In this episode of The Girls Talk Healthy Aging podcast, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with actress and mental health advocate Carrie Genzel to discuss her inspiring journey from a shy child to a successful actress who has faced and overcome immense mental health struggles. Carrie opens up about her early years in the industry, starting with print work and modeling, and eventually landing a coveted role on the iconic soap opera *All My Children*. Her experience in the acting world, where success can quickly turn into uncertainty, led to emotional rollercoasters that Carrie bravely addresses in this raw and candid conversation.

Carrie reflects on her time working on *All My Children*, a role she held for several years, and the unpredictable nature of the acting industry. The constant pressure of going from employed to unemployed in the blink of an eye is not only a career challenge but also a deep emotional one. Carrie shares how these pressures contributed to her mental health struggles, which were amplified once her time on the show ended. She discusses the anxiety, self-doubt, and depression that took hold during this period, and the overwhelming sense of uncertainty that often accompanies life in the entertainment industry.

Throughout the episode, Carrie speaks about the important mentors and influences she had along the way—people who helped her come out of her shell, supporting her in both her personal and professional growth. But she also delves deeply into the more difficult periods, including a time when her mental health reached its lowest point. Carrie bravely recounts how she was driven to attempt suicide, and how, through therapy and self-reflection, she eventually overcame that dark chapter of her life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Today, Carrie is using her experiences to help others who are struggling with similar challenges. As an advocate for mental health, she shares the tools and coping strategies that have helped her manage anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Her message is one of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to be kind to themselves and to seek support when navigating their own emotional journeys. Tune in to hear Carrie's powerful story and gain insights on how we can all live more authentically and prioritize our mental well-being.

For more on Carrie Genzel

Visit her blog and website:  https://stateofslay.com https://carriegenzel.com

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Today we are learning from Dr. Robyn Pashby, a Clinical Health Psychologist specializing in weight management and obesity. Dr. Pashby sheds light on the long-standing stigma surrounding obesity and how medical professionals are shifting the conversation to focus on treating the person first rather than just the disease. She discusses the complex emotional toll that individuals living with obesity experience and how our society’s harsh judgments often lead to negative self-talk, shame, and mental health struggles.

Dr. Pashby also explores the rapid changes happening in the field of obesity medicine, particularly with the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy and other medical interventions. While these treatments offer new hope, they also come with controversy, as some still view weight loss medications as a shortcut rather than a legitimate medical necessity. She challenges this perspective by emphasizing that obesity is a chronic condition, not a willpower issue.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the emotional and psychological impacts of weight loss. While shedding pounds is often seen as a positive milestone, it can also bring unexpected challenges, from shifting relationships with family and friends to fears of weight regain. Many individuals who lose weight struggle with anxiety about maintaining their progress, and the societal pressures surrounding body image only add to the burden. Dr. Pashby highlights how trauma and past experiences shape a person’s journey with obesity, making it essential to approach weight management with compassion and a long-term mindset.

Another critical issue Dr. Pashby addresses is the accessibility and regulation of GLP-1 medications. Many people are self-managing their use of these drugs without proper medical supervision, sometimes turning to online sources for cheaper or easier access. She discusses the risks of this trend and the importance of working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Additionally, she examines the impact of these medications on individuals with a history of eating disorders, who may be at higher risk of developing unhealthy relationships with weight loss treatments.

Dr. Pashby is also the author of an upcoming book that delves into the intersection of eating disorders and obesity, a topic that is often overlooked in discussions about weight management. She offers insights into how we can move forward in a world where obesity is still misunderstood and stigmatized, despite the progress being made in medicine and body acceptance.

Tune in as we challenge outdated beliefs and offer a new perspective on health, weight, and self-compassion.

About Dr. Pashby: A Clinical and Medical Psychologist, coach, speaker, author, and the founder of Health Psychology Partners in Washington, DC.Visit: www.healthpsychologypartners.com

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Today on *Girls Talk Healthy Aging*, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Maria Gonzales, CEO of Club Fitness Greensboro, to explore how fitness evolves as we age. Maria’s fitness journey began at just five years old when she was a competitive swimmer in Colombia. She dedicated a decade to the sport before transitioning to water polo at age 15. This early reinvention set the stage for a lifetime of transformation—both in fitness and in her career. Now, as a woman over 45, Maria shares how she has adapted her workouts, recovery methods, and mindset to align with her changing body.  

Maria’s story is a powerful reminder that aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it means training smarter. She candidly discusses the common struggle women face: focusing on what they used to be able to do instead of embracing the strength and abilities they have today. Through trial and experience, she has learned to listen to her body, adjust her fitness goals, and take on challenges that make sense for her current stage of life. Whether it’s modifying workout intensity or prioritizing recovery, Maria emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and adaptability in a lifelong fitness journey.  

Beyond her personal fitness evolution, Maria’s career path is just as inspiring. After moving to the U.S. at age 20, she took a job as a lifeguard at her local gym—a small step that led to an incredible rise to the CEO of that same club which is Club Fitness Greensboro. She attributes her success to relentless dedication, an unwavering work ethic, and her philosophy of always giving her best effort. Maria’s journey proves that success—whether in fitness or career—comes from perseverance, passion, and a willingness to reinvent oneself.  

