In Episode 161  of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Dr. Catharine Arnston, founder and CEO of ENERGYbits, to explore one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet — algae. With over 15 years dedicated to researching and educating about spirulina and chlorella, Dr. Arnston shares her fascinating journey from a career in international business to becoming a global advocate for algae nutrition. It all started when her sister’s battle with breast cancer inspired her to learn about plant-based nutrition and the healing power of alkaline foods.

Dr. Arnston explains why spirulina and chlorella are considered superfoods among superfoods — boasting more protein per gram than steak, rich in essential fatty acids, packed with B vitamins, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and powerful compounds like phycocyanin and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Spirulina is an energy-boosting, hunger-satisfying, mitochondria-supporting powerhouse, while chlorella is the ultimate detoxifier, binding to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and other toxins. Together, they address three major modern health challenges: nutrient deficiencies, toxin overload, and age-related cellular decline.

Listeners will learn exactly how to incorporate these foods into their daily lives — from quick energy before workouts to deep detox support at night — and why they’re safe for everyone from kids to grandparents (even pets). Dr. Arnston shares specific protocols, including dosages, timing, and pairing strategies for maximum benefits, as well as unique “biohacks” combining algae with red light therapy, cold plunges, and saunas.

Whether you’re looking to boost your athletic performance, support longevity, enhance detoxification, or simply fill nutritional gaps in a clean, convenient way, this episode will open your eyes to the untapped potential of algae. Plus, you’ll hear Dr. Arnston’s vision for bringing algae farming to the U.S. — making this ancient food a modern health staple.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Arnston’s journey from international business to algae nutrition expert
• Spirulina = “nourishment in” for energy, focus, protein, and mitochondria health
• Chlorella = “toxins out” for detox, gut health, and immune support
• Spirulina has 3x more protein (by weight) than steak; 64% bioavailable protein
• Chlorella binds to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and microplastics
• Both algae are rich in chlorophyll — nature’s blood builder
• No lectins or oxalates — gentle on digestion and autoimmune-friendly
• High in B vitamins for energy conversion at the cellular level
• Contains glutathione and SOD for antioxidant and mitochondrial protection
• Biohacks: spirulina before workouts, sauna, or cold plunge; chlorella after
• Chlorella stimulates peristalsis for healthy bowel movements
• Safe for all ages, pets included; easy to travel with
• Nutrient-dense enough to replace multiple supplements

Learn More about Dr. Catharine Arnston and ENERGYbits:

Website:  https://energybits.com/

• Use discount code FitFamily at checkout and receive 20% off your order.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energybits/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catharinearnston/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ENERGYbits/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/energybits

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@energybits

Biographical Information on Dr. Catharine Arnston

When Catharine Arnston’s younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, she set out to find the most powerful, alkaline nutrient-dense foods that could aid healing. What she discovered would change her life—and the future of wellness. Her journey led her to algae, the world's most potent alkaline, high protein sustainable superfood, backed by 100,000 scientific studies, the United Nations and NASA.

As the Founder & CEO of ENERGYbits®, Catharine has spent 15+ years researching algae’s incredible benefits—from boosting energy and mental clarity to reversing aging at the cellular level. She has written hundreds of papers, given lectures at 30+ national medical conferences, spoken on 300+ podcasts and built ENERGYbits® into a highly respected global brand.

Catharine’s passion for the healing properties of algae is contagious and inspiring. As a PhD in Natural Health, a Board-Certified Health Coach and Reiki Master, Catharine’s scientific fluency and playful personality allows her to explain the science of algae with such simplicity and clarity, she leaves audiences informed, uplifted and hopeful as they learn that algae is the 4 billion year old health/longevity solution they have been looking for. They just needed someone to explain it. So Catharine does.

Give Troscriptions A Try 

If you’re on a mission to simplify and accelerate your path to health optimization and feel better now, Troscriptions is where to start. Give it a try at troscriptions.com/FITFAMILY or enter FITFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Discover the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Go to http://go.getfreshfitfather.com to enroll in the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, pay just $1 to help cover shipping costs, and receive a complimentary full-size bottle ($39 value) of one of the greatest olive oils T.J. has ever discovered. 

With T.J.’s Club, there’s never a commitment to buy anything, now or ever, and you can cancel your membership at any time.

🔥 Time’s Running Out - Get to Phoenix! 🔥

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on the health benefits, uses, and science behind spirulina and chlorella algae.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Number 160 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is joined by naturopathic physician Dr. Sharon Stills, a leading expert in women’s hormone health and a passionate advocate for transforming how we approach aging and menopause. Dr. Stills shares how she went from aspiring pediatrician to menopause expert—thanks to one curious patient and a Suzanne Somers book—and how that moment sparked a lifelong mission to help women reclaim vitality in their second act of life.

