Better Than Fine

Welcome to the “Better Than Fine” podcast, hosted by Darlene Marshall – well-being expert, wellness coach, and your trusted source for evidence-based health insights!

In this highly requested episode, we're revisiting the January 2025 deep-dive into the gut microbiome and its powerful connection to mental health.You’ve seen influencers claim that certain foods and supplements will “heal your mind,” but what does the research actually show?

Darlene breaks down the gut-brain axis, debunks viral myths, and shares actionable advice grounded in science – not hype.

👇 In this episode, you’ll learn:

·      What the gut-brain axis (GBA) REALLY is

·      How your gut microbiome influences mood, cognition, and well-being

·      The role of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA) produced in your gut

·      Why processed foods trigger inflammation and hurt mental health

·      The science behind prebiotics, probiotics, and what foods genuinely support your mental health

·      Why “one size fits all” nutrition advice is bogus (even twins have different microbiomes!)

·      Practical tips for feeding the “good army” in your gut and boosting well-being

·      How to tell fact from influencer fiction in the nutrition space

·      How chronic stress impacts digestion and creates feedback loops that affect mind and body

·      Why movement + nutrition are foundational to lasting mental wellness

Whether you’re a wellness professional, mental health practitioner, or just curious about nutrition, this episode gives you clear, actionable insights—without gimmicks or hype. Want to ask Darlene your questions or join her new digital community? Learn how to connect with The Well-Being Revolution and get ongoing support!

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

The most trusted name in fitness is now expanding into the wellness world. Become an NASM Certified Wellness Coach and you’ll be able to guide and motivate clients to make lasting changes through mental and emotional well-being, recovery, and more. https://bit.ly/3rdqEfl

Welcome to another episode of the Better Than Fine podcast with your host, Darlene Marshall! This week’s episode is your essential guide to getting things DONE, especially when motivation runs dry and willpower isn’t enough.

🌟In honor of the show’s 6th birthday, Darlene dives deep into the science and real-life application of GRIT — that special blend of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Discover why grit outshines intelligence and talent when it comes to achieving lifelong dreams, as popularized by Dr. Angela Duckworth’s viral TED Talk (17+ million views!). Darlene, who learned directly from Dr. Duckworth, breaks down how grit, growth mindset, and resilience can transform your life.

But this episode isn’t just about theory. You’ll get hands-on strategies like:

·      Shaping your environment to make good habits the easy choice (and bad habits harder)

·      Lowering friction for the behaviors you want — and raising it for the ones you don’t

·      Mental rehearsal and anticipatory savoring to boost motivation, resilience, and follow-through

·      Setting fewer, better goals rooted in your core values and identity for lasting success

·      The truth about willpower (hint: it fails us all!) and what actually works instead

Plus, Darlene shares her own candid story about breaking tough habits, the psychology of habit change, and recent research you NEED to know if you want to level up in 2026.

This episode is perfect for you if:

·      You want actionable techniques to crush your goals this year

·      You’re tired of relying on willpower alone

·      You’re curious about the latest evidence-based methods in personal growth, wellness, and behavior change

·      You value honest, relatable advice from a proven coach and educator✨ Grab your notebook, hit play, and learn how to outsmart your obstacles and become the person you aspire to be — starting TODAY.

#Grit #GoalSetting #Willpower #HabitChange #PersonalDevelopment #BetterThanFinePodcast #SelfImprovement #Wellness #GrowthMindset #Resilience

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

The most trusted name in fitness is now expanding into the wellness world. Become an NASM Certified Wellness Coach and you’ll be able to guide and motivate clients to make lasting changes through mental and emotional well-being, recovery, and more.  https://bit.ly/3rdqEfl

 Is your quest to "optimize" everything making you miserable?

In this eye-opening episode of the Better Than Fine podcast, host and well-being expert Darlene Marshall reveals why the drive for constant optimization can actually sabotage your happiness, health, and satisfaction in life.

Join Darlene as she unpacks the science behind decision fatigue, perfectionism, and the hidden dangers of the self-improvement hustle culture. Drawing from Dr. Barry Schwartz’s groundbreaking research on the "Paradox of Choice," Darlene explains why more options and relentless striving rarely lead to a happier, more fulfilled life—and what to do instead!

🎯 In this episode, you’ll discover:

·      Why “optimize” has become a toxic buzzword in wellness and self-development

·      The surprising downside of endless choice and customization

·      How influencer advice and hustle culture fuel overwhelm and burnout

·      The key difference between optimization and genuine satisfaction

·      Practical strategies to design a “good enough” life that’s aligned with what matters most

·      How you can let go, enjoy the present, and actually feel satisfied day to day

Whether you’re an overachiever, perfectionist, or just feeling overwhelmed by wellness advice, this episode is your permission slip to step off the optimization treadmill and reclaim your life.

