In this heartfelt episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with 2 guests today. Laura and her sister-in-law, Jenna Stevenson are here to share an extraordinary journey of love, resilience, and unexpected miracles.

Laura always dreamed of carrying her own child, but due to a chronic cancer and the treatments keeping her in remission, pregnancy posed too great a risk to her health. Just when hope seemed out of reach, Jenna made a life-changing offer—to carry Laura’s child as a surrogate. Though Laura continued exploring every possibility to carry a child herself, she and her husband ultimately embraced Jenna’s incredible gift.

Three years later, on Valentine’s Day, baby Rose was born—one of the many miracles in this journey. But the surprises didn’t stop there. In the third trimester of pregnancy, an ultrasound revealed an abnormal growth on Jenna’s kidney—leading to a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Because of the pregnancy, her cancer was caught early, allowing her to undergo treatment and have her kidney removed just six months after delivering Rose.

Together, Laura and Jenna reflect on their surrogacy experience—the legal hurdles, the emotional and physical toll of hormone treatments, and the sacrifices made along the way. Jenna shares the unexpected challenges of surrogacy, including the difficult side effects of the medications, and what she wishes she had known before starting the process.

At its core, this story is about love, family, and the strength of women supporting each other. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of generosity, resilience, and the little miracle named Rose who changed everything.

🎧 Tune in now!

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Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

In this episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr break down all the confusion around protein for women. How much do we really need? Why is it so important for healthy aging? And how can we make sure we’re getting enough? 

The ladies tackle common myths about protein, share their own journeys to upping their intake, and reveal how consistency makes it easier over time. Plus, Shawna shares a simple trick to quickly determine if a food is a good source of protein!

You'll also get expert insights and resources to help you fuel your body properly—so you can feel strong, energized, and confident at any age. Don't miss this practical and empowering conversation!

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Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

Need a protein cheat sheet? Check this out here: https://shawnak.com/2022/09/20/need-a-protein-cheat-sheet/

Learn how to decode nutrition labels effortlessly, empowering you to make informed choices that nourish your body and mind. Whether you're looking to break free from diet culture or simply enhance your understanding of nutrition, this masterclass is for you: https://youtu.be/8q16jjNyDtQ 

We are hosting a fitness industry veteran on today's episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging.   Co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Ann Gilbert. She has 42 years in women’s fitness and as the owner of Fit Her—a female-only gym in Florida that’s been thriving for 35 years—Ann has seen it all.

From starting her own journey as an obese mom at 27 to becoming a trailblazer in women’s strength training, Ann shares the shifts she’s witnessed in how women approach exercise and nutrition. She dives into why more young women are embracing strength training, how she fosters a supportive and welcoming space for women who may not feel comfortable in co-ed gyms, and why movement is mandatory for a vibrant life.

Ann passionately believes that if you’re not exercising by 40, you’re in a midlife crisis—because staying active now determines how well you’ll move at 70 and beyond. She also discusses how fitness studios often overlook beginners and what needs to change to make strength training accessible to all women. Plus, we explore the role of GLP-1 medications in helping more women reach their fitness goals.

Get ready for an empowering conversation about creating a fitness community that works for women, the evolution of strength training, and why the best time to start is now!

Connect with Ann here: https://anngilbert.net

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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://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 inspiring episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with community leader and visionary, Charise Stephens-Merriweather. From humble beginnings to becoming a catalyst for change, Charise shares her incredible journey of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making her community a better place.  

Charise takes us back to her childhood, where she grew up as a bright and active girl who earned a cheerleading scholarship to college. After navigating the challenges of being a single mom and immersing herself in the business world, she discovered a deep yearning to give back to her community—something she credits to her grandmother's influence.  

In this episode, Charise discusses how her passion for helping others led her to establish the Georgia Wellness & Fitness Festival, an annual event now in its 11th year with over 30 activities in a single week. But her story doesn’t stop there. When tragedy struck her community, Charise felt compelled to act. She turned a vacant building into a hub for UCreate Macon, a groundbreaking cycling program for kids.  

What started as a local effort to give kids an outlet beyond "foolishness" has grown into a national movement. With 25 certified coaches and 200 kids currently participating, UCreate Macon is giving young people life-changing opportunities. The program has expanded to include competitive cycling teams, with participants traveling across the U.S. and even Canada, staying on college campuses, and building confidence along the way.  

