 to 4 a.m. for me is not 2 to 4 a.m. for somebody else. So that's what doesn't make sense like, because the time zones like so, so I think, I think there's a, there's a there's like a guideline there. But, you know, I think it's obviously different forever. We live in different parts of the world.

Lesley Logan 34:37  

Luckily, for you, Brad, you can be a lark, you can be up, or whatever it's called, owl, you you don't your hormones will be fine. If you stay up past 11, it's okay.

Brad Crowell 34:44  

High level, she said, get your hormones tested. So.

Lesley Logan 34:47  

Get them tested multiple times, multiple times, because they they do change throughout the day, but also throughout your cycle. And also find a doctor, if not working with Amber or FemGevity, find fucking someone who actually gives a fuck. Because it took me, I knew I did not have testosterone for years, and I had it took me forever to find someone who would fucking listen to me, and so it is annoying, and you gotta advocate for yourself, but you need to find someone who actually gives any fucks about hormones. So whatever it is, find the person you're and yes, it takes time. I know you're busy. 

Brad Crowell 35:11  

I think we could talk about FemGevity here. I mean, you probably heard the commercials that we throw in occasionally here. But you know, Lesley has been working with a female telehealth medicine company that is only in the United States. Sorry, Canadians, but.

Lesley Logan 35:33  

That's why they have Amber and anyone can well, you can be outside the States, outside of Canada, and work with Amber as well, of course, I guess, but yeah, you gotta find people. So if so cannot talk to Amber, contact FemGevity, but contact interview people who and see if they fit your vibe. Do they understand what your goals are? Like are, does it make sense them? If they're not, it's okay. It's not like, oh my god, they're an asshole. They don't get me. They're not the right person for you.

Brad Crowell 36:00  

Yeah, they're not the right person for you, or they don't have the time for you and so you can find somebody else. What about you?

Lesley Logan 36:06  

Becoming in tune and learning how to listen to your body, most powerful gift you can give yourself. I think it's kind of free, guys, as well. Yeah, it's free. She said, do a self-assessment. What symptoms are you experiencing? Rate your intensity, a one to attend, to effectively commute with a healthcare professional. So you could just literally take notes on your phone. And when you wake up, you could just, like, ask yourself, like, well, how do I feel? What am I experiencing right now? Like, in the morning, I'm experiencing a runny nose, oh, it's because I need to take my allergy medicine, right like, or, and in the afternoon, might sit down for lunch. You can go, what am I experiencing right now? And it's like, oh, my nose is still running. Maybe this is not allergies, right? Like, you know? And then after dinner, like, what? Instead, it could be part of your gratitude practice like, I'm grateful because I feel hot, I'm grateful because I feel tired, part of it, but start to rate it, so that you have notes, and you can start to see patterns. And then when you actually do talk to a healthcare professional, they can see that you are paying attention to yourself. Yeah, like, you know, it's really hard when you go, I don't know it's been a while since I've been feeling this way. Since when? They're going to know since when? Because a while for some people is three days, and for some people it's three fucking years. So you want to say since January 27th, every night I feel like this. You know, like that is important information. Build a self-care routine, if we I mean, we know that this is a big thing. I'm a big fan of, you know, even if it's just sitting or slowing down and practicing the art of doing nothing. That's a great thing.

Brad Crowell 37:29  

Oh yeah, that was a whole interesting part of the conversation. She said, we need to take 10 minutes and literally do nothing to regulate our nervous system every day. And I thought, huh, do I ever give myself time to do nothing? No, you know why? Because I've got a damn phone and I'm like, scrolling Instagram. If I, if I'm doing quote, unquote relaxing, I'm still doing something.

Lesley Logan 37:55  

You know what? Also, even if, like, here's the deal, you can walk your dog, which is going to be doing something, but then do nothing while walking your dog. And like so, but find ways to get bored. You know, our yoga teacher always talked about, when his kids go, I'm bored, he's like, you're so fucking lucky. It was one of the greatest things you could ever be, is bored. And lastly, Amber advised us to be patient and compassionate with our with yourself. Try to build a friendship with your body. Whoo, that one, that one, if you do nothing on this world, but like, build (inaudible).

Brad Crowell 38:25  

I mean, you asked, like, how do we not be impatient when we aren't seeing immediate results? And that's where she said, be compassionate with yourself.

Lesley Logan 38:33  

Yeah, if you were your friend, telling your friend, I'm not seeing X, Y and Z results, you your friend, would be like, okay, but how long has it been? Okay, but you. 

Brad Crowell 38:41  

It's been a week. Okay, it took me 40 years to get here. 

Lesley Logan 38:44  

Yeah, be nice. You're not a robot. Speaking of not being a robot, I'm Lesley Logan. 

Brad Crowell 38:49  

And I'm Brad Crowell. 

Lesley Logan 38:51  

Thank you so much for listening to this episode. Thank you for sending in your favorite parts of the episode. Thank you for sharing what you love and your suggestions. Send your questions and your wins in to beitpod.com/questions. Share this episode with a friend who needs friend who needs to hear it, especially Amber's interview with your friends who are struggling with their health right now and their health journey. It gets really inspiring. 

Brad Crowell 39:09  

beitpod.com/questions 

Lesley Logan 39:11  

Oh, beitpod.com/questions that's more helpful. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Brad Crowell 39:17  

Bye for now.

Lesley Logan 39:19  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 40:01  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 40:06  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 40:11  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 40:18  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 40:21  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Women’s hormone health, gut health, and emotional eating come together in an empowering conversation with expert—Amber Romaniuk—host of the “The No Sugarcoating Podcast”. Lesley and Amber unpack how food cravings, people-pleasing, and quick-fix culture can intensify perimenopause symptoms and what to do instead. You’ll leave with practical steps to stabilize blood sugar, support sleep, and build a kinder relationship with your body.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Amber overcame binge eating and became a hormone and gut health expert.
• The connection between food cravings, gut imbalances, and emotional eating.
• Why perimenopause symptoms worsen with hormone and lifestyle imbalance.
• How standard lab ranges can miss hidden hormone and gut issues.
• How daily good habits prevent cravings and support hormone balance.

Episode References/Links:

• Amber Romaniuk Website - https://www.amberapproved.ca
• Amber Romaniuk YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk
• Amber Romaniuk Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk
• The No Sugarcoating Podcast - https://amberapproved.ca/podcast

Guest Bio:

Amber Romaniuk is an Emotional Eating, Digestive and Hormone Expert, with 11 years experience helping high achieving women create a level of body confidence, intuition and optimal health through powerful mindset healing, self-care and overcoming self-sabotage with food. She does this through addressing the key negative thoughts, patterns and limiting beliefs that keep women stuck in the same behaviors for years and decades that they haven’t been able to break. Her podcast “The No Sugarcoating Podcast” has 1.9 million downloads, over 500 episodes and is listened to in over 88 countries. 

Amber overcame her own emotional eating after gaining and losing more than 1000 lbs and spending over $50,000 on binge foods and spending 5 years balancing her hormones, digestion. She also dismantled her deep limiting beliefs and behaviors keeping her stuck in the same looping patterns. Now she helps others achieve the biggest healing miracles of Body Freedom™ so they have the confidence and health to create amazing lives.

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Episode Transcript:

Amber Romaniuk 0:00  

Be patient with your progress, it will shift, and then you get to have this much more aligned lifestyle habits and behaviors that are going to support you through perimenopause and menopause much easier if you're patient and you don't see it as a quick fix, and you actually see it as a lifestyle changes.

Lesley Logan 0:17  

Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. 

Lesley Logan 0:59  

Be It babe. This is going to be a fabulous, fun conversation about women's hormones, hormone health, gut, microbiome, your cravings, binge, people-pleasing, self-care, priority of self, like, this is all the things. And we've had different people dance around these topics. We've had like hormone person or an emotional eating person, or these kind of and now I have someone who's an expert in all of it, all in one show for you, and it really connects all the dots, but also hopefully empowers you. It's never too late to start taking care of yourself, because if you want to be it till you see it, if you want to be the strong, amazing human in this world, we have to take care of ourselves. And so we're gonna talk about what's going on with your body that could be affecting you. And we're gonna talk about, you know, some things you can make, the easy changes you make in your life to make it easier to go into perimenopause, to be in perimenopause and post menopause. So here is Amber Romaniuk. 

Lesley Logan 1:55  

Hey, Be It babe. This is gonna be a fun conversation. I can already tell. Our guest today, and I just met a moment ago, we're already talking about nails and life and perimenopause and menopause and so Amber Romaniuk, thank you so much for being here. You're the host of this No Sugarcoating Podcast. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at?

Amber Romaniuk 2:12  

Yeah, and thank you for having me today. I am an emotional eating, digestive and hormone expert with 11 and a half years of experience coaching women all over the world to claim what I call food and body freedom, which is really about claiming and understanding what's going on in your body, physically, hormonally, digestively, blood sugar, etc, and getting to the roots of your symptoms, your weight loss blocks, but also looking at the habits, behaviors and mindsets that are keeping you stuck and not helping you heal. So helping you overcome the binge eating, the emotional eating, the people-pleasing, the negative self-talk, the low self-worth, so that you can make yourself a priority, and that all assists in the physical, mental, emotional, energetic, healing.

Lesley Logan 2:48  

Yeah. First of all, love that you used, like, expert, like, like, we didn't even stumble on that word, like you were, like, so proud of it. I just adore women who can call themselves that proudly and confidently. So thank you. You are. And also, I love that you brought up people-pleasing and prioritizing ourselves, because whether or not you are wherever you are in your body journey, people-pleasing can affect us in many different ways. That can be affecting us how we eat, but it also can be affecting us with how we treat ourselves and the things that we do. So, so, okay, can we take a step back and kind of go into like, how did you get here? And how did you get so passionate about helping people through this journey?

Amber Romaniuk 3:34  

Yeah, so it really was a personal journey that I had to go through myself, and so I grew up and at a very young age, started struggling with body image issues. I was five, it was my first day on the bus, and the older boys called me fat and ugly, and then the whole bus made fun of me, and that identity of fat and ugly I really took on for the next 20 years of my life. And I grew up in a household with great parents. However, my mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis before I was born, and so she used food as a coping mechanism. I didn't know at the time, but everything we did revolved around food, and so I created an unconscious emotional connection to food at a very young age, and didn't realize it, and I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. So there's a lot of sugar, a lot of processed food, and then you hit your tweens and teens, and you start struggling with body image, right? You get, you're reading all the magazines, comparing yourself to celebrities. What's wrong with me that I don't look like that? And then I started dieting. And then into my early 20s, I had my first real breakup. Was so upset, could barely eat, lost weight really fast, became asphyxiated with my body, picked myself apart even more, my cycle disappeared, and it was just like, this switch flipped, and it was like, this is too hard to attain. And I started binge eating. And I would eat until I was so full I was sick. I gained like 70 to 80 pounds in four months. Now I was the heaviest that I had ever been, just so ashamed, so embarrassed, binge eating multiple days through the week. Went through a phase of about six months of binging and purging. Because I thought, if I can prevent gaining weight, I will do this. But obviously it just like stressed my body out even more, and I just ended up in a full blown food addiction, where I was either losing control with food and eating until I was so full I was sick, or trying to grip onto the next diet, the next eating style, the next workout craze, to try and gain some form of control with food. And now, of course, none of that was working, and it was just this boomerang of all or nothing. I'm either trying to be perfect on a diet or I'm losing control of food. And for me, my low point moment, which I don't wish for people to, have, to go through a low point. But sometimes we need it to kick us in the butt and help us, like, go, okay, something has to change. But my low point moment was I would throw the food in the garbage, because if I threw it in the garbage, I'm like, I'm not going there. I'm not going to dig through the garbage and eat the food. It was a turn off. So that night, I'd thrown the food away. And at this point, a couple years into this behavior, I started to realize I was binge eating, but I didn't know how to deal with it, and so I had thrown the food away. Specifically, it was Oreo cookies, and I was laying on the couch crying, just like I am afraid for my life. I don't know if I'm gonna make it to 30, was about 22 at the time, if I keep in this destructive behavior, because I was very hard on myself. And a few hours later, as the food settled, I thought, well, if this is the last time I'm gonna do this all or nothing mentality, I'm gonna go get those cookies, and I don't care. And so I went into the kitchen, and I did. I dug through the garbage, grabbed the cookies, then I went outside and threw them in the dumpster, and went back later, like, out into my back alley of my apartment, and, like, dug through again. 

Lesley Logan 6:31  

And this is where we can see it's an addiction, like any drug, you know, like, like, I mean, because we it's like, it you could insert cocaine or cigarettes or alcohol in there. Yeah. 

Amber Romaniuk 6:43  

Yeah, and yeah, and that's the thing, and food was my drug of choice. Thank God it wasn't cocaine or alcohol. I probably wouldn't be here today because I was, it was such a compulsive, like all the time behavior, and so after I did that, a couple of really important things happened. The first is we get comfortable in our comfort zones of suffering. Even if you're suffering, you will continue to do what is familiar, because it feels safe to your brain. Yes. And so I was terrified of the unknown, terrified and overwhelmed about thinking about, how do I start even dealing with this? I've got like, 80 pounds to lose. I'm out of control with food. My guts a mess, like I'm a mess, like I don't even know where to start. And that was overwhelming. And you know, you're afraid of the unknown. Who am I going to be if I'm not using food as a crutch, I'm not chasing the number on the scale, I'm not obsessed with trying to look a certain way, like my identity was just asphyxiating around all of these things. And so that moment, though, was like the suffering became bigger than the fear of change and then the comfort zone and so really catapulted me into this healing journey of many layers of healing, physically, emotionally, energetically, hormonally, you know, building self-worth, learning like, how to actually love myself and and heal things like people-pleasing and really completely reshape my identity. And that's really what birthed my business was, oh my gosh, if I struggled with this to the level I did, how many other women are struggling, and it's 90% of the female population in North America, by the way, struggling with some form of emotional eating behaviors or body image issue, and it just really inspired me. I'm like, I went through that because I am here to help women heal and break free of this for good. It's not supposed to be oh, well, maybe you'll manage it and it'll come back sometimes. No, like, I help my clients fully gain freedom from this, which is what we should be able to do if we really address the roots.

Lesley Logan 8:33  

Yeah. I mean, especially because, like, I have friends who've been sober for years, and they can be in a bar with you, they can be you can like, they like, you know. And so I always thought like, if someone who could have such a destructive behavior addiction with alcohol or drugs can be around it and not tempted, then that should be there should be a little about food. But the thing that like struck my attention, I think we can a lot of your gut is an an interesting beast, because what you feed it, it starts to crave, and so I like and at a young age, if what you're feeding it is processed foods and sugar, and you don't know better, because you're just doing whatever like it's allowed. You're changing your microbiome. And then what it is, it is telling you you're craving. So you've got your own stuff in your own head that you've got, you've got the outside world who's put pressure on you, good or bad, and then you've got your gut going, but I really want those Oreo cookies, like I'm not gonna stop until I get what I need, because my the bacteria in my gut is saying. 

Amber Romaniuk 9:33  

Feed me. Eat me. 

Lesley Logan 9:34  

Yes, yeah. So I find, like, I really do feel for people where they don't have this freedom, because it is almost all encompassing, like here you were telling a story about 22 like you, you can't, can't really grow in any career or relationship or life with this kind of thing going on around here in your brain.

Amber Romaniuk 9:56  

No, no, I was broke. My bank account was always in the red. I was single. I was isolating. I didn't want to see anyone because I didn't want people to notice I'd gained weight, and I felt so triggered when I go out and be around people in food that it was just like, there's just no point in doing anything, but you're right, like, and that's where I think so many people keep in these behaviors, because we're not taught and educated that with binge and emotional eating to whatever level you're dealing with, there's not just emotional eating triggers. There's physical emotional eating triggers like candida overgrowth. There's hormonal imbalances that trigger emotional eating. Being a sensitive empath triggers emotion like there's so many different things to potentially look at, and I didn't know any of that until I started healing it. And then, of course, one of the blocks with candida that unhealthy gut overgrowth is, you look at a lot of the protocols, and they're like, cut out all this stuff. And while, if you're in a binge or emotional eating behavior, restriction is a massive trigger to rebel with food and then go eat all the things you're not supposed to have. So there is, in my opinion, a like, approach and a method to healing your relationship with food while supporting your gut and then clearing that stuff out without intensive restriction that you don't end up like going back. But the gut and the cravings, I had the worst candida that, like I did a test that they had ever seen. No wonder, antibiotics, excessive sugar intake, high stress levels, like, the cravings were so bad. So I totally get what you're talking about with.

Lesley Logan 11:21  

Yeah, yeah. So, like, so I want to kind of fast forward, because, like, obviously, like, in your 20s, you're able to go on the journey. But we get we get older, and if we you brought up hormones and gut health, and it's like, so most of people listening are in their 40s, and by the way, it's never too late to figure out your health journey, loves, but with perimenopause, like it's going to hit every woman who's listening, and the few good men that are listening, it's going to hit every woman that you know. So you may as well don't tune out, because you got to know what's going on so you can be supportive. How, how does a binge or, like, emotional eating, people pleasing, lifestyle affect perimenopause. Is it like just gonna continue to be the same and everyone who goes to the same perimenopause is gonna make perimenopause worse? Like, what? What should we be looking at? 

Amber Romaniuk 12:11  

Yeah, good question. Likely it's going to make your perimenopause experience worse. And here's the thing, if you never had your hormones tested, ever or not in your 20s or your 30s, mid 30s, you could have had deficiencies in your 20s. I was playing post menopausal at 24 from all the stuff I had put my body through, I had no progesterone. My estrogen was through the roof. My thyroid was a mess. I had the highest cortisol stress hormone that, again, like the test people had ever seen. So and that was in when I was 24 and then I course corrected it, thank goodness. And then, you know, perimenopause has been easier going into it, but it's it's going to potentially be more difficult, because if you have had deficiencies with your hormones for years and you don't know about them, guess what? Things really start to change when you hit that 35 to 37 mark, going into your 40s. And so if you're already fatigued, if you have already retained water, gained weight more easily. You already have a thyroid issue, right? You're putting yourself last like these issues amplify, because our cortisol starts to gradually go up once we hit perimenopause. We start to see more depletion with progesterone and estrogen or for some women, it's skyrocketing because of gut flora issues, too many toxins in the body. And like I said along a lot of women have a thyroid issue and don't even realize they do or it's not being properly dealt with, and our thyroid hormones start to kind of can start to move in the wrong direction. If we're not paying attention, our inflammatory load goes up. We need enough progesterone, which is one of our sex hormones, to combat inflammation, which will show up in the body in the forms of redness, heat, swelling, retention is one of the biggest ones. I see like your rings fit tighter, your bra strap fits tighter. Your face feels puffy, but if we don't have enough progesterone, we can't combat that inflammation, and so you will feel like your clothes are fitting tighter. All your old tricks you used to use to help you lose or maintain weight don't work the same anymore. So if you're trying to diet or cut calories or burn calories, and it's not working, it's because there's so much more to look at here that the body's like, no, there's a lot.

Lesley Logan 14:11  

Thank you for bringing that up. Because, like, I'm a Pilates instructor and I have an on demand platform, and one of the things we do not say is weight loss. It's on purpose, because science is the science is there. I wish the media would get part of it, which is like, yeah, you can work out, and it can support a journey, but it isn't the journey. And so I actually cannot claim that Pilates will help you with anything other than, like, muscle strength, mobility, like the things that, like, I know from experience. But as far as, like, what the scale does, that, that that is all, most of those hormones, and then what you're eating, and then, you know, implement all this other stuff. And I just really pains me because I I don't do the show, because I think anyone needs to change their body in any way that's to me, like, you know, what I do think is you need to be the strongest person you can be for the people you do love like that is important. Life is not easy if you're weak, you know, but, but I think like knowing our bodies, like understanding like how our hormone health can affect our ability to show up in this world, like this is podcast called Be It Till You See It. And like, everything you're bringing up is like talking about how our bodies are going to go through harder things if we're not taking care of it. And then you, doesn't matter what your goals are, doesn't matter if you want to be a writer, author, you know, coach anything. Because if you if your gut is telling you stuff, if it's causing your body to produce or not produce hormones, then you're and you are then having other issues with maybe how you're eating, it's going to affect everything. 

Amber Romaniuk 15:45  

Oh, yeah, 100%. Well and here's another thing, right? Progesterone. We need enough progesterone to help us produce GABA, to help with falling asleep and with helping to produce serotonin when your mood-boosting neurotransmitters. So when women say, I don't feel like myself, we've got to look at what's going on in the gut, the hormones. But then we also have to look at where are you on your priority list? Because most women are last or close to last, because it's their comfort zone to put everyone else first. But then this is where it really hits us hard in perimenopause, because again, you're starting to have these depletions happen, or maybe they've been happening for a long time, and this is where they really get loud and will pronounce specific symptoms or things that are just not so easy to resolve like they used to be.

Lesley Logan 16:26  

Yeah, yeah. And we have a thing we say, like, self-care is, isn't selfish, like, it's, it's actually, I actually think it's quite selfish if you do not prioritize yourself first, I think you're actually, like, you know, trying to think that you're a bigger deal than you are, and then you get mad at people and really, like, actually, if you take care of yourself first, if you are the one who's going to sleep, if you're asking your partner, like, hey, I'll do the wake ups, but you do the like, these kinds of things, then you actually can have more love and more energy and more to give people. But if you don't, then you're actually going to be a drain on them. You're actually going to cause them to have to take care of you sooner. So let's talk to the people who maybe are already in perimenopause or after menopause. Is it too late for them? Yeah, okay, let's get into that. 

Amber Romaniuk 17:11  

Yeah. No, definitely not too late. I think what you have to remind yourself is that your body's always trying to heal. It doesn't matter where you are in your life cycle. I have helped women with all of this from their 20s to their 80s, and they've seen things balance and regulate. So your body's always trying to heal, but we have to look at what's in the way of the healing, and how are you in your own way, and how is your mindset and your habits and behaviors in the way? Right? So I think one of the biggest things we have to look at first is, what kind of relationship do you have with food, and what kind of relationship do you have with yourself? And while we're looking at that, you've got to get your hormones tested. And here's something that I see with especially North America. But you may say, oh yeah, I went to my doctor. They did the testing. They said, everything's fine. It's not my hormones or it's just once you're a certain age, there's nothing you can do, so you just have to deal with it. And I will tell you no to both of those with all due respect. Number one, the ranges for testing in North America are far too big. In my opinion, they're probably triple to quadruple what they should be, and they're making them bigger. So a lot of women will have imbalances in the normal ranges. I did myself. And the second thing is, like I said earlier, your body's always trying to heal, but it's just finding the right people to work with to help you pinpoint what's going on and helping you connect your symptoms to your habits to your test results. And then what steps do we need to start taking to regulate things? Now we've been conditioned like do a test. Take a supplement. Now testing is very important information, and vitamins can be a great part of your healing journey, but it can turn into a quick fix if you think all you need is a few supplements to course correct this, okay, because what we're not asking ourselves is, why did I end up with severe adrenal fatigue in the first place, which is where your cortisol gets way too high? How did I end up with hypothyroid, underactive, sluggish thyroid, or Hashimotos, the autoimmune condition in the first place? Why is my progesterone so low? What kind of cycles have I been having in my 20s, 30s? Was it easy to get pregnant? What? What kind of, you know, menopausal symptoms Am I having? Like, we need to start asking, why, and not just, oh, I got a result. Now I'm taking this vitamin. How come it's not changing? 

Lesley Logan 19:15  

I love this. 

Amber Romaniuk 19:17  

Well again, like, I think supplements can become a quick fix. Like, oh yeah. Like, I, in the DMs all the time, people are like, what's just tell me what supplement to take. I'm like, number one, I can't do that because it's illegal for me to do so. Number two, you're missing the point. Like, we've got to look at your lifestyle and everything. It's not just a hormone test and then a supplement. If you don't change the habits and the behaviors, you're just going to get pissed off at your practitioner that they didn't help you and that it's not working when, right? We need to get all of it. All of it.

Lesley Logan 19:46  

I couldn't agree more. Years ago, I was going through some crazy digestive issues. People who've been listening for a while know about this. I, like, cr-, like horrible just would wake up every morning like the like, a flat stomach no iflammation. Would go to bed every night look like, I was, like, eight months pregnant. Just, like, just terrible. I even took pictures, because I was like, Is this in my head? Like, am I making this up? Like, and I would like, find myself looking at people well, they ate dinner, and they look the same after they eat dinner. I eat dinner, I don't look the same. Like, what is going on? And I went through so many different doctors, and I could get zero help. They just want to call it IBS. And I'm like, I refuse that label, sir, because that label is nothing that just is, like, it's zero. It just means I this is what I have and like, so I bought so I, like, walked off of that, and I paid for this guy to take these tests. And he actually worked with a lot of athletes and celebrities and helps them either gain or lose weight for roles or for a lot of athletes. It's like, I was hitting goal goals before, and now I'm not. And he he can look at their what's going on their blood, and then he can go, okay, well, what changed? Right? He's like, oh, I was really stressed out, so I took up oil paintings. Like, where are you oil painting? He's like, in my room. He's like, let's not do that. That's why there's lead in your, you go, oil painting outside, sir. Like, you know, anyway, so going back to him does a test, and he goes, technically, all a lot of these things are in range, but let's explain in range in the States, at least, I don't know if it's the rest of the world. It's not my area of expertise. They take, they took a bunch of people, and then they dropped the first two and a half percent and the last two and a half percent, and they called that a range, yeah, but we actually don't know if that range is optimal for everybody or that body. And so I really test any doctors I work with. If they say, oh, you're in range, you're good. I actually wait for them to say, but while you're in range, you're not in range for like a really do wait to see, like, are they gonna qualify this? Because I don't feel good. And so I don't care that my B12 is in range, I feel low. I feel low energy. And so, so I work, work with someone recently who was like, okay, these levels are in range, but they they might be low for you. So we will put you on this. But we also have to wait for these tests to come back to figure out what caused this in the first place. I was like, ding, ding, ding, you pass the test, and sure enough, there's something going on in my gut. It's been going on for a long time. We were able to tame a lot of it, but I had a parasite, I had a couple other bad bacterias, and so those things are affecting my body's ability to produce the hormones it should be able to do on its own in this moment, you know. So I think, like for everyone listening, it's okay to change doctors. It's hard, especially if you live in the States, I'm not going to say it's easy. I'm not going to say it's cheap. I'm not going to say that any of that. But you have to advocate for yourself. 

Amber Romaniuk 22:27  

You do. You have to advocate for yourself. You can't be afraid to get second opinions. And I think something that we have been like, especially here in Canada, because, quote, unquote, we have free health care doesn't mean it's good. Hey, because you get five minutes, you get one thing, they'll flip through your blood work, everything's fine, see you later, right? That's not healthcare. So one thing that I'm always saying is we need to recondition ourselves to normalize investing in our health, to be willing to spend money investing in the vessel that is literally carrying you through every moment of your life. You have no problem spending $1,500 on an iPhone, spending money on this and that and that and this and this and this and this. But then people get triggered, going, that's expensive for my health. Why do I have to pay for that? And it's like, where is the normalization of that? And so, so part of it is getting secondary opinions and being willing to save or to put money into investing in your health, because it's everything and unfortunate, like, I think it's going to change, but as things stand right now, you get very little from your primary care unless they're a very good, very thorough doctor, which, there are some out there. But I've cut out the middleman with all my clients. Yeah, I do the testing with all of them, because I'm tired of half the doctors being like, you don't need that. Who's ordering it? Why do you want this? You're not in that age range. You look fine. You don't need this test. And and the doctor questioning them, and then the other half doing them, and then, yes, scanning through and saying, everything's fine. And then I say, bring that to me. Let's look at it. And I'm like, I'm seeing some stuff that, you know, I can understand why you're having the symptoms you are. 

Lesley Logan 23:52  

Right because that's, that's the thing. It's like, it's someone reading and listening. So there's like, the I can look at the paperwork, and I can say, okay, this person should be fine, but if I'm hearing you say I'm tired, and I go, okay, well, you're in range, but this is kind of, this is on the lower of the range. Yeah, that's probably why you're tired. Let's or we could try it out, like there's, like, we can try these different things out, and they can test it. Is called a practice, they could. So, I mean, the joke is, like, I pay a fuck ton of money for health insurance here, and I get the same response from a doctor, so I, too, had to pay out. But I there's a there's a study that says, like, women are more likely to pay for these things, and I think it is, it is changing, because a lot of women are going I don't have to put up with this anymore. I don't have to, don't have to with my mother's menopause. I don't have to, like, hide in a corner and just go well, this is me now, and this is how it's going to be, and I'm just going to have to have these sweats. It's like, no, there's, there is studies out there, and the more women voice their concerns and do their research and demand from their professionals that that's what they want, it is going to change things. I do believe that we can change these things. So any habits or tips that we should consider when it comes to our hormone health and our digestive health that our listeners can take away with you?

Amber Romaniuk 25:12  

100% so I think one of the first things is start getting into a mindful eating practice, disconnecting from technology, phones, computers, and actually sitting and eating your food mindfully, you'll digest better, and you'll be more aware of what physical and emotional satiation feels like. When you're eating and you're multitasking, number one, you're not in digest and rest mode, you're not going to digest properly. Number two, a lot of women I work with also binge or emotionally eat, and then they finish their food and they're like, oh, but I finished that really, like, I want something else, because they weren't present and they weren't present and they weren't paying attention, and so that you'll never be emotionally satiated when you're not paying attention. And so they pick through the cupboard, and then they overeat, and then they're hard on themselves. So that helps with that, and it starts to help you what is full feel like. A lot of women don't know that either, and so knowing fullness is also important to prevent overeating. So I think that's important. Getting enough sleep as you get into perimenopause, and I know you can be awake from 12 to four in the morning because your progesterone's still low, your thyroid is off, your blood sugar's off, right? So get your hormones tested. However, also practice good sleep hygiene, ideally disconnecting from technology 15 to 30 minutes before bed, getting to sleep before 11 pm optimal hormone balance is trying to happen between 11 pm and 1 am and if we're trying to be a night owl or you're binge watching TV, like, these habits are not going to help you make perimenopause or menopause easier. I also think for most women, and this is in my experience, because most of them are dealing with hypothyroid, high cortisol, progesterone issues, etc, through peri and menopause, fasting until you get your hormone test done, and if everything looks really good, maybe that's going to work for you. But stop skipping meals. Stop skipping breakfast. You're going to make things go in the wrong direction. Eating regularly through the day is very important for blood sugar stability, because when we start to get into those perimenopause and menopause phases, our blood sugar can get a lot more sensitive, and deciding to skip breakfast because I want to lose weight or because I don't feel hungry will actually just make that worse, and it can suppress your metabolism more easily. If you're not hungry in the morning, it's either because you have a hunger hormone imbalance or a thyroid issue. So we need to investigate, again, what is going on. It's not normal to not be hungry, and if we assume I'm not hungry, I shouldn't eat. And then, you know, you're tired, your blood sugar's crashing. You're gaining weight, whatever's going on. This is, unfortunately, you know, innocent assumptions that are fueling more stress with the hormones. So eating regularly through the day, ideally eating something small within 30 minutes of waking up to wake up your gut, your blood sugar, metabolism, getting everything going, and then obviously food's gonna look a little different for everyone. But again, trying to eat as close to nature as possible, less processed food, protein, oh my gosh. Women don't eat enough protein or fat. Fat is our friend. We need enough fat to balance our hormones and to lose weight and energy mental clarity, so starting to feel safe enough eating enough and carbohydrates are also safe. But I'm talking like fruits, veggies, starchy vegetables. Some will make new grain. Some can't. But like, we need carbohydrates. All these diets and eating styles that are like, cut carbs, don't know we need enough. And here's one specific example, if you have cortisol issues so high or low cortisol, adrenal fatigue, burnout is a common like, way of people saying it, where you're exhausted and you're gaining weight in the abdomen, you're puffy. Cutting carbs will make that so much worse. And so this is where it comes back to get your health assessed, get your hormones tested, get your gut assessed, work with someone who can look at your whole picture, physically, mentally, emotionally, and then help advise you on the best way to eat in support of helping your hormones and gut balance, helping heal your relationship with food. I learned that the hard way. I cut out a bunch of carbs when I was trying to heal my gut. It it my hormones were a mess. I gained a ton of weight, and I wasn't binge eating, right? So it's innocent. You're trying to just fix things, but then you don't know what's going on, and it just makes something worse. So, yeah.

Lesley Logan 28:57  

Yeah, it's so I mean, because here's the thing, like, for most people listening, you know, your elder, millennial, young Gen X, and we were raised on the no fat, sugar-free things, right? And so you you got sub subconsciously, you're right. Like, fat is not your friend, and it's like, your brain really likes it. And like, I so, but I found is I'm not someone who, like, counts anything, I try, really, really hard to just go, like, is there protein happening every time I'm gonna eat? Is there like, literally, protein on every plate. And then I'm, like, happily excited for cheese, avocados. Like, bring it on, you know? But I had a girlfriend who was like, just try this thing out. And I was like, I'll just see what she's doing every day. I was like, I'm not getting enough carbs. What is going on, and I had to, like, and be intentional about it. And I was like, no wonder I don't have enough energy at the end of the day. I'm not pull I have not fueling myself to have energy in the day. You know, it was, it was while I quit after, like, that realization. I was like, well, at least I know now, like, what's going on, I just wasn't getting enough fuel, and it's it can be very difficult. Our lives are very busy and so, like, it's not easy to set yourself up for success with food, but I find Brad and I, I find, whenever we actually like batch cook the protein, we both are much better the whole week.

Amber Romaniuk 30:18  

Totally, 100% because it's the key foundational food that is keeping your blood sugar regulated, right? And you can't eat the raw protein. You have to cook it. So it's like, you can't just throw it in a bowl with some spices and some avocado, yeah, but it gets easier to build those habits over time, like food prep, right? It's all about muscle building, and it's a slow process, so be patient with your progress. It will shift, and then you get to have this much more aligned lifestyle habits and behaviors that are going to support you through perimenopause and menopause much easier if you're patient and you don't see it as a quick fix and you actually see it as a lifestyle changes.

Lesley Logan 30:55  

Yeah, okay. Can we talk about the quick fix, though? Because I think that that's like, easier said than done, and I feel like you are an expert in this, because you had to retrain yourself. How, how did you like retrain yourself to be patient for the results you were looking for? 

Amber Romaniuk 31:10  

Yeah. Okay, good question. So, trial and error, right? Going back and forth and continuing to fail and remind myself, oh yeah, this quick fix stuff isn't working because I keep ending back in the same spot, a lot of affirmations and like subliminal, subconscious mind reprogramming, I think building a self-care practice where I started to see the value in slowing down, prioritizing my needs and bringing like, meditation and things where I had to, like, slow down and be still, helped me practice the feeling of patience in my body. And then as I started to feel better and experience the results, I'm like, oh yeah, patience. This is why I need to be patient. Because what we have to look back on is, if I've been struggling with these symptoms or these behaviors or fatigue or whatever it is for years or decades, I've got to understand that it's going to take more than a week, a month, like a few months, to fully shift this potentially, because it's years and decades of the ladder, right? So constant reminders, and then over time, it becomes more of your natural state of being. And yes, sometimes we get impatient. However, we have to remind ourselves there's so much value in allowing ourselves to be on the journey. There's lessons, there's growth, there's evolution as you are as a human, right, and a woman on this planet. And so I think it's just so important to understand like your healing journey is one of the most valuable journeys you can choose to go on, because it's going to help you grow and evolve in ways you can't imagine right now. And becoming in tune and learning how to listen to your body is the most powerful gift you can give yourself, because once you know how to listen, you know what you need, and you can have your team of people, in case there's something you can't figure out to get that assistance from, but you feel powerful and confident and you're unstoppable, and that allows you to live the most powerful, high quality of life and reach your goals and have better relationships and everything, because you feel empowered and you learn and you trust your body. And I just think that's priceless. 

Lesley Logan 33:01  

So good. Amber, so good. Okay, well, I could talk to you forever, but we're gonna take a brief break and find out people can find you, follow you, work with you. 

Lesley Logan 33:11  

Where do you like to hang out, Amber? Where can people connect with you? If this was like, speaking to them and they're like, yeah, this woman gets me, where can they go?

Amber Romaniuk 33:18  

Yeah. So you can go to the website, amberapproved.ca if you want to learn more about body freedom, take the free emotional eating quiz. If you're wondering if you're struggling, or if you want to book a 30 minute consultation, it's complimentary. We can connect and talk about whatever is going on for you, hormones, gut, emotional eating. I work with people all over the world, so it doesn't matter where you're located. And the podcast is called the No Sugarcoating Podcast. If you liked our conversation, you'll love over 500 episodes. And then I'm on social, YouTube and Instagram, and it's my name, Amber Romaniuk, R-O-M-A-N-I-U-K.

Lesley Logan 33:48  

Wonderful. You've actually given us a ton already. So thank you for that. But you know, for our peeps who are like, I'm obsessed, but okay, where do I start first? Or what should I do next? Or what should I be thinking about? The bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us? 

Amber Romaniuk 34:04  

Yeah, I think the first thing is, what symptoms are you experiencing right now? Put it in a piece of paper, and on a scale of one to 10, if you have low energy, 10 being I have good energy, one's really bad, where are you rating yourself? Start being aware of the intensity of your symptoms, because that's going to allow you to go, oh, maybe because I have fatigue, I need to really emphasize that to my doctor, or whomever I'm going to reach out to like when you know your symptoms and you can communicate that it is going to help you get the answers and the support to resolve those things. Second, build a self-care routine. I know we're all busy, but if you've got time to be on scrolling on your phone, watching TV, you've got time to build a self-care practice. Start with five to 10 minutes, a few days a week, even if it's just sitting or slowing down and practicing the art of doing nothing, because in order to balance your hormones, you've got to slow down and regulate your nervous system. I think the last thing is, be patient and compassionate with yourself. Try to build a friendship with your body. She's not working against you. She's trying to help you, but we just haven't been taught how to work with our bodies.

Lesley Logan 35:05  

So good, so good. Amber, thank you so much. Thank you, I learned, I got so inspired. I also got reminded of so many things. I learned so many things. I'm super excited about this. I know our listeners are going to have to share this with several of their friends. So thank you for being here and sharing your amazingness with us. You guys, how are you guys. How are you going to use these tips in your life? Tag Amber. Tag he Be It Pod, send this to a girlfriend who needs it, one who's been tired a long time and or going, I've got to do this. I'm going to do this. And you just feel them doing a lot and not listening to their bodies enough. This might be the message they need to hear. So until next time, Be It Till You See It.

Lesley Logan 35:39  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 36:21  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 36:26  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 36:31  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 36:38  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 36:41  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Lesley Logan shines a light on the power of celebrating your wins, because too often we forget how far we’ve come. From the overlooked genius of Mileva Marić to a listener’s business breakthroughs, Lesley reminds us why recognition matters. She also shares her own wins around new episode series and rebranding the podcast, closing with an empowering affirmation to help you tell the truth about who you are and what you need.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why it’s essential to honor overlooked women like Mileva Marić and their contributions.
• Jeanne Cho’s inspiring wins in business growth, personal joy, and valuing her time.
• The importance of using your support systems and celebrating when you take action.
• Lesley’s upcoming new series on habits, burnout prevention, and boundaries.
• Embracing change with confidence as the podcast evolves in year four.

Episode References/Links:

• She Cost A Riot by Hannah Jewell - https://a.co/d/arMEv4n
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSI

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Episode Transcript:

Lesley Logan 0:00  

It's Fuck Yeah Friday.

Lesley Logan 0:01  

Fuck yeah. 

Lesley Logan 0:02  

Get ready for some wins. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. 

Lesley Logan 0:44  

Hey, Be It babe. How are you? We are here. September is one of those months I feel like flies by. I know it's not as short as February, but, like, you know, it just kind of feels short. Anyways, it's already September 12th, and this is your Fuck Yeah Friday episode. This episode where we get to, like, have a little bit more of a potpourri episode. Potpourri is a category in jeopardy that I never understood why it was called potpourri, because my mother loved potpourri. She'd make like her own potpourri. And I'm like, none of these questions or answers are about the roses, like, rose petals, like, I don't understand. Then I realized, like, it's just, like, you just put a bunch of stuff together and, like, it could be anything, and then it's potpourri. So anyways, first we start off with something that's inspiring. We should talk about. I would love for us to talk about. You can hit me up on the pod Instagram to talk about it. Share. You can DM us. You can set it to beitpod.com/questions. Ask questions about it. You can share your wins at beitpod.com/questions I know it's weird. We're thinking quest wins, but like, who can spell that? So it's questions, but you can put a win or a question there. We answer your questions on Thursday during the recap. And our, we share your wins on a Friday, because sometimes you need to hear your own win later on and go, oh, my god, I did that. Right? Like, have you ever had to listen to your own bio read. So it's one of those things, when I do a podcast, and after I've done recording this, I'm on someone's own podcast, sometimes they record that part without me there, and sometimes they record that part with me there. When they record that part with me there, I'm like, oh my god, I did that. Oh, I did do that. Oh, I did that in that amount of time. Holy freaking molly. It's so easy for us to forget the things that we did. That's why we have to celebrate them. All right. I also realized that I talk really fast. I do realize this, and I have people who tell me they do not speed up my podcast, and that's fine. You don't have to. You can also slow it down. Did you know that? 

Lesley Logan 2:20  

Okay, so this inspired me. Scholars believe that Albert Einstein was on the autism spectrum, but no one talks about his wife. And I hope I say this right, Mileva Marić, Mileva Marić. Anyways, historians speculated that she may have contributed to his theories, but she received no credit for her work. I think we don't have to speculate. I'm pretty sure that's probably true. Einstein was called a genius. He went on to win the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics and became a global icon of science. Mileva excelled in theoretical physics. In some classes, she reportedly scored even higher than Einstein. Despite strong academic performance, she was the only woman in her class, and faced intense gender bias from her male professors. But in the early 1900s women had limited rights. Women couldn't vote in most countries, couldn't publish under their own names, and were not taken seriously in academics, Einstein and Mileva, I hope I say her name right because that would be such a shame, exchanged letters discussing physics, mathematics and joint ideas. In the letters, Einstein even referred to our work on relative motion and our papers. So why was only his name on the papers? Einstein's most groundbreaking work was published only while he was still with Mileva before their separation. This included special relativity, so E equals MC squared and the photoelectric effect, all published during their time and together in the 1905, his miracle year after their divorce, Einstein offered Mileva his future Nobel Prize money. Some believe it was compensation for uncredited contributions to his work. Probably was. After their separation, 1914, Einstein never produced theories of the same revolutionary impact. Hmm, evidence, I think so. So how much of his genius was actually Mileva's uncredited contributions? A comprehensive review of 308 studies from 1914 to 2011 involving over 1.1 million students from 30 countries, found that girls consistently outperformed boys in all subjects, including math and science. That is from Time magazine. Mileva and Einstein's story, leave us with a question, how many brilliant women throughout history weren't raised simply because they had fewer rights and no voice? So there's a great book called She Cost a Riot, which I really love, and I would love to get that author on the show. And there's a couple other scientists who, like in Europe, who got a bit more credit, but didn't get paid. Like, literally, could teach the stuff, but they couldn't get paid. And so, you know, there's also, I think we talked about this on the on the pod before, but like, how Socrates is, teacher was a woman. And the truth is, is that people have wanted to erase what women were doing so that women could be held back. And I'm not, I don't think we have to go women are better than men. That's not the argument I'm trying to have here. It's that women deserve the same credit that a man would get for the work that they're doing. Period. End of story. It's not about taking, it's about like, it like just having the opportunity to have the equal credit and reward and achievements that other people would get. So I'm glad we have all these theories, and if they work together, that is really cool. And I'm not saying he is the reason why, you know, like, she didn't get the credit. It is with society. But I just think that, like, there's some, there's some research we can do, there's some, there's more. There's more to this story. There's more to a lot of stories. And you know, I think hopefully as we all get older, we will hear more about these amazing women and what they did, and I hope that we can celebrate them, and maybe the kids from today can hear about her and other things out there. So anyways, that's just me. That's just me. This is my hope. 

Lesley Logan 6:00  

Okay, so let's share a win of yours so you can send your wins in, like I said, to beitpod.com/questions and the win we're going to share today is from Jeanne Cho. Did all the things to make a website, and it will be done by this weekend, finally. Thanks, Brad, for the web course. Received a request for a local paid event, the second contract this month. So excited to see what will come once I'm actually online. Found out Craft Work is in town this weekend, so looking forward to experiencing a legendary performance, often hesitate in taking personal time away from my daughter and being selfish. So, so proud to be selfish in digging up old Pilates footage for the website found on an Equinox. Price, Pilates price brochure from 2016 noticing my current session rate is what they were charging a decade ago, but relieved that at least I'm earning their old drop-in rate. So, this is beautiful Jeanne. So many wins in here. First of all, and this is for everyone, doing things that fill your cup is never selfish. I know that, like, when you're a mom, your time might be limited with your children, and they grow up so fast. But also, like, it's so important that they see that you go out and do things that are fun, that you have hobbies, that you have things that that bring you joy. And they will recognize when they're older, like, oh, wow, she did that, and she was, like, a happier person because of it. So love that. Love that for you. Also, you know, I love that, that old Equinox Pilates rate price card, because, like, I remember when I worked at Equinox and I charged exactly what they charged. So I was like, well, if over here that someone, a company, is taking that rate for my teaching, why, I certainly can charge the same amount where I'm teaching for myself. And that also just kind of meant, like, I didn't have to have those conversations with people, like, I'm cheaper over here, but more expensive here. Like, no, it's the same rate. But like, it does take sometimes a pep talk right, to remind yourself, like, oh, people are charging this. Now, obviously different places are different, but like, way to go. You, you made it, you got yourself there, and you're earning the rate that you want to earn, and you got yourself your website, and you use your support systems, like, that's another thing I want to highlight. Like everyone, it is a win that was worth celebrating when you use your support systems. A lot of times, we buy these things, we pay for things, and then we don't use them. And because, like, I don't know, we're scared, we're worried, we're afraid. And the truth is, or like, who knows? Actually, maybe good things will happen, right? Is that what you're afraid of? So when you have resources, it is a win. When you're like, you recognize you have them and you use them, you take the action. So, way to go, Jeanne, thank you for sharing with us, because that way it helps us figure out how, my god, we have so many more wins we could celebrate, right? 

Lesley Logan 8:40  

Okay, so, you guys, I am going to share this with you guys right now because it's going to be soon, but I am really excited we've had so we've had hundreds of episodes, like, like, so many episodes. I don't even know where we're at this point, because I'm recording this a little early, but I was a little afraid to like, years ago, to, like, rock the boat of, like, how the system of the pod goes because, like, what's if it's not broken like, why fix it? But I've decided I want to do a few different series on this pod for you guys. So like, a habit series and a preventative burnout series, and make a self-love or boundaries series. And so anyways, I'm letting you know now that, like, I, I'm calling it a win that I am recording these series for you because, like, I'm really fucking confident in, like, what we've done here for you guys. We get really great interviews, we have really great guests. We have a lot of fun doing this. Our producers are amazing. And I know that the a different type of series will be beneficial for you guys, and I hope that it is. And if they're, if they're, if you do like them, I do want you to tell me what other series we should do on the show, because it will help us direct, like which guests we bring on and like what topics we bring up. But you know, being it till you see it requires us to also, like, take a different chance, try something different, like, try something different than we've done before. So anyways, I'm really, really excited about that. 

