Feeling like age is a barrier to achieving your fitness and financial goals? It's not just you. It’s easy to feel like our most productive years are behind us. Perhaps you're stuck in a job you dislike, thinking it's too late to make a significant change or improve your health. This episode challenges these limiting beliefs by sharing real success stories and health strategies that prove it's never too late to reinvent yourself and thrive.

JJ Virgin is a celebrated nutrition expert, fitness hall-of-famer, and New York Times bestselling author known for her books such as "The Virgin Diet" and "JJ Virgin's Sugar Impact Diet." By utilizing innovative concepts in health and wellness, such as exercise snacks and VILPA, JJ has helped to revolutionize how we approach fitness and nutrition. As both the podcast host behind “Well Beyond 40” and an active media presence, JJ remains a key figure in the quest for optimized health and longevity.

“People who are positive about aging live seven and a half years longer than people who aren't.” - JJ Virgin

In this episode you will learn:

• Several inspiring stories from older generations, proving that success and productivity can peak later in life.
• JJ's health tips, starting with walking, protein intake, and resistance training, emphasizing the importance of foundational health actions over trendy gadgets.
• The concept of "exercise snacks" and VILPA, illustrating how short, high-intensity bursts can yield significant health benefits and fit into busy schedules.
• How high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional exercises can enhance fitness, along with the importance of balance training, especially after high-intensity workouts.
• JJ's balanced approach to diet, focusing on optimizing protein intake, clean eating, and crowding out bad nutrition choices by adding beneficial foods.
• The importance of a supportive social network and mindset development, highlighting JJ's personal journey towards a growth mindset and surrounding herself with positive influences.

Resources

• Connect with JJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.virgin/
• Find out more about JJ’s offerings, and about her bestseller books: https://jjvirgin.com/
• Listen to the Well Beyond 40 podcast: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcasts/ 
• Shop all the products JJ mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/jj-virgin 

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Fatherhood isn’t just about providing for your family or being present – it’s about being a role model that inspires and empowers your children. Fathers can model critical life skills like goal-setting, persistence, and the ability to overcome challenges—lessons that will serve their children long after they've grown up. In this episode we delve into how fathers who prioritize their fitness do more than simply improve their own health: they create a living blueprint for their kids to observe and internalize. 

Drew Camp is the founder of The Epic Dad Company, a fitness and supplement brand dedicated to empowering fathers to lead healthier, more intentional lives. Inspired by his own fatherhood journey, Drew has created programs that emphasize personal development, fitness, and nutritional health. His latest initiatives include the "Epic Dad Fit" 90-day program and the innovative "Paleo Post" supplement. Drew's commitment to redefining fatherhood has garnered attention from family-focused communities and fitness enthusiasts alike, making him a well-known figure in the realm of holistic wellness and purposeful parenting.

“It's really designed to take that dad that is not living intentionally and wants to make a change, and walk them through a very structured process.” - Drew Camp

In this episode you will learn:

• The distinction between traditional education and universally important skills such as mood and stress management, which often aren't taught in school.
• Drew's personal development journey influenced by fatherhood, including his framework for manhood inspired by the book "Raising a Modern Day Knight."
• The benefits of integrating breathwork into daily routines for mental state improvement and identity reinforcement.
• The significance of community support and the cultural shift from tribal group support to individualistic behaviors, particularly among men.
• The foundational principles of the Epic Dad Fit program, including mindset, relationships, and lifestyle changes designed for fathers.
• Effective strategies for optimizing sleep, handling daily challenges without giving in to the snooze button, and building environments that support desired habits and behaviors.

Resources

• Connect with Drew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicdadfit/
• Learn more about The Epic Dad Co’s programs and supplements: https://www.theepicdad.com/
• Listen to Drew’s podcast, “Epic Dad Legacy Podcast”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/epic-dad-legacy/id1597097259
• Shop all the products Drew mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/drew-camp-epic-dad

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Do you find yourself struggling to maintain a balanced diet? Are you unsure how to address emotional eating habits? Perhaps you've tried different exercise routines and diets, only to feel frustrated by a lack of sustainable results and unhappy with your overall well-being. In this episode, we delve into useful strategies for addressing both the physical and deeper emotional side of our diets, and guide you towards a more healthy relationship with food. 

Abby Langer is a renowned dietitian and the author behind "Good Food, Bad Diet," which focuses on identifying and neutralizing negative core beliefs to achieve long-lasting dietary health. Abby is driven by a mission to prevent nutritional misinformation from exploiting people's resources and health. She has worked extensively both in clinical nutrition, and nutrition media and consulting. Abby’s work and writing focuses on body respect and intuitive-style eating. In her hit podcast, "Aggressive Salad: Nutrition with a Bite", she seeks to throw out the nutrition fiction and bring in the facts. She has a dedicated and regularly engaged following in the media, on social media and on her blog, which averages 100,000 readers each month.

