Exercise Confidence

Recent medical school graduate and viral social media sensation, Dr. Jen Reinmuth-Birch joins us on the podcast this week! She shares her experience as someone who decided to become a medical school student in her 50s and gives us an inside look at what it took to get there. The joy she authentically exudes is contagious (pun intended), and I have no doubt it will permeate through to you as you listen to this episode.

Dr. Jen talks about the catalyst that helped her fully pursue her dream of becoming a medical doctor and how supportive relationships can be the difference maker in the pursuit of your goals. She opens up about motherhood, giving yourself permission to go after all you want in life, and how her social media presence got her to Capitol Hill!

Dr. Jen is the living embodiment of the sentiment that "it is never too late," and we couldn't be happier that she spent some time chatting about how she has been able to #ExerciseConfidence in her life.

Desiderata: Original Text

This is the original text from the book where Desiderata was first published.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann ©1927

Joining us in this episode is powerlifter Samantha Townsend. We explore her journey toward self-confidence through fitness, personal growth, and vulnerability. Samantha opens up about being diagnosed with autism in adulthood and the challenges she faced early on because of her neurodivergence. While confidence was not an issue for her in her younger years, people who did not understand her unabashed approach to life made her feel as though her approach was wrong. This created insecurities she has worked to overcome by utilizing various resources to live her most confident life.

We also dive into the realities of sharing her powerlifting journey publicly in the age of social media. Samantha discusses what inspired her to document her pursuit of the sport online, the pressure that can come with being visible, and how she stays authentic while navigating criticism. We also get to talk about the amazing powerlifting records she has set in her country and the next goals she is currently working towards!

Whether you’re beginning your fitness journey, struggling with self-doubt, or learning to embrace who you are, Samantha’s story is a reminder that confidence is built over time through self-acceptance and consistently showing up for yourself.

If you would like to follow Samantha's journey, you can find her on Instagram at @hi_its_samantha.

The study we discussed can be found at the link below:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/weight-training-may-protect-the-brain-from-cognitive-decline

Tune in to this episode to hear from sports broadcaster, Lindsey Pallares! Lindsey has anchored sports across the nation and has possibly been on your own TV as your local sports reporter. However, if you are a San Fransisco 49ers fan, I am sure she is no stranger to you.

In this episode, Lindsey shares how shooting her shot by applying to an internship with Fox Sports led to her current success. She shares the challenges and rewards that come with working in sports media and how she has navigated that journey.

Lindsey also shares how important her support system has been on her lifelong confidence journey. From being inspired by her parents' hard work to cultivating a community that celebrates her success, Lindsey authentically inspires us to exercise confidence in our choices and in ourselves.

You can keep up with Lindsey and her work by following her at @lindseypallarestv

Tiffany Stevens is a professional softball player who is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Quite an impressive undertaking! We discuss how she navigates both of these avenues in her life. From the moment Tiff lets us into her story, you immediately feel warmth radiating in her responses, which I believe is a testament to the sunshine she carries in her soul. She is an incredibly kind and intentional person.

Tiffany is someone who draws confidence from those around her, her lived experiences, but most importantly, from herself. In this episode, she shares how her belief in herself has helped her achieve her big dreams.

Tiff is a tenacious individual with a track record to attest to that fact. As a professional athlete and doctoral candidate, Tiff has never been one to shy away from hard work.. She took to social media to begin sharing her endeavors in an effort to help inspire the next generation of female athletes and show them how far dedication can take you in life.

If you would like to follow Tiffany's journey, you can find her on instagram @tiffanystevens_.

In our first episode back, we get to sit down with the legendary Nicole Eggert!! Nicole is an esteemed actress who you have likely seen on your television in one show or another. She is an incredibly multifaceted woman. In this episode, Nicole shares her own journey and battle with cancer, the highs and lows of motherhood, and how she does it all while loving and fiercely advocating for herself. The knowledge she shares is invaluable, and we can't wait for you to be inspired by her wisdom in this episode.

To keep up with Nicole you can follow her on instagram @_nicole_eggert, or tune in to her podcast at https://perfectlytwistedpod.com/. She is currently working with Mission Plasticos, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. You can learn more about their work or ways to get involved at https://missionplasticos.org/.

You can find the book Nicole mentions, "Good Girl, Bad Mom: For Every Mom Who Has Ever Felt Imperfect" by Dr. Danielle Dowling, at the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Girl-Bad-Mom-Imperfect-ebook/dp/B0FXHMX8F3

*TRIGGER WARNINGS*: Anxiety, depression, mental health, and suicide are discussed in this episode. 

I have the honor and pleasure of delivering a very raw episode of Exercise Confidence to you listeners. I had the opportunity to chat with my best friend, Kaley Pedulla, and my new friend, Paul Waller. The three of us navigate a conversation about confidence, the lack of it, and mental health. Each of us brings a unique perspective to the discussion as we talk about the unseen ways confidence and mental health can go hand in hand. We have some great laughs, share some deeply personal struggles, and bare our souls as we express our passions, fears, and hopes. I hope you find what you may be looking for in this episode. 

If you are seeking mental health resources please consult the list below and never hesitate to reach out!

Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Gear up for an episode full of laughs! I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend, Chandler Schuyler. Chandler shares his own struggles on his confidence journey with us and how he did not initially consider himself an outwardly confident person. He talks with us about how he has had to make some difficult decisions that were in his best interest but ultimately led to him being more confident in himself. One of the guiding forces in his life has been his faith and we dive into how that has also aided in his confidence. Chandler competes in strongman competitions and we chatted about how being a part of the fitness industry has affected his mental health and confidence. If you would like to keep up with Chandler's journey you can follow him @onehandchan.

Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Helena Czohanski chats with us in this episode about her own confidence journey. Helena is the first Gen Z guest I have had on the show and I was excited to get her perspective on her confidence journey having grown up in a social media-centric society. She expresses how representation is an important matter when it comes to self-confidence and how the women in her life have afforded that to her. Helena talks about her own body positivity battles that she has fought and learning to appreciate her body's capabilities via competing in triathlons and marathons. Helena is currently pursuing her bachelor's in pre-dental studies, as she works to become a dentist. If you would like to keep up with Helena's dental aspirations and life you can follow her at @helena.czo

Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Austin Logas chats with us in this episode on Exercise Confidence. Austin is a high school physics teacher and baseball coach. He shares his story with us about overcoming cocky beginnings and how a few humbling experiences have allowed him to intentionally work on rebuilding a truly confident foundation for himself. Austin expresses how he has become very intentional with the way he lives his life as well as the lives that he interacts with on a daily basis as a teacher. If you would like to keep up with Austin's confidence journey you can follow him @austinlogie.

Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Taly Goody, Esq. shares her time and wisdom with us in the episode of Exercise Confidence. Taly is an attorney who owns and runs her own law firm. As the daughter of immigrants, she expresses how fortunate she is to have parents who supported her goals and aspirations, along with a spouse who does the same for her. She gives us her personal insight into how she has overcome obstacles such as self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Taly has excellent advice on how to face the giants in your life and reminds us that they are just visitors - not permanent residents. If you would like to keep with Taly or utilize her as a resource in your own legal career journey, you can follow her @talygoodyesq. 

Music license credit: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3478-carpe-diem

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/