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Hello my dear friends,

Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of our Pacific Crest Trail adventure — how we planned it, what gear made the cut, what we actually used, and the lessons I brought back home for Project Weight Loss.

Because what happens on the trail is a lot like what happens in life: we plan, we adapt, we struggle, and we discover. And sometimes, it’s the little things — rest, love, support — that make all the difference.

I’ll share the surprises we faced, the moments that took my breath away, and how waking up to each new morning felt like a reset button on life. If you’ve ever wondered how a trail hike connects to your weight loss goals, this episode is for you.

And for those of you curious about what I carried on my back, here’s my PCT gear list:

Gear List:

• 35 L Backpack
• Food for 2–3 days
• 2 (28-ounce) water bottles
• Spare water platypus
• First aid kit
• Clothes line
• Ultra shoes
• 3 pairs of ultralight socks
• Shoe gaiters
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Snow cleats
• Windbreaker
• Down ultralight jacket
• Garbage bags
• Ziplock bags
• Hat & gloves
• Walking poles
• Lots of mosquito repellent
• Mosquito face net
• Potty shovel
• Hand sanitizer & wipes
• Sunscreen
• Comb
• Night shirt & clean night socks
• Umbrella
• Chair
• Tent (carried by my hubby)
• Extra food

Tune in for the full story — from the planning to the unexpected turns to the deeper lessons I found along the way.

Quote of the Week:
“Every morning we can choose: to continue the story of yesterday or to begin a new one.” — Anonymous

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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This week’s episode is a shorty, my friends, but one that’s close to my heart. 🌿 I’m sharing a glimpse of our recent Pacific Crest Trail hike—through my eyes and my honey’s. From the beauty of wildflowers to the stark art of burned trees and lava rock, this journey reminded me that nature speaks in contrasts.

Come walk with me for a few minutes, and see the trail not just for the miles, but for the discoveries along the way. ✨

Quote of the Week:

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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This week, we’re talking about a word that gets a bad rap — failure.

If you’ve ever been on your wellness journey and found yourself saying, “I’ve blown it” or “I can’t do this,” this episode is for you. I’m sharing stories that have inspired me — from an ancient philosopher who lost it all, to a bestselling author who almost quit — along with my own story of one last try that changed everything.

By the end of our time together, I hope you’ll see “failure” in a whole new light — not as an ending, but as the most surprising kind of beginning.

Quote of the week:
"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." — Samuel Beckett

References

·      Beckett, S. (1983). Worstward Ho. New York: Grove Press.

·      Pigliucci, M. (2017). How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life. Basic Books.

·      King, S. (2000). On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Scribner.

·      Yao, S., et al. (2019). “Success is not the opposite of failure: The persistence of learning.” Nature, 575, 190–194.

·      Stiller, B. (Director). (2022–2025). Severance [Television series]. Apple TV+.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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So, I have a question for you — what if running wasn’t really about running? What if it was about something deeper… something you need to hold on to right now? In this week’s episode, I’m talking about someone who’s become kind of a running philosopher for me — Coach Chris Bennett, Nike’s Global Head Coach. If you’ve ever needed a little push, a little grace, or a little space to just start something — anything — this one’s for you. I’m also sharing a few how-to gems from him that helped me get unstuck. Yes, we’re talking about runs… but we’re also talking about your life, your work, and letting go of what’s weighing you down.

And of course, I’ll give you a quick update on my PCT section hike from Siskiyou Pass to Elk Lake, the beauty, the snow, and the big lesson that this trip — like this episode — is about: purpose, grit, and connection. If you’re ready to fall back in love with your own movement, your own rhythm, and your own project, give this one a listen. I’m walking — and running — right beside you.