🌱 Interested in real-life transformation? Join Darlene’s upcoming Root to Rise Weekend Well-Being Retreat (June 13–15, Round Top, NY). Connect, recharge, and re-align with what truly matters—learn more here: darlene.coach/retreat

If you’re ready to ditch burnout and discover what satisfaction REALLY feels like, don’t miss this episode!

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

The most trusted name in fitness is now expanding into the wellness world. Become an NASM Certified Wellness Coach and you’ll be able to guide and motivate clients to make lasting changes through mental and emotional well-being, recovery, and more.  https://bit.ly/3rdqEfl

Welcome to this week’s transformative episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, hosted by wellness coach and well-being educator, Darlene Marshall!

🎙️Are you ready to not just “look for the helpers” but become the helpers? In these turbulent times, personal well-being is deeply intertwined with community care and support. Darlene shares her powerful reaction to our rapidly changing world, tackling everything from stress, anxiety, and social change to the science-backed benefits of volunteering and helping others.

🔑 What You'll Discover in This Episode:

·      Why “becoming the helpers” is vital in 2026 and beyond

·      The impact of social and economic stressors on mental health

·      How helping others directly boosts your own well-being, happiness, and resilience

·      Simple, actionable ways to get involved in your local community (food pantries, visiting shut-ins, volunteering at charities, and more)

·      Powerful research insights from positive psychology about the helper’s high

·      Inspiration from Mr. Rogers – and why it’s time to evolve his iconic advice, Darlene’s flu-season “smoky voice” brings even more raw honesty and warmth to this solo episode. If you want to feel inspired, learn practical wellness tips, and discover how service can make you feel better than fine, this is the episode for you!

✊ Get Involved:

From food pantries to charitable organizations like Angel’s Angels of America and the Travis Manion Foundation, Darlene shares how you can start helping TODAY… no matter your time, skills, or financial situation.

👫 Join the Conversation:

How will you show up as a helper in your neighborhood? Drop your thoughts, ideas, and feedback in the comments below. Subscribe for more weekly episodes to upgrade your well-being, optimism, and social impact!

✨ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, & SHARE if you enjoyed this episode. Your support helps more people find their way to feeling better than fine!

#Wellness #BetterThanFine #MentalHealth #CommunityCare #Helpers #MrRogers #PositivePsychology #Volunteering #Resilience #Podcast #2026 #SocialImpact #SelfCare

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

The most trusted name in fitness is now expanding into the wellness world. Become an NASM Certified Wellness Coach and you’ll be able to guide and motivate clients to make lasting changes through mental and emotional well-being, recovery, and more.  https://bit.ly/3rdqEfl

Are you confused about whether protein powder is actually healthy—or is it just another ultra processed food in disguise? In this episode of the Better Than Fine podcast, wellness coach and wellbeing expert Darlene Marshall dives deep into one of the hottest nutrition debates of 2025: protein powder and ultra processed foods.

✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:

·      The REAL definition of “ultra processed food” and how it’s different from simply “processed”

·      Why most protein powders are considered ultra processed—and what that means for your health

·      How influencer marketing cycles drive diet trends and supplement fads

·      The sneaky ways supplement companies leverage guilt, fear, and “clean eating” messages to sell products

·      Why Americans are falling short on fiber and the potential health risks you need to know

·      Actionable tips to improve your nutrition without falling for the latest trends

💡 Darlene also gets honest about her own protein supplement use, discusses the critical difference between facts and values, and reveals why YOU get to decide what matters most in your health and wellness journey.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! 

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. 

The most trusted name in fitness is now expanding into the wellness world. Become an NASM Certified Wellness Coach and you’ll be able to guide and motivate clients to make lasting changes through mental and emotional well-being, recovery, and more.  https://bit.ly/3rdqEfl

Welcome to the “Better Than Fine Podcast!”In this highly informative episode, host Darlene Marshall dives deep into the real story behind **ultra processed foods**, breaking down the latest research from top scientific journals—including a brand-new series from The Lancet.

**What You'll Learn:**

- The *four categories* of the NOVA food scale and why not all “processed” foods are created equal

- How ultra processed foods drive **obesity**, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and even depression

- The shocking influence of *food industry lobbying and marketing*—and why your cravings might not be about “willpower” at all

- Simple, actionable ways to cut ultra processed foods from your diet, support local farmers, and reclaim control over your health—even when access is limited

**Why Listen/Watch?**

If you care about your **well-being**, **mental health**, or want science-based answers to what’s REALLY making our society sick, this episode is for you. [John Jewett](/speakers/A) doesn’t just react to headlines—he reviews breakthrough studies, responds to common criticisms, and offers empowering solutions.

👇 **Like, Comment, and Subscribe!** 

Got questions or want to share your own food transformation story? Drop a comment below or connect with Darlene on Instagram (@DarleneCoach), LinkedIn, or via email at [email protected].

