Gurl Gone Green with Suzi Swope

Today's episode is a really special one because it's the final episode of Season 2.

As we come to the end of the year, I didn't want to rush straight into goals, resolutions, or pressure about what's next. Instead, I wanted to pause with you and talk about how to end the year well, and how to gently prepare for the year ahead in a way that feels grounded, intentional, and realistic.

This episode isn't about doing more or fixing yourself. It's about reflection, clarity, and giving yourself permission to move forward with grace.

So wherever you are right now driving, folding laundry, out on a walk, or sitting quietly, I hope this episode feels like a deep breath.

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Welcome back to the Gurl Gone Green Podcast. Today's episode is such a good one, especially if you've ever felt confused, frustrated, or burnt out by fitness and dieting.

For years, I thought eating less and doing more cardio was the answer. I didn't understand why I felt puffy, tired, inflamed, or why my body wasn't responding the way I wanted it to- especially as I got older and after having kids.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with my Faster Way coach Loren Mattingly to talk about what actually works for real-life women: fueling your body with enough protein, lifting weights, training smarter, not harder and why under-eating can actually work against you.

We're breaking down fat loss, muscle building, metabolism, and how to approach fitness in a way that supports your hormones, your energy, and your lifestyle, without extremes or perfection.

If you're ready to feel strong, confident, and energized again, this conversation is for you.

Let's get into it.

Meet My Faster Way Coach:

Loren Mattingly is a leading FASTer Way to Fat Loss coach, an entrepreneur, and transformational leader helping women over 35 take back control of their health, hormones, and happiness.

Over the past 8 years, Loren has guided thousands of women to sustainable fat loss through strategic nutrition, strength training, and hormone balance. Her signature approach blends science-based coaching with mindset, accountability, community, & real life —empowering women to ditch dieting, build confidence, and truly live life with the energy they are meant to have.

A busy mom of three boys, Loren is passionate about showing women that you can build a strong body, successful business, and fulfilling life—without burnout or extremes. Her story and message have inspired countless women to pursue progress over perfection and to make lasting change from the inside out.

*Follow Loren Mattingly on Instagram

*Sign up with Loren as your Faster Way Coach

*Check out Loren Mattingly's Website

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Today's episode is a real and raw conversation with my friend Katy Johnson, founder of Awaken Athletics- a fitness community built to help women elevate their lives. Katie has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years, and her story is powerful.

We're diving into her journey from breast implants to explant surgery, what led her to get implants in the first place, the symptoms she didn't expect, the moment everything shifted, and the healing that came from finally listening to her body. This is one of those conversations that reminds us how deeply connected our choices, our health, and our identity can be.

If you've ever wondered about breast implants, explant surgery, or how to make aligned decisions for your body, this episode is going to speak right to you.

Follow Katy:

Awaken Athletics Website

@_awaken_athletics

@_katy_johnson_

Resources:

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Download My Microplastic Guide Here.

Get my Natural Living Guide Here

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Hey friends, welcome back to the Gurl Gone Green podcast. I'm so glad you're here. Today we're tackling something I know so many women feel, especially those of us trying to live cleaner, make better choices, and create healthier homes.

It's this idea that clean living has to be all-or-nothing. Like if you can't do it 100%, then why even bother? And honestly, that mindset keeps so many people stuck. It makes them feel like if they slip up once, or make a choice that isn't the cleanest, then they might as well throw the whole thing out the window.

In this epsiode I'm breaking down what clean living really looks like in real life- no perfection here.

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In this episode I'm breaking down my top 5 natural gift ideas for anyone on your list! These are tried and true faves that would wow anyone on your list. Plus, most of them are on sale right now!

Shop all products:

Branch Basics Cleaning Set

Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro

Reprise Sustainable Activewear

Lumebox Red Light- Save 40% off right now when you follow this link!

Fontana Candles

Shop all my Gift Guides - Scroll to the bottom of this post to see all my gift guides.

Shop Sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Download My Microplastic Guide Here.

Get my Natural Living Guide Here

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In today's episode, I'm walking you through my Natural Living Guide, a 65+ page roadmap to creating a cleaner, less toxic home without the overwhelm. This guide is packed with the exact home products my family uses daily: safer kitchen swaps, nontoxic cleaning essentials, healthier cookware, water filtration, bedding, laundry, and more.

Whether you're just starting out or ready to go deeper, this episode will help you simplify natural living and make confident choices for your home and your family. Grab the guide and start transforming your home, one easy swap at a time.

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In this episode I'm sharing how I have slowed down for the holidays and how I set the tone for the seaon. I share some traditions we do as a family to savor the season. It's easy to get caught up in the season if you don't set your intentions from the start.

Healthy Holiday Treats Blog Post

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Hey friend, welcome back to the Gurl Gone Green Podcast!

With the holidays in full swing, I wanted to chat about something that's everywhere right now- sugar. From pumpkin pie to Christmas cookies, peppermint mochas to all the little "just one bite" moments, it adds up fast.

And here's the thing: I'm not anti-sugar. I love a good Christmas treat. But I also know how it feels when I've overdone it- the fatigue, the cravings, the irritability, and that crash that makes you feel like you need another coffee just to survive the day.

So today, I want to share how I approach sugar during the holidays- in a way that's realistic, guilt-free, and helps you keep your energy and hormones balanced.

Check out my Healthy Treats Blog Post Here.

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Have you ever wondered what's in your candle? What does it take to make a clean candle? We are diving into all the questions in today's podcast! I chatted with Fontana Candle Company founders Eric and Katie.

These two are the real deal and have created a candle you can feel good about using.

Follow Fontana on Instagram here.

Shop Fontana Candle Company here.

Check out my blog post on how to buy a clean candle here.

We dive into all the questions on candles:

1. Can you share the story of how Fontana Candle Company started? What inspired you to create a cleaner candle?

2. What gap did you see in the market that made you say, "there has to be a better way"?

3. A lot of people assume candles are safe—especially when they say "soy" on the label. Can you break down what's really going on in the candle industry?

4. What are some of the most common misconceptions about candles that you wish every consumer knew?

5. Why are paraffin and fragrance oils so problematic for health and indoor air quality?

6. What makes Fontana's ingredients and process different from conventional candles?

7. Why did you choose beeswax and coconut oil instead of soy?

8. Can you talk about how you source your ingredients—especially essential oils for scent?

9. Fontana is one of the only candle companies with MADE SAFE® certification. Why was that important for you to pursue, and what does it mean for the consumer?

10. What's next for Fontana—any new products or launches we should be excited about? What are your favorites?

11. Where can listeners connect with you and shop your candles?

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Beef tallow — rendered beef fat — is one of those ingredients that sparks a lot of debate. Some people claim it's the ultimate natural moisturizer, while others can't imagine putting it anywhere near their skin. The real question is whether it deserves a place in skincare, or if it belongs mainly in the kitchen. In this episode, I'll unpack what tallow is, how it interacts with the skin, where it can be helpful, and how I use it in my daily routine.

Check out my favorite clean grassfed beef tallow here

Use coupon code: SUZI10 to save 10% off your order.

Check out Primally Pure's Tallow Body Butters- my favorite!

Use code: GURLGONEGREEN10 for 10% off.

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Check out my blog post all about Beef Tallow on the face.

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