Lesley Logan 10:03  

I'm also excited that here we are in our fourth year. I celebrated four years this past summer, and you know, we were, Brad and I are like, we want to change the music. We want to update the like, all the different things. So you're going to see a little bit of a refresh and a rebrand around here. And it's not because the pod is changing in a way that you won't recognize it. It's just becoming more of what it was supposed to be. The pod itself has been being it till it sees it. And I'm just like, I'm calling that a win. And so thank you for being on this journey. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for sharing episodes, thank you for sending your wins in and your questions in. 

Lesley Logan 10:40  

And now for your affirmation to take with you into your fabulous weekend. Are you ready? I tell the truth about who I am and what I need from others. I tell the truth about who I am and what I need from others. I tell the truth about who I am and what I need from others. Yeah, you do. You're amazing. Now go Be It Till You See It. 

Lesley Logan 11:01  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 11:44  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 11:49  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 11:53  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 12:00  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 12:04  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Brad and Lesley recap her conversation with franchise expert Jon Ostenson, unpacking how non-food franchising helps risk-averse entrepreneurs own a business without reinventing the wheel. They highlight funding paths, corporate support, and why following the playbook matters. You will hear practical ways to start while keeping your day job and how Jon’s services are paid by franchisors, not you.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

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In this episode you will learn about:

• When to treat Reformer footwork differently from leg press.
• How franchise ownership works even if you keep your day job.
• Why matching your strengths to the right franchise matters.
• Why matching your strengths to the right franchise matters.
• Common mistakes franchisees make when they don’t follow the playbook.
• The mindset shifts around seeing $50K as possible, not impossible.

Episode References/Links:

• Indivisible Movement - https://indivisible.org
• Book: She Caused A Riot by Hannah Jewell - https://a.co/d/cGhs5UY
• P.O.T. Chicago 2025 - https://pilates.com/pilates-on-tour-chicagoland
• Cambodia October 2025 Waitlist - https://crowsnestretreats.com
• Winter Tour Waitlist - https://opc.me/events
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions
• Ep. 544 Matthew Lesko - https://beitpod.com/matthewlesko
• Book: Non-Food Franchising by Jon Ostenson - https://a.co/d/29XayrQ

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Episode Transcript:

Brad Crowell 0:00  

His services to you are free. How are they free, you ask, because he sees what you're trying to do. Then he goes to the franchise, the parent company, and he says, pay me, and I'll help these guys succeed doing your franchise. Pretty brilliant. I was like, wow, that's amazing.

Lesley Logan 0:20  

Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.

Lesley Logan 0:59  

Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the supporting convo I had with Jon Ostenson in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, feel free to pause this now, go back and listen to that one, and then come back and join us, or listen to this one, and then you can decide if you want to listen that one. I think it's great. Jon has a book. It's really wonderful. It's a very niche topic. It's a nerdy topic. It's one I wanted to have because I don't think entrepreneurs, I'm like, making your own idea is for everybody, but I do think everybody deserves to have the wealth and agency that they want to have in this world and make what they want to make. So I'm excited about it. 

Brad Crowell 1:30  

Well, I thought I really liked, I really liked the conversation. I was very I mean, especially for me, because I am very entrepreneurial, but I appreciated the back and forth. So, yeah, I, I think that it was very revealing. 

Lesley Logan 1:51  

Are you saying it was a great interview? Did I do a good job? 

Brad Crowell 1:51  

I'm saying it was a great interview. Not only that, but I think the information that he's sharing is shocking. He's super smart dude, and I thought, I thought it was very revealing for someone who might be hoping, wishing they could own a business. This was very empowering, because it, it created hope I think. So, yeah, great. 

Lesley Logan 2:17  

I well, you'll, you guys, stay tuned. You'll hear what we're talking about in a second. Today is September 11th, 2025 and it's Patriot Day, which gives us all time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took 3000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost, and give thanks to the brave responders who put their lives on the line. Take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation, how we can work together to make the world a better place for all. It's a hard day. 

Brad Crowell 2:39  

Yeah, I mean.

Lesley Logan 2:40  

Especially with 20, with 25 years to reflect on what fucking lies we're told afterwards, and then how we treat the first responders and how fucking hard it was to get their medical bills paid because they're dying from cancer right now. Like.

Brad Crowell 2:56  

Yeah, it's like, it's like a story that keeps repeating itself where something devastating happens that is wrong and tragic. People die and then motherfuckers in office take advantage of the public's emotional state, and they use it to go do some wrong shit. 

Lesley Logan 3:18  

Go, so seriously, go watch the movie Vice. I happen to be really lucky to be teaching Christian Bale's wife at the time that he was filming that. And so it was a really interesting time, because, like, he was becoming Dick Cheney, which, like, it is a, I mean, of course, he won an, I think he won a bunch of awards for that. And he literally thanked Satan for the inspiration. 

Brad Crowell 3:41  

Yes, he did. 

Lesley Logan 3:37  

And I remember, I remember my client. I remember my client was, my client was just like, I fucking told him not to do that, or something like that. And so anyways, but go watch it, because it, while it's not historical, it is pretty fucking accurate about like, how rich Cheney and these bitches got after doing what they did and using, using the heartbreak, and what people fought with patriotism to go make these fucking wars, and then we did a bunch of bullshit, and then we ruined places. And it just pisses me off, because. 

Brad Crowell 4:04  

Over, over, lies. 

Lesley Logan 4:09  

Lies and so. And also, if you don't believe in September 11th being what it was like, I don't know why you're here, but like, I, I just really.

Brad Crowell 4:18  

Well, it was, I mean, it was a terrorist attack, no question. But what we did after it, how the public was manipulated, to then go to war for 20 years after, based on literal lies, you know.

Lesley Logan 4:30  

Yeah, it's, I it's hard because, like, okay, reflecting on what we consider as a nation today, I think, as an I think the people running our nation today reflect something I would never want to be a patriot of.

Brad Crowell 4:42  

Yeah, and that that's, that's the thing that really frustrates me as a person who, when you read the definition of patriot, I want to be that. That is absolutely, I mean, I consider myself a patriot. But also there's this, there's this frustrating association with angry white men, usually, who don't give a shit about people. And there's so much fear of others associated with it. And there's this ego that's associated with it that.

Lesley Logan 5:17  

It's, it's so it's so fragile. What they're like, they're thinking is so they are. They're such fragile people. Because they're just like, they're the way that they think, that they're showing strength. And we're like, protesting, they're like, like, making sure that we see the middle finger, and like, just like, and it's like, I have never driven in my entire life, of driving past something, we're talking about this with the protest where I disagree. 

Brad Crowell 5:39  

We used to live by protests all the time, where we lived in L.A., we're literally next to the federal building, so it was like, every weekend, forever.

Lesley Logan 5:45  

Every weekend, it was like, who's protesting today? And like, there were times I was like, oh, I wonder why. It made me get curious as to, like, what is going on here. It was very fascinating. And it was like, what the fuck like, but I never was like, here's my middle finger to you. It's like, just, you know, move along. Move right along. The fact that you have to make sure I see your face in your lifted stupid truck while you flip me off, it makes you and that makes you feel good. You're like, yeah, I did it to them. I did it like, we were in Idaho, and there was a big ass sign in this guy's house. I was walking by the lake, and it was like, make liberals cry again, and it's like, oh, you think I'm crying. I'm pissed off. Like the tears of the tears are of what we are losing, of course, but like, no, I'm pissed off. James Baldwin, I want to, I want to make sure everyone hears this quote, because I think it's really beautiful, and I think it's this is what being a patriot is. I love America more than any other country in the world, and exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. And I think that, like, this country has so many shortcomings, and no country is perfect. Like, I was listening to Sophia Bush on a podcast recently, and she's like, like, I'm not gonna move because, like, I love this place. I'm gonna fight for her. And so, like, if you moved and whatever, like, I have no judgments for that, but if you're here, like, you have to fight, because we're losing rights. We're losing rights. And it really pisses me off, because in the time of my mother being an adult and married woman, she could not get a credit card until, like, the 80s, right? Like, like, I if you're listening to this and you're just like, la, la, la, I just want to hear about how to be till I see it. Ladies, you are going to lose your ability to have your own bank account. You're gonna lose your ability to have your own vote. And if you think it's not going to happen because, oh, it's not going to happen. It's they want it to happen. And the right people are in power. And I'm tired of being told that Project 2025 is bullshit. It is happening right now. 

Lesley Logan 5:46  

They're more than 50% of the way through completing Project 2025.

Lesley Logan 5:48  

In the time we're recording this, seven months. 

Brad Crowell 7:40  

Yeah, seven months. And, I mean, you know, if you go through and you actually read the things that are in that platform, they they do want to make single family voting, which is literally taking away the white the rights of women, because they would consider the man the head of the household. 

Lesley Logan 8:02  

And if you think, oh, I'm not married yeah your brother get to vote for you. I don't have a brother, your uncle get to vote for you. Like they will find a man if and when this type of life existed, they would find someone in the government to become your vote. You don't get there's no getting out of this. You don't get one.

Brad Crowell 8:17  

Yeah, and, and, and the people in power are Tweeting about that stuff, literally right now, right like they're they're putting it out there. They're trying to normalize the idea so that when they go and try to do it, it doesn't seem like it's as big of a deal as it actually fucking is. 

Lesley Logan 8:32  

So you know what I think patriotism is right now, babe, it is, find a protest. I know you're busy. I know you have fucked tons, going on. We are, too. Find one. Go for an hour. Go yell. Go meet friends. Go meet people who are different than you. It's, these protests people, some people are fighting for their their gay marriages to still exist. Some people are fighting further to not be war. Some people are fighting for God. Some people are fighting to like for the Epstein list. I don't care what gets you out there, but like you think that this, that what they're gonna do is not gonna affect your life, it is. It is. 

Brad Crowell 8:55  

Yeah, go, go check out individual, indivisible.org, for a local, you know, event, or how you can get involved near you. So, you know, we're gonna move on, and we're gonna actually. 

Lesley Logan 9:11  

Well, people like this, Brad, we've been told, hi, Vicky.

Brad Crowell 9:14  

I think it's so important y'all and and it's like this, I know that we this isn't a podcast about politics, but it is. 

Lesley Logan 9:22  

But also, but also. 

Brad Crowell 9:23  

Being it until you see it is a pod, it is about like politics, and it is a part of every single element of our life, even if you have the perfect life, quote, unquote, it's because of politics that you are able to live the way that you live. And what's happening right now is such fast, dramatic change in our countries. Like, historically, there's so much change happening so quickly there, that when we wake up, you know, in even six months from now, it's going to be like, there we are at the brink of things. 

Lesley Logan 9:53  

I don't even know how we're going to make it to the midterms. That's my fear. That's my fear, and I put it out right now, but I will just say, even if you're like, less. I just want a homestead. I want to be like tradwife. The fact that you get to choose that is because of politics. So that is fine if that's what you want to choose to do. But do not think that everybody wants to do that and that that should be the choice for everybody. So I think that like that is why we have to get involved. And if you are a woman, you are political. Your existence in any room is political has been and if you really want to get fired up, go read the book, She Caused A Riot. Go look at history. Like fucking Socrates, his teacher was a woman. Did you know that? The reason you don't know that is because politics, they didn't want you to know that there was leaders in this world.

Brad Crowell 10:39  

Politics and religion. 

Lesley Logan 10:39  

Fuck that. Anyways. 

Brad Crowell 10:39  

Frustrating. 

Lesley Logan 10:39  

I'm pissed off, but we're currently in the U.K. We're in the U.K. and then when we get home, well, we're home for a couple of weeks, and we gotta see my best friends and come visit, and then we're gonna go to Chicagoland for Pilates On Tour with Balanced Body. I'm doing the Joe's Gyms there. That's in Burr Ridge. If there's any spots left, you should snag one, because it's super, super fun, and we have a huge party coming with all of our agency eLevate OPC members, then we're gonna be in Cambodia. That's also in October. You can still join like you can join last minute. Guess what? Flight planes will sell a seat as long as there is one. So you can get the fuck out of town and retreat a little bit and be in a different world and get some empathy for what it's like to live in different places.

Brad Crowell 11:21  

Yeah, and experience a different culture and see that not everybody.

Lesley Logan 11:24  

If you are worried. Sorry, I cut you off. If you're worried about being an American in a different country, let me tell you, they see what's happening right now, and they are, in Cambodia, they are sad for us. They are scared for us. They know that they know where we're headed, and they're sad for us.

Brad Crowell 11:25  

Yeah, I was just gonna say with our experience recently about trying to cross borders and getting stuck and turned around and not being able to, it wasn't the it wasn't the attendees of the events that we were not able to attend who were angry with us. It was the border guard who was, you know, unfortunately, misinformed and, you know, and angry. And he's angry because the border guards of our country were turning away people for no reason. So he could just, that's the only power he had, was to turn away, you know, Americans for no reason. And we just kind of got caught up in that. So there's a lot of, there is a lot of frustration, but it's not from the people, right, in this country, it's like, you know? So, so I would say, you know, yeah, it did feel a little bit stressful to you know, as we were approaching, once we got there and started talking to them, it became clear that that there was just silly reasons being turned away but, but even in that, like the you know, the guy wasn't like, he wasn't an asshole about it. So, but I it was really frustrating. If you're worried about something like that, when you come to a place like Cambodia, you apply for your visa ahead of time. You will know before you arrive if they're going to turn you around, because you'll have the right paperwork.

Lesley Logan 13:06  

And also you're we're all going as tourists. The Canadian thing, we were going into work. 

Brad Crowell 13:11  

That's true. 

Lesley Logan 13:11  

And that was it, we'll have to do a whole episode on it, because it's a longer, longer conversation. That being said, you go to. 

Brad Crowell 13:18  

But as a tourist, they want a tourist. They want that because. 

Lesley Logan 13:21  

That's how they're that's literally how their country survives. 

Brad Crowell 13:24  

Yep, it's how well, it's how the city that we're going to, that's how the economy there survives, from tourism. So, you know, and they are very aware of that, so. 

Lesley Logan 13:32  

Yes, they want us there. They're so welcoming, they're so kind, and you can see what it's like to be living in a different part of this world. I think that's so important. I think one of the biggest reasons why people in this, in the U.S., are so fucking scared of people of a different color is because they've never, they've never gone and seen how they live. Yeah, you know, go get worldly. You will have more empathy, crowsnestretreats.com. After we leave Cambodia, we're going to be in Singapore. We're going to teach at a beautiful studio there, and then we're gonna see the Botanical Gardens. And then we're home. We're home for the whole month of November. Oh my God, no, Brad, I'm not going camping anywhere. We're home for the whole month of November. 

Brad Crowell 14:10  

But my parents are coming. We're gonna go camp. 

Lesley Logan 14:12  

No, we're, that is not why they're coming to visit us. Help make an, help you with the roof or something. And then October, we're gonna be on our winter tour. And if you want to make sure you hear about that first, go to opc.me/events, opc.me/events, because our people on our waitlist will get the access to the tickets first. And the winter tour does have cities that sell out in 24 hours. Okay, we have to get to our interview, but we do have an audience question. So Brad, go for it.

Brad Crowell 14:37  

Yes. Okay. DMK asks on Instagram, hey Lesley, my footwork question is this, what cue or cues do you like to use during footwork? I'm sorry, if footwork students, very confused. They made a mistake on the word here.

Lesley Logan 14:42  

What cues do you like to use, if during footwork, students are using it like a leg press? 

Brad Crowell 14:56  

Oh, sorry. Okay. 

Lesley Logan 14:57  

Yeah, thank you. 

Brad Crowell 14:59  

Well, I just read that wrong. That's all.

Lesley Logan 15:00  

It's okay, it's all good. So.

Brad Crowell 15:04  

First off, we're clearly talking about. 

Lesley Logan 15:06  

Footwork on the Reformer. Yeah. DMK, this, I hate cues.

Brad Crowell 15:13  

Well, hold on, let's explain what the problem is. What is the problem that she's experiencing with her class? 