Quote of the Week

“Most people aren’t running to go faster or go further right now. They’re running because they need something to hold on to.” – Coach Chris Bennett

Running Maester (Coach Bennett) Short Videos

How to Fall in Love with Running 

How to Do Your First Run  

How to Run on the Beach  

References 

1.    Bennett, C. (Coach). (2017–2025). Nike Run Club Guided Runs. Nike Inc.

2.    CITIUS MAG. (2020). Interview with Coach Bennett.

3.    Georgia Public Broadcasting. (2022). Stories on Chris Bennett & mental wellness.

4.    WUNC. (2019). Running as Self-Coaching.

5.    Strength Running Podcast. (2021). Ep. 250: Coaching with Chris Bennett.

6.    RunnerSpace. (2002). US Indoor Nationals Results.

7.    Shamrock Shuffle Archives. (2023). Coach Bennett Profile.

8.    Vogue. (2021). Running, Stories, and Mental Health.

9.    Nike.com. (2023). Coaching Tools and Mindset Frameworks.

10.MDL Group. (2024). Leadership Insights from NRC Coach Chris Bennett.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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Hey my beautiful friends!

This week, we’re taking a bit of a different trail on the Project Weight Loss path—same concept of losing the things weighing you down. And money, has a way of triggering us, but it can also be something that helps us and others. So, we are hiking not just a money trail, a brick-and-mortar trail; rather, a heart-led journey through real estate and finances.

Through this process of prepping for my Pacific Crest Trail hike (yes! Cascade Locks, here I come), I’ve been reflecting on how much real estate and money choices have shaped my life—and how much they mirror the work we do on ourselves.

In this episode, I share personal lessons from decades of experience—owning homes, duplexes, apartment buildings, and learning the art of investing with both strategy and soul. We talk about teams, trust, risk, opportunity cost, and why it’s never about how much you have—but how I used it to improve my life and the lives of others.

Whether you’re just starting to think about buying a home, building wealth, or setting up your legacy, this episode is here to spark curiosity, courage, and clarity.

Join me—and let’s get financially fit, emotionally grounded, and purposefully wealthy.

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

[Disclaimer]
The content of this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychological advice, or legal and financial advice, nor does it substitute professional guidance. Please consult a licensed provider for support with any health or mental wellness needs.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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Hello, my beautiful friends!

This week, I’m coming to you with part two of our series on The Best Practices of Life—a conversation close to my heart and rooted in both the trail and the truth.

As I hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail-through pines and reflections, and thinking about what it means to live a life guided by systems of love, clarity, and commitment.

In this episode, we explore what best practices really mean in real life—not just in the office or on a project plan, but in our hearts, in our food choices, in how we speak to ourselves, and how we follow through when no one else is watching.

We'll talk about how to minimize overwhelm, why honesty in communication is everything, how to bring mindfulness and nature into our daily flow, and what it really means to build confidence and trust—starting with yourself.

This episode is for you if you’re craving structure, flow, and a softer, stronger way of staying on track with your wellness and life goals.

Let’s walk it out together.

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."
—John Muir

[Disclaimer]
The content of this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychological advice, nor does it substitute professional guidance. Please consult a licensed provider for support with any health or mental wellness needs.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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This week’s episode is deeply personal. As I walk through the Pacific Crest Trail, I’m reflecting on some of the most important lessons life has taught me. Before I left, I created a cover letter for my will, trust, and medical directives—that process sparked a beautiful request from my family: to share the wisdom I’ve gained, not just about weight loss or project management, but about living. Really living.

So today, I share some of the most humbling, transformative lessons I've learned—on love, failure, emotions, asking for help, and the beautiful complexity of the human journey. I also share two powerful teachings from the Stoics that continue to guide me, especially when the path feels uncertain. This is the first of a special three-part series where I speak to the weight of what matters most.

I leave you with this beautiful quote from Maya Angelou, one of my greatest teachers:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

References:

• Marcus Aurelius. Meditations (Translated by Gregory Hays)
• Soul
• Maya Angelou, various interviews and essays
• Tamara Levitt, Calm App: Daily Meditations

 [Disclaimer]
The content of this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychological advice, nor does it substitute professional guidance. Please consult a licensed provider for support with any health or mental wellness needs.

