If you've ever felt dismissed by doctors, stuck in "fix-it" mode, or disconnected from your body's signals, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Megan sits down with Natalie Melchiori, a practitioner who helps women navigate chronic gut issues, nervous system dysregulation, and the exhaustion of trying to do healing "right." 

Together, they explore why so many women begin experiencing unexplained symptoms in their mid-30s, how the healthcare system often falls short for people with complex conditions, and why healing isn't about finding the perfect protocol—it's about rebuilding your relationship with your body. 

Whether you're navigating chronic illness, perimenopause, burnout, digestive issues, or simply learning to trust yourself again, this conversation offers practical tools and a refreshing perspective on what healing can actually look like.  

Timestamps:

0:00 — Introduction to Natalie and the focus of the conversation

0:32 — Natalie's background and personal chronic illness story

4:49 — The link between high achievement and chronic illness

9:39 — Defining chronic illness and why labels often fall short

13:23 — What to do when the medical system fails you

16:07 — Going inward: mapping your timeline and trusting your own signals

18:08 — Becoming your own investigator and building your healing community

20:09 — Somatic therapy, parts work, and creating capacity to heal

21:07 — Why healing is not linear and how identity shifts through the process

26:06 — Perimenopause, hormonal shifts, and why women feel it starting at 35

28:15 — Creating space in your healing: removing urgency and going low and slow

36:43 — Pivoting inward: why wearables and labs can't replace body wisdom

37:04 — Outsourcing authority to experts vs. trusting yourself

45:53 — Shifting from victim mindset to self-trust

47:43 — Rebuilding self-trust one small action at a time

51:47 — What are interference fields? Physical, emotional, systemic & spiritual blockers

54:51 — 3 Takeaways: notice forcing, observe your body's response, remove what creates strain

58:30 — Final thoughts and closing

Resources & Links:

●      Psychology Today Therapist Finder — filter by somatic therapy

●      IFS Institute — Internal Family Systems / parts work

●      Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database — check personal care products for endocrine disruptors

●      The Menopause Society — perimenopause & hormonal health info

●      The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi

Connect with Natalie:

●      Instagram: @nataliemelchiorre

●      Substack: heart & sōl

Connect with Megan & Rena Rising:

●      Instagram: @fitnfreckled

●      Subscribe on iTunes & leave a review!

Why is it so hard to make friends as an adult?

In this episode, I sit down with Santana Vega Yturralde—a coach who helps transform entrepreneurs into professional speakers—to talk about how to actually build meaningful friendships as an adult (and why it's worth the effort).

We explore, why making friends as an adult is hard, common barriers to adult connection (spoiler: you're not the only one who feels awkward), how to ease your way into being a better Friend Maker, and so much more!

We also answer some of your juicy listener questions.

If you're craving connection but don't know where to start, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late (or too awkward) to find your people.

Timestamps:

4:00 – Why is making friends as an adult hard? (And when is it easy?) + the importance of a Third Place

8:10 – Behaviors that lead to deeper connections + why someone out there is waiting to be your best friend

16:20 – The power of complimenting strangers

25:10 – How to use “Match +1” to create safety and connection

29:56 – People want to be your friend — feel the fear and do it anyway

36:15 – What if you’ve been burned before?

47:47 – Do you have a plan for rejection?

52:00 – Why bother making new friends, and how many do we actually need?

56:20 – How to move from acquaintance to real friend

1:03:14 – Can men and women really be friends?

1:05:30 – Follower Q&A:

• Should we seek friends with similar or different views?
• Friendship breakups
• Conflict as a connection tool
• Long-distance friendship tips
• The “men have no friends” crisis
• Can we be friends with exes?
• How social media affects connection

2:03:06 – 3 things you can start doing today to make friends as an adult ("Your next best friend is one weird compliment away.")

Connect with Santana:

Want to master the art of storytelling? Click here to get a freebie from Santana! Connect with him on IG at @titaniumlace.

Connect with me on IG @fitnfreckled!

In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Leanna, co-founder of Cosmic Sexuality, to delve into the transformative realms of relationships and sexuality. We explore how Cosmic Sexuality provides a direct path to mastering higher levels of sexuality, and how this practice can profoundly impact your life and spiritual journey.

Victoria reveals how Cosmic Sexuality isn’t just about understanding your sexuality; it’s about integrating it into your daily life as a lifestyle choice. This comprehensive approach offers a step-by-step path to mastering your sexual energy, whether independently or with a partner. We also discuss powerful techniques like cord cutting, which can help you release past attachments and clear the way for deeper connections and personal growth. 

We’re not afraid to touch on taboo topics, challenging conventional norms and diving into the deep, often unspoken aspects of sexuality and spirituality.

Discover more about Victoria’s work and connect with her on Instagram: @victorialeanna_ and visit Cosmic Sexuality for further details.

Originally recorded in February 2020, this episode is a special treat featuring Ross Johnson, a dynamic serial entrepreneur who undertook the incredible challenge of 100 podcast interviews in a single day. I had the honor of being the grand finale in this marathon of insights and inspiration!

In this engaging conversation, Ross shares his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey and provides invaluable take-home tips for business owners. Known for his innovative approach, Ross delves into effective brand building strategies, offering actionable advice on how to create and grow a strong, impactful brand. He also shares insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and achieving business success. 

Don’t miss out on Ross’s wisdom and passion for empowering others. Connect with him on Instagram for more inspiration: @joinmemberup.

 In this insightful episode, I chat with fellow personal trainer Galen Lundin about the multifaceted journey of weight loss, emotional wellness, and personal transformation. We cover a range of topics designed to inspire and guide you on your own path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. 