Charise shares heartwarming stories, including how she helped a once homeless child become a national award-winning cyclist, and how she’s empowering girls in the program to break barriers and redefine what it means to be an athlete. Now, UCreate Macon is sparking interest nationwide, with 13 new chapters in development across the country.  

This episode is a testament to what’s possible when we listen, take action, and lead with an open heart. Tune in to hear Charise's inspiring story and learn how you can start a cycling chapter or some other program in your community to transform lives, one bike ride at a time.  

**Don't miss this episode filled with hope, heart, and actionable insights to make a difference where you are!**  

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Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

**Follow us on social media:**  

📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging  

Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

🌐 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://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

**Connect with Charise Stephens-Merriweather:**  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15gTEuGpta/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌐 Website: https://u-create-macon.ueniweb.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Linda Brambila, former owner of one of the top Merle Norman studios in the world, to hear her candid insights on retirement. Linda, who retired three years ago after an incredible 29-years as a business owner, shares how she knew it was time to step away from her business, especially after changes in technology and surviving the challenges of COVID changes.

Linda talks about her journey to decide where to retire with her husband, the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing, and the process of moving to a new community to start this exciting chapter of life. She reflects on the surprises and lessons she’s learned, like the importance of staying active, prioritizing health, and preparing for the unexpected.

Linda offers valuable advice for women even as early as their 30s and 40s about starting early retirement planning and understanding how much money is truly needed to live their dream retirement. She also opens up about the joys of exploring new adventures, the importance of staying connected to a purpose, and how her priorities have shifted in retirement.

Whether you’re years away from retiring or getting ready to take the leap, Linda’s story is packed with practical tips and heartfelt wisdom to inspire you to make the most of your golden years. Don’t miss this empowering conversation!

Join Girls Talk Healthy Aging Facebook Group for updates and additional resources: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

Sit much? In this episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski “sit” down with Debbie Bellenger, the powerhouse behind DB Fitness and Wellness Solutions, to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues: the health crisis in the American workforce.

With more employees sitting longer, gaining weight, and struggling with rising mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, workplace wellness has become a top concern for employers and employees alike. Debbie shares her expert insights on how companies can take meaningful action to promote health and fitness among their teams, reduce healthcare costs, and create happier, more productive workplaces.

Debbie emphasizes the role of leadership in driving change, explaining how organizations that invest in wellness programs not only attract and retain top talent but also improve overall employee satisfaction and performance. She offers actionable strategies for companies to encourage movement, foster social connection, and combat the physical and mental toll of sedentary work.

But what if your workplace isn’t on board with wellness initiatives? Debbie provides empowering advice for becoming your own wellness ambassador, advocating for your health, and building better habits even without company support. From practical tools to boost your physical and mental health to the importance of social connection in our increasingly isolated world, this episode is packed with tips to help you thrive—inside and outside the workplace.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you motivated to take charge of your well-being and bring positive change to your workplace and beyond.

Listen now and start your journey to a healthier, happier life! And don’t forget to subscribe to and review our show.

Debbie Bellenger is the 2023 Educator of the Year awarded by the Medical Fitness Association. Learn more about Debbie here: www.debbiebellenger.com

Join Girls Talk Healthy Aging Facebook Group for updates and additional resources: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

Starting a fitness journey can feel like stepping into a maze, especially when social media is flooded with conflicting advice, flashy workouts, and confusing jargon. In this episode, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski dive into the challenges of navigating this overwhelming landscape. They share why keeping it simple is the best way to begin and how baby steps can lead to lasting success.

Alli and Shawna strip away the noise and break down the basics of getting started—no fancy methods, no overcomplicated terms, just practical, beginner-friendly tips. Whether you’ve tried and given up before or you’re hesitant to take the first step, this conversation will inspire and empower you to approach health and fitness as a lifelong journey, not a sprint. Tune in to discover how starting small can lead to big changes over time!

Join Girls Talk Healthy Aging Facebook Group for updates and additional resources: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

In this empowering episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski welcome Dr. Renee Rogers, a renowned obesity researcher, to discuss one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Together, they explore the complex biological and behavioral factors behind obesity and ask the big questions: Is the solution diet and exercise, medications (such as Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic), surgery—or something more individualized?

Dr. Rogers sheds light on the evolving understanding of obesity and highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to each person’s unique needs. Are GLP-1's the only solution now? We are finding they are not for everyone.

