In this episode of Food for Thought by Greenfork, host Steven Zabala chats with fitness and nutrition coach Jackie Orr about her transformative journey from a stay-at-home mom battling weight gain, grief, and self-medication to becoming a passionate trainer who has changed countless lives. They delve into themes of personal growth, the healing power of fitness and community, overcoming family trauma, prioritizing kindness and family, and her upcoming move to a slower-paced life in Alabama.

You can find Jackie on LinkedIn or on Instagram at jacked1279.

00:00 Introduction and welcome to guest Jackie Orr

00:39 Life in Asheville and the Build-a-Bear photo that sparked change

02:08 Grief, family trauma, and self-medicating with food and alcohol

03:48 Committing to sobriety and starting to walk for exercise

04:44 Moving to Connecticut and discovering bootcamp at Edge Fitness

06:46 Spiritual connection to her brother through the gym

08:50 Shifting focus to being strong for her daughters

10:36 Mutual journeys through yoga and fitness for healing

12:50 Stepdad’s suicide and choosing to be better, not bitter

14:20 Power of authenticity and human connection in coaching

16:05 How you make people feel matters more than achievements

18:47 Somatic therapy and releasing trapped trauma

19:57 Empty-nest move to Alabama and beach life ahead

23:13 Need for human connection and joining Steven’s gym

28:43 Favorite sports growing up and picking up tennis again

31:02 Steven’s son coaching Muay Thai at 17

34:30 Balancing career and emotional availability for family

39:32 Raising a son as a single dad and letting go

44:00 Starting a men’s group and resisting division

51:30 Last meal question and closing thoughts