Welcome back to the Dancer's Choice Podcast! This week, Dawsen and Riley decided to take on a real world problem- society's obsession with finding a "quick fix." More specifically, this conversation stemmed from a discussion about the latest drug, Ozempic, and realizing after some research that it is not what most of the population believes it to be.

In this episode, the girls dive into the unfortunate lack of education around fitness, health, and nutrition in our culture today, discuss why shortcuts and quick fixes may not always be the most beneficial, and open up the floor to how dancers can stay mindful about media's frequent miscommunication.

Have you heard the Ozempic is a drug for weight loss? Have you heard that a quick medication can fix everything? Have you struggled to hold yourself accountable to make a lifestyle change? Believe convenience is making us lazy? Believe in finding the root cause of a problem rather than throwing a band-aid on it? If any of these questions resonated with you -positively or negatively- we believe this episode is for you.

***Disclosure: We are not medical professionals. This episode is based strictly off our own research gathered throughout the last month and from personal experience, interactions, beliefs, moral values, etc. This is not intended to offend. Thank you.

TW: the following episode contains sensitive topics around eating disorders that can be potentially triggering to some listeners, it's okay if you need to skip this episode or take breaks as needed.

All our love -Dawsen & Riley

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Welcome back to the Dancer's Choice podcast! This week a long-time mentor & seminar co-host of ours, Shannon Raymond Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN of INSPIRD Nutrition) and Mental Health Counselor, is joining us on the podcast!

With the holidays right around the corner we wanted to dive deep into how mental health + food tie together. In this week's episdoe we unpacks the risks of restriction and under-fueling, how to listen to your hunger cues, and most importantly, ways to stay mindful around food and exercise. If you take one thing away from this episode, let is be that nutrition is not a means for shrinking your body or resizing it, it's here to strengthen and enhance it!

To further connect with Shannon, you can visit INSPIRD Nutrition's Website: https://www.inspirdnutrition.com/meettheteam

Get a bevy & get cozy because we're unpacking A LOT this week! Riley & Dawsen sit down to reflect on their competition dance days. From the pros of performing, to the cons of comparison, playing the victim, and addressing how to be the change for today's generation, the girls go all in and hold nothing back! (Oh, and of course the brutal foot undies, sock buns, and rhinestoned chokers make an appearance too.)

We hope this episode allows you to reminisce on what started your love for dance, laugh a little, let go of grudges, forgive the past, and feel gratitude for how far you've come since your younger years. For those still in the competition dance world, we hope you can resonate with today's episode and open your minds up to how you can help guide the next generation in a supportive and positive manner.

All of our love to the dancers out there trying to make a difference and for the studio owners, teachers, and mentors that had a positive impact on our childhood and training <3

-Dancer's Choice Podcast

Feel like everything has to be "aesthetic?" Desiring a 5am morning routine? Not investing enough money into yourself? Overwhelmed by all the hot supplements on the media?

This week Riley & Dawsen hop on the mic to share everything that's been on their mind lately. Tired of social media BS, we're talking about the real $hizzz that nobody seems to be talking about...(yet aren't we all thinking it???)

If you feel like you're not doing enough, this episode is for you. Reality check: you are enough & doing just fine!!! We are tired of social media making people think otherwise, so WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT! It's time to BFFR!

(P.S. happy 10th official episode Dancer's Choice <3)

Are carbs really bad? Green powders? Sugary energy drinks? Calories?

OUR FIRST GUEST ON THE POD IS HERE!!! This week Dawsen & Riley bring Registered Sports Dietitian, Kyndall Herman Weir MS, RD, on to talk about all things nutrition! Social media can be scary and with all the miscommunication happening around media about what nutrition is and isn't, we felt it was time to bring a professional in to clear the room!

If you've been wanting to educate yourself on basic nutrition then THIS IS THE EPISODE for you! Kyndall answers all of your hot take questions about the importance of energy consumption, how to recognize fad dieting, and ways to fuel like an athlete on your busy rehearsal days! GET YOUR NOTEBOOKS READY!

***For further resource, you can connect with Kyndall on Instagram @theathletedietitian and/or visit her website (www.theathletedietitian.com) for free downloads, online courses, & to connect 1-on-1 for online nutrition coaching!

Do we regret being dance majors? Did we need these degrees to pursue dance? What would we do differently?

This week Riley & Dawsen relive their college experiences and share what they wish they had known before going to college for dance. Between planning for school, understanding state school vs. conservatory programs, entering freshman year, picking your major, and finding life after high school dance- the girls get REAL about it all. Ain't no sugar coating this week!

No matter if you are an aspiring college dancer, current student, alumni, or are even unsure about college...this episode is for you!

This week Riley puts Dawsen in the hot seat to answer all of your Cruise Ship Dancer Questions! Dawsen was recently a dancer for Norwegian Cruise Line and performed aboard the Norwegian Spirit! With many dancers starting to take their first contracts this time of year, we thought this would be a great time to dive into all things life at sea!

Whether you are are actively auditioning, starting your first contract, have been on a ship for awhile, or simply want to learn a little more about the cruise ship dance route, this is a GREAT episode for you! Dawsen answers many of your most-asked questions and the girls even bring in some "hot takes" from friends out on the ocean right now! We discuss everything from from rehearsals, to food on the ship, costuming, homesickness, long-distance, nutrition, & WEIGH-INS (???!!!) .... BUCKLE UP- it's a hefty episode y'all.

AUDITION SZN! This week Riley & Dawsen sit down to share a list of lessons they've learned over their years of auditioning- from cruises, commercials, agencies, even competition/college auditions! Though still early in their careers, Riley & Dawsen discuss an ample amount of things they wish they had known sooner to set them up for success. From how to prepare for an audition, to what to do when you arrive, and HOW to audition once you've entered the room, the girls cover it all! Grab your pen and paper... you're going to want to take notes on this one!

This week Riley & Dawsen want to discuss the elephant in the room, or dance studio for that matter, which is female health. So fellas, feel free to stay and be educated, but this is a chat for the GIRLS! Riley & Dawsen start conversation about their experience with the Female Athlete Triad, advocating for your body, being on the pill, and habits that have helped them take care of their health as female dancers. We believe there needs to be space to advocate for the female athletic body and this episode is exactly that.

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. Please seek your doctor or medical professional about any questions or concerns. We are simply speaking from personal experience and sharing what we have learned from extensive research at the university and 1-on-1 work with our nutritionists, athletic trainers, therapists, and OBGYN's.

DANCERS ARE ATHLETES- TRAIN LIKE ONE! This week Riley & Dawsen touch on the subject of cross training as dancer's and the benefits they've seen in their performance by doing so. The girls discuss taking care of injuries, imbalances in technique, and how to find movement you ENJOY outside of dance! And as always, how to keep a healthy relationship with exercise- aka not letting the numbers/stats consume you & what to do when your schedule is so crazy busy you need rest more than another workout on your schedule !!!

We won't lie...this episode is kind of ALL OVER THE PLACE! But we hope you enjoy and can be inspired to take care of your mind and body in a new way this week <3