@fina.projectweightloss 

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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Hey my beautiful friends!

This week, I laced up my sneakers and ran a 5K… and let me tell you, it was not as easy as I thought it would be. Even with all the hiking I’ve been doing, jogging reminded me that growth doesn’t always feel graceful. But that’s the thing—it doesn’t have to.

In this episode, I’m diving into the power of boldness—what it means, how we can cultivate it gently, and why it matters so deeply for our physical and emotional wellness. I’m sharing some thoughts inspired by Tamara Levitt’s meditation on gentle boldness, my own experiences from training, and some research-backed reasons to step outside our comfort zones—even just a little bit.

We’ll talk about how boldness shows up in our work, our relationships, and our weight loss journeys. I’ll also share a few gentle, doable ways to get started being a little bolder in your life today.

I can’t wait for you to listen in and maybe take your own bold step this week.

Until next time, stay bold and take care!  — Fi

 Quote of the Week

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”
— Amelia Earhart

References

·      Wood, C., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Kashdan, T. B., & Hurling, R. (2020). Courage: The psychology of boldness and bravery. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 43(2), 215–228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00112-3

·      Psychology Today. (2023). Why Saying No is a Mental Health Superpower. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202301/why-saying-no-is-a-mental-health-superpower

·      Levitt, T. (n.d.). Meditation on Gentle Boldness. Available on the Calm app.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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This one is close to my heart. I’ve been hiking through Oregon, taking in the beauty of the Sisters Wilderness—yes, those Three Sisters: Faith, Hope, and Charity. And with the International Day of Hope coming up on July 12th, I felt like the universe was nudging me to pause and really reflect. So, this week, I’m inviting you into that space with me. 

We talk about hope—not the fluffy kind, but the kind that carries weight. The kind that walks beside us when things are tough and reminds us to keep going. There’s a story in this episode that brought tears to my eyes. There’s also a reminder, maybe the one you’ve been needing, that you don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to decide. One choice. One step. That’s where hope lives. 

Come take a walk with me. I think you’ll feel something in this one. 

Quote of the Week:

“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” – Jonas Salk

Tune in, my beautiful friend—let's talk about hope, decision, and the way forward.

References:

United Nations. (n.d.). International Day of Hope. https://www.un.org/en

Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Etymology of Hope.

UNESCO. (2022). Hope through Education for Refugees. https://en.unesco.org

StoryCorps. (n.d.). C.J. Pratt’s story. https://storycorps.org

Latin Lexicon. Spes, Sperare – Definitions and translations.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

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I’ve trained for endurance in all kinds of ways—some smart, some not-so-much. This week, I’m sharing how I built a jogging routine that actually works with my life, not against it. Whether I’m prepping for a thru-hike or squeezing in a jog before the day takes over, I’ve learned that movement can be reshaped to meet you exactly where you are.

If you’ve ever wanted to jog but felt too slow, too tired, or too unsure of where to begin, I’ve been there. I’m bringing you stories from the trail, from the road, and from those early days when two miles felt like an event. I’ll also share the strategy that kept me from falling off track—especially when motivation faded—and what I’ve learned from my own missteps (literally).

This one’s for the folks who want more energy without spending all day chasing it. If you’ve got a pair of shoes and a few spare minutes, you’re already closer than you think. Meet me in this episode, and let’s explore what a jogging practice can become when you let go of the noise and start with the smallest, clearest step.

Quote of the week:

“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.” —Arthur Blank

RESEARCH CITATIONS

1.    Lee, D.C., Pate, R.R., Lavie, C.J., Sui, X., Church, T.S., & Blair, S.N. (2014). Leisure-time running reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 57(2), 154–162.

2.    Bertelsen, M.L., Hulme, A., Petersen, J., & Parner, E.T. (2020). Preventive effect of running on lower extremity injuries: a randomized trial. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23(3), 229–234.

Let’s go, let’s get it done.

Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org