Dr. Stills challenges the outdated narrative that menopause is a disease to be feared or managed. Instead, she offers a "pro-aging" perspective, describing menopause as a sacred transition that can be optimized with the right tools. She dives deep into the science and clinical application of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining why most women are being underserved by conventional approaches—and how individualized care using 24-hour wet urine testing, bioidentical hormones, and strategic supplementation can unlock vibrant energy, libido, and mental clarity.

Listeners will learn why standard blood tests miss the mark, how improper supplementation (like DIM and calcium d-glucarate) can backfire, and why topical hormone creams need to be applied to the mucosal tissues—not the skin—for proper absorption. Dr. Stills also debunks myths around estrogen, explains the vital role of estriol in preventing cancer and inflammation, and shares inspiring case studies of women who got their lives back—even after decades of suffering.

Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this conversation will reframe how you see aging—and give you real tools to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Key Takeaways:

• Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease
• Pro-aging is a mindset: support aging instead of fighting it
• Estriol (E3) is anti-inflammatory and protective, not dangerous
• Standard blood tests often miss hormone fluctuations and metabolites
• 24-hour wet urine testing offers the most accurate hormone insights
• Individualized treatment is essential—no one-size-fits-all protocols
• Hormone creams must be applied to mucosal tissue for effectiveness
• DIM and calcium-d-glucarate can be harmful if not needed
• Hormones impact brain, bones, gut, libido, and overall vitality
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can work in as little as 3–4 weeks
• Transdermal patches often contain toxins and are poorly metabolized
• DHEA is best delivered orally in liposomal form
• Women in their 70s and 80s can still start HRT and experience huge benefits
• Symptoms like joint pain, insomnia, and brain fog often resolve quickly with proper HRT
• “Sort of better” isn’t good enough—optimize to feel amazing

Where to Discover More with Dr. Sharon Stills:

Website: https://drstills.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsharonstills

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REDHotMedicine

Biographical Information on Dr. Sharon Stills:

Dr. Sharon Stills, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor with over two decades of dedicated service in transforming women's health has been a guiding light for perimenopausal and menopausal women, empowering them to reinvent, explore, and rediscover their vitality and zest for life.  Her pioneering RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program encapsulates her philosophy: to Reinvent your Health, Explore your Spirit, and Discover YOUR Sexy. This unique approach has revolutionized the way women experience their transformative years, making her a sought-after expert in the field.

A proud graduate of The Sonoran University, class of 2001 with a rich background in European Biological Medicine, pro-aging therapies, and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement, Dr. Stills has successfully guided thousands of women through gentle transitions using all-natural methods. Her expertise is recognized globally, evidenced by her invitation to take part as the Co-Lead North American lecturer for the Paracelsus Academy in Switzerland when the Academy was up and running.  She also is a long time contributor as a physician expert at Women’s Health Network. Her influence is also felt in academia and professional circles, sitting on the boards of the Bio-Regulatory Medicine Institute and the Archive of Healing at UCLA. Dr. Stills continues to share her knowledge through the annual Mastering your Meno(pause) transition summit and as the former host of The Science Of Self Healing podcast.

The opening of Lasting Wellness Center,  her new 7,000 sq. ft. clinic in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, in Fall 2025,  marks another milestone in her mission to provide unparalleled naturopathic care. There along with her son, Dr Ben Stills, they will be providing unique diagnostic and therapeutic options addressing all forms of chronic illness including but not limited to cancer, autoimmunity, covid-20 and of course Meno(pause) concerns.  This venture follows her previous success in founding and running one of the largest naturopathic clinics in the country.

Dr. Stills' personal journey of overcoming her own serious health challenges underscores her commitment to the wellness path she advocates for her patients. Her life is a testament to the principles she teaches: from embracing a healthy Paleo diet and a rigorous vitamin regimen to prioritizing restorative sleep and physical movement through yoga, hiking, and dancing.

Whether meditating in solitude, cheering for the NY Jets, baking paleo cookies, or exploring the world collecting passport stamps with her family and adorable granddaughters, she embodies the RED-Hot life she champions for others.

Give Troscriptions A Try 

If you’re on a mission to simplify and accelerate your path to health optimization and feel better now, Troscriptions is where to start. Give it a try at troscriptions.com/FITFAMILY or enter FITFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Take a Look at Mitopure

Timeline is offering 20% your first purchase. There's never been a better time to experience the benefits of Mitopure. Go to https://www.timeline.com/FITFATHERPROJECT and use code FITFATHERPROJECT at checkout for 20% off your order.

Meet Up with FMP in Phoenix THIS MONTH!

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on optimizing hormones and thriving through menopause with personalized, natural care.

In this deeply inspiring Episode 159 of the Fit Mother Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Andre Walker — a Navy veteran, international photographer, filmmaker, and devoted father — to talk about health, faith, creativity, and reinvention at any age. At 69 years young, Andre is living proof that vitality doesn’t have an expiration date.

Andre shares his compelling life journey: from single fatherhood and creative hustle to discovering the Fit Father Project during COVID after seeing a photo that made him want to change everything. Now, he’s medication-free, full of energy, and showing up with passion — not just for his family, but for the world through his lens. And this August, Andre will be the man behind the camera at the Fit Father & Fit Mother LIVE event.

This episode is more than a health story — it’s about how purpose, legacy, and creativity all come alive when you commit to your well-being. You’ll hear about Andre’s mindset shift, his daily practices, how he uses faith as fuel, and the lessons he’s passing down to his kids.

Tune in to hear Andre’s tips for staying consistent, eating clean (even with a sweet tooth), and what it really means to be a fit, spiritual leader of your family — no matter your age. If you're looking for motivation, this conversation will light a fire in your soul.

Key Takeaways:

• Age is not a barrier to transformation
• Faith and gratitude are Andre’s daily fuel
• Photography sparked from childhood passion with National Geographic
• Health journey began after a jarring beach photo
• Fit Father Project provided a structure and inspiration
• Consistency is more important than motivation
• Being fit gives you confidence and power
• Fitness helps you show up fully for your family
• Creativity can thrive at any stage of life
• Joy and energy are signs your body is working right
• Daily water, enzymes, and protein shake = Andre’s staples
• Being fit is about energy, not big muscles
• You must be accountable — to yourself, your family, or your faith
• "True strength has no age limits"

Where to see Andre Walker’s work:

Website:  https://www.andrewalkerphoto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewalkerproductions

Biographical Information on Andre Walker:

Andre Walker discovered his passion for cinematography when he watched Gordon Parks Jr.'s blaxploitation film Super Fly. The realistic portrayal of crime and drama in New York City captivated him. He was also inspired by Parks' famous photograph "American Gothic, Washington, D.C.," which depicted an African American woman standing in front of the American flag with a mop and broom. This experience led him to pursue a career as a photographer and filmmaker. Hailing from Queens, NY, Andre is a United States Navy veteran who produced his first feature film, Better DayZ, distributed by York Entertainment. He also directed, produced, and wrote Don't Take It Personal, which was an official selection at the North Carolina Black Film Festival and was nominated for Best Cinematographer for the award-winning short film, Which Line Are You In? at the World Music & Independent Film Festival. He also directed and produced The Million Woman March documentary Sisterhood, Alive and Well, distributed by Cinema Guild and several independent music videos. Additionally, he had a lead role in Crackdown Big City Blues and appeared on television in Law and Order. A graduate of the Hollywood Film Institute in California, Andre is a highly sought-after photographer whose award-winning images have been featured in Israel, Costa Rica, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. His work has been showcased in the New York Times and McGraw-Hill magazines and also exhibited at the Queens Museum of Art Foto Gallery in New York. In addition, he is the author of the compilation picture book Vision Beyond the Bricks, featuring stunning images from his career.

Give Troscriptions A Try 

If you’re on a mission to simplify and accelerate your path to health optimization and feel better now, Troscriptions is where to start. Give it a try at troscriptions.com/FITFAMILY or enter FITFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Discover the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Go to http://go.getfreshfitfather.com to enroll in the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, pay just $1 to help cover shipping costs, and receive a complimentary full-size bottle ($39 value) of one of the greatest olive oils T.J. has ever discovered. 

With T.J.’s Club, there’s never a commitment to buy anything, now or ever, and you can cancel your membership at any time.

🔥 Join Us in Phoenix for Fit Father / Fit Mother LIVE! 🔥

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on how faith, fitness, and daily discipline can transform your health, energy, and purpose at any age.

In this profoundly insightful conversation, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi welcomes world-renowned mindset coach David Bayer for a deep dive into the intersection of personal development, nervous system regulation, and spiritual alignment. As the opening keynote speaker at Fit Father / Fit Mother LIVE, David shares the life-altering principles that help high performers — and everyday parents — break free from burnout and finally experience peace, vitality, and purpose.

David explores how most of us are stuck in "problem consciousness," over-identifying with our struggles and over-controlling our outcomes. Whether it's overeating late at night, skipping workouts, or grinding through burnout at work, the answer isn’t more willpower — it’s radical acceptance and a shift in perception. David shares how meditation, breathwork, nervous system healing, and even giving up caffeine played pivotal roles in his transformation.