The discussion goes beyond treatment, addressing how the health and fitness industry can better support individuals with obesity by fostering empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. From creating supportive environments to championing client-centered approaches, this episode offers actionable advice for professionals and anyone passionate about improving lives.

Join us as we challenge stereotypes, bust myths, and explore how to build a healthier, more compassionate approach to managing obesity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to support themselves or others on the journey to better health.

Tune in for expert insights and practical tips for creating a brighter, healthier future for everyone!

Contact Dr. Renee Rogers: https://kumc.info/school-of-medicine/academics/departments/internal-medicine/divisions/physical-activity-and-weight-management/renee-rogers.html

ACSM Position Statement: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-tj/fulltext/2024/10000/physical_activity_and_excess_body_weight_and.1.aspx

ACSM Navigating the Impact of New Weight Loss Medications: https://www.acsm.org/blog-detail/acsm-blog/2023/12/18/navigating-the-impact-of-new-weight-loss-medications

The Obesity Society: https://www.obesity.org

Join Girls Talk Healthy Aging Facebook Group for updates and additional resources: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

In this episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with International Olympic Weightlifting competitor Hannah Kaminski (aka Shawna's 30 year old daughter). Hannah shares her unique journey from competitive dance to wrestling before ultimately finding her passion in Olympic weightlifting—a sport that finally felt like the perfect fit for her body and mindset.

Hannah dives into what it takes to compete as one of Canada’s top athletes, from the mental and physical demands to the life lessons learned along the way. She shares the challenges of being in a sport where only the top six athletes are funded, her proudest achievement of medaling at the Commonwealth Games, and how the lessons from losses have shaped her growth more than her wins.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the sport itself—how it’s about personal achievement over appearance—and its evolving history, including the recent milestone of equal gender representation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hannah also opens up about the realities of training at 30, navigating the demands of an aging athlete’s body, and the balance she’s looking forward to in the next phase of her fitness journey.

Whether you're a high-level competitor, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about the intersection of health, aging, and sport, Hannah's story will leave you inspired to embrace new challenges and find strength at every stage of life.

Tune in for an episode packed with insights, resilience, and a powerful message about the value of trying new things to discover what fits you best at any age.

Join Girls Talk Healthy Aging Facebook Group for updates and additional resources: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com 

Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Liz Clark, the trailblazing President and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association to talk about how to move the needle on our poor health and lack of physical activity. As the organization’s first female leader, Liz shares her unique journey to the helm of an industry in dire need of reinvention following the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liz dives into the health and fitness industry’s critical role in addressing a public health crisis, where inactivity and obesity are driving trillions in healthcare costs. With a mere 23% of the U.S. population regularly exercising, the conversation highlights the economic and personal health implications of staying active. Liz unpacks the countless ways exercise can positively impact physical and mental health, from reducing risks for dementia, heart disease, and cancer to being a tool to help the growing mental health epidemic.

The discussion also touches on the fitness industry’s identity transformation. Liz explains how the sector is moving beyond its bodybuilding roots to embrace a broader mission focused on overall health and well-being. With her background in communications, advocacy, and even candy manufacturing, Liz brings a fresh perspective on how to lead the charge toward a healthier population.

Whether it’s encouraging patients taking GLP-1's to engage in fitness, advocating for local community involvement, or rebranding the industry’s image, Liz makes a compelling case for why we all need to play a part. We have too much work that needs to be done to improve our health and fitness to sit on the sidelines. We need everyone to take on a project to help ourselves or our communities get healthier.  President-Elect Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. coined the phrase Make American Healthy Again. We can all contribute to do just that. 

Tune in for an empowering conversation filled with actionable insights and motivation to get involved in improving your own health and that of your community.

Call to Action: Ready to join the movement? Start today by taking one small step—whether that’s advocating in your local community, encouraging friends and family, or prioritizing your personal fitness journey. Together, we can make a difference!

For more information go to the Health & Fitness Association’s website: https://www.healthandfitness.org

Join Girls Talk Healthy Aging Facebook Group for updates and additional resources: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030

Thank you for listening, following, & downloading the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast. We are so appreciative and would love your feedback and ideas for future episodes. Big Thanks if you have taken the time to give us a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Email us at: [email protected]

Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski

Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://meetshawnak.shawnakaminski.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 via Zoom here: https://https://www.thepinkphysique.com