4:50 “defining, refining and realigning” and personal trainer talk

7:10: the underlying emotional issues with weight loss 

10:00: safe havening and reducing stress

11:40: “what do you want as a result of losing these 10 pounds?”

15:05: Galen’s book-in-progress about his 3mo program that lays the foundation for change

20:00: Why foods aren’t “good” or “bad” …

22:20: The guilt/shame cycle and personal value systems 

“Eat in a way that’s in alignment with your values… it’s not so much about good or bad but rather the way food makes you feel… people start to gravitate towards making better choices for themselves…”

26:20: “Take a small step in the right direction, even if it’s going out for a walk for 10 or 15 minutes. That is enough to build evidence that they can truly do something about the situation.”

29:10: “Don’t give your future self too much credit for doing the things you say you will do.”

32:40: “I’ll be happy when” syndrome and how to search for a feeling & why you can’t shame your body into doing what you want it to do 

35:28: “You’re constantly creating who you are in every moment”

38:50: Your inner mean girl/guy and humanizing your experience 

41:00: Releasing Emotional Weight = Releasing Physical Weight and the body positive movement 

42:00: Maybe you don’t need to be smaller and spend your whole life trying to lose weight

43:20: “Your life doesn’t change when you choose to allow yourself to lose weight, your life changes because of the person you choose to be in order to get the result.”

44:20: Conscious or subconscious benefit to every choice we make 

47:15: Galen’s one piece of advice 

50:00: A pause to think about what you want and what’s really true for you

Learn more about Galen here:
https://www.galenlundin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/galen_lundin/

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Blair Rabun of @TalkPurityToMe to explore the profound impact of Purity Culture. Both Blair and I were shaped by the belief that our worth as women, especially in Christian circles, was tied to remaining abstinent and "pure." We dive into our personal stories, the lasting effects of these teachings on our self-esteem and relationships, and the broader dangers of such restrictive beliefs.

Blair, who has amassed over 26,000 followers on Instagram, is a passionate advocate for dismantling Purity Culture and fostering a healthier understanding of sexuality and self-worth. Through her platform, Talk Purity To Me, she leads important conversations and offers support for those affected by these damaging doctrines.

Explore my own journey with Purity Culture in my blog post: Sex, Shame, and Spirituality

Learn more about Blair’s impactful work: Instagram | Linktree

In this episode, I sit down with Traver Boehm, Founder of Uncivilized Men, to delve into fascinating topics including the dynamics of relationships, his profound experience during a prolonged dark retreat, and my thoughts on the term "submissive."

Traver Boehm is a renowned leader in modern masculinity, dedicated to helping men reclaim their power and purpose. As an author, speaker, and coach, he blends ancient wisdom with contemporary insights to guide men through personal transformation and growth. Traver's work through Uncivilized Men focuses on creating a supportive community where men can explore their authentic selves and develop a deeper understanding of their roles in relationships and society.

Learn more about Traver and the UNcivilized movement here.

From this episode:
"Hurt men hurt other people. Hurt women hurt themselves.”

3: Meditation
8: what Traver loves about women
10: men, unfelt pain
18: the dirty little secret that nobody wants to talk about
19:20: online dating and sex on tap
24: women's sexual awakening
26: travers spiritual awakening
34: pain is the root
34:50: Traver’s divorce and business collapsing as a catalyst. “I woke up in a crisis…. It was a level and depth of rock bottom that I didn’t know existed.”
41: women hurting themselves and relating to their bodies
45:40: what is consent?
47:40: how can men “work on their shit”
50: necessary release of feminine rage
53: emasculating men
65: “this is why she/he hates you”
66:50: how to ask a woman out on a date 
73: being receptive is a gift to men 
79: why men need to celebrate the primal 
89:40: Man Uncivilized, Traver’s book on how to honor the primal 

 In this episode, I have a candid conversation with my friend and entrepreneur Liz Germain. We dive into the intense world of bodybuilding competitions, discussing the challenges and pressures involved. Liz also opens up about her personal struggles with disordered eating and the journey to overcome them. This episode offers an insightful look into the complexities of body image and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Watch the YouTube Workout Series I did with Liz's Supersister Fitness here.

Learn more about Liz here: Liz Germain — Liz Germain

 In this episode, Miranda and I delve into recognizing narcissistic tendencies in relationships and how to handle them. We discuss practical strategies for identifying red flags, determining when it's time to move on, and healing from the impacts of toxic behaviors such as manipulation, gaslighting, and verbal abuse. This conversation offers essential insights for anyone looking to navigate and recover from unhealthy relationship dynamics. 

Miranda Sophia is an Integrative Trauma Practitioner and Somatic Relationship Coach with over 13 years of experience in trauma resolution, mind-body integration, and embodiment practices. Her work is informed by extensive training in areas such as reparenting, yoga, and meditation, as well as personal healing from complex PTSD and autoimmune challenges.

Learn more about Miranda’s holistic approach at mirandasophia.com.

Note: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is something that should only be diagnosed by a mental health professional. We all occasionally display some narcissistic tendencies without having NPD.  This doesn't take away from the fact that many relational habits can be extremely damaging. We explore how to spot some of these red flags and how to heal back to wholeness.

In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Harbron, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Better Future. Michael shares his expertise on making objective business decisions (specifically, taking the emotions out of the equation), the critical factors to consider before launching a brand, and strategies for building a thriving small business.

Better Future specializes in investing in small businesses within the health, beauty, and fitness sectors. Tune in to learn valuable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and achieving business success.

Discover more about Better Future here: thebetterfuture.com