The conversation also touches on the deeper meaning of health as a spiritual journey. David reflects on how being a father opened his heart to a more divine relationship with life — and how helping our children thrive in today’s tech-driven world requires slowing down, limiting screen time, and fostering imagination and stillness.

Whether you’re striving to heal your body, grow your business, or simply feel better day to day, this episode will inspire you to slow down, surrender, and realign with the energy of trust and flow — where true breakthroughs happen.

Key Takeaways:

• Acceptance unlocks progress
• Emotional regulation > external control
• Beliefs shape reality
• Willpower is overrated
• Temptation loses power when normalized
• Caffeine disrupts inner peace
• HRV breathing calms the nervous system
• Meditation builds inner stillness
• Hold the vision, not the pressure
• Stop doing it all — create space for grace
• Energy leaks come from self-judgment
• Health is a spiritual practice
• Your outer world reflects your inner world
• Parenting = energetic container, not control
• A peaceful body invites divine connection

Where to Discover More with David Bayer:

Special Bonus for our upcoming Fit Father, Fit Mother LIVE 2025 Event

David is giving every attendee free access to his mind hack book and video course. An amazing primer to rewire your thinking, break the resistance, and upgrade your performance in every area of your life. You'll get this gift just for signing up for the Fit Father, Fit Mother LIVE 2025 event, but it's only available for the next two weeks.

Go to https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025 to register now and claim your bonus.

Podcast: A Changed Mind: https://davidbayer.com/podcast/

Book: A Changed Mind on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eIITlfM

David’s Annual Powerful Living Experience Event: https://powerfullivingexperience.com/live-v2

Website: https://davidbayer.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKCS2T2uR_7h4zpVETbcFjg

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrbayer

X: https://x.com/davidrbayer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdavidbayer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbayer33

Biographical Information on David Bayer

David Bayer is a distinguished entrepreneur, researcher, and author renowned for his expertise in human evolution, entrepreneurship, high performance, and emotional intelligence. His innovative approach, rooted in first principles thinking and combining neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and business strategy, helps individuals and organizations identify and eliminate the underlying root cause resistances preventing success, so they can control the levers responsible for more growth in their businesses, joy in their lives, and impact in the world.

Bayer's podcast, "A Changed Mind," quickly rose to over 1 million monthly listeners, his book, "A Changed Mind: Go Beyond Self Awareness, Rewire Your Brain & Reengineer Your Reality," became an Amazon Bestseller and remains in the Top 100 Personal Development category, and his Powerful Living Experience LIVE event was named “A Top 3 Must-Attend Personal Development Event For Entrepreneurs” by Inc. 

David’s clear, direct, and compassionate communication style, unique blend of academic and real-life experience that challenge conventional thinking, and his pioneering frameworks bridge the gap between science and personal growth provide actionable strategies that enable leaders and high achievers to break free from limiting beliefs, take control of their success, and make creating real change achievable and inevitable.

Learn More About Mitopure

Timeline is offering 20% your first purchase. There's never been a better time to experience the benefits of Mitopure. Go to https://www.timeline.com/FITFATHERPROJECT and use code FITFATHERPROJECT at checkout for 20% off your order.

Next Month: Meet Up with FMP in Phoenix!

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on how mindset and nervous system health drive real, lasting change.

In this deeply insightful and practical episode, Number 157, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is joined by Melissa Nanavati to explore how high-performing individuals can create thriving, fulfilling relationships without compromising their ambition or energy. Whether you're a busy parent, a driven professional, or someone simply seeking more connection at home, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for relationship success.

Melissa shares how neuroscience, hormones, and behavioral patterns shape the health of our closest relationships—and what to do when they start to fade. You'll learn how to operationalize connection using tools like daily gratitude rituals, novelty, and synchronized movement, and discover how dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin play vital roles in sustaining long-term emotional bonds.

Together, they also explore what happens when one partner outgrows the other, the silent killers of connection, and how to reignite intimacy even in long-standing relationships. Melissa introduces her Four Pillars of Peak Performance Love—Courage, Curiosity, Presence, and Play—and shares actionable steps and conversation scripts you can use immediately to reconnect with your spouse, children, and yourself.

If you want a healthier relationship that amplifies your mission, your health, and your joy—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• High performers need a different relationship strategy
• Operationalizing daily gratitude can transform intimacy
• Novelty boosts dopamine and reignites connection
• Shared rituals prevent disconnection and complacency
• Asking your partner what they want to be acknowledged for builds closeness
• Walks, shared workouts, and deep questions create serotonin and oxytocin
• Long-term relationships require intentional curiosity
• Assumptions and under-communication are silent killers
• Men often under-communicate change—explain your “why”
• Kids model your behavior—rituals and modeling matter more than lectures
• Feeling unsupported often stems from unspoken fear
• Scripts can help you reframe difficult conversations
• Play is the secret ingredient to long-lasting chemistry
• Courage is required for honest conversations that heal
• Curiosity is the antidote to friction

Learn More about Melissa Nanavati:

Website:  http://www.melissananavati.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissananavati/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeakPerformanceLove

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissananavati/

Biographical Information on Melissa Nanavati:

Melissa Nanavati helps high performers create peaceful, thriving relationships without sacrificing ambition. As an author, speaker, and relationship architect, she combines lived experience with neuroscience and evolutionary biology to teach how the same skills that drive success in business can be applied to love. Despite early career success as a best-selling textbook author and Fortune 100 consultant, Melissa struggled with anxious attachment, people-pleasing, and went on over 100 first dates before meeting her husband. Through that journey, she discovered that dating and relating as a high achiever is different and developed frameworks to help others navigate it with courage. She is currently working on her next book, Peak Performance Love. Learn more at www.peakperformancelove.com.

Next Month: Meet Up with FMP in Phoenix!

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on relationships and how you can improve and reignite yours.

In this profoundly moving episode of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, number 156, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with body image educator and coach Whitney Otto, co-author of Body Image Inside Out. Whitney opens up about her personal journey with body image struggles, disordered eating, and the healing power of relational self-inquiry. This conversation dives deep into the emotional terrain of how women relate to their bodies—and why that relationship is about far more than what we see in the mirror.

Whitney introduces the transformative idea that body image isn't static or skin-deep—it's a dynamic inner story shaped by our lived experiences, upbringing, relationships, trauma, and even the media we consume. She unpacks how societal standards and early relational “mirrors” can skew how we see ourselves—and how shifting that reflection with compassion, curiosity, and connection can begin to rewire how we feel in our skin.

The conversation also challenges the perfection-driven, beauty-obsessed messages perpetuated by social media and diet culture. Whitney offers practical tools to help listeners navigate body image “spikes,” reframe jealousy, and begin cultivating a more authentic, aligned sense of beauty rooted in inner awareness—not comparison.

Whether you're just beginning your wellness journey or have already hit your goal weight but still struggle to love what you see, this episode is a must-listen. It offers both philosophical insight and real-world practices for anyone looking to heal their relationship with their body.

Key Takeaways:

• Body image is a lived relationship, not a snapshot in the mirror
• Healing begins in connection, not isolation
• Early caregivers shape our unconscious body beliefs through "relational mirroring"
• Shape-shifting for belonging often precedes body-altering behaviors
• Curiosity and compassion are antidotes to body shame
• Alignment is a deeper definition of beauty—more than aesthetics
• Jealousy can be a guidepost to unmet desires
• Social media distorts body ideals and feeds comparison
• Movement boosts mood more immediately than it changes physique
• Negative body image moments can become spiritual and emotional practice
• Presence and self-inquiry trump perfectionism
• Practical reframes like the “Relational Mirror Exercise” can rewire body narratives
• Acceptance often requires grieving what won’t or can’t be
• Healing doesn’t require loving how you look every day—it requires tools and awareness
• Community and shared humanity are essential for lasting transformation

More About Whitney Otto

Website: https://bodyimageinsideout.com/

Book: Body Image Inside Out

https://bodyimageinsideout.com/book

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyimageinsideout/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneylpost/

Biographical Information on Whitney Otto

Whitney Otto is a US world rowing champion and 2000 Olympic alternate who pivoted her skill and passion into helping individuals and teams achieve their goals through leadership development and clinical intervention. She holds a BA from Brown University, an MA in counseling psychology from Lesley University, and a Professional Coaching Certification from The Coaches Training Institute. Her clinical perspectives are informed by over a decade of experience treating eating disorders. Her inspiring and collaborative style was further honed through years of experience serving as a Master coach for physicians, elite athletes, entrepreneurs and C-Suite executives. Whitney serves as a Master Performance Coach and consultant at Valor Performance, and coach for R3 Continuum serving  Senior level clients at Deloitte.  Whitney also serves as Group Guide for CHIEF. She is the co-host of UNTRAINED, a podcast that launched in January of 2023 focusing on giving the tools and mindsets needed to help corporate executives “untrain” from toxic mindsets and perspectives that result in professional success at personal expense.

Check Out the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Go to http://go.getfreshfitfather.com to enroll in the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, pay just $1 to help cover shipping costs, and receive a complimentary full-size bottle ($39 value) of one of the greatest olive oils T.J. has ever discovered. 

With T.J.’s Club, there’s never a commitment to buy anything, now or ever, and you can cancel your membership at any time.

🔥 BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT: Your Fitness Journey Goes LIVE in Phoenix! Be there! 🔥

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on helping heal body image struggles in an authentic way.

In this soul-shaking episode of the Fit Mother Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with polar explorer, Marine veteran, and Fearvana founder Akshay Nanavati, just weeks after his record-setting solo expedition across Antarctica pulling a 400-pound sled for 60 days. But what begins as an exploration of extreme adventure quickly turns into a transformative discussion on how to face fear, cultivate meaning through adversity, and build a legacy that deeply impacts your family and your soul.

Akshay opens up about his own journey from addiction and suicidal despair to becoming one of the most mentally resilient and spiritually awakened adventurers alive. He shares why contemplating death can be the most life-giving practice, how solitude is the birthplace of true power, and why creating small personal challenges is the secret weapon to living with aliveness—even inside the structure of work, family, and daily routine.

Listeners will walk away with a completely new framework for turning pain into power, monotony into mastery, and building a family culture of resilience and deep connection. Whether you’re a parent looking to lead by example or someone trying to reignite your purpose, this episode will leave you shaken, inspired, and armed with practical tools to make every part of life more epic.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “Memento Mori” is fuel, not fear
• The hidden cost of resisting discomfort
• Reframing pain as a path to peace
• Creating micro-adventures in daily life
• Why solitude improves every relationship
• Overcoming “rut” energy with identity work
• Coexisting ego + humility for true growth
• Constructing your own illusion of self
• The power of family mission statements
• Tools to shift from stuck to soul-aligned
• Parenting through struggle, not around it
• How to help your kids fall in love with effort
• Making consistency feel novel
• The mindset behind making your life movie-worthy

Learn More about Akshay Nanavati:

Website:  https://fearvana.com/

Book: FEARVANA: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth, and   Happiness 

https://www.amazon.com/FEARVANA-Revolutionary-Science-Health-Happiness/dp/1630476056

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fearvana

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearvana/

X: https://twitter.com/fearvanalife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fearvana/

Biographical Information on Akshay Nanavati:

Akshay Nanavati has overcome drug addiction, PTSD from fighting in Iraq with the Marines (where one of his jobs was to walk in front of vehicles to find bombs), depression and alcoholism that pushed him to the brink of suicide.

Since then, by alchemizing his demons, he has built a global business, run ultramarathons, spent 17 days in darkness and isolation, and survived 100 days alone dragging heavy sleds through the polar regions. Despite a rare blood disorder that 2 doctors told him would kill him in boot camp, he defied the odds and most recently pushed his body to the edge of death, dragging a 420-pound sled for 500 miles, alone in Antarctica for 60 days, on what experts have called “the boldest Antarctic expedition in modern times.”

Combining his life experience with years of research in neuroscience, psychology and spirituality, he wrote the book “Fearvana," which was endorsed by the Dalai Lama. Now Akshay travels the world as a speaker to help people explore their edges, wage war on their limits and master their mind in order to reach the heights of peak performance along with the depths of inner peace.

Discover the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Go to http://go.getfreshfitfather.com to enroll in the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, pay just $1 to help cover shipping costs, and receive a complimentary full-size bottle ($39 value) of one of the greatest olive oils T.J. has ever discovered. 

With T.J.’s Club, there’s never a commitment to buy anything, now or ever, and you can cancel your membership at any time.

Time to Thrive!

Website: https://justthrivehealth.com/

Use promo code: FITFAMILY and save 20% on your first 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotics.

🔥 Join Us in Phoenix for Fit Father / Fit Mother LIVE! 🔥

It’s happening Aug. 29–31 — an unforgettable weekend of fitness, inspiration, and connection. Don’t miss your chance to meet us (and your tribe) in person! Details found here: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on suffering intentionally and turning pain into power.

Why do we keep eating foods we know are bad for us? In this powerful episode, #154 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Head Trainer Ben Sterling to unpack this deeply human struggle — and share the science and strategies behind breaking food addiction for good.

Ben opens up about his personal journey from pizza-fueled college nights to becoming a model of discipline and health. Together they explore why willpower alone isn't enough, and how understanding brain chemistry — specifically dopamine loops, habit cues, and emotional triggers — is the key to reclaiming control. The conversation blends cutting-edge neuroscience with hard-earned wisdom, offering listeners a toolkit to stop compulsive eating and feed the “good wolf” instead.

You’ll learn how small, daily decisions either reinforce or break addictive patterns, why delayed gratification is a key to long-term success, and how food cravings are often just symptoms of deeper emotional needs. They also share practical strategies, from environmental design and mindful “urge surfing,” to movement-based interruptions and healthy substitutions that satisfy without sabotaging.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I keep doing this?” — this conversation is your wake-up call. It’s raw, relatable, and deeply empowering. Whether you're trying to avoid late-night snacks, ditch sugar, or stop eating when stressed, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to finally take back control.

Key Takeaways

• Dopamine-driven cravings start with a cue, not just hunger
• “Feeding the wolf” reinforces brain wiring for impulsivity
• Stress and fatigue weaken the brain’s impulse control (prefrontal cortex)
• Long-term health is built by winning small daily decisions
• Willpower is like a muscle — use it wisely, but don’t rely on it alone
• Substitutions (e.g., lettuce-wrapped burgers) can satisfy without derailing progress
• “Urge surfing” helps ride out cravings with mindfulness, not resistance
• Evening walks can replace post-dinner dessert habits
• Proximity = temptation — keep junk food out of the house
• Painful post-binge consequences can be powerful learning tools
• Rewiring patterns means identifying your biggest triggers and replacing routines
• Addictions (food, shopping, etc.) often stem from the same neural loops
• Cravings peak and then pass — delay action and you weaken them
• Health is freedom — from disease and from compulsive patterns
• Discipline becomes easier when your environment supports it

Just Thrive!

Website: https://justthrivehealth.com/

Use promo code: FITFAMILY and save 20% on your first 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotics.

Try Out Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Go to http://go.getfreshfitfather.com to enroll in the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, pay just $1 to help cover shipping costs, and receive a complimentary full-size bottle ($39 value) of one of the greatest olive oils T.J. has ever discovered. 

With T.J.’s Club, there’s never a commitment to buy anything, now or ever, and you can cancel your membership at any time.

Let’s Meet Up in Phoenix!

We are hosting our first-ever Fit Father / Fit Mother LIVE event in Phoenix, Aug. 29-3. We want to meet you there! Click here for all the details:https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on breaking food addiction.

What do aviation, AI, parenting, and longevity have in common? Blair LaCorte. In this fast-paced episode, Episode 153 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, he shares with Dr. Anthony Balduzzi the biggest lessons from his high-performance life — and how we can all build a stronger body, mind, and purpose. Together, they explore the powerful idea that safety — both physical and emotional — is the foundation for longevity, authentic living, and effective parenting. Blair shares how formative childhood experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, why midlife transitions are deeply necessary, and how self-love is one of the highest acts of love for your children.

Blair explains how your parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” network — underpins your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. He emphasizes the vital role of feeling safe, connected, and curious in both health and personal evolution. His advice? Move every hour, sleep according to your chronotype, get sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning, and start each day with intention. From daily mantras to longevity science from the Buck Institute, Blair’s practical wisdom is packed with insights.

The conversation also dives into actionable tips for parents on creating resilient, curious, and emotionally stable kids — without overprotecting them. Blair’s candid reflection on failure, identity, and the modern health landscape is both refreshing and empowering. Whether you’re looking to optimize your body, reconnect with your purpose, or better guide your children in the AI age, this episode delivers.

Key Takeaways

• Childhood wiring shapes lifelong behavior
• Self-love is essential for effective parenting
• Authenticity is the key to a regret-free life
• Safety regulates the parasympathetic nervous system
• Your nervous system is the root of health span
• Frequent movement trumps long workouts
• Morning sunlight resets your biological clock
• Daily mantras shift your brain's focus
• Sitting is the new smoking — get up hourly
• Connection is the #1 longevity multiplier
• Food is the most important input for your health
• Kids need a safe place to fail and grow
• Random acts of kindness heal both giver and receiver

Learn More about Blair LaCorte:

Websites: https://ppemastermind.com/

                 https://www.mastermindinnovate.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-lacorte-68084/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTSlr8fDtSu4Ev_hF6tyqDw

Biographical Information on Blair LaCorte:

Blair LaCorte is a dynamic business executive who after being raised by two entrepreneurs has taken a path less traveled, unless of course you were Forrest Gump! His career spans numerous industries such as entertainment, aviation, AI, technology, aerospace, consulting, investing and military logistics. Renowned for his insatiable curiosity, collaborative spirit, passionate oratorical skills and competitive drive, Blair consistently strives to make a positive contribution and impact in all his endeavors.

For Credibility: Blair has held CEO or “C” level strategy or operating roles in companies such PRG (largest live entertainment production company), XOJET/Vista (largest private aviation company), TPG (one of largest PE firms), Autodesk (largest CAD SW company), and Sun Microsystems / Oracle (largest workstation HW company). In addition, Blair has taken several companies from start up to IPO such as AEye Technologies (1.5b IPO in 2021) and VerticalNet (#1 IPO in 1999).

Today, Blair is currently an Astronaut in training for Virgin Galactic where he expects to fly in 2026. Blair is the Vice Chairman of the Buck Institute, the world’s leading research organization on longevity and aging as well as Co-Founder and Facilitator of a highly rated Mastermind group of 40 global CEO’s.

Interesting Experiences: Blair's exceptional talent for engaging and motivating teams and boards to achieve strategic and operational excellence sets him apart. He has served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations such the Positive Coaching Alliance with luminaries such as Steve Kerr and Phil Jackson as well as the Kairos Foundation for college entrepreneurs with diverse executives such as Richard Branson, Elon Musk and Bill Clinton. His knack for transferring best practices across diverse industries has driven remarkable growth and substantial investor returns.

LIVE in Phoenix this August!

We want you to join us for our first-ever Fit Father/Fit Mother LIVE event. Click here for details: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on how to add longevity to your life.

In this profound conversation, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi welcomes attachment specialist Adam Lane Smith to unpack how our early childhood experiences wire our nervous systems—and how that wiring can shape everything from our health to our marriages. Adam explains the science and psychology of attachment theory, revealing why so many high-achieving parents silently suffer from emotional disconnection, loneliness, and self-sabotaging health behaviors.

Listeners will learn about the three main insecure attachment styles—avoidant, anxious, and mixed—and how they show up in relationships, parenting, and health choices. Adam provides a visceral, relatable description of how these patterns develop, the havoc they can wreak, and how they can be completely healed through conscious effort, safe relationships, and nervous system regulation.

But this episode isn’t just theoretical. Dr. Balduzzi and Adam dive deep into the practical side: how women can build secure attachment through small, consistent steps, how fitness plays a critical role in rewiring the brain for connection, and how parents can start creating transformational moments with their kids—without needing to be perfect.

This episode will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt disconnected despite doing everything “right.” It’s a wake-up call for high performers, a roadmap for parents, and a love letter to those willing to do the inner work. Don’t miss the insights that could quite literally transform your relationships—and your life.

Key Takeaways:

• Early trauma wires nervous system dysfunction
• Avoidant = survival mode, overwork, disconnected
• Anxious = approval seeking, learned helplessness
• Secure = calm, connected, honest communication
• Attachment issues crush hormone balance
• Most divorces = anxious woman + avoidant man
• High performers often hide deep loneliness
• Nervous system dysregulation blocks oxytocin
• Healing begins with awareness and self-reflection
• Fixing attachment transforms your physiology
• Parents must become self-correcting, not perfect
• Fitness supports nervous system healing
• Kids model what they see, not what you say
• Transparency + feedback = secure relationships
• Your health habits are also love habits

Learn More about Adam Lane Smith:

Website: https://adamlanesmith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentadam/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBO093GsMmnA9tb8lZPhbgg

X: https://x.com/adamlanesmith

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@attachmentbro?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamLaneSmith/

Podcast: I Wish You Knew Podcast  https://iwishyouknew.show/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@attachmentadam

Biographical Information on Adam Lane Smith:

Adam Lane Smith, MA Psych, is recognized globally for his groundbreaking work in applied attachment psychology. Over the past 15 years, he has guided more than 1,600 private clients  (including top executives, Hollywood A-listers, and management professionals) towards building resilient and effective relationships, both at home and at work. A former Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Adam left his practice in 2021 after developing a practical, attachment science driven approach that addresses the root causes of broken cooperation, conflict and isolation, while repairing and strengthening relationships. Now, he’s on a mission to bring secure attachment to 1 billion people worldwide.

Today, Adam is a sought-after author, specialist and media personality with over 650,000 followers who helps impactful individuals transform their relationships, reducing friction, increasing loyalty, and nurturing high-trust environments.

In his practice, he and his team of certified coaches translate cutting-edge attachment psychology into practical methodologies that businesses can apply immediately to bolster employee engagement, dedication, and performance. With an industry-leading 99.8% success rate within his private practice programs, Adam’s proven methods focus on what truly motivates people: feeling valued, safe, and connected to a larger mission.

Adam has been featured as an expert in over 100 media appearances, including large publications, multi-million viewer podcasts, and traditional media. He has received endorsements from iHeartRadio, the New York Post, Sal DiStefano (Mind Pump Show - 300K listeners), Chris Williamson (Modern Wisdom - 144K listeners), Max Lugavere (The Genius Life Podcast - 138K listeners), Mikhaila Peterson (The Mikhaila Peterson Show - 100K listeners), Zuby (Real Talk With Zuby - 32K listeners), Mark Groves (Create the Love Podcast - 180K listeners) and many more. 

Time to Just Thrive!

Website: https://justthrivehealth.com/

Use promo code: FITFAMILY and save 20% on your first 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotics.

LIVE in Phoenix this August!

We want you to join us for our first-ever Fit Father/Fit Mother LIVE event. Click here for details: https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy women over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join FM30X, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice - simply very well-researched information on healing attachment wounds to build stronger families.