“Eat for how you want to feel.” - Abby Langer

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of a balanced exercise routine, including strength training and cardio, particularly for women over 50.
• How Abby integrates nature and outdoor activities like walking and swimming into her lifestyle despite weather challenges.
• Insights into Abby's non-obsessive approach to sleep and the use of earplugs to enhance sleep quality.
• Practical advice for parents on modeling healthy behaviors and using neutral language about food to foster better eating habits in children.
• The significance of addressing emotional and psychological aspects of eating habits to achieve meaningful dietary changes.
• The role of social connections in maintaining mental health and the communal experience of sharing food.

Resources

• Connect with Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/langernutrition
• Find out more about Abby’s research, writings and offerings: https://abbylangernutrition.com/
• Listen to her podcast, “Aggressive Salad: Nutrition with a Bite”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aggressive-salad-nutrition-with-a-bite/id1633107473 
• Shop all the products Abby mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/abbylanger

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

For many people, finding the right balance between relaxation and productivity can feel like an impossible task. You might spend your days managing work, family, and social commitments, only to find yourself too exhausted to engage in traditional forms of relaxation like meditation or exercise. This constant cycle of fatigue and stress can leave you feeling burned out and disconnected from a fulfilling lifestyle. In this episode, we explore relatable ways to find relaxation and enjoyment in everyday activities, helping you discover unique methods to unwind and stay active that fit seamlessly into your busy life.

Bron Volney is founder of BronCore Fitness, an in-person and online program that offers personal training and bootcamps. From private training sessions at clients' homes to launching his boutique fitness studio, his journey has evolved quickly. Known for his approachable style and practical fitness philosophies, Bron has garnered a loyal following, leveraging word-of-mouth and positive reviews to build a thriving community. His dedication to making fitness enjoyable and sustainable continues to resonate, positioning him as a relatable and influential trainer in the health and wellness industry.

“I'm addicted to working out, but not to the stereotypes that go with bodybuilding.” - Bron Volney

In this episode you will learn:

• How Bron finds relaxation through unconventional meditation practices, emphasizing the importance of finding personal methods of relaxation.
• The significance of balancing personal enjoyment with fitness routines and how working out can be a pleasurable activity rather than a strict discipline.
• Insights into Bron's business journey, including overcoming financial constraints and challenges due to his youth while establishing his gym.
• The unique business model of BronCore Fitness that combines personal training with small group classes, fostering a sense of community and personalized attention.
• Bron's balanced approach to fitness and nutrition, advocating for a sustainable lifestyle that includes both weekday discipline and weekend flexibility.
• Practical tips on maintaining physical activity and fitness routines, addressing the modifications for various physical conditions, and promoting natural human movement.

Resources

• Connect with Bron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broncorefitness
• Find out about BronCore Fitness and its offerings: https://broncorefitness.com/
• Shop all the products Bron mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/bron-volney 

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Struggling to control your sugar intake despite your best efforts? Unsure of the long-term effects of added sugar to your health? Hidden sugars are lurking in many foods, making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet and manage your overall well-being. Instead of reaping the benefits of your health-conscious choices, you may find yourself falling into traps of unexpected sugar consumption, leading to energy crashes and health concerns.  In this episode, we dive into how to reduce hidden sugars in your diet, enabling you to take control of your nutrition and enhance your health journey.

Nora LaTorre is the CEO of Eat REAL, a nonprofit that assists school food systems to become more sustainable, nutritious, and delicious. Her journey into nutritional wellness and gut health centers on her active lifestyle and family-focused dietary shifts. Featuring collaborations with top-tier integrative doctors and reliance on data from health-tracking technologies, her approach emphasizes personal health as a cornerstone for broader societal impact.

“I want to live vibrantly now, vibrantly in 10 years and vibrantly until I die.” - Nora LaTorre

In this episode you will learn:

• Nora's personal journey and strategies for reducing sugar intake, involving family participation and a "zero added or free sugar" challenge.
• The significance of managing cortisol levels and Nora's strategies for stress reduction.
• Practical insights into the benefits of "snackable movements" and small "me moments" for busy individuals, especially parents of small children.
• The role of the Oura ring and other wearable tech in monitoring heart rate, stress, and sleep, and how it informs Nora's health decisions.
• Key components of Nutritional Awareness Nora practices, including gut health, personalized nutrition plans, and the importance of eating real, minimally processed foods.

Resources

• Connect with Nora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishedwithnora/ 
• Learn all about Eat REAL’s work in schools: https://eatreal.org/ 
• Shop all the products Nora mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/nora-latorre 

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Struggling with constant pain and not knowing how to manage it can be incredibly frustrating and leave you feeling helpless. You might be waking up stiff, pushing through your day with aching muscles, and dealing with the stress that comes from not understanding your body's needs. The good news is that you don't need a medical degree to figure out how to feel better! This episode is here to change that perspective, offering simple ways to incorporate effective self-care and body maintenance into your daily routine, so you can finally move better, feel better, and live with less pain.