**Don’t forget to share and tag #BetterThanFinePodcast to join our community of listeners making positive change!****WATCH NOW to discover how ultra processed foods impact your health—and what you can do today to take back control.**

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Curious about what’s really lurking in the foods you eat every day? This eye-opening episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall pulls back the curtain on “ultra processed foods” and reveals hidden truths that the food industry doesn’t want you to know.

She delivers a powerful encore presentation about the NOVA Food Scale—a simple but revolutionary way to understand what’s in your pantry, your snacks, and your health.

Discover why 60% of the average American diet comes from ultra processed foods, and how these ingredients aren’t just about added sugar—they’re packed with unpronounceable additives like emulsifiers, anti-caking agents, artificial sweeteners, and nanoparticles. Learn how these hidden chemicals could be impacting your gut health, metabolism, and even your risk for inflammatory diseases. Darlene doesn’t just research the science—she shares her candid, personal journey of confronting these foods in her own life, the surprising results she saw, and how she guides her clients through making healthier choices.

Whether you consider yourself a clean eater or you’re just beginning to question what “healthy” even means on a food label, this episode will challenge how you think about “junk food,” nutrition, and wellness trends.

Don’t miss this in-depth episode to rethink your grocery cart, decode food labels, and protect your long-term health.Hit play, share your thoughts, and get ready for next week’s deep dive into the future of nutrition!

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm  

Ready to break free from burnout and discover what it truly means to thrive?

In this transformative episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall sits down with world-renowned clinical psychologist and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Diana Hill, to dive deep into her new book, Wise Effort, and the fascinating intersection of ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern psychology.

You’ll hear how the concept of “wise effort” offers a radical shift away from the endless grind and emotional exhaustion that so many of us feel today. Instead of pushing harder and burning out, Dr. Hill reveals how we can channel energy into actions that are aligned with our values—and create regenerative, life-giving cycles instead of relentless depletion.Together, Darlene and Diana unpack powerful practices—drawn from ACT, mindfulness, and self-compassion research—that help you break free from toxic stories, become more psychologically flexible, and start relating to yourself (and your body) with curiosity instead of criticism. Discover how seemingly simple shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to profound resilience, especially during challenging times.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, searching for practical strategies to boost energy, or curious about what it means to “show up” for yourself, this episode delivers actionable insights and heartfelt vulnerability. Lean in for a conversation packed with relatable stories, expert tips, and tools you can use today to reclaim your vitality.

Tune in, subscribe, and start your journey toward wise effort—and a life better than fine!

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Struggling to reignite your motivation and get back on track with your health, fitness, or wellness goals?

In this episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall uncovers the real reason why your motivation gets “stuck”—and how to finally get moving again. Forget the old advice to “just want it more”; Darlene breaks down the complex interplay between your physical needs, psychological drives, social pressures, and those sneaky self-limiting beliefs that hold you back without you even realizing it.

Learn why motivation isn’t a simple on-off switch and discover the science-backed process she uses with her clients to identify conflicting motivations, align actions with true values, and create a game plan that actually sticks.

Whether you’re a wellness pro, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who just feels frustrated and stuck, this episode will help you see what’s really stopping you—and give you the tools to overcome it.

If you want to understand why you can KNOW what to do but still feel stuck, this encore presentation reveals how exhaustion, stress, unmet needs, and external influences sabotage your progress—and exactly what you can do to unstick your motivation for good.

Tune in to “Better Than Fine” and find permission, clarity, and practical steps to thrive, not just survive. Perfect for anyone searching for “motivation tips,” “get unstuck,” or “how to get motivated again.”

Ready to break the cycle? Hit play and start your journey back to your best self!

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Looking for comfort and inspiration during the darkest days of the year?

In this powerful episode of “Better Than Fine,” host, Darlen Marshall, wellbeing expert and host, takes a heartfelt dive into why so many people find the holidays difficult—especially this year. If seasonal sadness, loneliness, or stress are on your mind, this episode offers a beacon of hope rooted in both science and tradition.

Discover the concept of learned helplessness and how you can reclaim a sense of control when everything feels out of your hands. Darlene weaves together wisdom from positive psychology, global holiday traditions—like Yule, Hanukkah, Diwali, and more—and personal stories, shedding light on the surprising evolutionary reasons we need each other more than ever around the winter solstice.

Feeling burned out by obligations or overwhelmed by grief and isolation? Learn how to tap into authentic connection and the true power of hope, joy, and community—without getting lost in commercialization and excess.

This encore presentation offers practical strategies, compassion, and inspiration for making your holidays brighter, no matter where you are or what you celebrate.

Whether you love the holiday season or struggle through it, this episode promises to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to cultivate joy—even when life feels anything but merry and bright. Tune in to create your own Wellbeing Revolution and make this winter a time of meaningful transformation.I

f you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm