Today we sit down with Muscle Activation Technique Specialist Amber Baron, who brings a wealth of knowledge on how the body truly works—and what to do when it doesn't. Amber breaks down what Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) actually are in simple, practical terms and explains how this unique approach can help reduce aches, pains, and dysfunction in our joints and muscles.

Amber shares how muscles can become imbalanced or "shut down" due to injury, trauma, overuse, or even everyday stress. These shutdowns are neurological, meaning the communication between the brain and muscles gets disrupted—and without intervention, those imbalances can linger long-term. She explains how this leads to compensation patterns throughout the body, creating new problems in new places. For anyone experiencing nagging pain or unexplained tightness, Amber's insights reveal why treating the root cause is essential.

Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at what a session with Amber actually includes. She begins with a thorough health history to understand the full picture of what's happening in the body. Then she performs detailed range-of-motion testing to identify movements that feel restricted or challenging. These tests provide clues about which muscles aren't firing properly. Based on those results, Amber applies MAT techniques to reactivate and re-establish those lost neurological connections—helping the body move more efficiently and with less pain.

She explains how the feet are the foundation of our movement, posture, and balance, and how even small dysfunctions in the feet can ripple upward into the knees, hips, and back. Her advice offers simple but powerful takeaways that listeners can start applying right away.

For More Information:

To find an MAT practitioner:

https://muscleactivation.com/

Find Amber online:

https://www.aviditymat.com/

FB and IG @aviditymat

Back to Barefoot course:

https://www.aviditymat.com/back-to-barefoot

The Vibrant Life newsletter - a monthly newsletter where muscle health takes center stage, alongside movement, wellness, nutrition, and all the elements that contribute to a strong, vibrant you.

https://www.aviditymat.com/blog

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Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

Burnout isn't just a workplace issue—and Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur breaks down the many forms it can take, including parental burnout, caregiver burnout, and the emotional overload that comes from feeling like we must "do it all." She is a Naturopathic Doctor and Fatigue Fixer Podcast host. Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr interviewed her at the start of the school year and are releasing it right before the holiday rush, this conversation is perfectly timed for any woman feeling stretched thin by shifting schedules, rising expectations, and the endless demands of daily life.

Together, we explore: ✨ Why high-performing women can appear successful yet feel completely drained ✨ How burnout shows up in our bodies, emotions, and everyday choices ✨ The hidden role of boredom as a driver of burnout ✨ Why so many women feel guilty resting—and how family patterns shape our beliefs about work vs. rest ✨ How burnout pushes us to drop healthy habits and self-care ✨ What it really means to evaluate priority vs. priorities ✨ How to align your intentions with your consistent actions ✨ Practical, compassionate strategies for protecting your energy

Dr. Sarah shares simple but transformative tools for recognizing burnout early, breaking free from the "busy is a badge of honor" mentality, and managing your energy through every season of life—especially during high-stress times like the holidays.

If you've ever pushed through exhaustion, felt overwhelmed by responsibilities, or wished you could slow life down without feeling guilty, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur visit: https://drsarahv.ca

Listen to her podcast The Fatigue Fixer here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-fatigue-fixer--5982197

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📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

After years of being content behind the scenes and supporting others, Jen hit a turning point around age 40 that made her question everything. Her late 30s were some of her lowest moments—unsure of what was next, she felt stuck and disconnected. But when she picked up a real camera and began photographing wildlife, something inside her shifted. What started as a creative outlet became a powerful new passion and purpose.

Today, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with wildlife photographer Jen Ritchie, a mother of five who is courageously reinventing herself in her forties.

Jen shares how investing in herself—buying that "too expensive" camera and hiring a mentor—was both terrifying and transformative. She opens up about the fear of stepping into a new profession later in life, the importance of having systems to manage nerves and creativity, and how her family's full support has fueled her journey.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that it's never too late to chase curiosity, step off the sidelines, and rediscover what lights you up.

✨ In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Jen turned one of the lowest points in her life into a creative awakening
• Why investing in yourself—no matter how scary—is an act of self-worth
• The importance of community and finding supportive women's networks
• How pursuing passion strengthens not just you, but everyone around you

If you've ever felt stuck, scared to start something new, or wondered if it's "too late" to reinvent yourself—this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to find your wild side at any age.

See Jen's work here or order photos here: https://jenlritchie.com

Listen to Jen's Podcast: Wildlife Conversations

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

In this deeply relatable episode of The Girl Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with Dr. Dan Ritchie, the founder of the Functional Aging Institute, for an honest conversation about the physical and emotional challenges that come with turning 50 — even for lifelong fitness professionals. Dr. Dan opens up about his own unexpected struggles with body aches, limitations, and a herniated disc that sidelined him from many of the activities he loves. His story is one of humility, healing, and rediscovering what it truly means to "age functionally."

As Dr. Dan shares his journey, listeners will hear how even the most active and health-conscious people aren't immune to the toll that aging can take on the body. He candidly describes the frustration of being forced to slow down and how that experience affected not only his physical well-being but also his mental and emotional health. Through his recovery, he's learned to reframe setbacks as opportunities to reset, refocus, and rebuild — lessons that anyone facing similar challenges can take to heart.

Shawna Kaminski shares her own inspiring story of resilience after undergoing two hip replacements. She talks about how she's learned to adapt her workouts, shift her mindset, and still find joy and strength in movement. Her journey is a testament to how redefining what "fitness" looks like in your 50s and beyond can lead to greater self-compassion and long-term vitality.

Co-host Alli Kerr also opens up about navigating her late 40s while living with persistent hip pain for over a year. As she approaches 50, Alli reflects on the emotional weight of dealing with chronic discomfort and the importance of listening to her body instead of pushing through pain. Together, Shawna, Alli, and Dr. Dan create an authentic and uplifting dialogue that normalizes the struggles many of us face as we age — and reminds listeners that they're not alone.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's feeling the wear and tear of time but still wants to live fully, move confidently, and feel empowered through the aging process. It's about adapting instead of giving up, prioritizing self-care, and finding strength in community. Tune in for real talk, expert insights, and heartfelt encouragement to help you heal, reset, and thrive through your 50s and beyond.

Grab a copy of Dr. Dan's Book Never Grow Old here: https://www.amazon.com/Dan-Ritchie-PhD-Never-Grow/dp/B00RWT1YOI

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📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

From Hollywood trainer to global fitness icon, Keli Roberts has spent nearly four decades inspiring people around the world to move, strengthen, and thrive. In this powerful episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Shawna Kaminskiand Alli Kerr sit down with the Fitness Queen herself to talk about her extraordinary career and the lessons she's learned about resilience, reinvention, and true health along the way.

Growing up in Australia, Keli was a competitive athlete with a passion for movement. After a short stint as a model and actress left her feeling unhealthy and unfulfilled, she found her calling in teaching fitness. Her passion and expertise soon took her to Los Angeles, where she trained some of Hollywood's most famous names — including Cher, Kirstie Alley, Faye Dunaway, and Jennifer Grey — and starred in her own best-selling fitness videos.

But behind the spotlight, Keli faced her own personal struggles. In this candid conversation, she opens up about her battles with an eating disorder, her mental health journey, and learning she was bipolar later in life. Her story is a reminder that true wellness isn't about perfection — it's about perseverance, self-compassion, and the willingness to keep showing up for yourself, no matter what.

Now celebrating 39 years in the fitness industry, Keli shares her wisdom on what aging women need to do to live stronger, longer, and more joyfully. From mindset to movement, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration for every woman who wants to feel empowered in her body at every stage of life.

👉 Connect with Keli Roberts: 🌐 www.keliroberts.com 📸 Instagram: @keli_roberts 📘 Facebook: Keli Roberts Fitness

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

This episode will help you take the emotion out of nutrition and see food as a tool to help you live your healthiest, most energetic life. Alli and Shawna sit down with Dr. Joe Klemczewski, known as the Godfather of Flexible Dieting and the pioneer of macronutrient tracking—a concept that's transformed the world of nutrition and fitness. As the Owner of The Diet Doc, Dr. Joe shares his deep expertise and decades of experience helping people understand food, metabolism, and how to eat for their goals.

Together, they unpack the science and psychology of tracking macros—what it really means, why it's so challenging for most people, and how it's evolved from early calorie-counting methods that began over a century ago. Dr. Joe explains how calorie needs differ for women versus men, and why the timing of your food—morning vs. evening, breakfast vs. intermittent fasting—can influence how your body and brain function throughout the day.

He also breaks down how aging impacts our calorie needs—not because our metabolism slows as much as we think, but because our movement and lifestyle change. The conversation dives into cortisol, its pros and cons, and why understanding protein needs becomes even more important as we age. Dr. Joe shares practical advice on how our bodies absorb protein, why it's tough to get enough, and his favorite easy, balanced go-to meal.

As Dr. Joe puts it, if you dedicate just a few months to truly learning nutrition, you can set yourself up for a lifetime of confidence and balance.

👉 Tune in to learn how to make your nutrition work with you, not against you, in every stage of life.

About Dr. Joe Klemczewski:

Dr. Klemczewski has earned degrees in physical therapy, health, nutrition, health education, literary journalism, social psychology, and social science, including two doctorates and three masters degrees. He is a former WNBF professional bodybuilder and has personally coached more than 500 clients to pro status wins, 150 professional titles, and 50 world championships. He has coached Olympic athletes, pro athletes, models, actors, and thousands to improve health, function, performance, and aesthetics.

Connect with Dr. Joe:

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🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

Join us for an engaging conversation about how sport unites communities, strengthens mental health, and reminds us of the best in humanity—whether we're cheering from the stands or lacing up our own shoes. Co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with Lisa Bennion Rasmussen, Chief Revenue Officer of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF). From her start as a volunteer with Utah's Olympic bid team in 1998 to now leading marketing and revenue for all three world-class Olympic venues—Utah Olympic Park, Utah Olympic Oval, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center—Lisa's story is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance.

Lisa shares how the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation keeps the Olympic spirit alive year-round by offering opportunities for people of all ages and fitness levels to get active, connect, and experience the thrill of sport—whether or not they have Olympic dreams. From kids discovering a love for movement to Olympians training for the next Games, Utah's venues welcome everyone.

As a Type 1 Diabetic, Lisa opens up about how exercise has been her most powerful form of medicine, helping her manage her health and thrive physically and mentally. She also shares her reflections on the recent Paris Olympics, how the focus on women athletes and creative marketing made it a standout event, and what lessons Utah is carrying forward as it prepares to host the 2034 Winter Games.

Join us for an engaging conversation about how sport unites communities, strengthens mental health, and reminds us of the best in humanity—whether we're cheering from the stands or lacing up our own shoes.

Tune in to discover:

• How Utah continues to carry the Olympic torch year-round

• Why movement at any level can transform your health and mindset

• The inspiring connection between sport, community, and purpose

• What to look forward to as Utah prepares for the 2034 Winter Olympics

🎧 Listen now and feel inspired to move, connect, and live boldly—no matter your age or athletic ability.

Follow all 3 venues on Instagram:

@utaholympicpark

@utaholympicoval

@soldierhollow

At 49, Sandy Zimmerman is proving that midlife isn't the end of the story—it's the beginning of your biggest, boldest chapter yet.

Sandy Zimmerman—a 10-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, motivational speaker, and author—is here to talk about living boldly in the second half of life.

Since her last appearance, Sandy has gone all-in on her mission to inspire others. She has transitioned from a career as a teacher and sports coach to become a full-time inspirational speaker, sharing her story of resilience, perseverance, and courage with audiences everywhere. Her new book captures her powerful journey, but in this conversation she gives us a deeper look at the mindset shifts that helped her break through barriers—both physical and mental.

Sandy opens up about how tackling tough physical challenges prepares you for life's toughest mental battles, and why the wisdom gained through aging gives us opportunities we can't access when we're younger. Now in midlife, she's living some of her best days—embracing confidence, caring less about what others think, and chasing big goals with clarity and purpose.

She challenges women in midlife and beyond to first find clarity in what truly matters—then commit fully and take that first bold step. Because growth, reinvention, and fulfillment don't come from waiting…they come from action.