Lesley Logan 15:17  

The problem that she's probably seen is they're, they're, they're pushing out and in, like, it's a leg press machine, like, it's like a leg machine, and they're making it only a leg exercise versus a full body exercise, right? And then the other thing is that they're not using all the muscles of their legs, because they're just, like, shoving their knees straight. And they're probably pausing at the top, which is what you do on a leg press machine. And then kind of, hopefully, on a leg press machine, you're resisting. But a lot of people just kind of, like, close the the weights, or just like, kind of float in or ride the springs in. So here's the deal, DMK, my teacher, Jay Grimes, and the teachers I studied with him, talked a lot about how Joe didn't really correct during footwork. You use footwork to tell you what's kind of going on in the person's body. So I also happen to like three or four springs on for footwork. So some people think that, like heavy springs means they're gonna use it like a leg press machine, but ideally you want those heavy springs to warm the body up. Two lightest springs can actually affect someone's lower back, if they have a tight lower back, or they're not getting the connection, and the warm up for what's to come. So I do like three to four springs. That being said, what you can do for those people who want to make it a leg press machine, take all the springs off, go down to one light spring and see what happens. They're going to fly off. And you're like, yeah, you actually have to push into the foot bar the whole time, even as you come in. So I love a one spring, because it kind of helps teach the actual movement, and then load the springs up. If you take my fast workshop, I think you can get it on our OPC website. You'll see how I explain how to use especially with arches and heels to do that. The other thing I would say is ask them, if they are opening the front of the hips or opening the back of the knees. What is their intention? Meaning, the, when you focus on opening the knee joint, you're a leg press machine. When you focus on opening the front of the hips, you're making this move from your center. I am looking, I actually don't care people's knees go straight. I'm looking at, can they move their thigh away from their center and open the front of their hips and then pull that back in. So I'm kind of looking at that, but if they don't do those things, the footwork is just really telling me how they're actually moving. And I have to pick other exercises to assist. So other ways to help them understand that's not like press machine would be doing leg springs. Single leg springs, both leg springs, footwork on the Tower is gonna be really helpful, because that's a whole different plane. And so like, find different exercises that get your point across. Ask them what they're feeling and then take them back to the Reformer and say, find that feeling here.

Lesley Logan 17:39  

Great. Love it. That's the best cue you could do. 

Lesley Logan 17:50  

There you go. 

Brad Crowell 17:50  

I love it. Great question, DMK. 

Lesley Logan 17:52  

Thanks, DMK. 

Brad Crowell 17:52  

If you have a question, just text us. 310-905-5534, 310-905-5534 or you can actually send your question in through, beitpod.com/questions, beitpod.com/questions.

Lesley Logan 18:07  

That's where you can also send your wins in, too. I want your wins, people. 

Brad Crowell 18:14  

We want your wins. Let's do it. All right. Stick around. We'll be right back. We're actually going to talk about Jon Ostenson next. 

Lesley Logan 18:20  

Finally. 

Brad Crowell 18:22  

All right, let's talk about Jon Ostenson. An expert in franchising and based out of Atlanta, Georgia, Jon Ostenson left his W2 job eight years ago, after years in the corporate world, to become president of Shelf Genie, a large franchise system where he says he fell in love with the franchise model, which he explained amazingly and in detail during the interview. So if you didn't get a chance to listen to that, I would, I would very much encourage you to go listen to it. It was super informative. He is, Jon, is now the founder of FranBridge Consulting and author of the bestselling book, Non-Food Franchising, which, Lesley, I know you read, I've seen it on our table out there. Jon helps clients find suitable franchise opportunities from over 600 different brands outside of the fast food industry. His mission is to guide individuals who want to own a business but may feel risk-averse or lack a, quote unquote, genius idea connecting with them with proven scalable franchise model, and here's the, models, and here's the crazy thing, this is where I was like, oh my God, this guy's brilliant, his services to you are free. How are they free, you ask, because he sees what you're trying to do then he goes to the franchise, the parent company, and he says, pay me, and I'll help these guys succeed doing your franchise. Yeah, pretty brilliant. I was like, wow, that's amazing. So.

Lesley Logan 19:44  

I love it. I love it so much because it's, like, it's completely risk-averse for you, like, and the reason I thought this, I really wanted to dig in with this guy, because I don't even understand how you get into a franchise, and. 

Brad Crowell 19:58  

Well, it makes me want to get into franchises. 

Lesley Logan 20:00  

I know. And we just met someone who's like, all he does is all these different franchises and and so I just like it because, like, first of all, we talked a lot about how you could, like, work and have a franchise. Like, it's like, there's like, there's all these different ways you can do it. So, anyways.

Brad Crowell 20:16  

Yeah, he said a lot of franchisors, the people on the franchise, still might have a day job, because. 

Lesley Logan 20:21  

Yeah. Aren't they a franchisee? 

Brad Crowell 20:24  

Oh, sorry, franchisee. You're, you're right. The franchisor is the parent company. The franchisee is the person who's, who's like, purchase one of the locations or whatever. So the franchisee as if you could still be working your normal life and have a franchise, obviously, then it's about the team that you put in place to make sure that they can run it without you having to be there. But, but this guy was talking about having franchises all over the country, so he's clearly not in them operating them. 

Lesley Logan 20:51  

Yeah. But also. No. And so you can be an owner-operator. He has, he, like, his book has got a lot of this stuff in it, if you want to, like, dig in even more and then chat with him, but like, here's what I. 

Brad Crowell 20:51  

And by the way, we're not just talking about Pilates franchises. 

Lesley Logan 21:02  

No, he is, like, there's so many, there's some out there. And also, like, I personally, I personally don't want to grab someone else's Pilates franchises, because, the way I like to teach, I probably would want to make my own, but maybe I want to get one that's in the like, maybe that's like a red light sauna space or something that goes along with what I do, that's like in the thing that I am interested in, in life, like I'm already. 

Brad Crowell 21:23  

Or salt path, float, float, yeah, floating, yeah.

Lesley Logan 21:27  

By the way, there is a float place that I'm sure, is a franchise in Nashville that I'm like, how the fuck do we get it out here in our neighborhood? Because I'm tired of driving 30 minutes to go fucking float, I'm pissed off by the time I get back. Anyways, we just need, I don't know, a few thousands of dollars, and then we can do it, babe. I think, here's where our next adventure is. 

Brad Crowell 21:45  

(inaudible) crazy is you said that, like, a lot of people, will start a franchise with maybe, you know, $50,000 to $100,000 down, and the rest of it is actually from a an SBA loan, because the SBA and the banks believe in the franchise model so much that they are willing to effectively front the rest of the startup capital. And I was like, wow, I never thought about that. That's amazing. Because, and like, you know, $50,000 is still a shitload of money. I understand that. But it also isn't a million dollars, right? 

Lesley Logan 22:18  

And also, like, anyone who wants to start to make legitimate money, you have to stop thinking that $50,000 is a lot of money, start thinking it's possible, that you can get it, that there's a way, because I remember thinking that, oh, my God, it's so much money. And let me tell you the long as you think 50,000 is so much money you're gonna have, it's gonna feel so far away when you start to think like, of course I still have to find $50,000 you, go listen to that podcast we have with the guy with the question marks, I forget his name, anyways, go and find it, but let's just talk about things I loved that he said. Okay, let me get into my notes. He said, you're in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And I love this, because so many of the people I meet, they're like, so lucky that you and Brad, like, are married and like, you work together. And our biggest response is, like, not everyone should do what we do. So if you want to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself, instead of working with your partner, why don't you get a partner? And it can be a franchise like, I think that's really cool.

Brad Crowell 23:09  

And different franchisors offer different support, and that's one of the conversations that that you could have with a person like Jon, where you might be like, hey, I am innately a marketer, but I'm terrible at operations, right? Then he, he might say, okay, well, this franchise, you know, whatever, they can help. Or, or conversely, I hate marketing. I'm really, that's not my jam. I need a franchise that will create the content for me that I can just use to put out there. So they're different, like, corporate offices will do different things for the business to support the franchisee and but, but, but as a as a layman, how am I supposed to know? But Jon gets to see hundreds of franchises. 

Lesley Logan 23:53  

I think that's what's so cool. Is like, if you know your strengths, then you can talk to Jon and figure out, like, what are the different franchises that I'm interested in that are, like, in an area I want to be in, and then, okay, of those, which one matches my strengths and my weaknesses? Because you don't want to have something that's like, great at marketing and you're great at marketing, but like, has the systems are not there for the operations, like things like that, but also the franchiser does a lot for you. And remember, it's a proven business model, so like, it's already figured like, it's already thrown ideas at the wall, figured out what works, and then you just get to rinse and repeat that. And I really, I really like that for people who want to create their own schedule, create their own impact, be part of the community, but are risk-averse, you know? And by the way, I get it, we just.

Lesley Logan 24:39  

I'm risk-averse, too. 

Lesley Logan 24:39  

Oh my god, you really are. 

Brad Crowell 24:41  

But in a measurable way. But it's like, I wouldn't want to go, just go throw money away and hope, hope that something works. Imagine being able to follow a systematic approach where they figured out all the kinks in the business. Like, like the business that Lesley and I run that we've created, it has taken us a lot longer to get to where we are today. It's literally 10 years now, 10 years of running this business, yeah, 10 years of trying to figure things out, making mistakes, doing all this stuff, when with a franchise model, there are so many less mistakes to make, because hypothetically, they've already made the mistakes for you and figured it out and put together the playbook that you can simply follow the plan, the process, right? I really loved when he talked about business ownership is really hard. It takes a lot of work. And, yeah, that's that's very true, too. And he said, if it was easy, everyone would be a business owner, and what he what so, so, of all the pros that we've been talking about with a franchise model, it still does take a lot of work, and it's it takes focus and and the biggest thing he mentioned was the people who fail don't follow the plan, right? And Jon goes, calls up the franchise corporate office and goes, yo, what happened here? What's going on? And the franchisor said, you know, would say to Jon, well, look, we did everything we could to support this person, but they didn't listen. They just didn't fucking listen, you know. And that doesn't mean that, like, there won't still be challenges, because every single location is different, every market is different, every opportunity. And what I mean that, I mean different franchise model is different, you know. So it still will take work, but you don't have to do it alone, you know. And that that's amazing, you know. So, so anyway, he doesn't sugarcoat franchises but he said it's a lot easier and a lot more predictable. 

Lesley Logan 26:40  

His book, actually, like, talks about, like, like, kind of like, if it's for you, you know, and this is where like, it, for us to follow the rules, right, with you, you have to know, okay, we're gonna do this thing with this company. We're gonna follow their rules, which means I'm gonna hire someone to go follow their rules, because I am unemployable, so I will probably fuck him up, but you have to know that about yourself, you know. Such a cool dude. He also was like, because I told him I have an idea, I still have an idea that I might want to, like happen and make, and franchise and he's like, just give me a call. Run it by me. And I'm like, amazing. I just love how generous people can be. 

Brad Crowell 27:18  

Yeah, yeah. Well, stick around, we're going to talk about how generous Jon is with his Be It Action Items, in just a minute. 

Brad Crowell 27:25  

All right, so finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo with Jon Ostenson? He said he really encourages people who are interested in franchising or the concept of franchising, to just simply explore, that there's no downside, there's no cost to learn about how it works, what it is, is it even plausible for me? Is this something that I could do while still doing my life? He said it's super free to work with them, which we already talked about at the very beginning of this convo here. FranBridge consulting, his company helps clients navigate and find top available opportunities among over 600 different non-food franchise brands and. 

Lesley Logan 28:08  

We love that. I do not want to deal with food. 

Brad Crowell 28:10  

Well, he's he's not, he's not opposed to food, but it also, apparently, just adds a whole lot more variables in there. 

Lesley Logan 28:16  

I used to work at a coffee shop, and it was small business-owned, and I'm going to tell you right now, it is,.

Brad Crowell 28:21  

Well, that's different than a franchise, because a franchise is a system, so small business-owned might make things just complicated because they're making shit up.

Lesley Logan 28:28  

Food, food, there's, like, the things you have to do to prevent rats.

Brad Crowell 28:32  

Right, there's just a lot more variables when it comes to food. There's also a lot of more licensing and a lot more, like red tape with like, local state government stuff, you know. So anyway, he explained that what I already mentioned is that, how does he get paid? He gets paid by the franchise business, the corporate, right? He, you're not necessarily paying him directly. So, I mean, it seems like an absolute win-win.

Lesley Logan 28:57  

Just worth having the conversation like there's no, there's no harm in it, you know. 

Brad Crowell 29:00  

Yeah. What about you? 

Lesley Logan 29:01  

So I love that he said, activity breeds activity. Yes. It's like a body in motion, stays in motion. Yesterday, we just got into town, you know, at midnight on Friday night. I guess it's Saturday morning. Anyways, our friend, my she saw me at the gym, and she's like, you're like, the most consistent creature. And I'm like, I don't if I was to not be consistent, like, like, if I used travel as an excuse, I would never be consistent. So activity breeds activity. A body motion stays in motion. Explain, it's the idea he saw play out in his career and life, that whenever he gets off the sidelines he starts moving to Option A or B. That's that, then that's when option C comes out of left field. He says, good things happen when you're in motion. And it's so true. Like, it's so true. You know, even we got sidelined with the fucking Canada thing, we pivoted and kept going. And, like, because we did that, other things happened, that the dominoes kept going. And like, these other opportunities came around. And I think, like. 

Brad Crowell 29:53  

Yeah, we met a whole studio we never would have met. 

Lesley Logan 29:55  

We totally did. Could be a pop-up someday. But at any rate, like, you know, you, you'd be surprised what happens. Too often, we get we get sidelined, and we're like, I'm gonna sit over here. Keep going, take another step. And if you hear, as you hear in the podcast, it says action is the antidote to fear. So anyways, I'm Lesley Logan. 

Brad Crowell 30:16  

And I'm Brad Crowell. 

Lesley Logan 30:17  

Thank you so much for listening to our podcast. We love your reviews. Leave us more reviews. I want more reviews. It's my love language. And share this with a person who needs to hear it like you might have a friend in your life who is like, kind of stuck, kind of wondering what to do. Maybe this is what they need. So send them Jon's episode. Send them this episode. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Brad Crowell 30:38  

Bye for now. 

Lesley Logan 30:38  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 31:21  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 31:27  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 31:31  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 31:39  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 31:42  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Lesley Logan sits down with Jon Ostenson, author of Non-Food Franchising and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, to explore why franchising—especially beyond the food industry—is one of the most underutilized yet powerful paths to entrepreneurship. Jon shares how franchising gives you proven systems, built-in marketing, and a peer network, while also revealing what green flags (and red flags) to look for when evaluating opportunities. You’ll walk away seeing franchising in a whole new light—with clarity and confidence.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why franchising can be a faster, safer path to business ownership.
• The surprising industries thriving in non-food franchising.
• How semi-passive franchise models allow people to day jobs while building a business.
• The real numbers behind startup costs, royalties, and profit potential.
• Green flags and red flags to watch when evaluating franchise opportunities.

Episode References/Links:

• FranBridge Consulting - https://franbridgeconsulting.com/
• Jon Ostenson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/
• Jon Ostenson on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1/
• Jon Ostenson on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Jon_Ostenson
• Jon Ostenson on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBC
• Book: Non-Food Franchising by Jon Ostenson - https://a.co/d/29XayrQ

Guest Bio:

Jon Ostenson is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, which ranked 584th on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. A former corporate executive and past President of ShelfGenie, Jon has sat on all sides of the franchising table—as franchisor, multi-brand franchisee, and now trusted advisor. Widely recognized as a leading voice in non-food franchising, he has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors explore opportunities across industries such as home services, wellness, senior care, and pet care. Jon is also the bestselling author of Non-Food Franchising, a practical guide for building wealth and business ownership without starting from scratch. Through FranBridge, he connects clients with over 600 vetted franchise brands and provides strategic, hands-on support at no cost to the client—helping them step confidently into semi-passive investments or full-time business ownership.

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Episode Transcript:

Jon Ostenson 0:00  

Lesley, franchising is not right for everyone. I think there's some people that, to your point, are too entrepreneurial that want to put their thumbprints all over a business. And you know, it may not be a good fit for them. However, for the vast majority, it's my humble belief that franchising represents a better path to business ownership.

