Better Than Fine

On this “Better Than Fine” podcast, host and wellness coach, Darlene Marshall, dives deep into the powerful topic of fear—specifically, that paralyzing kind of fear that keeps us from pursuing the things we truly desire. With her signature blend of science and pep-talk energy, Darlene unpacks what’s really going on in our brains when anxiety and self-doubt hit, revealing how our ancient neurophysiology is built to keep us “safe,” even when we most need to take a risk.

Listen in as Darlene shares personal stories of face-plant moments, failed projects, and uncomfortable leaps, all in service of helping listeners see that fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a yield sign. Learn how to pause, gather information, and distinguish between your nervous system's genuine warning signals and the discomfort that comes with growth. Plus, Darlene breaks down the neuroscience of habit formation, showing how bravery is not a trait but a muscle that gets stronger with practice.

Packed with practical tips for investigating your fears, connecting with your deeper self, and using affirmations to push forward, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting for fear to vanish and start building the courage to act anyway. Whether you need a pick-me-up or motivation to take your next big leap, add this one to your pep talk playlist.

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

On this encore episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall dives deep into the world of ultra processed foods—a hot topic that’s back in the spotlight. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or confused by what “ultra processed” really means or wondered why these foods are making headlines for their health effects, this is the episode for you.

Darlene unpacks the myths and science behind processed foods, sharing personal reflections and real-life stories from listeners like Paula, who used the Nova food classification and the Yuka app to transform her eating habits.

The conversation explores why not all processed foods are created equal, delving into the NOVA classification system developed by researchers in Brazil to define what counts as “ultra processed.”

Learn about the substances lurking in our everyday foods—like emulsifiers, anti-caking agents, artificial sweeteners, and more—that set ultra processed foods apart, and discover how these compounds may impact gut health, metabolic function, and inflammation. Darlene also shares how this knowledge has shifted her own nutritional choices and practice and offers thoughtful guidance on navigating food decisions responsibly—without shame, blame, or guilt.

Whether you’re a nutrition enthusiast, a wellness professional, or simply striving for better health, this compelling episode arms you with clear, actionable insights to help you make more informed food choices. Don’t miss this powerful and practical guide to understanding—and rethinking—what’s really on your plate.

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

On this episode of “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall welcomes featured guest, Nick Bolhuis, president of Neuropeak Pro, to explore the groundbreaking world of breathing training and its real-world applications for everyday performance and well-being. With his background in clinical psychology and extensive experience with everyone from anxious kids to elite athletes in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, Nick shares his unique insights into how simple breathwork can unlock focus, energy, sleep, stress management, and more.

Darlene and Nick dive into the science behind breathing—explaining the important distinction between parasympathetic and sympathetic states, why most of us are “dysfunctional breathers,” and how quick, real-time feedback can motivate anyone to improve. Whether you want to be calmer, feel more energized, or sharpen your mental game, Nick breaks down how to fine-tune your inhale, exhale, and breath holds for your current state and personal goals.

You’ll also hear actionable suggestions and easy-to-try patterns like resonance breathing, plus honest discussions about why breathwork can initially feel awkward, how to overcome skepticism, and the power of personalized plans over one-size-fits-all techniques.

Darlene puts Neuropeak Pro’s platform to the test, sharing her personal experience and highlighting why breath training isn’t just for athletes or yogis—it's for anyone ready for small, sustainable wins on their wellness journey.

Plus, Nick offers listeners a free breath evaluation to kickstart their own transformation. If you’re curious about the practical magic of better breathing, this inspiring, educational episode is not to be missed!

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

On this special encore presentation of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall dives deep into one of her all-time favorite episodes: “Beyond Manifesting.” This episode unpacks the popular concept of manifesting—those vision board dreams fueled by the Law of Attraction—and examines it with both an open mind and a critical, science-based perspective.

Darlene invites listeners to join her in the middle ground, where skepticism and hope coexist, and where manifesting is neither blindly worshiped nor outright dismissed. She traces the origins of manifesting back to the widely known book (and film) “The Secret,” breaking down how its spiritual foundations entered mainstream culture and wellness circles.

But is manifesting enough to create real change? Darlene explains why simply “thinking your way to success” may be incomplete, highlighting the ways manifesting practices often misinterpret science, particularly concepts from quantum mechanics. She shares compelling research—like Gabrielle Oettingen’s studies on “mental contrasting”—showing how combining dreams with honest reflection and action steps delivers tangible results.

Listeners will learn why it’s important to move beyond wishful thinking, identify self-sabotage, and implement evidence-based tools to create change—personally or professionally.

Whether you’re a true believer, a diehard skeptic, or somewhere in-between, this episode will empower you to take ownership, ground your aspirations, and go beyond manifesting to make meaningful progress in your life.

References:

Free support to practice WOOP: https://woopmylife.org/Gabrielle Oettingen's book Rethinking Positive Thinking: https://a.co/d/eXYEzkx

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

On this episode “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall dives deep into what it takes to thrive when life gets tough, sharing her evidence-based "three keys to resilience." As so many of us navigate a world full of uncertainty, Darlene unpacks the leading research on resilience—including insights on connection, purpose, and mindset—and guides listeners on how to practically apply these powerful concepts to their own lives.

Kicking things off, Darlene invites you to reflect on your own moments of struggle and introduces the foundational habits that buoy resilience: sleep, nutrition, and movement. From there, she explores why humans are truly pack animals, emphasizing the profound impact of connection—from co-regulation with others to literal sharing of resources and community. She encourages simple, actionable ways to deepen community ties and give/receive help when you need it most.

Next, Darlene explores the role of purpose, prompting big questions: Why are we doing what we do? What really matters to us? She shares strategies for finding meaning day-to-day and reframing even life’s chaos in more hopeful, purpose-driven ways.

Finally, she highlights the essential "mindset" skills that foster solution orientation—like realistic optimism, growth mindset, and process goals—especially when we can’t control the outcome.

Whether you’re feeling uncertain or simply want more tools to build a better, more resilient life, this episode is a practical, compassionate guide. Tune in to refresh your perspective, find your purpose, and connect with both you and your community, even when times are tough.

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

In March of 2024 the FDA made continuous blood glucose monitors available without a prescription for the first time. 

Now that you can get one over the counter, should you try it? 

On this week's episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall shares her own experience in trying a continuous blood glucose monitor and how she's currently using them with her clients.

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

It's been 4 years since Wegovy, the GLP-1 weight loss drug, was first approved by the FDA for weight management. We've learned a lot; but there's still a lot we don't know. 

On this week's episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall is joined by featured guest, researcher and practitioner, Dr. Scott Cheatham, to take a closer look at how lifestyle impacts the outcomes of modern weight loss drugs.

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. ttps://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

There's been a lot of buzz in the last five years about exercise for mental health, but what does the science say we should do if we want greater emotional wellbeing? 

On this week's episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall is joined by featured guest, entrepreneur and positive psychology practitioner, Danny Fung, to take a closer look at the latest evidence on exercise and emotional wellbeing.

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!

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

With rapid changes in technology and economy, work is evolving. Many people expect more than just a paycheck. 

On this week's episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall is joined by featured guests, Tamara Myles, and Wes Adams, authors of "Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee," to take a closer look at how to unlock meaning in your work and your teams. 

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!

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

Do you ever feel like life is slipping past you? Like the world is somehow spinning faster and faster and you're struggling to keep up? 

It's easy to get lost as we jump from task to task and the days run together. 

On this week's episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall takes a closer look at what it takes to be more present in our lives and why that's a key skill to not missing the things that make life worth living.

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!

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