Whether you're looking for midlife motivation, inspiration to start a new chapter, or proof that it's never too late to dream big and go all in, Sandy's story will light the fire you need to take on your next challenge.

BOOK SANDY TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT: https://www.sandyzimmerman.co/speaking

ORDER SANDY'S NEW BOOK - Get Out of the Car: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Out-Car-Inspirational-Cultivating/dp/B0DHLW1RSC

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📧 Email: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

In this episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski welcome back Teresa Burkett for her second appearance on the show. Teresa, known to her 290K+ Instagram followers as Silver is the New Strong, is a shining example of healthy aging through strength, movement, and mindset. She first joined us on Episode 43, and today she's back with an update on her journey—one that includes resilience, adaptation, and a powerful perspective shift.

Teresa shares openly about her recent bicep tendon tear, an injury that developed over time and finally revealed itself while she was playing pickleball. For someone as active and strong as Teresa, this was a major disappointment that wasn't in the plan. She talks candidly about the emotions that came with the injury, her decision to delay surgery, and how she has chosen to adapt rather than give up her active lifestyle.

Her story is a reminder that even the fittest and strongest among us can face unexpected body challenges. Teresa emphasizes that her injury is the result of living an active life—not aging—and that she wouldn't trade her strength, mobility, and energy for a sedentary life free of risks. She draws parallels to professional athletes who face injuries, repair, and recovery as part of staying in the game.

We also dive into how Teresa's view of aging has transformed over the years. Once fearful of wrinkles and gray hair, she now embraces them as symbols of wisdom and experience while focusing on what truly matters: staying strong, capable, and active. Her inspiring outlook reframes aging as an opportunity to thrive in a body that supports a vibrant lifestyle.

Tune in for an honest, motivating, and empowering conversation that will encourage you to see disappointments not as endings, but as pivots toward new ways to live strong, active, and unapologetically vibrant at every age.

For more information on Teresa Burkett search @Homebodytrainer on Instagram

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Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com

In this special episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, we confront a tragic event that has reverberated across our communities—the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. As we reflect on the current state of our society, we recognize the urgent need for meaningful conversations that promote understanding, unity, and compassion in these challenging times. Erika Kirk said it best - "When we lose the ability to communicate, we get violence."

To address the growing polarization in our political landscape, we're re-releasing segments from three previously aired episodes focused on fostering unity and constructive dialogue. Sadly, the content we created for a more hopeful future feels especially relevant now. This episode aims to provide insights that can help us navigate the complexities of our current climate and inspire positive change, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse in a divided world.

First, we hear from Abby Cox, the First Lady of Utah and wife of Governor Spencer Cox, who recently delivered a unifying press conference in response to the tragedy. Abby shares her perspective on community involvement and the significance of fostering unity during difficult times. Her insights remind us that grassroots engagement can alleviate anxiety and strengthen the bonds that hold us together, making it crucial for listeners looking to create positive change in their communities.

Next, we feature Tim Shriver, a prominent member of the Kennedy family, who reflects on his childhood experiences with political violence, including the assassinations of his uncles, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. Tim's poignant reflections highlight the societal impact of division and the pressing need for compassionate discourse. He challenges listeners to confront our addiction to conflict and urges us to prioritize understanding over division, making his message relevant for anyone seeking to bridge the political gap.

Finally, we'll hear from Tami Pyfer, who introduces The Dignity Index, a powerful tool designed to evaluate the quality of our discourse. Tami emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and how we can all benefit from using this index to foster respectful conversations, even with those we disagree with. By examining our communication styles, we can contribute to a healthier and safer society.

Together, these segments serve as a call to action: to share this episode with family and friends, spreading a message of unity and compassion in the face of adversity. By engaging in these essential conversations, we can work towards a future characterized by understanding rather than hate. Join us as we dive into these powerful discussions and explore how we can all contribute to positive change in our communities and navigate the complexities of modern political discourse.

While this episode has segments from these 3 past Girls Talk Healthy Aging episodes, you can listen to the full versions of our interviews by going to Episode 58 for Abby's, Episode 52 for Tim Shriver's, and Episode 46 for Tami Pyfer's.

Learn More: https://www.dignity.us

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Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com

Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).

Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com