Lesley Logan 0:15  

Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.

Lesley Logan 0:53  

All right, Be It babe. I have a topic we have never touched. I'm so jazzed about this, I actually found it really, really fascinating. And this year is like my year of being curious and understanding more and more about businesses as our business continues to grow. And so when I met Jon Ostenson, I have so much more knowledge, so much more understanding, so much more excitement and inspiration. And I really wanted to bring this to you, because I know how many of you are like, wanting to make other income, wanting to make more income, one of the questions I get all the time is like, how do I make passive income? How do I have another income stream? I know that managing your money in stocks can be overwhelming, and so I wanted to bring a whole topic to you that I think could be really, really fascinating. So Jon Ostenson is the author of Non-Food Franchising. His company is FranBridge Consulting and so we're gonna talk about franchises. And if you're like, oh, this could be so boring, I promise you, it's anything but boring. It's quite fascinating. Even if you never go into this, you'll actually like, look at franchises and different businesses in a whole different light. And I found it to be really eye opening. And I feel like a lot of my friends should be doing this, and I don't know, maybe, maybe I'll create a portfolio and do this too, but I now have so much more understanding, and I'm really excited for you to have that, because to be it till you see it in anything, the first thing we need is have answers and understanding and also some curiosity in a topic we might not have known anything about. So if you've been wanting to start a business, maybe instead of starting something new, you actually want to franchise and so here is Jon Ostenson. 

Lesley Logan 0:53  

All right, Be It babe, I'm really excited. I've read the book by our guest today, and this is a really interesting topic we have never talked about, and I've always been slightly interested in, and now I'm even more intrigued. So Jon Ostenson is our guest today. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at that's so unique, so niche and so wonderfully that we need to talk about it? 

Jon Ostenson 2:40  

Yeah, absolutely, no. Jon Ostenson, here in Atlanta, Georgia, I've got three young kids I chase around on a daily basis, but you know, I spend most of my time helping my clients find the right businesses for them. And so, you know, we work with over 600 different franchise brands, and what I call Non-Food Franchising. So it's all these industries outside of fast food that incorporate franchising. And yeah, it's entirely free to work with us, and I get to help our clients navigate, what are the top opportunities given their background, their interest, what they're looking to do? What are those top available opportunities in their market that can be a fit for them?

Lesley Logan 3:11  

I so I really, this is, like, really interesting, because first of all, of course, growing up, I only knew like, food franchisers, and I'm just not into cleaning a kitchen. So, like, that was, you know, different. And then also, like, in my industry, there are now, like, franchises in in the Pilates world, but there's always been franchises in the fitness world. And I guess, like, I guess where we could start is, like, wait, why would someone do a franchise versus, like, start their own non-food business, you know, like, what, what would be like, the things that they're thinking about? Because one of the reasons I want to have you on is, we have had a lot of coaches who are entrepreneurial. And I also think, like, not everyone is an entrepreneur, but also I don't want to, like, tell people that, like, I think they need to figure that out for themselves. So why would someone franchise versus start something themselves?

Jon Ostenson 3:59  

Yeah, great question. And you know, franchising is not right for everyone. I think there's some people that, to your point, are too entrepreneurial, that want to put their thumbprints all over a business, and you know, it may not be a good fit for them. However, for the vast majority, it's my humble belief that franchising represents a better path to business ownership. You know, you've got a lot of things already in place. You've got a proven business model that's been successful in other markets. You've got a coach on the sidelines in that franchisor that's supporting you and their team. You've got other franchisees that are living the same thing day in, day out, in their markets. You're constantly exchanging best practices. You're in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And, you know, being able to step into a business where on day one, the marketing is pretty close to optimized because they know how to run, you know, and the franchisor is doing a lot of that for you. You've got efficiencies and supply chain, and there's just a lot of opportunity that franchising opens up. And what I tell our clients is, hey, you may double down and triple down on franchises and build a whole empire of franchises. A lot of our clients do, or you may decide, hey, after franchising, let's go start my own business. I guarantee you that next business is going to be better for having had that franchise experience and understanding, how do you stand up a business, what are the best practices in the processes that go around it? 

Lesley Logan 5:09  

Yeah, I mean, like, I think that's really cool, because I remember, you know, when I wanted to, first of all, when I became a Pilates instructor, I never thought I'd own a studio, because I worked at a I rented from a studio, and I saw how much stress she was under, and then I worked for a company, high end fitness business, and I got to run a studio for them. And I was like, oh, this is so nice, just to have everyone tell me the budgets, and tell me how much people are getting paid and and do all the do all the math, and then I can just do the thing that I really love. And so in a way, that's kind of like what you're saying, like a franchise is a proven like, it's a business that's already been in existence. It's proven, like, who they're for, what they do, how they market. And so you get to kind of hit the ground already running, in some ways, am I right?

Jon Ostenson 5:53  

Yeah, you start on third base instead of first. You're not having to test everything now, in exchange, you're paying a royalty back to the franchise or right? And franchising is just like everything. Not every company is created the same. Every industry has got good players. You've got ones that aren't as strong. That's where we come in to help our clients really identify the companies that are providing the most value, that can get them to where they want to be.

Lesley Logan 6:13  

Yeah. So I guess, then I guess maybe I should have started with, what is a franchise. Maybe I should have started there. And then also, if you can talk about, like, do, do companies that are franchises, they have already been in business before they're selling off businesses, or they they start out that way, like, do you get it on the ground level? 

Jon Ostenson 6:34  

Yeah, well, hopefully they've already proven out the model, at least in one location, if not in multiple locations, you know. And they're well capitalized, they've got a team to support franchisees, but no franchising at its roots, you know, it's really three things. That's, it's a shared brand, we all know that. But then it's, you know, that there's a system, and there's guidance, and there's value being provided from a home office to that franchisee, to that location. The franchisees give me some sort of payment back in the form of a royalty, typically, to that franchisor. So it's really those three things. So there are companies out there that are probably operating as franchises that may not have franchise, but technically, that's what a franchise is. And again, when I say the F word franchise, people think fast food. I mean, that's what comes to mind. But there's so many different industries out there outside of food, and I've got nothing against the food guys. We need them. We support them. But again, there are easier ways to make money that may require less employees, less operating hours, that may carry higher margins because you don't have the food waste, they may be less susceptible to consumer whims. I always say that frozen yogurt was big until it wasn't. Most of our clients are liking opportunities that aren't trendy. They're not going out of style, and they'll always be mainstream.

Lesley Logan 7:46  

Yeah. Can we talk about like, what are like some of the, what are some of the non-food franchise like, either if you want to name names, or if you want to name like areas of business? Because maybe it would help people to hear like, there, there's actually franchises in an industry they already have experience in. 

Jon Ostenson 8:01  

Yeah, you know. And I'd say 90% of our clients get into something in an industry they don't have experience in. And that's the beauty of franchising, is it allows for those pivots, but you take the transferable skill set. So yeah, examples there, we're seeing a lot of interest, I'd say in the general theme, it's businesses that will do well regardless of the economy, regardless of tariffs, regardless of, you know, other exterior factors. And so it's things that people will always spend money on. So home and property services are a huge area. Health and wellness. McKinsey just came out with a study saying it's now a $480 billion a year industry in the US, growing at 10% so health, you know, wellness, is now mainstream, which I know you would agree with it's categories like kids, pets, seniors again, things that people will always spend money on regardless. And you know, within these there's so many different niches. I mean, I can just, you know, I'm thinking of in-home senior care. We have a lot of clients doing that, but then I've had clients that have been placed there that came back said hey Jon, what's a tangential opportunity that can tag onto this, and I introduced them to one that provides wheelchair ramps and stair lifts and retrofitting within a home, allowing people to age in place. Youth soccer, I've had so many clients do well in youth soccer, tutoring, kids-related, pets, everything from pet grooming to pet boarding to dog training, you know, but. 

Lesley Logan 9:19  

That's crazy, because I would never have thought those things. And also, like, I because we travel around the world. We were talking about that before we hit record, I find myself, like, like, in shock. Sometimes I see a business and I'm like, like, how much did they need to get started? You know? Because, like, what I love about like, like, one of the things that kept me from starting my own studio is, like, just the barrier of entry. I didn't know how to read a lease, I didn't know what kind of insurance I needed to have outside of what the insurance I had as a renter. I didn't know that. And then I had to, like, buy all the equipment, and then it's like, oh, like, literally, my clients came the first like, where's the trash can? I was like, oh, yeah, we need a trash can. Like, you know, you know, right? Like, I was like, I was like, flying by the seat of my pants. But like, what you're saying is, like, I, if I was like, I need a change in my life, or I actually just want to have something that's working alongside what I'm already doing, I can go into another industry, and then they already have the blueprint. So, like, I already know how much it's going to cost me to go all in. I know how much it's going to cost me to run it, and I also have an idea, in theory, at least as I learned this from your book of, like, what I could make off of this investment, which is a little different than stock market, like you think. I mean, we all hope it's going up right now, we're riding a different wave. But, like, but like, you know, so am I right when I say, like, there's like, a nice blueprint there that kind of allows you to know more about what you don't know? 

Jon Ostenson 10:43  

Absolutely. No, you go in and you know, nothing's ever a sure thing, right? I never want to pretend like it is. Business ownership is hard. It takes work. If it was easy, everybody would be a business owner. But franchising does make it a lot easier and a lot more predictable, right? I mean, that's why banks love providing SBA loans to franchises over startups, right? It's just more predictable, and the success rates are obviously a lot higher all the data shows, you know, but I'd say, going in, you know, there's a whole exploration process, and that's where we take our clients through, hold their hand as they're having these conversations with their franchises. You know, learning a lot, asking good questions. They, they get a chance to talk to other franchisees in that system before they ever buy. You know, they get kind of the inside knowledge. They get a franchise disclosure document, which is the history of the franchise and all the information. And to your point, the financials on the all in investment. And you know, there's going to be some variability in there, but it outlines that, and then talks about the historical financial results, what you could expect to make if you execute according to plan. And so you know, you can make disproportionate returns on your investment. Again, because you're, you're putting effort in, right? If it was just thrown in an index fund, you know, you're not going to be able to make, you're going to be capped at what you can make. However, with this, you also get the tax benefit. So it's really a, I call it the trifecta. You're, you're building towards cash returns. You're obviously building an asset that's going to have exit value down the road, and in all likelihood, you'll sell to another franchisee in the system. That's very common. And then third, you get the tax benefits of business ownership. And if you have a W2 job or spouse with a W2 I mean, this could be a great offset. I mean, there's so many levers that the government set up the tax playbook to incentivize business ownership.

Lesley Logan 12:19  

Yeah, well, one of the reasons why we love being a business owner, I definitely enjoy those. I want to, like, just kind of tap into something, because you talked about, like, being a W2. So realistically, how many people do you know, like, have a job and then have a franchise that's successful? Like, are they overworking? Are they 120-hour work week kind of person? Or, like, is that a normal thing that people can do?

Jon Ostenson 12:43  

Roughly half of our clients start out with a manager in place. It's what franchising would call semi passive or semi absentee or executive model. I always want to say hey, stop. You know, let's not sugarcoat this. It takes work to stand up a business. You know. I don't want to ever pretend like it doesn't so, you know, it is very doable within a franchise system, because you've got a franchisor and their team supporting that manager that you put in place on a day to day basis, they can answer a lot of the questions and kind of hold their hand. So it takes some of the burden off of you. So much of it your ramp up time and success comes down to who you put in that place. You can have a great vehicle, you still have to have a great driver, so someone that has fire in the belly that you incentivize. You know that's a hard worker. They can make your life very easy, but if it's not the right person, you can find yourself with some headaches and leaning in. So I'd say that is the biggest variable that I see. But I've got so many success stories of clients that have gone that path. I should always want to make sure that they go in eyes wide open, that in the early going especially, it will take work.

Lesley Logan 13:43  

Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, I think that's really important. Okay, let's just take, take a step back, Jon, how did you get into doing this? Like, did you, did you always know, like, you would be in franchises? Like, did you fall into franchises? Like, tell us the journey that got you here. 

Jon Ostenson 13:56  

Yeah. You know, like so many of your listeners, I spent many years in the corporate world, and you went to grad school and did all the things you're supposed to do as a W2 and had a great run. But, you know, had that desire, like so many, to be a business owner and to do something more entrepreneurial, and didn't know what it what it looked like. And I really fell into franchising. So about eight years ago, I left the corporate world, assumed the reins of a business called Shelf Genie, which is a large franchise system. I served as their president, supporting our home office and all of our franchisees, and I really fell in love with the franchise model through that experience. And I just saw how so many different backgrounds got involved in a shared system because of the support that we were providing. So long story short, I partnered with the founder of that company. We spun off. We've invested in franchises ourselves. I've continued to invest in franchises on my on my own outside of that, so I've been a franchisor. I am a multi brand franchisee as well, and started the consulting practice about little over six years ago, and now I give it most of my full time focus, and just love helping others connect the dots, because I just hear the same conversations every day. So many people, oftentimes midlife, they're saying gosh, you know, I've looked around. And they all know some business owners, and they see them out playing golf or, you know, going to their kids activities. And they say, there's a little bit of FOMO, right? And, but they say, I don't have that genius idea. I'm a little risk averse. I don't know where to start. That's where I come in and say hey, look at all these other people that have done done this through franchising with similar backgrounds, and here's why it worked for them. So absolutely love helping them. I personally, on the franchisee front, this just shows a little bit of the variety out there. I kind of like home and property services personally. So I've got one business that works on parking lots. It provides asphalt paving and line striping, you know, non sexy need based industry, right? I've got another one, is almost like an equipment rental business. It provides temporary walls like containment walls around renovation projects and construction sites. It's a great B2B business. I've got one that this is kind of more in the health and wellness genre. It's uses 3D printing to provide custom inserts and insoles for shoes, right? It talked about a niche, right? But we cater a little bit to the older population. So I've got it down in Delray, Florida, which is a great market. I've got another one where I'm on the franchisor side, I'm invested that provides custom pull out shelving for your kitchens and pantries and stay at home moms are great for that business. They're great designers. They can work when they want to and go in and be very conversational, and it's just cool that, you know, we're creating a lot of jobs out there and helping a lot of communities.

Lesley Logan 16:28  

Okay, that is so all of those things, I would not have thought that, like, those are franchises. I guess I just thought, like, some guy in Las Vegas, like, start a business, like, putting fences, you know, and then it's like, but then I do see like, oh, it's a company. And then you're like, how, like, how, who got into, like, having a business in every city that has, like, fences. But now that I'm like, you know, now that the wall been pulled over my eyes, I can under, away from my eyes, I can see like, oh, these are companies that got started, and then they had success, and then they basically created a blueprint that they could sell to other people, and then that's how they spread their wings, because they've got good systems in place. And then people like you, or people like listening are like, Oh, I could do that. I actually, like, I have the funds for that. I like that area, or, you know, I can have the time for that. I just wouldn't have thought that those are those. There's things out there. And I was reading your book, one of the things that we all have to realize is, like, there's a massive population of people who are getting older, and there is not enough like services for them, and so like to be able to get into a franchise that is like servicing those people that they for a necessity they need. It's kind of nice, I guess. I have a question, how much of what you have to do as a franchisee, as far as the marketing goes, like, are you curating the marketing? Does the franchise or that's the parent company, right, like the owner, do they come up with a marketing strategy and you just, like, put it out there. Like, I guess I'm wondering, like, how much of it do you be creative? Because I have a lot of people like, I want to do this, but I hate social media, or I hate writing a newsletter, or I hate doing the the money and the taxes, like, how much does the actual franchisor do for you? 

Jon Ostenson 18:06  

Yeah, it certainly varies, but I'd say in most cases, the franchisor leans in pretty heavy on the marketing side, and that's one of the value adds they're bringing. So they're creating collateral and brand standards and customizing things for you for your location. But you know, typically they have an in house marketing team. They may partner with an outside digital marketing firm that's running all your Google ads and social media ads and such. Oftentimes, they encourage you to get involved on the organic side of social media. So it's, hey, I've got a home show coming up. Hey, look at this great job. We just got a five star review. But again, if you need help with that, most of them are able to lean in pretty heavy, because I do have a lot of clients like you said that they hey, I don't want anything to do with marketing or lead generation. And I, you know, in some cases you have franchises that have national accounts. I mean, that's a great lead generator. In some cases, they have an in house call center that's actually sometimes making outbound calls, or, at a minimum, taking inbound calls, setting appointments for you. So, you know, as you go through the expiration process, you want to say, what, what value is that franchisor providing for the royalty that I'm giving them? And, you know, make sure that there's tangible things that they're doing for you, oftentimes on the marketing side as an example.

Lesley Logan 19:11  

Yeah, okay, you talked about royalties, I guess, for the person who doesn't understand what that means. What is that? And then what are we what can someone expect on like, maybe not like the best end, but like an average, an average earnings.

Jon Ostenson 19:26  

Yeah, so I'd say six to 8% royalty typically is common in revenue, and when you look at financial projections of a franchise system, they're always going to net out for that royalty, right? I mean, that's part of the business model. But again, those are oftentimes expenses that you would be paying on your own elsewhere. From an earnings standpoint, well, first off, from an investment standpoint, I mean, we have some clients who are getting into big seven figure deals, but most people like when you look at service-based businesses and you're all in investment, your franchise fee, startup costs, several months of working capital, oftentimes you're in the 150,000 to 300,000 range, all in. And some of our clients are using cash, most like the idea of using an SBA loan, where maybe they put in 50,000 cash and then they use an SBA loan for the balance. Some are using an old 401-K from a previous employer, and rolling that over, which is very doable through what's called the ROBS program. So we help them with all of that. But from an earnings standpoint, it definitely varies. You always want people to take a conservative approach. There are businesses that will start cash flowing as early as three months in. Oftentimes, what you see is maybe six months, six to 12 months, somewhere in that range. Again, we always want to be conservative, but no you can make disproportionate returns. So let's say your all in investment was 200,000 from their businesses out there, where you can conceivably do a million dollars for first year. I mean, there are a good number of those. And oftentimes you're kicking off 15 to 20% to the bottom line. So call it 150 to the bottom line. And you may not get that in year one, but that may be your run rate at the end of year one. So 150 on an investment of 200,000 that's 75%, and then you're doing, you're doing that every year, and you're going to sell that business down the road. So again, but you're putting effort in, right? 

Lesley Logan 21:01  

Right, well, well, and it's like, like, I'm just, like, just forever. I, when I opened up my studio, which was a small studio, I, no, my bank did not give me a loan. I've been in business for so many years, like, look, I make, I make over six figures, and I just want, like, a $40,000 loan. And they like, laughed in my face, so I used a credit card. But it was, the investment was like, $40,000 in equipment, all I had to do, and then obviously my rent and everything. And of course, yes, I, because it was on a credit card, I paid that shit off. But, but like you do only have to, ideally, only buy that equipment one time, right? So there's that. But to to your point, like the money that or time I had to spend on marketing my business, on coming up with the marketing, on testing it out, on doing all that stuff, on also collaborating, also doing the organic, also all that stuff, it starts to go sometimes you're like, it would be nice if someone could take this off. And even if you're like, oh, let's all just hire an agency. Y'all, I have talked to marketing agencies. They are not just 6% like some like, you know, when you think about, like, the marketing agency and the account and the organization and the hiring practices and the onboarding, all that stuff costs money, and so sometimes it's kind of like, it's almost like it's 50% it's 50 one way, 50% one way, half it does another. It's kind of like, if you really want to make your own thing and be your own thing, then go do your own thing, and you'll have all the same expenses. But I can't believe, and I don't know, I can't believe it that an SBA loan would be easier to get if you're in a franchise. But it makes sense, because there's a proven track record from all the other businesses, and the SBA is like, oh, this is like, very risk free. It took us a pandemic to get an SBA loan because they were just giving them away. And then recently, a lovely bank helped us get an SBA loan. But, like, it's not easy when you work for yourself and a non proven kind of a thing to get loans. So it sounds really cool that that would be an option for people. 

Jon Ostenson 22:51  

Yeah, and probably two thirds of our clients use them. We really don't have issues getting them. As long as you have semi decent credit, then you know, they have that confidence in the franchise.

Lesley Logan 23:00  

That's so cool. That is really cool. Okay, so I guess you know there's, there's probably people going, oh my gosh. Like, I don't know. Like, I'm not confident as a business owner. Do you have to have, like, would you suggest, like, you have to have some sort of management experience, or do you have people who, like, do the franchisers like, support you in leading a team and how to lead the business that you're doing. Or, like, are you having to figure that yourself? 

Jon Ostenson 23:26  

Yeah, there are some franchises where you really don't have to have a team. You know, you can be kind of a solopreneur in a way, or maybe have an assistant. Most of them do involve people. And people always ask me, what, what does it take to be successful in franchising? And really, it's two things. It's one, you're good with people. You don't have to be great, but you have to be someone that people want to work with, work for work. So that's just Business 101, and then secondly, your willingness to follow a system, where I see people get in trouble in franchising is that they come in and they think they're the smartest guy in the room, and they don't have the humility to actually learn from others and to follow a system, even if they have questions. When I was at Shelf Genie, our best franchisees were the ones that followed the system the closest. That sounds so cliche, but it's true. 

Lesley Logan 24:04  

I mean, just being in business myself for 15 years, like, how, like, there are some days I'm like, I just wish there was a fucking blueprint that I could just wake up, follow, like, there's days and I'm like, so I can't imagine, like, not only take advantage of that, but I guess, like, maybe that would be the person who wouldn't be right for franchising, and maybe they shouldn't have gotten into it in the first place.

Jon Ostenson 24:29  

Yeah, no, I've seen clients do very well within a franchise system, and then, you know, I had a client that didn't do well in it, and the feedback from the franchisor was said, what's going on? Why is it working for them and not for them. You said, we've coached them, we've done everything we can, but they're not willing to follow the system. (inaudible) But certainly, if you have any business experience that you know, those transferable skill sets definitely help and maybe give you a leg up. But I've got plenty of clients, you know, doctors or a big client, mainly clientele of ours, most of them don't have business experience. They may be really, they're like, smart and smarter than their little niche but they don't have that business experience. They love the idea of, they know how to learn, and they're willing to learn, and they're willing to follow the playbook the textbook. Instead, they come in and they say, Hey, we want to flex that intellectual muscle. And most of them are keeping the day job. You know, they've invested too much to walk away from that. But they put a manager in place, and they go out and run a restoration business, or a mobile pet grooming business, something that allows them to flex that intellectual curiosity a little bit.

Lesley Logan 25:29  

That is so cool. I just think it's so cool, like I was, I never thought about, I'll be really nice, I actually never thought about owning a franchise. I have been wondering and been very curious of like, what if I wanted to open up something that I made into a franchise like that has been on my mind a lot lately, but the more I read your book, the more I'm like, what a cool investment strategy. Like, you know, just to diversify how you're investing for retirement and wealth, and, like, generational wealth. I don't have any kids, but like, it would be cool to have have have another way of having an income stream or or a way of growing wealth without having to, not that it's not work, but also just not rely solely on, like, what my wealth manager is doing with my stocks.

Jon Ostenson 26:13  

Oh, because so many of our clients do have kids or family members that they plan on bringing in on the business over time and kind of setting an example for them to learn from as well, and of taking a risk, if you will, a calculated risk. But now from an investment standpoint, I'm an all of the above investor. I invest in real estate and energy and the public markets and private credit. I encourage people to do all that. I just think the business ownership can have a unique place in that portfolio, and there's a whole lot of tax benefits and other synergies to come from that. So I'm not against any of those other investments. I just think it's an all of the above approach. And a lot of our clients invest in real estate too, some more actively than others, but there's a lot of synergy between those two, I think, from a mindset standpoint, from a tax advantage standpoint, and then directly from an industry standpoint, a lot of these businesses support real estate.

Lesley Logan 27:00  

What are some, like, green flags about a franchise, or some red flags, like, what are some things that we would like? You'd be like, oh, this looks really this looks really good. I think a client would do really well with this. And then what are some like, ooh, maybe, maybe watch this one, or don't, don't sign up for that.

Jon Ostenson 27:16  

You know, certain the brand is more important in certain industries. I mean, certainly, food, hotels, things like that. You know, but in a lot of industries, I think about insulation, that's a $50 billion a year industry, no one can name an installation company, right? And so that's less important. But still, some of these industries, you know, if it's a household name brand, then it's probably sold out in all the good areas of your market, right? And so oftentimes, we find ourselves working with more emerging franchises. You know, they may have five locations, 25 locations, 50 locations. Yes, they haven't been around forever, but they're growing fast. And really, the what I look for there, it's the competitive advantages, it's the financial models got to be very robust, because you have a smaller sample size to look at. You've, you know, the early franchisees have to be saying positive things about their experience. But then a lot of emphasis I put on those companies is the leadership team. I want to see a good blend of industry experience, but also franchise experience represented on that team that's essentially going to be your business partner. So I would say that the people involved on the other end, I can't underestimate that enough. That's something I emphasize with our clients. Let's vet them. Those are the ones that you want to have a good relationship with that are going to be supporting you day in, day out. You know. I would also say, you know, make sure that, if it's an early stage franchise, make sure it's well capitalized. You know, they've got plenty of assets in the bank. I have seen companies, at times, rush into franchising thinking it was their gold mine and they needed to have a pot of gold going in, because it's expensive to franchise, but no, private equity loves franchising, you know, they they invest strategically at the franchisor level very oftentimes, just they love the model and kind of these industries that they play in. There's a lot of smart money getting involved. But I always encourage people, you know, and that's why we set up our exploration process the way we did. And, you know, I'm essentially a real estate broker buffer franchises, and so I help our clients understand what's going on behind the scenes, how to think about this, the questions to ask, provide them with a lot of resources, and then we simply get a referral fee from the franchise brand on the back end when a placement happens, like a real estate model, you've got the seller, and none of that's passed on (inaudible).

Lesley Logan 29:17  

So that's why you're free. Because, like, I couldn't believe it. I was reading the book, and I was like, because to me, you know, one of the one of the big hurdles for a lot of people is like hiring a coach to help them make the best decisions. You have to have the money for that and hope that it works, but to work with you, you know, it's just free for for the person wanting to work with you. So like, you get paid because the franchise company pays you like a real estate so, got it. 

Jon Ostenson 29:40  

For them, it's a sales and marketing expense. None of that's passed on to our clients at all. So you know, whether they go directly to a brand or go through us, they're paying the same franchise fee. So it's a nice, it's really a great model, and, yeah, we're able to help a lot of people through it. 

Lesley Logan 29:58  

That is so cool. Yeah. I mean, so you did this six years ago. Okay, so you started right before everything shut down. Like, can we just go back? Was it, what was the be it till you see it, or what would, like, the things you had to do? Because, like, my goodness, during that time, a lot of franchises could be open. A lot of franchises had, like, limitations. Did you worry that, like, this was going to all, like, be affected negatively. Like, did you see the light at the end of the tunnel? Tell me about it. 

Jon Ostenson 30:25  

Yeah, you know, just like everything, we're all questioning what's going on there for a few weeks, but then as soon as the dust settled, I mean, the franchise deals started happening again, and people started jumping back in. They said, I want something that I can be in control of, and I really don't want to go back to the office. I really, you know, a lot of people took time to think about what they wanted to be until they saw, you know, and they said, you know, that's the time a lot of introspection, which led to a lot of people saying, maybe now's the time. If I don't jump now, when am I ever going to do it? So, you know, there's a lag effect. Some of those late adopters I'm still having calls with now. They're like, I've been thinking about this for years, and most of them are realizing there's never a perfect time to jump into business ownership. But, you know, good number of them realize, hey, now's as good of a time as ever, as ever. And yeah, for me, you know, I love what I do. I've had teams in the past of, you know, 50 employees, and you know, I can do that, but that's not what I love doing. What I love doing is working with clients. I love strategy. I love seeing business models being out there at the tip of the spear, and so I've really structured my business now. I had that vision early on that, hey, I'm going to play to my strengths and how I want to spend my time, and that's what I've built. So yeah, love our model and how I get to help people and engage with clients all day.

Lesley Logan 31:35  

Yeah, so in that because, like, we talked to a lot of people get really passionate. And I think what, especially when I work with studio owners, like, sometimes their passion becomes like a prison because they like, stop taking care of themselves to like, do their passion like, how do you prioritize yourself so that you can have the mindset and the wherewithal to help the people that you like to help?

Jon Ostenson 31:54  

Yeah, I'm probably one of the more intentional people that you'll meet in that regard. You know, I think through things in the area of five domains, you know, faith, family and relationships, but then also finances, fitness and franchising. So my 5F framework, if you will, you know, but I'm constantly evaluating and balancing, you know, how my day is spent in each of those so, you know, work out on the fitness side. You know, the trainer a couple times a week, and got my infrared sauna and cold plunge and red light and all that here in the office. And, you know, coach my kids teams, you know, teach their Sunday school. You know, try to balance everything and very blessed, very thankful for what I get to do, and that allows me to do the other things I want to do. And I will say I'm the hardest boss I've ever had. You know, business ownership isn't easy. I work myself hard, but there's so much flexibility, and I'm just thankful. I pinch myself every day having had a W2 job for many years, I could, can never imagine doing that again.

Lesley Logan 32:48  

Yeah, I understand that. Okay, this is a really, like personal story we had. Our health insurance company is contracted with another company. Maybe it's a franchise that, like, comes to your house to, like, do, like, your physical, which is, like, just the meetup, just the heart, the lungs, just the blood pressure, and then, like, talk to you about, like, what doctors you want to see this year. And the whole time I was like, this feels like a scam. Are you casing the joint? Like, what are? What are? I'm like, I feel like this, this is too good to be true. And then they left and my husband are just like, let's just pretend it's not a scam. How lucky are we that we could set aside the time in the middle of a workday at our home to, like, take care of our health, and then, like, go back to doing the things we love everyday. Working for yourself is, like, the hardest thing, even if you work for yourself, for your own franchise, like they're running a business is, you know, there's only so many days where there's not an obstacle. You're like, what the fuck just happened there? But when you are realizing it's all part of the plan that you set out, like when you actually got what you wanted, it is worth pinching yourself. So I love that. Thank you for sharing that. And I also we second y'all red lights, cold plunges like, work out, move your body. It makes running your business, whatever that is, so much easier.

Jon Ostenson 34:07  

Absolutely, absolutely, no, fully agree. 

Lesley Logan 34:09  

What are you most excited about right now? And like, it can be like in the franchise world, or it can be in like, in your business. Like, what are you most excited about right now? 

Jon Ostenson 34:16  

Yeah, you know, I I practice what I preach, and I love just trying new things and then bringing them to my clients. So for me, I've got my consulting practice, and then I've got all these franchises and other investments in a holding company, and I'm just, this is the nerd side of me. I'm just realizing all these different tax plays and alternative investments and how they can work together, and I'm bringing in the best of the best advisors, and, you know, really trying to level up. That was my theme last year, was level up. I'm like, am I with the best bank out there? Am I with the best concierge doctor? Am I with the best financial advisor? I identified 25 different areas, and this took time by one by one, leveled up in each of those. And said, if I'm not working with best in class, why not? And so I'm just thinking through that lens, and I think it's helping our clients to just kind of say, you know, let's get off the sidelines. Let's just forget the status quo. Like, how do we level up and get better? And you know, whether it be personally or those that we work with in every area.

Lesley Logan 35:11  

That's so cool. Thank you for sharing that. Because I, I think it's really easy to just keep doing the same thing, and you're like, well, this works and this works. And like, going back to that the bank that gave us SBA loan, I told my husband, I was like, well, why aren't we working with that bank? Like, why is that is not our bank? Because our bank certainly didn't help us. So why are we not with that bank? And it was like, one tiny thing, and I'm like, can we figure out a way around that one time? This seems so stupid. I want to work with a bank that's going to give me money whenever I want it. That's why, why I have a bank. It's not like they're getting interest. I'm not making any money off them. So I so I find, like, it's, it's effort to go through and figure out what that is. And then there's that change, which most people don't like, but then it's like, but then you have, like, the best of the best. So, you know, I think that's really cool.