Alex Ellis, a self-described "body nerd", is a self-care expert passionate about helping people move better, feel better, and live pain-free. As the creator of the Movement Mavens community, Alex has built a reputation for making body maintenance practices simple. Her approach aims to shift the mindset around self-care from a medical necessity to a daily habit. With a degree in Exercise Biology, she has more than a decade of training people in body weight and stretch programs under her belt. She is also the host of her own podcast, 'The Body Nerd Show', where she encourages listeners to reject a life of aches and pains through regular, sustainable movement. Her mission in life is to teach people how to take back control of their self-care, strength and injury recovery. 

“Balance is not a place that we reach. And then you're like, cool, I'm done. Right? It's dynamic and it's always changing.” - Alex Ellis

In this episode you will learn:

• How understanding and maintaining your body can prevent pain and improve overall well-being.
• The significance of incorporating small, manageable self-care habits into your daily routine and the benefits of therapy tools like therapy balls.
• Techniques like belly breathing and controlled shaking exercises to manage stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep.
• The importance of developing intuition and self-awareness to interpret body signals and modify behavior for better health.
• The benefits of a supportive community for accountability and connection, both online and in-person, to enhance your well-being.
• Practical dietary adjustments, such as prioritizing protein intake and using low-lactose protein powders, to support a healthy lifestyle and simplify daily nutrition.

Resources

• Connect with Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollaformala
• Learn more about living a pain-free life with AE Wellness: https://www.aewellness.com/
• Listen to ‘The Body Nerd Show’: https://www.aewellness.com/body-nerd-show/
• Shop all the products Alex mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/alex-ellis

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Are you struggling with persistent digestive issues and feeling bogged down by gut discomfort? Despite trying various diets and even supplements, you might find that symptoms like bloating, gas, and fatigue still persist, affecting your overall wellness and productivity. The journey to achieving a healthy gut often feels overwhelming, particularly when advice seems conflicting or complicated. This episode delves deep into the science behind gut health, offering insights on how to foster a balanced microbiome. You'll learn how to cultivate a harmonious internal environment, ultimately leading to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and greater vitality.

Having named the mycobiome - the colonies of microorganisms that live inside our bodies - Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum is known as the world's leading microbiome researcher. His groundbreaking contributions have advanced our understanding that bacteria doesn't necessarily mean 'bad' - it also refers to good bacteria that help maintain a healthy microbiome. Dr. Ghannoum has published 450 papers, and his work has benefitted countless individuals, including those battling Crohn's disease. The methods researched in his clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing inflammation and improving gut health. Dr. Ghannoum's innovative approach to microbiome balance continues to shape the field, positioning him as a vital figure in health and wellness research.

“It's very important for us to have a beneficial community of microbes. We need them to be balanced.” - Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum

In this episode you will learn:

• The role of candida in gut health, highlighting its beneficial aspects at low levels and risks when it overgrows.
• Dr. Ghannoum's contributions to microbiome research, including the significance of the mycobiome.
• How maintaining a balanced microbiome through diet, exercise, and stress management can enhance gut health and overall wellness.
• Lifestyle tips from Dr. Ghannoum on achieving balance, including his use of daily walking, comfortable footwear, and sleep habits.
• The impact of stress on the microbiome and effective strategies for managing it, such as meditation and yoga.
• Dietary recommendations for fostering a healthy microbiome, emphasizing high-fiber foods and reducing sugar intake.

Resources

• Connect with Dr. Ghannoum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mahmoudghannoum/?hl=en 
• Shop all the products Dr. Ghannoum mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/mahmoud-a-ghannoum

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

In this post-pandemic world, rebuilding and enhancing social connection can improve quality of life, boost health and well-being, and increase longevity. The more we socialize, the more we stimulate and grow the brain. So why not combine that with physical activity, and moving your body? In this episode, we look at how interacting with others during exercise enhances social connections, even for those who live very busy lives.

Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, is a palliative and intensive care doctor based at Ottawa Hospital. He is also the founder of Solving Healthcare Media, a one-stop shop for healthcare solutions, including a successful podcast, events and e-courses. Kwadwo is the bestselling author of “Unapologetic Leadership”, which reimagines the intersection of medical practice and leadership. With his out-of-the-box thinking, he advocates for a systemic change within the Canadian healthcare system. In everything he does, Kwadwo promotes health equity, inclusion and diversity.

“... it’s more about how we live optimally, because we just spent the last four years in a situation where we were lacking some of our core needs.” - Kwadwo Kyeremanteng

In this episode you will learn:

• Why supplement use is crucial due to restricted eating windows and depleted soil, and the types of supplements Kwadwo prioritizes.
• How Kwadwo's mindset has evolved through experiences in healthcare and continuous learning, highlighting the benefits of open-mindedness and innovative thinking.
• The importance of preventative health and the transformation required in the healthcare system to shift from a "sick care" model to optimizing vitality and energy.
• Kwadwo's personal strategies for stress management, including breath work, gratitude journaling, and maintaining social connections through activities like playing on hockey teams.
• The value of community and psychological safety in healthcare settings, emphasizing empathy, transparency, and the significance of social fitness.
• The role of nutrition, exercise, and recovery in maintaining health.

Resources

• Connect with Kwadwo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwadcast/ 
• Explore Kwadwo’s offerings at Solving Healthcare: https://solvinghealthcare.ca/
• Check out the Solving Healthcare podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/solving-healthcare-with-dr-kwadwo-kyeremanteng/id1478899917
• Shop all the products Kwadwo mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/kwadwo-kyeremanteng

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Diet culture is rampant in our society, promoting unrealistic expectations and harmful beliefs. Many people, especially chronic dieters, are trapped in a cycle of trying ineffective and often harmful products and practices that promise quick fixes. As we chase unattainable body ideals, health becomes an elusive goal, leading to repeated cycles of failure and self-blame. In this episode, we address these challenges head-on, guiding you on how to navigate the often confusing health landscape, focus on sustainable habits, and reclaim your confidence and well-being. 

Fitness influencer Ella Caggiano is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, and has amassed a huge community online. Her personal transformation through strength training and nutritional awareness started back when was as young as 11-years-old. Her approach emphasizes whole foods, meal timing, and personalized fitness regimens, advocating progress over perfection. She encourages her clients and entire online community to look beyond the photoshopped, filtered, and glammed-up bodies we see on Instagram, and develop a healthy, personalized approach to true self-acceptance.

“Recovery from these types of things is a process because you have to rewire your brain.” - Ella Caggiano

In this episode you will learn:

• How Ella navigates and debunks misleading diet and health industry claims, and the impact on chronic dieters.
• The importance of individual health approaches, focusing on personal health and confidence over industry trends.
• Ella's nutrition habits, including whole foods, meal timing, and blood sugar regulation for maintaining energy and managing ADHD.
• Strategies for creating an optimal sleep environment and the significance of quality sleep for overall well-being.
• Ella's exercise routine and mindset, emphasizing flexibility, recovery, and gradual progress over perfection.
• Practical tips on starting a fitness journey, the role of strength training, and balancing health with personal enjoyments.

Resources

• Connect with Ella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellacaggfitness 
• Ella’s offerings as a fitness coach: https://ellacaggfitness.com/ 
• Shop all the products Ella mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/ella-caggiano

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/

Have you ever felt unsure of where and how to find purpose or motivation? Maybe you’re aware of the fleeting nature of time but find it challenging to turn that awareness into action. Instead of being motivated by the concept of mortality, you might be stuck in a cycle of procrastination and missed opportunities, unable to fully engage in meaningful experiences or relationships. This episode explores how embracing the reality of our finite time can serve as a powerful catalyst for living a more intentional, fulfilling life, offering insights and strategies to transform this awareness into taking steps towards a more vibrant existence.

Jodi Wellman, a former corporate executive turned motivational speaker and life coach, is the author behind the hit book, 'You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets', a guide on how to show up more fully in your life. Her perspective on living intentionally was profoundly influenced by personal experiences, including her mother's untimely passing, which fueled her advocacy for seizing the day.  Jodi has a Master’s of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also an Assistant Instructor in the Master’s program and a facilitator in the Penn Resilience Program. Her TEDx talk on 'How Death Can Bring You Back to Life' has over 1.3 million views and is one of the most popular talks released in 2022.

“It's only when we do that granular, annoying, but important math that we really start and get that sense that this is a ticking time bomb of a life, and I better get on with it.” - Jodi Wellman

In this episode you will learn:

• The concept of personal agency in life choices, and how it influences 40% of our happiness according to positive psychology.
• Jodi's strategy for managing social engagements and maintaining meaningful relationships, including her practice of counting the limited number of Mondays left to motivate action.
• Jodi's approach to supplements, her preference for obtaining nutrients through food, and her curiosity about protein supplements and collagen peptides.
• Insights into overcoming restrictive eating habits, balancing health and enjoyment, and the impact of societal pressures on dietary choices.
• The significance of sleep, social connections, and balanced routines on overall well-being, as highlighted through Jodi's routines and priorities.

Resources

• Connect with Jodi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthousandmondays
• Learn more about how to live a regret-free life with Four Thousand Mondays: https://fourthousandmondays.com/
• Shop all the products Jodi mentions in the episode: https://alively.com/products/jodi-wellman

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com/