Tune in as Maria, Alli, and Shawna dive deep into the mindset shifts that help women stay strong, confident, and motivated as they age. Whether you're looking to refresh your fitness approach, take on new challenges, or simply be inspired by Maria’s incredible story, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation. Don’t miss this conversation on embracing change, listening to your body, and thriving at any age!

🎧 Tune in now!

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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 Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Dr. Jennifer Evans from Rejuvinant Family Health Care to discuss a revolutionary approach to healthcare: Direct Primary Care. Dr. Evans, a primary care physician, spent the first nine years of her career working in a traditional health system where patient visits were limited to just 15 minutes, and high patient loads made it difficult to provide the personalized care she felt patients deserved. Four years ago, she made the bold decision to branch out on her own and start a Direct Primary Care practice, giving her the freedom to truly connect with her patients.

In this episode, Dr. Evans explains how Direct Primary Care works and how it differs from the traditional healthcare model. Unlike the traditional system, which relies heavily on insurance, Direct Primary Care operates on a monthly membership fee, providing patients with unlimited access to care without the hassle of dealing with insurance claims. Dr. Evans shares how this model allows her to spend as much time as needed with each patient, focusing on comprehensive care and going deeper into their health concerns. She also highlights how certain labs are covered as part of the monthly fee, and when they are not, she’s able to offer great rates through her lab contracts.

Dr. Evans also talks about the pros and cons of self-pay healthcare, noting that more and more doctors are choosing this model to provide better care and more personalized attention. Patients, too, are seeking out this model to receive the level of care they feel they deserve, without the limitations of traditional insurance-based systems. While Direct Primary Care is not for everyone, it is rapidly gaining traction for its ability to deliver quality care with a focus on long-term health and wellness, particularly as patients navigate aging and chronic conditions.

Finally, Dr. Evans discusses the hybrid model she’s adopted, where she files insurance for Medicare patients but not for traditional insurance patients, many of whom may have a high-deductible major medical policy. This flexible approach allows her to maintain a balance between offering personalized care and ensuring accessibility for patients who may have complex insurance needs. If you're looking for a more individualized healthcare experience or wondering how the Direct Primary Care model might benefit you, this episode provides valuable insights into how healthcare is evolving and how it can better serve the aging population.

Contact Dr. Jennifer Evans: https://rejuvenantfamilyhealth.com

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

In this inspiring episode of *Girls Talk Healthy Aging*, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr sit down with Lisa Bullock, a 60-year-old competitive powerlifter who has defied the odds and reshaped her life and body after menopause. Lisa holds several Australian titles and records, but her journey to powerlifting began only after turning 50. Faced with physical challenges and a changing body, she discovered the empowering world of powerlifting after realizing she could no longer engage in activities like boxing or CrossFit due to her body's transformation and two total knee replacements. 

Lisa shares her story of struggle, perseverance, and self-discovery, revealing how she navigated the physical changes that come with menopause. For years, Lisa couldn't understand what was happening to her body, but with the help of doctors and a willingness to adapt, she found a new way forward. Despite setbacks, Lisa never gave up. Instead of quitting, she re-routed her fitness journey and embraced powerlifting, a passion that not only transformed her physically but also mentally. 

In this episode, Lisa discusses how she overcame challenges, built resilience, and learned to thrive in her 50s and beyond. She opens up about the importance of trusting yourself and taking the time to understand your body’s needs. What makes Lisa’s story even more powerful is that she never considered herself an athlete until a swim coach's words sparked a new belief in her abilities. This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start a new chapter, redefine your strength, and continue excelling as you age. 

Listen to Lisa’s incredible journey and be inspired to push through your own obstacles, embrace change, and find a passion that keeps you thriving. *Girls Talk Healthy Aging* is here to remind you that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it's an opportunity to grow stronger, mentally and physically, no matter the challenges you face.

🎧 Tune in now!

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

In this powerful episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-host Shawna Kaminski sits down with Lisa Dixon Wells, a trailblazer in bully prevention and mental health advocacy.  Lisa and Shawna dive deep into the unique ways bullying manifests among women, particularly through relational social bullying such as gossip, exclusion, and rumor-spreading. With the rise of text groups and social media, these behaviors have become even more pervasive and damaging. Women’s relationships often operate with a delicate balance, making indirect aggression more common. Many of us may unknowingly engage in these patterns, but Lisa provides eye-opening strategies on how to foster healthier and more supportive connections with other women.

Lisa is the founder of the Dare to Care program, a leading initiative in creating safer schools and communities. With an impressive background as a 14-time World Masters Swimming Champion and a former member of the Canadian National Swim Club, Lisa brings both personal and professional experience to the conversation. She shares insights on how bullying differs from healthy conflict, emphasizing the critical distinction of power imbalance—where the target has little to no power in the situation.

Lisa shares practical tools to empower individuals facing bullying or harassment, highlighting the importance of practicing assertiveness. Women, in particular, may struggle with standing up for themselves, but as Lisa reminds us, addressing the issue head-on is often all that is needed to shift the dynamic.

Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—those patterns can follow us into adulthood, impacting workplaces, friendships, and communities. This episode offers valuable takeaways for listeners of all ages, helping us recognize and break these cycles for a healthier, more supportive environment. Tune in to hear Lisa’s expert advice on how to create lasting change and stand up against bullying in all its forms.

🎧 Tune in now!

Dare to Care Resources for Parents: https://daretocare.thinkific.com/courses/parent-course - At this link you can get 3 parent modules for on $12.

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

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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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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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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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!

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

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

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