Jon Ostenson 36:01  

Yeah, absolutely, you know, unfortunately, I've got the best wife, so I'm not up leveling there.

Lesley Logan 36:06  

That's good to know. That's good to know. Shout out to her. Okay, is there anything I didn't ask you, because this is a new topic for me, so I really want to make sure that, like, we covered all the bases that you think we needed to. Is there anything to ask you about franchising and getting into it that you want to share with us today. 

Jon Ostenson 36:22  

Yeah, you know, I think we really hit a lot of the hot topics. You know, we're seeing more interest than we've ever seen. I think, for a variety of reasons, our biggest challenge is not lead flow, it's, it's, you know, just the opportunities. They move so fast in good markets. So I would encourage people, if anyone has an interest in exploring, there's no downside, there's no cost. I just hear testimonial after testimonial of franchising wasn't on my radar. I was looking at existing businesses. And actually, that's a good topic. A lot of our clients say hey, we've been looking for an existing business. Here's what I hear. We've been looking for four years, five years, six years. We've been under LOI, letter of intent for five companies, six companies, due diligence didn't shake out someone else outbid us. We uncovered this. And due diligence over and over again, and then they come around to franchising. They say, wait a minute, I can get into franchising without having to pay the premium of an existing business, without having to have the risk of change in ownership. I mean, you're going to lose some key employees. That just happens when you have a change in ownership. And there's so many people out there looking because you have all these talking heads on social media saying, hey, buy a business and then build it. It's like, what was the franchise system? Buy a proven model, but put your thumbprints on it from day one, and build the culture the way you want it. So I'd say that was one thing I wanted to add that just came to mind.

Lesley Logan 37:36  

I'm glad you brought that up, because we first, like, I work with a lot of business owners who are like, I want to sell my studio. They want to sell their business. And I'm always like, okay, well, what can we sell? Because if you are the main person, not much to sell, babe. So we have to, like, do all this work to make the business sellable. And, and I was like, and I really wish that someone had told you have to think about the exit in mind. Because you have to think about the exit in mind when you start anything everyone, but I do think that there's a lot of people in, oh, I'll just buy this one because I've seen how good it is. I like going there. And so we have this, like, almost like, attachment, but it's true, like, even if people like you, they might still leave, because people don't like change.

Jon Ostenson 38:17  

Yeah, and you paid a premium thinking nothing was going to change, right? So, you know, that's one of the things I love about franchising, too, is that exit in mind when you start in the beginning again, most franchises, you're not going to find many good franchise resales out there on the market, because any opportunity that's worth buying is going to be bought by another franchisee in that system, that internal M and A, as I call it, mergers and acquisitions, where franchisees buy each other's businesses, which allows for exits and allows others to expand. That's so, so common. I've got so many clients have done, I've personally done it just again, when you think about the end in mind.

Lesley Logan 38:52  

Yeah, okay, we're gonna take a brief break, and then we're gonna find out how people can work with you, do a call with you and see if this is what's in it for them. 

Lesley Logan 39:02  

All right, Jon, how do people like, it's free, so they could just, like, chat with you and just see if, like, this is a good idea for them, right? Like, that's how they can work with you. How do they find you?

Jon Ostenson 39:10  

Yeah, come out to our website, franbridgeconsulting.com F-R-A-N bridge consulting dot com you know, share your email address. I'll send you a free digital copy of our book, Non-Food Franchising, which is a great primer to kind of get the juices flowing and help you connect the dots on franchising. And yeah, more than happy to jump on a call, just to indicate that interest when we reach out to you, and we'll jump on a 20-25, minute call, and I can give you some thoughts and get to know you a little bit better, and we can go from there. So again, entirely free to work with us. Certainly if you want to follow on LinkedIn, I put out content most days on LinkedIn. So that could be another place to find me. 

Lesley Logan 39:42  

Oh, that's cool. LinkedIn a place that I keep saying I'm going to start printing thumbprint on. And I go in there and I'm like, I don't know what I'm doing. So maybe in a maybe in a future year. You guys, I did read the book. I'm telling you, it was an it's a great read, and it really helped. It will. I think if it's for you, you'll know by reading the book, and if it's not for you, you'll know by reading the book. And I think that that's really cool. And also I just really, one of the things I'm really intentional about is like we have so many listeners, and I really want people to have I think freedom to make decisions is one of the most important ways you can be it till you see it. And having an, a way of making an income that works for you is one of the best things I could give to you guys as listeners. So thank you so much for being here. Before I let you go, Jon, you've given us so much already, but we love to give our listeners some bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us? 

Jon Ostenson 40:35  

Yeah, you know, I would say, here's a quote, activity breeds activity, and it's the idea. I've just seen this play out in my career, in my life. Whenever I get off the couch, off the sidelines, I start moving towards Option A or Option B. That's when option C comes out of left field. And so I think good things happen when you're in motion. That idea of activity breeding other activity. Oftentimes you don't know what's coming, but you stay active, it comes.

Lesley Logan 40:55  

So good. It's so good. It kind of like, ladies, my Pilates lovers, it's like a body in motion stays in motion, like it's like that, but also like we had someone else say, like, I'm, everything is everything. And when you never know what, going out and talking to someone could turn into, my husband talks to everyone at every party, and I I'm so thankful for him, because I can talk to like, five people at a party, and then I'm like, okay, that's good. I'm good. Like, but he and, you know what, we've needed some of those people. He's like, oh, there's this guy I talked to at this place and, like, so, and you just never know what those connections are. So that's a great Be It Action Item. Thank you so much, Jon. Jon Ostenson, everyone. You can get his book, go to franbridgeconsulting.com. Perfect. Go there. We'll have the link in the show notes. And, you know, share this with a friend who needs to hear it. If you had a friend who's like, I need something different, I need to change. I need a new job, like this might be the exact thing they need. And then you get to be part of that. How cool is that? So thank you, Jon. And until next time everyone, Be It Till You See It. 

Lesley Logan 41:35  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 42:39  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 42:44  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 42:48  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 42:55  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 42:58  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.

Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival. This FYF brings a listener’s bold boundary win, a reminder that rest prevents burnout, and a big team celebration with the launch of a brand-new coaching app. Plus, Lesley and Brad drop an affirmation that will remind you of your one-of-a-kind gift to the world.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why standing firm on your policies builds respect in your business.
• The real cost of burnout and how it impacts your ability to show up.
• Saying yes to breaks and travel as a way to protect your energy.
• How better systems free up energy for you and your clients.

Episode References/Links:

• Cambodia October 2025 Retreat - https://crowsnestretreats.com
• Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSI

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper’s Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipment

Be in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlist

Be It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-survey

Be a part of Lesley’s Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/

FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/

Resources:

• Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-g
• Lesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/
• Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/
• Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQ
• Profitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/

Follow Us on Social Media:

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/
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• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/
• The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses

Episode Transcript:

Lesley Logan 0:00  

It's Fuck Yeah Friday. 

Brad Crowell 0:01  

Fuck yeah. 

Lesley Logan 0:02  

Get ready for some wins. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.

Brad Crowell 0:48  

Welcome Be It Pod squad. It is September 5th, Friday. It's Fuck Yeah Friday, and I'm, obviously, Brad here, stepping in for Lesley for the first part of this episode. She's gonna take over the second half of this episode here, where we're bringing your wins, and she's going to celebrate a win, but we're going to start today off a little bit differently with an affirmation, in a way that I think Lesley is going to get a kick out of. I hope you really enjoy it. So feel free to sing along. This is an encouraging, amazing song that I've often drawn inspiration from, and I think you're gonna love it. 

Brad Crowell 1:21  

I've paid my dues time after time. I've done my sentence but committed no crime and bad mistakes I've made a few. I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through. And on and on and on. We are the champions, my friends, and we'll keep on fighting till the end, because we are the champions. We are the champions. No time for losers, because we are the champions of the world.

Brad Crowell 2:24  

You know it. You know it. You hear it in the background. You are singing that song, too. I love this song because it's very relatable. You know, even though you know it's Queen and they're like epic rock stars, but listening to those lyrics, listening to that song, is something that I've always found relatable. You know, I've paid my dues time after time. I've done my sentence, but I committed no crime, right? How often do we feel like that, where we are feeling like I'm doing everything right, and yet things still aren't going my way? And maybe along the way, you know, and bad mistakes I've made a few. Maybe along the way we've made some bad mistakes. I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through, right. And as a small business owners, you might feel like that too, but you will come through this. And I wanted to celebrate that chorus with you. We are the champions, my friends. You know we're gonna keep fighting. And that's, that's the thing, when you're, when you are, doesn't even have to be just in business, but in life, you know, one foot in front of the other, y'all. Keep on going. Consistency, persistency. You got this. You can do this. We are the champions, and we'll we're the champions of the world. So really excited to have you joining us this week for this Fuck Yeah Friday. I'm gonna pass the torch here on to Lesley to celebrate a few of your wins, and then hopefully, you know, you're gonna take encouragement and send in your own win to us as well so we can celebrate you on an upcoming Fuck Yeah Friday. So thanks for being here today. 

Lesley Logan 4:00  

All right, now, for the next part of the episode where I share a win of yours. So, win of yours. We had a couple wins from Melissa Capitano, so we'll go through these. Stood up for myself when a client tried to bully me, she didn't think I should charge her for a late cancel because she had been a client since the founding owner, and she was good friends with her. She also told me that she never got any warm and fuzzy feelings from me and that I wasn't friendly towards her. I stood my ground. She told me she's going to pretend the conversation didn't happen, and proceeded to buy a 12 pack and book privates with one of my instructors. So I'm counting it as a win. So I just want to say it is interesting being a business owner, the requests that people ask or demand or think that they are worthy or entitled to, it really does show like, I don't know how this person would like live their life, but clearly there was some sort of luxury, or maybe their family was gifted things or given things based on a last name or whatever. But here's the deal, when you agree to a frequent or patronize an establishment, they have rules, and when you participate in that business, you are agreeing to participate with the rules. Now, if you don't like that, you don't have to patronize the establishment. That's why we live where we all have a place like there's more than one Pilates studio. There's more than one lunch place. There's more than one sandwich place. It's extremely rare in most of the world, where you listen to podcasts, that you are the only thing that exists, and even if you are, you still are worthy of having rules and boundaries for how people can participate with you. And the fact that, like, she's been a client with the original owner, that's cool and that she didn't get warm and fuzzy feelings for you, that's not your fault, right? You weren't creating a best friend environment. You were creating a business that can make people safe and have a place where they can call home for their Pilates practice for years and years to come. So, way to go, Melissa, way to stand for yourself. And I think it's hilarious. It's just like, okay, well, this conversation didn't happen. Like, interesting. Sometimes we have to be a mirror for people. Okay, you have another win. So my win. I'm on the road now, on our way to a family reunion. I needed this break. I've been teaching 35 to 45 hours a week for the last three months. I seriously thought about just staying home and letting my family go, but I remembered what Ella said about you're not helping anyone if you burn yourself out. So anyway, we are on the way stop to pick up lunch, taking Brad and Lesley with me on the road. She's wearing a shirt with Brad and I on it, and I love that so much. And it's really, thank you Melissa for making this a win so we could talk about this as a group. Seriously, you're a zero help to anyone burnt out. You are so not helpful to anyone. One of my friends from a group that I was in. I, by the time I'm recording this, I'm seeing that her husband's in the hospital, and like her, she and her kids, like, flew immediately to go see him. He was in a different state than where they live, and after about 36 hours, she flew the kids back home, because taking care of the kids and him and herself is, like, not an option, right? And the hospital's not the place where they can feel stress free and like, where little children can like, relax either. So she did something for herself so she doesn't burn out, right? So everyone can be protected. There's no right answers in those situations. You might have done something differently, but the point I'm sharing with that story is, Melissa's story, with you is there's always a reason to not go on the trip. There's always a reason to not start the thing. There's always a reason to not take the day off or not go out. And if what the thing that you are saying you don't want to do is used to fill your cup and you're just tired, go do it, because it's going to fill your cup. You're not going to fill your cup at home. You're going to find things to do at home. You're not going to relax. You're not going to rest when you are working that hard in your business, and there are seasons for that you must make sure you are taking care of yourself. So, Melissa, kudos to you. Hats off to you. And thank you for sharing this win so that other people can be inspired that that that is something that they can do. So if you are feeling like close to burnout now, my loves like, what is the thing that you are thinking you shouldn't do? Right? Are you already making excuses? Like, oh, you know that that October trip I shouldn't do. I had somebody reach out about the Cambodia retreat, and they're like, I really want to go. This is like, my dream retreat, but I just start a new job, like, five months before the retreat. Okay, totally understand not every job is reasonable. Maybe they don't have vacation time built up by five months. But also, like you're not gonna lose your job by saying, hey, by the way, in October, I need one week off to take care of myself. If you show your work that you are a better employee after resting, they're going to let you do that. Most places do. Now, you work for an asshole. I can't help you there. 

Lesley Logan 8:40  

All right, a win of ours. So we actually released an app this summer, guys, we did it. Our team did it. It hit the deadlines that we'd set for ourselves. It works. People are using it. They love it. So we've always had, we've already had an app for OPC. People could take classes. You don't have to be a member to use the app, like you can listen to podcast on it. There's like, free tutorials you can watch on it. There's some free challenges. But if you're a member, you can be in the community. You can chat with us, you can take your classes on the app. Makes it really fun to do is take it yourself wherever your phone can go or your iPad can go. So we've been working on that for Profitable Pilates, and it's beautiful. It's really simple. It's really easy for our members to use. So, Agency members, instead of being in Slack now have one place to go to chat with the community, to share their wins, to have a moment to watch videos from me that are notes of inspiration, to see when the next office hours is, to book coaching calls, to watch courses all in one place. And for seven half years prior to this, they had to go to a website and to Slack and, you know, all this different stuff. And so we're, you know, we're so grateful that the way that technology has gone, that we have this opportunity to do this. And I'm really happy with the way the app is, way it looks, way people are using it. I'm just so proud. So this is one of those wins that months in the making and was a more of a team win than a me win. But you know, I am someone who often doesn't like change. I know it's kind of crazy. You think I love change the way I like preach like you should, like, just act like you're already the person you want to be. But like, I always worry about, like, oh my God, we have to transition people from one thing to the other thing. Are they going to do it? Will they come? Are we going to lose people? I don't want people to have a bad time. Like, there's a lot that can go wrong in a transition. And we, you know, it's hand holding everybody is not the easiest thing to do. Some people need it. And so I just am so grateful and so excited for what we've done. And now, y'all, if you want to coach with us, you get to use an app, and it's great. And of course, there's still Zoom calls and things like that. Anyways, really, really grateful for that, really, really proud of that huge win, and I'm just glad I get to celebrate that with you. 

Lesley Logan 10:53  

Okay, your affirmation, another affirmation, but one that's a little easier. There is something in this world that only I can do, that is why I'm here. There is something in this world that only I can do, that is why I'm here. There's something in this world that only I can do, that is why I'm here. You know why I love this it's because I literally tell our aAgency members all of the time, you are the only person who can do what you do the way that you do it. Sometimes I have to say it slower for people to hear it. You are the only person who can do what you do the way that you do it. There are many people who went to the same training that I did in 2008 and are the same age and have the same experience and we teach differently. There are people who stayed with Jay and Sandy and all these people, and we all teach Pilates in theory the same way, and yet they'll be different than me always, and I'll be different than them. So you are the only person who do what you do the way that you do it. You're it. So never play small. Doesn't help anyone. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. 

Lesley Logan 11:58  

That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.

Brad Crowell 12:41  

It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.

Lesley Logan 12:46  

It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.

Brad Crowell 12:50  

Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.

Lesley Logan 12:57  

Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.

Brad Crowell 13:00  

Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.