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: 

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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!

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: 

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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!

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 

In this episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with fitness and technology expert Mike Hansen, who brings over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Mike  now works in the business of venture development and entrepreneurship challenging the status quo. He shares his insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of fitness, shaped by advancements in technology, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and shifting consumer priorities.

The conversation explores how AI, wearable technology, and step trackers can empower users by increasing awareness but can also hinder progress if they overshadow the importance of listening to your body. Mike offers his perspective on why so many consumers “divorce” their trackers after the initial novelty and how the right balance between data and intuition is key to long-term success.

They also dive into the disruptive impact of GLP-1 medications, which are poised to transform the fitness industry with billions in new opportunities. Mike discusses how these medications are inspiring more people to move and how fitness professionals can cater to this emerging demographic.

Other hot topics include the barbell economy of fitness, where low-cost gyms and high-touch premium services thrive, leaving middle-tier providers at risk. Mike emphasizes the need for the fitness industry to evolve into a service model that operates 24/7, builds stronger ties with healthcare, and bridges the language gap between these two critical sectors.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, professional, or just curious about the future of health and wellness, this episode is packed with forward-thinking insights you won’t want to miss!

Tune in to discover how technology, consumer behavior, and healthcare integration are reshaping the way we approach fitness and aging.

Connect with Mike Hansen here: https://www.mikeghansen.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 

In this powerful episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Jenedy Paige—artist, athlete, mom, and American Ninja Warrior competitor—to share her extraordinary story of survival, growth, and resilience after unimaginable loss.

Jenedy opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her young son in a tragic drowning accident and how she found the strength to keep going, even when her world felt shattered. She candidly discusses the darkest moments of grief and the tools that helped her rebuild her life—running, weightlifting, art, journaling, and her unwavering faith.

Through her journey, Jenedy transformed pain into purpose, finding joy in creating art that celebrates strong women and developing a profound connection between physical and emotional grit. She also reflects on her unexpected path to becoming a four-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, a journey that taught her the true meaning of perseverance and self-discovery, even when the spotlight didn’t shine her way.

Jenedy’s story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure, adapt, and thrive. Join us for this heartfelt conversation as she shares how life’s greatest challenges have shaped her into the person she was meant to be—and how her experience can inspire you to keep showing up, no matter what.

This episode is for anyone seeking hope, strength, and motivation to carry on and grow through life's toughest moments.

🎨 Follow Jenedy’s art and story at her website: https://jenedypaige.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jenedypaige/

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 the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Dr. Amy Bantham, the CEO of Move to Live More, to discuss her powerful mission to get both adults and kids moving. Dr. Bantham shares her journey from fitness instructor to advocate for physical activity in schools, sparked by the realization that her own son was getting little to no activity during school hours. She began volunteering to teach fitness classes at his school, then took her advocacy to the district level, working to promote movement for kids across the board.

As a recent past president of the Physical Activity Alliance, Dr. Bantham dives into the concerning trends in children’s health, worsened by the pandemic, and explains why she went back to school to earn her doctorate in order to better equip herself to drive change. Dr. Bantham also discusses the critical need for collaboration between healthcare and fitness professionals to create a unified approach to promoting physical activity.

The U.S. currently scores a concerning C- on physical activity for children, but Dr. Bantham offers practical tools and tips for parents to help encourage movement, even in kids who may be resistant. She also highlights the powerful link between physical activity and mental health, showing how exercise can relieve stress and anxiety for children and teens. Join us as we explore why movement matters and what steps we can take today to make a positive impact on the health of the next generation.

Get Amy’s book Move to Live More here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/8218308776?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Visit her website: https://www.movetolivemore.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 

In this heartfelt episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr welcome back Laura Stevenson for an inspiring conversation about her journey through surrogacy and how she fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother. Laura, who had been managing a chronic cancer diagnosis, faced heartbreaking news when her doctors advised against getting pregnant. As adoption and surrogacy became her only options, Laura’s path took an unexpected turn when her sister-in-law Jenna offered to be her surrogate.

Join us as Laura shares her emotional journey from grief to gratitude, the steps she took to get as healthy as possible despite her cancer, and how she prepared her mind and body for the surrogacy process. Discover how Laura’s daily walks in the cold became a therapeutic routine, helping her find peace and resilience in a challenging time.

This episode takes a miraculous twist: while carrying Laura’s daughter, Rose, Jenna’s own health came into focus. A fibroid surgery was necessary before the egg transfer, and later, an ultrasound uncovered a kidney abnormality, eventually leading to Jenna’s own cancer diagnosis. Rose’s birth not only brought joy but may have helped save Jenna’s life. With deep love, incredible sacrifice, and unbreakable family bonds, Laura and Jenna’s story reminds us of the power of hope, resilience, and miracles.

To hear more of Laura’s journey with cancer, listen to Episode 49.

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